Sony SRS-BTX500 User Reviews

Ownership period: less than a month.

Pros
Quality Build
APT-X, AAC, NFC connectivity
iOS, Windows, Android friendly
Speaker Phone
Good volume
Excellent sound reproduction - Hi, Mid, Low
No coloring of music
USB device charging
Remote Control by Devices via AAC
Carrying case
Accent lighting

Cons
A little heavy for up and down the street portability
Would have given 5 stars vs. 4.5 if not for the weight - not a deal breaker
AC charger a bit bulky

Summary
I got to the party a little late as this speaker was introduced almost a year ago. However, good things come to those who wait as I bought it at $199.99 vs. original $299.99. This speaker compares well to Bose Soundlink II and Jambox speakers in the same class. Prefer the near flat response vs. the others which IMO does not add coloring at the expense of Highs or Lows depending upon the source material.

The surround mode IMO does this speaker and injustice although some may prefer the DSP effects. I prefer the mega bass setting which adds just the right amount of low-end punch without affecting the mids and highs.

Setup and paring is a breeze as I even did it in store on a demo model without a hitch using my iPhone 5S. Being able to do a direct comparison vs. the other speakers mentioned with my own music sold me on the Sony SRSBTX500.

Music listening is very subjective which is to say that some will like this speaker and others may prefer Bose or another brand. Price aside (as this speaker was on sale vs. the others) and all things being equal I would still prefer the Sony SRSBTX500.

I down-graded the unit because of weight. However, I don't think Sony intended the speaker for daily/weekly deployment at the beach or other outings. The Sony SRSBTX500 IMO is more of a room-to-room, extended hotel room stay or outside on the patio/deck unit.

I suspect that Sony will be discontinuing this model judging from their website showing soon to-be-released speakers and the sale pricing of $199.99. So, if you can find one I highly recommend giving this speaker an audition.