ANALYSIS: PERSONAL AUDIO Home Entertainment
Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds
September 2023
ertonline.co.uk
Loud and proud, big box speakers are proving a lucrative niche for brands. The Bluetooth SRS-XV800 is the latest party speaker from Sony. Delivering an omni- directional Party Sound synced to ambient LED lighting, it’s certainly not demur. Features include a karaoke and guitar input, plus a water resistant IPX4 rating, so buyers can enjoy their singalongs poolside.
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Greater audio clarity The latest edition to Sony’s popular True Wireless headphone range is the WF- 1000XM5. It features a specially designed driver unit, Dynamic Driver X, and three microphones on each earbud, including dual feedback mics,
to improve low-frequency
noise cancellation. The WF-1000XM5 boasts a newly developed HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN2e and Integrated Processor V2, said to give greater audio clarity.
At the budget end of the market, Yamaha has launched the TW-E3C True Wireless earbuds. These third generation models are the most affordable earbuds in the Yamaha line-up, and consequently lack ANC, but they still boast Ambient Sound control, multipoint Bluetooth connectivity and a gaming mode. Available in multiple colourways, they’re IPX5 water-resistant rated too, making them a strong value proposition.
Above and below: Yamaha’s TWE3C earbuds
Ultimately, the mainstream headphone market is of
factors, including technology,
influenced by a combination brand
awareness, and fashion, says Harman’s Mr Linde. “While some consumers prioritise audio quality and advanced features, others may be more swayed by popular brands or fashionable designs. The market is driven by a mix of all these factors, and the importance of each can vary depending on individual consumer preferences.”
With five tweeters and dual X-Balanced bass speakers, oodles of amplification and a 25 hours battery life, you’ll probably conk out on the dance floor before it does. Sharp is launching into the urban speaker market with two new high volume offerings, the
SumoBox (CP-LS100)
and the XParty Street Beat (PS-949). What makes these models particularly noteworthy is that they have been developed in partnership with high-end audio brand Devialet. The monitor-style SumoBox, with its industrial black steel grille design, is as at home at gigs as it is performing at garden parties. It has a 120W power plant and utilises two eight-inch woofers and two two-inch tweeters. The XParty
Street Beat is altogether more flashy, with animated LED lights that synchronise with user’s music, and six on board DJ
effects,
including air horn and laser! The XParty Street Beat supports Bluetooth wireless music streaming, has two mic/guitar inputs, plus AUX and USB playback. IPX4 rated, wheels for ease of transport, and 12 hours of playtime, it’s ideally suited to late summer BBQs.
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