Table of Contents
Sony has put out reliable and good speakers frequently for a long time now. Today we are taking a look at XB series models, comparing the two decently apart in fact.
Namely, these are Sony XB7 vs Sony XB60. We will be looking at their advantages, disadvantages, similarities and choosing the optimal choice between the two.
Sony XB7 vs XB60 – Similarities
Quick Glance
Power consumption
Their standby power consumption is the same at 0.5 W, active one isn’t much more of a hassle.
Bluetooth
Both possess Bluetooth technology connections. This feature offers you the ability to stream your digital music library by connecting to the loudspeakers. There are great features that enhance it explored further down below.
Warranty
You get a year’s worth of warranty in case your loudspeakers run into a technical stub. Not all too long of a warranty but considering quality associated with
LED Lights
Lights add to the mood of the music. Be it a party, street, or home you can enhance the atmosphere.
These LED lights have club-like LED illumination. Speakers feature multicolor patterns from exclusively white to rainbow-colored ones. The power and speed of the light display are adjustable as well on both of our entrants.
Differences Between Sony XB7 and XB60
Connectivity
The more things we can connect the more versatility our speakers possess. Things such as microphone input and wireless functionality give an edge to entrants.
Sony XB7
You are able to connect smartphones and tablets to these loudspeakers via a USB port for charging and playing songs. There’s also the ability to connect audio equipment with audio input and output, be it a TV or extra speaker versatility is very present. The remote control is another option, further enhanced by features we’ll explain further down.
Sony XB60
All the previously mentioned connections are applicable here but with some additions. Upping the number of plausible connections is a mic input, allowing vocal performances as long as you have hardware for it. A more noticeable and important feature is wireless functionality with 14 hours of battery life, although it goes down to 3 hours if you use the speaker’s lights. You can pump this up to 4.5 with lights on if you turn on the stamina mode.
The Winner: Sony XB60
Special Connectivity Features
Sony XB7
Interesting additions to the roster of features start with Party Chain, which allows you to expand your speaker system. After connecting them with the audio cable you can select one to be the host device, which all members of the system will be synchronized to
Sony XB60
Improving Party Chain features is Wireless Party Chain. It allows you to connect up to ten other wireless speakers using Bluetooth technology, maintaining the synchronization offered by the other entrant with added range. Added to the app support is Fiestable which has a similar use as Music Center, also supported on XB60, but with added motion controls.
The Winner: Winner XB60
Sound Features
Sony XB7
Boosting the quality of your compressed music is DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine), restoring the high-frequency sound to the tracks. ClearAudio+ is another sound improving option. It is able to optimize audio to deliver a consistently clear, high-quality sound, whether you’re gaming or enjoying music and movies. Extra Bass is a worthwhile addition too. It works by enhancing bass lines to bring over deep, strong bass, and it only requires a button press. Music Center smartphone app that offers wireless control of settings. There’s also LADC but that comes more into play with XBL60.
Sony XB60
Speaking of Sony XB60, it possesses the same enhancing options although you’ll get more bang for your buck with the fact you can not only stream through Bluetooth but regularly play music without a wired connection. This will make sure that cord or cordless you get the maximum quality, thanks to LDAC enhancing wireless audio.
Despite XB60 getting better use out of one of the features, it is still a tie as both possess the same traits.
The Winner: Tie
Read next – Micca MB42X vs Polk T15: Which Bookshelf Speakers are Better?
Appearance
Sony XB7
The dimensions of XB7 are 12.8 x 25.6 x 13.4 inches and weighs 27 lbs. At this size, it poses slight issues when it comes to transportation but its one-box design mitigates this somewhat with convenient transportation.
Sony XB60
The second model on our reviewing table today measures up at 10.4 x 21.7 x 10.7 inches, smaller in comparison to XB7. Its more compatible nature is further proven with 17.6 lbs weight. Sharing the one-box design with the other entrant but being comparatively light and small it inches out a victory.
The Winner: Sony XB60
Pros and Cons
Sony XB7
PROS:
- Large speakers with quality sound
- Great bass
- One-box design
- Variety of features
- Great light show capabilities
CONS
- Heavy
- Not waterproof
- No battery option
Sony XB60
PROS
- WiFi functionality
- 14 hours battery
- Great bass
- Great light show capabilities
- Variety of features
CONS
- Not waterproof
- Long charging time (5 hours)
The Final Verdict
Although there’s a number of models between XB7 and XB60 we had a tough time finding extreme ways of separating the two in terms of quality. The quality of sound and even features relating to it didn’t get much of a chance. Appearance, excluding actual size, remains mostly the same. Options for their light systems are equally as unchanged, apart from the app support in the form of Fiestable on XB60. Now actual change comes in terms of connectivity. It allows XB60 wireless multiple speaker connection with Wireless Party Chain. Another wireless option is its ability to use batteries to run rather than requiring a cord energy supply. It is easier to carry, however, it’s being waterproof does make outside parties harder to organize.
Sony XB60 takes the cake with its wireless options which allow for simpler connectivity no matter your location, use of space. Reliability and simple controls make it convenient while producing great sound.