Sony SRS-X9 Review | 130 Data compared

The Sony SRS-X9, a premium £600 wireless speaker, delivers a transparent and detailed soundstage powered by a 154W eight-channel amplifier and a seven-driver configuration. Its strengths include extensive connectivity, such as Wi-Fi and Apple AirPlay, along with a minimalist design, though its high price, smudge-prone finish, and slightly reserved vocal performance are noted drawbacks.

The AVForums review awards the Sony SRS-X9 a "Highly Recommended" badge for its exceptional high-resolution audio performance, which is delivered via a 154-watt, seven-driver system with top-mounted tweeters. The speaker is praised for its robust build, sleek design, and versatile connectivity, including Wi-Fi, AirPlay, and aptX Bluetooth. Key cons identified include the uncomfortable, angular design of the physical remote, basic, and a glossy, black finish that serves as a dust magnet.

The T3 review of the Sony SRS-X9 praises the premium wireless speaker for its broad connectivity—including DLNA, AirPlay, aptX Bluetooth, and extensive physical ports—along with excellent DSEE HX upscaling for high-res sound. While the device delivers a powerful, versatile performance, the review notes as cons its heavy 4.6kg weight and a poorly designed "pencil" remote, though the latter is mitigated by the effective SongPal app.

David Susilo praises the Sony SRS-X9 for combining premium, minimalistic design with high-resolution 24-bit/192kHz/DSD playback via wired USB-B and versatile wireless connectivity. Its seven-driver, eight-channel amplifier setup provides exceptional sound quality that rivals expensive traditional systems, though it experiences minor sonic sacrifices and reduced dynamic handling when streaming lossy files compared to wired high-res sources.

The Sony SRS-X9 is an excellent, premium wireless speaker featuring high-resolution audio, exceptional sound clarity, and versatile connectivity including Bluetooth, AirPlay, Wi-Fi, and DLNA. While the system delivers superb audio performance and includes a user-friendly app, its glossy, piano-black glass design acts as a significant magnet for fingerprints and smudges.

In his review for Canadian Reviewer, Simon Cohen concludes that while the Sony SRS-X9 is a sophisticated, feature-rich, and beautifully designed all-in-one speaker that bridges the gap between a bookshelf speaker and a home theater soundbar, it ultimately fails to deliver enough low-end bass sound to justify its steep $699 CDN price tag. The review praises its gorgeous minimalist design and a massive array of connectivity options (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth with aptX/NFC, AirPlay, DLNA, Ethernet, line-in, and USB), but notes drawbacks including a lack of lower-frequency punch, a high price point compared to rivals like the Sonos Play:5, and a highly reflective, dust-attracting finish.

The Digital Trends review describes the $700 Sony SRS-X9 as a premium, aesthetically striking wireless speaker, highlighting its versatile connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay) and powerful, detailed sound from seven active drivers. While praised for its elegant design and intuitive touch controls, the unit is noted for lacking a built-in battery, having a bulky footprint, and producing harsh treble at maximum volume.

The SoundVisionReview evaluation of the Sony SRS-X9 highlights it as a premium, heavy, and sturdily built all-in-one wireless speaker system that delivers high-definition sound from a highly compact footprint. On the pros side, the review praises its airy soundstage, well-defined midrange, and deep bass foundation, along with robust connectivity options including AirPlay, Bluetooth with aptX/AAC support, native Spotify Connect, and a USB DAC. Conversely, the publication notes the speaker cannot deliver the same wide stereo soundstage found in traditional, separate speaker setups, and its advanced components make it a costly compromise for buyers.

The Sound & Vision review of the Sony SRS-X9 highlights a highly connected, versatile premium audio system featuring extensive connectivity options, including Ethernet, AirPlay, DLNA, and dual USB ports, supported by seven drivers and DSEE-HX enhancement. While praised for its versatility, the speaker is criticized for a deeply flawed, treble-heavy sonic profile that produces a harsh, piercing sound at high volumes, undermining its performance across multiple music genres.