{"id":664,"date":"2024-12-23T03:51:34","date_gmt":"2024-12-23T03:51:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/?p=664"},"modified":"2024-12-23T03:51:34","modified_gmt":"2024-12-23T03:51:34","slug":"sony-linkbuds-speaker-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/2024\/12\/23\/sony-linkbuds-speaker-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Sony LinkBuds Speaker review"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sony stakes its claim in the ultra-competitive Bluetooth speaker arena Tested at NZ$349.95<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2\/t:0,l:0,cw:0,ch:0,q:80,w:1920\/63gXw9Gfeo7Ao2ajnQEmuR.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Verdict<\/strong><br>The Sony LinkBuds Speaker is well made, simple to use and nice to listen to, even if it lacks the sonic punch to keep up with the class leaders<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>+Cohesive, balanced sound<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>+Plenty of textural insight<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>+Solid feature set and outstanding battery life<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cons<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>-Could sound more punchy and exciting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>-Small size means compromises in bass delivery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>-Faces extremely tough competition at this level<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sony\u2019s LinkBuds line is made up of, as the name suggests, various pairs of wireless earbuds. Open ring designs, in-ear models, sporty types, there isn\u2019t a set definition for what a LinkBud is exactly, but the single unifying constant has always been that they go into, or sometimes sit just outside of, the human ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is, however, an exception. There\u2019s one member of the LinkBuds family which, despite having the word \u2018buds\u2019 in its name, looks like it may have been adopted into the clan, as it isn\u2019t a pair of wireless earbuds but a portable Bluetooth speaker. The Sony LinkBuds Speaker is the apparent anomaly in this expanding family, yet while it distinguishes itself by taking on a completely different form from the rest of its siblings, this is a product that\u2019s clearly aimed at the same crowd that Sony was targeting with its Olivia Rodrigo-backed LinkBuds Fit: hip, trendy youngsters who want great sound on the go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sony has already attempted to break the JBL stranglehold at this level with its four-star ULT Field 1, a similarly-priced performer that couldn\u2019t quite topple the might of the JBL Flip 6 or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/detail-JBL-1741141-GSP-1S3P-CH40\">Charge 5<\/a>. It\u2019s a tough nut to crack, so maybe the Japanese audio titan has found the winning formula \u2013 or dare we say \u2018missing Link\u2019 \u2013 with this latest attempt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&gt;&gt;&gt;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/detail-JBL-1743867-GSP-1S2P-F6D\">GSP-1S2P-F6D Battery for JBL Flip 6<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"price\">Price<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MMZ6uzP565kK93q7XN2Fcm-970-80.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Currently priced at NZ$349.95\/ AU$199, the Sony LinkBuds Speaker (SRS-LS1) has jumped straight into the lion\u2019s den. This is the realm occupied by some of the best Bluetooth speakers on the market, speakers that are only getting more affordable as their respective prices drop with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"build-design\">Build &amp; design<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/63gXw9Gfeo7Ao2ajnQEmuR-970-80.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sony LinkBuds Speaker tech specs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Power&nbsp;<\/strong>18 Watts<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bluetooth?&nbsp;<\/strong>Yes, 5.2 (SBC and AAC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mains-powered or battery-powered&nbsp;<\/strong>Battery-powered<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Battery life&nbsp;<\/strong>25 hours<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Features&nbsp;<\/strong>Sony Auto Switch, hands-free calling, IPX4 rating, stereo pairing<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Connections&nbsp;<\/strong>USB-C (charging cradle)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dimensions (hwd)&nbsp;<\/strong>11 x 8.4 x 9cm<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Weight&nbsp;<\/strong>520g<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Finishes&nbsp;<\/strong>x 2 (black, white)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Around the same height as a standard deodorant can, albeit a little fatter, Sony\u2019s compact speaker is built to sit conveniently on your desk, perch on a nearby shelf or be thrown inside an accommodating rucksack as you take it on your travels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re planning on bringing the LinkBuds Speaker out with you, we have little doubt that its chunky, robust build will keep it intact. AnIPX4 waterproof ratingis a little disappointing when compared with the IP67 ratings of its rugged JBL Charge 5 and Flip 6 rivals, but it\u2019ll do the job of keeping your speaker protected against drizzle and the occasional splash of water, but it won\u2019t necessarily protect against dust ingress or full liquid immersion. Maybe not one for pool parties, then.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&gt;&gt;&gt;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/detail-JBL-1740908-Charge_5\">Charge_5 Battery for JBL Charge 5<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">IP rating aside, we\u2019re otherwise confident that, given our time with the LinkBuds Speaker, its solid, robust build will be enough to handle the bumps and scrapes that inevitably come with being a portable Bluetooth companion. The built-in carry loop, meanwhile, also feels as though it can handle the speaker\u2019s 520g weight without losing integrity where the loop meets the main body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not that you\u2019ll<em>necessarily<\/em>want to have the LinkBuds Speaker out and about with you all the time. The unit\u2019s tightly woven exterior mesh does seem to harbour dirt if exposed to mud and grime, and we\u2019d certainly recommend getting the Sony in black if you\u2019re planning on using it as a frequent portable \u2013 we find that handsome off-white finish is fairly susceptible to stains and marks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The LinkBuds Speaker keeps things relatively minimalist design-wise, opting for an all-over speaker mesh design with few embellishments or adornments. That said, you\u2019ll find four main control buttons at the top: two plus and minus signs for volume adjustment alongside a play\/pause control and a preset button for quickly accessing streaming services such asSpotifyorAmazon Music. At the bottom of the speaker\u2019s rear side sits a small power control and a covered USB-C port, although the LinkBuds Speaker also comes with a supplied wireless charging pad for faster juicing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"features\">Features<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Uef5nCQz8uYu2uUy7zG6VR-970-80.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A key benefit of Sony\u2019s latest Bluetooth portable is that it\u2019s designed to work with the extended LinkBuds family of products. One of the speaker\u2019s party pieces is its seamless interconnectivity with the extended LinkBuds earbuds line, letting you flit between buds and speaker automatically as your tunes play. Put your compatible LinkBuds into their charging case and the speaker takes over musical playback automatically, but once the buds are out of their shelter and in your ears, the audio switches to the buds and the speaker takes a well-earned break. It\u2019s a neat trick that works smoothly every time we try it with our LinkBuds Fit test pair via Bluetooth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s more to the LinkBuds Speaker than its eagerness to cooperate with its Sony stablemates. A healthy battery life is vital for portable units of this kind, and the small Bluetooth speaker duly furnishes us with 25 hours of playback time, a monster figure that overshadows the 12 hours granted by the JBL Flip 6 and 20 hours provided by the more substantial JBL Charge 5.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can use the LinkBuds Speaker to handle incoming voice calls, a feature that\u2019s noticeably absent from the rival Flip 6. Sony\u2019s champion does an admirable job, with voices coming through clearly on the part of the recipient while being reproduced ably on the other end thanks to the speaker\u2019s built-in microphone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs67KYPsFcAWKw7adp3zo8-970-80.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(Image credit: Sony)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sony has clearly made efforts elsewhere to make sure that the LinkBuds Speaker is easy to use and capable of keeping up with its competitors. Stereo pairing allows for two speakers to be hooked up together simultaneously, whereas quick access is genuinely handy for getting music playing from your favourite app at the touch of a button. Wireless connectivity is handled byBluetooth 5.2, though the LinkBuds Speaker only supportsSBC and AAC codecs\u2013 there\u2019s none of theLDACcompatibility you\u2019ll find with most of Sony\u2019s wireless earbuds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Setting which music service you\u2019d like to delve into is done via the newly revamped Sony SoundConnect app, the same platform you\u2019ll use for handling most of the brand\u2019s new wireless speakers and headphones. It\u2019s still not the most intuitive service you\u2019ll find, but access to a customisable five-band equaliser, plus control of features such as quick access (to help you jump straight into your streaming service of choice) and stereo pairing, help the SoundConnect app earn its stripes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&gt;&gt;&gt;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/detail-JBL-1741141-GSP-1S3P-CH40\">GSP-1S3P-CH40 Battery for JBL Charge 5<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sound\">Sound<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYVccatr9X9PuziWHYWiJR-970-80.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sony\u2019s wireless wonder uses a two-way speaker system consisting of a 16mm tweeter and a 48x56mm balanced mid\/bass driver to produce what its maker describes as \u201cimpressive bass and clear vocals with less distortion\u201d. Passive radiators work in unison with the mid\/bass for more powerful bass reproduction, whereas Sony\u2019s \u2018Sound Diffusion Processor\u2019 aims to ensure that the sound produced is spread out evenly rather than simply fired in a single direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While it\u2019s not the most expansive listen, Sony makes good on its promise of omnidirectionality, and you\u2019ll receive a consistent quality and timbre of sound no matter where you stand in relation to the speaker itself. Textural quality abounds, with perhaps the LinkBuds Speaker\u2019s strongest card to play being its impressive levels of midrange detail. When going up against the JBL Flip 6, we discern a noticeably more authentic reproduction of the sombre guitar on The Killers\u2019<em>Christmas In LA<\/em>through the Sony than we do with the JBL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The LinkBuds Speaker also evidences a talent for vocal reproduction. It\u2019s easy for a speaker of this size to make voices \u2013 be they Corey Taylor or Camilla Cabello \u2013 sound generic or drab, a trap the Sony does well to avoid. Michael Stipe\u2019s charmingly reedy singing on REM\u2019s<em>Nightswimming<\/em>is a heartfelt performance through the Sony, while Stephen Fry\u2019s narration of PG Wodehouse\u2019s<em>Right Ho, Jeeves<\/em>is packed with playful \u00e9lan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jonWUhaYj7wNFCVhzcM7ZR-970-80.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Sony\u2019s knack for detail is tempered nicely by a restrained, well-organised character that gives tracks a mature, even-handed flavour. There\u2019s no flabby bass to be found at the bottom or screeching trebles ready to loosen a couple of your fillings, and while a tad more punch and rhythmic drive wouldn\u2019t go amiss, the LinkBuds Speaker treads lightly to avoid spilling sounds into areas they don\u2019t belong. Play Muse\u2019s<em>Madness<\/em>through the Sony and you\u2019ll notice just how clean and fuss-free the composition is, an impressive feat for a relatively small speaker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That love of order and refinement does leave the Sony feeling just a tad restrained, however, with most of the sonic sacrifices coming at the lower end. There\u2019s not a great deal of punch from a speaker that prefers to keep things relatively clean and lightweight, and bassheads especially may become frustrated by a lack of lower-end oomph from heavier hip-hop and rock tracks. This is where the five-star Flip 6 and Charge 5 rivals pull ahead, offering the punch and power that the slightly lean Sony lacks. The JBLs certainly go further dynamically \u2013 the crashes and bashes amid the pandemonium ofHans Zimmer\u2019s<em>The Battle<\/em>arrive with more weight and gusto than they do via the Sony. If you like punch and verve to your tracks, the LinkBuds Speaker may not be to your taste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"verdict\">Verdict<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pDDEoQQxpwRid7onzGauyQ-970-80.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Sony LinkBuds Speaker has its charms. It\u2019s a portable, feature-rich and nicely-made Bluetooth speaker which digs out plenty of detail, even if the class leaders grant you a good deal more sonic punch and lower-end clout. Those rivals are perhaps better suited to getting the party started, but the Sony\u2019s refinement and knack for organisation means that it shouldn\u2019t be dismissed as a mere stick in the mud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SCORES<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Sound<\/strong>4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Build<\/strong>4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features<\/strong>5<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sony stakes its claim in the ultra-competitive Bluetooth speaker arena Tested at NZ$349.95 VerdictThe Sony LinkBuds Speaker is well made, simple to use and nice to listen to, even if it lacks the sonic punch to keep up with the class leaders Pros Cons Sony\u2019s LinkBuds line is made up of, as the name suggests, &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/2024\/12\/23\/sony-linkbuds-speaker-review\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Sony LinkBuds Speaker review<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-664","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-sony"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/664","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=664"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/664\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":665,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/664\/revisions\/665"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=664"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=664"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=664"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}