Audio products that often arrive at the our lab are usually a set of headphones or a set of earphones. But since we started testing televisions and soundbars, we've had more and more opportunities to test other types of speakers. The latest is the Sony HT-AX7 which is the first portable soundbar from Sony.
I would say the HT-AX7 is a “soundbar”, despite its small size. But through two round satellite speakers it transforms into a home theater set with immersive audio. This speaker is a Sony portable speaker loaded with Sony's flagship soundbar technology such as 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, but the question is, is RM2299 worth it?
SPECIFICATION AND DESIGN
Sony HT-AX7
Portable Speaker/Soundbar type
S-Master Amplifier Audio Driver
Microphone None
Battery Endurance reaches 30 hours
10 minutes charge, last 150 minutes
Bluetooth 5.2 tethering
Codec AAC, SBC
USB-C charging
Physical Button Controls
Android/iOS app – Home Entertainment Connect
Sale Price RM2299
This Sony HT-AX7 is a portable speaker with a total weight of only around 2 kg. The weight of the main speaker is 1.4 kg, while the two round shaped speakers are around 0.3 kg each. The surface of the HT-AX7 is covered with a rather loose gray fabric that worries it will tear easily. I'm less fond of the fabric finish because based on my experience using Altec Lansing speakers at university, it will trap dust and dirt more easily than the metal grille.
Sony tried to bring their flagship soundbar feature, which is 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, and also incorporated the WF-1000XM5 technology by using an S-Master amplifier type audio driver. Only for codecs it is limited to SBC and AAC only without LDAC support for lossless audio which is quite strange. Why is there no LDC skonga when it can be given to their compact size TWS. The surface of the speaker is filled with buttons that are easy and pleasant to press. Also available is an LED light to display the controls that have been performed.
The main speaker has a power of 45W while the two satellites have a power of 3W each. Audio mode is limited to only one which is Sound Field for immersive audio. The battery is said to last up to 30 hours with USB-C charging and the speaker connection is Bluetooth 5.2. The magnetic part on each plate is also not strong enough and is not safe if placed on an inclined iron surface. This forces the user to place it on a flat surface.
The design of this speaker is also very simple and modern. It is for users who like minimalist and gray themes. This speaker looks neat placed either under the television or around the room. With a wireless design, it will not disturb the view when watching television. The problem with this one USB-C port is that it is limited to charging only and cannot be output to other devices.
The speaker comes in a natural eco-friendly box, which is now the trend for most Sony products. It is like a soft egg carton. But packaging like this doesn't give me the confidence to order online because it seems insecure and wobbly in the box. If you've seen the Sony WF-C700N or WF-1000XM5, the box is pretty much the same, just bigger.
AUDIO QUALITY
As a user who appreciates Sony's delicious audio profile on the XM3, XM4 and XM5 series – I have high hopes that these portable speakers will offer more or less the same audio. So the majority of my use makes this Sony HT-AX7 the main speaker for the television at home.
Surprisingly, this speaker is still able to provide good bass even without a subwoofer. Especially in the sub-bass section which usually provides some additional dynamic content. Overall, the bass delivered by this speaker is enjoyable and beyond my expectations.
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This speaker is a speaker designed for a small room. This is like the Devialet Mania that I tested before, where the speaker audio will be less than satisfactory in large areas. Sony uses its own algorithm to ensure balanced audio can be produced. Women's voices no matter in music or movies will sound clearer and brighter than men's voices which are drowned again if you want deep bass.
For high notes, it's still good and clear but it's not quite satisfactory because it doesn't reach the level I want. Highs on it are not very natural because it has gone through a high digitization post-process.
The uniqueness of the Sony HT-AX7 is the Sound Field audio mode that gives users the impression of having a complete home theater set. Each of these dish speakers can be placed on the left and right side of the bed or sofa while the main speaker is on the television. It seems to make the user's room a mini movie theater.
Interesting experience but it's not wide and wide enough. The sound produced by each satellite speaker is not very clear and ambiguous. This is by no means a bad feature, but a nice attempt for a first generation product that I'm sure Sony will improve and make even better in the second generation HT-AX7.
CONTROL AND APPLICATION
This speaker can be controlled either with the built-in physical buttons or the Sony Home Entertainment app. But due to the fact that as long as the speaker is on the television, in my opinion controlling it with the application is quite good and easy. The app offers the ability to control volume, turn Sound Field on/off, a night mode that reduces bass rumble so it doesn't shake, or a voice mode to focus on vocals over background noise.
The AX7 has no 3.5mm audio, optical or HDMI ports for connection to devices. Instead rely entirely on wireless only. Despite the absence of LDAC, Sony is still able to offer audio with less lag. It's just that the wireless connection, as everyone knows, is not stable enough and the connection can be disconnected suddenly.
One of the issues I'm facing is that this speaker keeps making no sound when watching Netflix. This issue can usually be resolved by removing the speaker and re-tethering. Issues like this I'm sure can be resolved with a software update alone.
BATTERY
Sony claims the HT-AX7's battery can last up to 30 hours. It's not a good durability for a portable speaker but it's enough. During the use of about two hours a day for two weeks to watch movies and listen to music, this speaker has no problem to use on a single charge. Even with 10 minutes of charging, it can last up to 150 minutes which is enough for 3-4 episodes of a TV series or a movie.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX
Here's what you'll get with every purchase of the Sony HT-AX7;
1x Sony HT-AX7
1x USB-C Cable
1x USB-C Charger
2x UK and EU adapters for chargers
1x Leather bag (if pre-ordered from September until November 30)
CONCLUSION
I really like the portable speaker concept that Sony is trying to offer. It is a soundbar at home and a speaker that can be taken anywhere such as a picnic or camping. The functions available are basic suitable for all users and are not so complicated with the settings in the application as well as the settings when installing this speaker at home. The audio delivered is also satisfactory for a first generation product. But with codecs limited to SBC and AAC, I'm a bit disappointed that Sony doesn't provide LDAC support on this RM2299 speaker.
I have already returned this speaker to Sony Malaysia. For me to own this speaker, I will probably wait for the second generation in hopes of better audio support, more ports and an audio algorithm comparable to at least the audio profile on the WF-1000XM5 or WH-1000XM5.
PRO
Minimalist and modern design.
A unique portable speaker.
Applications and usage that make it easy for users.
Solid audio with Sony's signature soundbar-like features.
CONS
Codecs are limited to AAC and SBC, no LDAC support.
Limited USB-C connection for non-output charging.
Not durable.
The price is quite expensive for a portable speaker.