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Sony XB402M
Sony XB402M
- Sony has announced a new wireless speaker in India, the Sony XB402M. The new Bluetooth speaker come equipped with dual passive radiators that work in tandem with two full-range 53 mm satellite speaker units that are placed at an angle and are said to enable a bass boost. It features speaker grille on the front with slanting holes and has a rounded design, which is said to enable better sound distribution. The new speaker also supports Amazon’s digital assistant Alexa and one can ask the assistant to control the device’s functions like audio playback and avail services like music and audiobook playback via streaming services like Amazon Music, JioSaavn, TuneIn, and Kindle.
- The Sony XB402M wireless speaker is also IP67 waterproof and dustproof, and comes equipped with built-in multi-coloured line lights that sync with the playing music. The Wi-Fi enabled smart speaker supports Bluetooth 4.2 and has a frequency response between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz. Equipped with a micro USB port, the device is touted to deliver up to 12 hours of audio playback on a single charge. It also comes with a USB power port for charging smartphones. The speaker works with Spotify Connect as well. Do note that the speaker is available at an introductory discounted pricing of Rs 19,990 till August 18, and goes on sale across online and offline channels on August 13.
- Now, choosing between Alexa or Google Assistant is up to personal discretion but choosing the right speaker is quite important. The cheaper ones are just good enough for basic voice interactions and if you are an audiophile, you will be looking at the more expensive models with better speaker systems. In the Alexa universe, Amazon's Echo Plus is the best you can buy. But, it's still primarily a smart speaker and not built for music lovers.
- This is where Sony comes in with its XB402M. Barring the weird name and an exorbitant price tag of Rs 24,990, the XB402M is a different approach to a smart speaker. This one takes its audio credentials seriously as a premium Bluetooth speaker and the Alexa part is secondary. Should you buy it? Well, I used it for a few weeks and it managed to impress me quite a lot.
- Since the Sony XB402M is different, I will take a different approach to the review.
- Yes. Sony knows a thing or two to impress Indian consumers with its Bluetooth speakers. A few months ago, the XB32 blew me away with its well-rounded audio performance whereas the XB12 packed more punch than its size. With XB402M, there's nothing new.
- The LED light strip slows on three sides and it does give the XB402M a devil-ish appearance -- needless to say it adds into the party vibes. The lights converge on the top and Sony has added a strobe light at the intersection. I personally feel the strobe light is unnecessary and Sony could have just stuck to the LED lighting. The lighting scheme can be controlled from the Sony Music Centre app and you can even turn it off.
- There are a couple of soft-touch playback control buttons on the top along with the power button and LIVE mode button. A four-LED light indicator is present to show the volume levels. The controls are easy enough even for your grandma to fiddle around. The power input ports consist of Type-B and micro USB ports -- this is nice given that you aren't stuck with Sony's big adapter when you are outdoors.
- However, as with most of Sony's speakers, the XB402M is IP67 certified, which means this one can survive the occasional splashes and dust. Sony, thanks for making it teenage proof.
- As good as a premium speaker can be
- Sony takes audio performance seriously and with the XB402M, it has stepped up its game. If you open the cute casing, you will find an array of two tweeters stacked upon a big bass radiator. There's another bass radiator at the back -- you get the idea that this one is all about the punchy audio performance -- after all, it belongs to Sony's Extra Bass lineup. And in the real world, it surely is.
- As with most Extra Bass speakers, the XB402M goes for a bass-heavy audio performance. However, unlike the XB32, the bass is kept in check to avoid that "punch-in-your-ear" experience. The overall audio performance feels matured and premium -- perfect for a drawing-room speaker. Of course, when you tune down the bass, you will be greeted with balanced audio that usually hides with the thumpy bass. The mids are crystal clear while the highs don't distort at higher volume levels. Since I prefer bass, I kept it in the bass mode and on any given day, the performance was never underwhelming -- just perfect for house parties.
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