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Sony SRS-XB43 – Portable, Waterproof, Powerful and Durable Wireless Bluetooth© Speaker with EXTRA BASS, up to 24 hours battery life and lighting – Black

£9.9£99Clearance
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Android users can easily connect the speakers with NFC, ie you just place the phone next to the NFC logo on the speaker. iPhone users need to pair with the usual method of finding the speaker in the Bluetooth list on their phone.

The Sony SRS-XB43 delivers a fairly contrasted audio performance overall, with very satisfying results for certain sound attributes, but disappointing results for others. With an overall score of 122, the SRS-XB43 ranks below similarly-priced competitors, and is even a few points below the top-ranked speaker in our Essential Wireless Speakers category. Sony estimates the SRS-XB43’s battery life to be roughly 24 hours, but your results will vary with your volume levels. PerformanceAnd, as one of the most prominent design features of the XB43, this speaker has an IP67 waterproof rating, and as long as you keep the panel closed, you shouldn’t have to worry about accidental water damage. Its waterproof design is durable enough to withstand most accidental water damage – like if the speaker gets dropped in a puddle or ends up by the pool, but dropping it several feet into the water could still cause damage. There is still no support for aptX over Bluetooth, but Android users can enjoy Sony’s LDAC codec. This has much higher bandwidth and thus also better sound – close to uncompressed quality. The Sony SRS-XB33 has surprisingly potent sound for its size. Photo: Sony SRS-XB33: The middle of the class On paper, Sony XB speakers offer quality build and plenty of features at competitive prices. We've yet to get the range in to thoroughly test that extra bass claim (an especially bold assertion considering one is the size of a stubby Coke can), but the app's EQ functions plus the various light shows represent great value for money in a speaker – if you like that kind of thing. Both come in various colours, but while the XB01 is water resistant, the XB12 boasts an IP67 dust/water immersion rating (it's been tested for dust-proofing and can be immersed in water at a depth of 1m for up to 30 minutes and survive) bringing it right up in line with the UE Wonderboom 2 for durability but at a cheaper price point.

If you’ve got multiple speakers, you can use the Party Connect feature – which lets you connect up to a hundred different wireless speakers through Bluetooth. The powerful sound (and the lights) sync up perfectly, which makes this feature incredibly useful for those bigger events and parties. Portability While I’ve gone over the features and design of the XB43, let’s take a look at the general pros and cons that come with considering this model. ProsLet’s get this party started! The larger versions (XB32/XB33 and XB41/XB43) of Sony's funky XB speakers feature Live Sound, a sonic presentation supposedly suited to outdoor gatherings. The XB22, XB32 and first-gen. XB41 are slightly older versions of the Sony's newest lineup, the XB23, XB33 and XB43– which now feature an IP67 rating, so they should perform no matter how dusty or drenched the surface. The latest speakers are even saltwater resistant, so the shenanigans can continue in the sea... The mic offers solid intelligibility. Using the Voice Memos app on an iPhone 8, we understood every word we recorded, and while there was a little bit of Bluetooth distortion around the edges, the mic signal was strong. Conclusions The XB43 is at its best when you’re using it at mid to low volume. If you’re trying to use it at max volume, you may notice a little compression with the audio – so the speaker tends to be more suitable for personal use than big parties or festivities. Provided the cover for this panel is closed, the SRS-XB43 has an IP67 rating, which is excellent for a portable speaker. It can withstand exposure to dirt and dust, and is waterproof up to 3.2 feet, so it’ll be just fine in the rain or by a pool. Sony even claims the SRS-XB43 is salt water resistant, making it a good option to take to the beach. Last August, Sony renewed its popular EXTRA-BASS portable speaker lineup with three brand new IP67-rated (waterproof, dust-proof, and washable) devices. The largest speaker, which we’re reviewing today, answers to the name of SRS-XB43. In addition to the features included in the SRS-XB23 and -XB33s, it boasts a 3.5 mm auxiliary input, a built-in USB charging port, and up to 24 hours of battery life, versus 14 hours with the lighting on in extra-bass mode — because, yes, the SRS-XB43 comes with party lights.

If you'd sleep better at night knowing you definitely had one of the best sounds for your pound, though, and aren't set on flashy (literally) features, you may want to play it safe and consider one of our tried-and-tested, five-star Bluetooth speakers. While the XB43 definitely has good sound quality for a wireless speaker, it can fall short in some areas – especially with high-frequency sounds. Most mid-range and balanced audio has crisp, clear vocals, but if you’ve got a sound with a higher frequency, it can come out sounding a bit duller than it should. The XB43 boasts “Live Sound,” which adds a three-dimensional quality to the audio and is marketed as the speaker’s party mode. At certain events, live festival sound can have its benefits – but it’s not one of my favorite features in the XB43, and you’ll probably find that you can go without it. Party Connect While we can't vouch for the sound quality here, Sony has historically been a sonic stalwart across hi-fi and headphones, so we'd reasonably expect nothing less than a competitive performance even if they don't quite make it onto our list of the best Bluetooth speakers you can buy.There’s also a handy little feature to preserve power when the speaker isn’t in use. After fifteen minutes of inactivity, the speaker automatically turns itself off. However, if you’d rather do without this feature, you can always turn this setting off too. Sound Quality

Only compatible between SRS-XB43, SRS-XB33, SRS-XB23. When watching movies using the Party Connect function, there may be a gap between video and audio. While the EXTRA BASS portable Bluetooth speaker feature is one of the cornerstones of this product, it doesn’t always reproduce low-end tones as sharply as you’d expect from a top-of-the-line model. Of course, if you use the Sony app to control the settings and sound dynamics, you may be able to get clearer bassout of the dual passive radiators – but it can take a little tinkering. If you have an iPhone or other sources that do not support LDAC, you can advantageously go into the sound settings in the app, and adjust the treble a few notches. I think the bass is a little bloated for my taste, so I pull this down a notch. If, on the other hand, I am in situations that include something extra good in the glass, it is more fun with the extra bass the speakers give straight out of the box. Even if it sounds a bit colored. With the Sony Music Center app, you can make sound settings, but also choose what kind of lighting effects you want – if any. Photo: screenshot Exciting This gadget was made by Sony, a Japanese tech name. If Sony leaves a marko buy their expansive headphones range. You can buy in ear headphones also called earbuds. SRS-XB43 is an active principle. Therefore it comes with an integrated amplifier. Powered amps connect to devices including CD players, record players and computers directly. Great for your Commute Keep in mind that it is a little heavier than some wireless speakers at over six pounds, but the extra weight isn’t so detrimental that it becomes a chore to carry around while you stream music. Battery LifeSearching for something super-easy to connect? Need a durable speaker that’s easy to carry, waterproof, dustproof – or all three? Is a 24-hour battery paramount? Ideally, you'd probably like a combination of the above.Or maybe you’re just after something that comes in taupe – because you like taupe. Whatever your Bluetooth portable listening desires, Sony aims to have them covered within its Extra Bass speaker range. A trusted name in headphones and audio, Sony has a 10-strong Extra Bass (or XB) line-up, with retail prices ranging from the cost of a small round (SRS-XB01 and SRS-XB12) to a slightly more generous round (SRS-XB23) right up to the cost of a long-weekend away (XB501G) meaning there’s bound to be something of potential interest if you’re looking.

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