Kokemukset ja arvostelut

Great small Theatre system, it makes a huge difference when watching from a laptop/on holiday!

I got carried away with the prospect of cinema sound after recently buying a Sony Bravia 5 TV, however this lot is way over priced for what it is and the battery doesn't last nearly as long as they would have you believe. If you want a portable speaker there are much cheaper options out there, and if you want cinema sound for watching movies then get the real deal. Don't waste good money on this.

Great sound & Good battery Backup, Good shape, Best mobile app

Bought as a replacement for my tv soundbar and cannot fault this little fooker at all! The only thing that lets it down is that I got to keep charging it every week. But that's a minor sacrifice for the sound quality and amazing features this guy has. Also being made from recycled materials is a big plus for me

[Tämä arvostelu kerättiin osana kampanjaa.] Tyylikäs ulkonäkö, kompakti koko ja helppo käyttää.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Sony HT-AX7

Not only do Sony excel in Audio, their environmental packaging is first class and easily accessible. Set up couldn't be easier and although no charger is supplied, my Sony charger from another product soon established the unit was fully juiced and ready to go. Linking with the downloaded Sony Home Entertainment and Support was a cinch.

Setting up the speakers in a variety of positions in the lounge, playing my favourite tracks from my smartphone exploited the distinct two sound field settings. Unfortunately our TV is not Bluetooth Smart so any TV/CD/STREAMING has to be done through my Sony desktop computer. Again set up was quick with no issues. Using the internet, I can extend the use of the HT-AX7 for terrestrial TV, my favourite Netflix series, just streaming my favourite tracks or enjoying my latest CD film.

The unit when assembled or open is compact and aesthetically neutral in any environment and as for the 360 degree spatial sound, it is as good as any top range headphone set up with the added advantage of uncluttered head-space and freedom of movement. I can't wait to get a Sony Smart TV and watch my favourite "Star Wars" movie!

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] SONY HT-AH7 2.1 Portable Theatre System - Light Grey has great sound 2 detachable speakers 360 Spatial Sound Mapping up to 30 hours battery life and Bluetooth. You can move to any room and on holiday.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] At a whisper under two kilos this rather unique Sony Sound Theatre system is just about portable. Hopes are high that upcoming trips abroad will validate this proposition. There is no charging device included, just a long USB-C cable, but this is not a problem with USB-C so common. However, when charging to get those 30 hours of play you will need a 15W to 45W charger or the orange indicator light next to the rear port will flash telling you it’s too much or not enough juice. Solid orange is good. Apparently just a 10-minute charge will give me two hours of play, but I haven’t run it down yet to find that out!

It oozes quality, light grey woven material for both the central unit and satellite speakers, cased in a smooth darker grey hard rubber surround that’s solid and houses the encased top controls on the central unit: power, Bluetooth pairing, play / pause, volume, and Sound Field. I might have liked black myself, but the grey theme contrasts the detail and quality of the three units.

There are funky left and right circular magnetic charging ports for the satellite speakers - they don’t have their own separate means of charging. They are clearly labelled L and R, the small speakers to sit and connect easily and at any orientation, with reassuring orange charging lights on the central unit. Upon removal of the satellite speakers the Sound Field will come into play, place them behind you or to the side and away you go, you have your own sound bubble of surround sound: incredibly simple and quick to get going. There are separate power buttons on the satellite speakers, maybe to minimise accidental connections when packed separately in my suitcase me thinks…

I had no problems in setting up the Theatre System with my phone, and key to this is the Sony Home Entertainment app, so download it first. The system holds a dormant Bluetooth connection that allows you (when the setting is checked) to power on the Theatre System from the app, which is likeable in a very lazy way. I also really like the fact you can have two devices connected at one time, so while watching a film on a tablet you can take a phone call, the film pauses and I’m able to take the call using the hidden microphone of the main unit seamlessly.

The app itself runs the show, there is sadly no remote, although there are the controls on the main unit. Within the app, Night mode extenuates the sound field effects at low volumes, you can toggle the Sound Field, change the volume, the rear speaker volume, and the bass.

Summary

This is, as I said, a unique proposal, and I wouldn’t see it in any way as a replacement for TV surround system, but take it to where you want, a holiday room / bedroom for something immersive and personal. I am very impressed with the quality of sound in general: films on a tablet with surround sound are great, giving a great excuse to snuggle up in bed together with a flick! It also seems to manage music in a pseudo surround sound fashion, and even with the speakers further away than recommended spacing from the central unit. With little to no distortion, the bass and front speakers of the main unit work with real clarity, and a little Bluetooth magic, with the two rear speakers incredibly well, and all together is far loud enough at the max for that private experience that this system is clearly aiming for.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The first thing I found with this portable theatre system was that the whole unit is so small. However, the sound from it is not and the quality of the sound is superb. It’s hard to believe such high quality surround sound it is coming from such a compact unit. The unit is covered in an attractive light grey material which will fit in with just about any home décor. The design, build quality and appearance is up to Sony’s usual high standard.

The operating controls are quite straight forward and are in the centre of the main speaker. Slightly raised buttons enable you to switch the unit on and off and to allow ‘Bluetooth’ pairing, skip tracks, control volume and select the 'Sound Field' mode. There is also buttons on the two small speakers to turn them on/off as and if required. However, I found the easiest way to control the sound and other features while listening to music or watching TV is to scan the QR code on the Reference Guide and download the Home Entertainment App onto your Smart Phone. Everything you may need to do is presented to you in the app in an easy to understand way.

There are no complicated installation process/s or lots of cables to sort out with the Sony HT-AX7. So it’s also ideal for those of us who are getting on a bit in life!

You just switch on and connect it by ‘Bluetooth’ to your source of choice. i.e. tablet, computer, smart phone or TV. Position the speakers in your preferred position, select Sound Field and away you go. I found the best position in my lounge for the speakers is to have the centre main speaker 1.5 metres in front centre and the two small (satellite) speakers 1.0 to 2.0 metres to my right and left side. I found it is best to control the volume of the speakers while sitting in the listening position to optimise the best surround sound experience created by Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology.

Now for the not so good point and there is only one as I see it. There is no adapter supplied to charge the Sony HT-AX7 batteries. All that is supplied is a USB C cable. Considering the selling price, I feel Sony should really have included a charging adapter with the unit. I had to borrow a 15-45W adapter from a neighbour to get me started because my own charger was not of a high enough wattage to charge the unit. However, when charged Sony reckons the battery life will last at least 30 hours. I have used the HT-AX7 for over 25 hours so far and there still seems to be plenty charge left in the batteries. So I have no reason to dispute this.

Overall the Sony HT-AX7 is a great little bundle of pure joy. Easily transportable and so light it can be carried easily with one hand. It can be used in the garden or be carried in the car on outings or picnics. I plan to use it in my caravan when I am away from home on camping holidays. In my view a superb quality compact listening device from Sony.

Sony HT-AX7

My Sony package arrived just before I departed for a week away and so I was excited to see the contents of the mysterious cardboard capsule when I returned. Once again Sony has provided a creative and effective green packing solution. All the parts were well protected. Assembly took no time at all and although a charger was not provided the USC cable was easy to connect to an existing charger, I had sitting on my study table. Whilst the unit was charging, I took the opportunity to add the two recommended apps to my smart phone, Sony Home Entertainment and Support by Sony. All the information you need to set up and use the HT-AX7 is readily accessible. Set up was no trouble at all.

Our main TV in the lounge is quite old and although HD capable there are no Bluetooth connections available and so I first connected the unit to my smart phone. Wow, such a precise sound even at high volume levels. My regular listening partner is Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headset and so my standards are very high. I would say there is little difference between the two’s delivery of quality sound. The benefit of the HT-AX7 is that you get the sound to surround your whole body rather than just your ears. Remember hearing is not just through your ears.

Fortunately for me I have a Sony Vaio/TV desk-top pc (SVL24131E) on which I can access the internet and view on a 24” HD monitor which includes a Blue ray disc player and a direct digital TV aerial input. Effectively a simple Smart TV and so I am now experimenting watching my favourite CDs, TV programmes including my favourite Netflix productions and streamed music.

This fully portable theatre system can be used anywhere in the house optimising the battery powered Blue tooth wireless connections. The Sony 360-degree spatial sound mapping provides the promised immersive experience promised. The units neutral finish and form will fit in any interior and is easily portable. Sony have given me a real dilemma, full blown theatre 360-degree sound or up close and personal head sound. I am looking forward to the challenge and after only a short time I fully recommend the HT-AX7 although the quality and flexibility comes with the predictable price tag.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] High build quality as usual from Sony.

Setting up app was no problem,paired instantly to TV,it has excellent clear sound with good bass setting,very portable,not too big or heavy to transport.

I paired quite easily with mobile phone and iPad,phone conversations worked well,the smaller satellite speakers can be set up in other rooms if you want to and they carry the same sound as on main unit.

Does charge from c usb port (45 w adapter is required)and lasts for quite a while between charges.has a multipoint Bluetooth connection.there is a button for the sound field connection for spacial 360 mapping which works well,an algorithm enhances 2 channel stereo as well.

Has room filling sound with no distortion that I could hear.

This system would be perfect for parties or picnic situations etc.would be really suitable for gamers who use mobile devices or watch movies on tablets.

Could be considered a niche product,due to cost maybe and cannot compare to a 5.1 or 7.1 sound system but it is not meant to,it is a mobile soundbar after all,and what it does,it does well

Would recommend

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Sony HT-AX7 Review.

Sony’s latest portable home theatre system arrived today, with minimal but adequate environmentally friendly packaging. After a quick unboxing I was surprised how minimalistic the Sony HT–AX7 home theatre system is. The only external connection being a USB type C connector for charging the inbuilt battery, which as a matter of interest is quoted by Sony to last up to 30 hours of use. A quick ten minute charge will give two & a half hours playback.

With Multipoint Connection you can connect multiple Bluetooth devices to your HT-AX7 & seamlessly switch between them.

Turning the Sound Field off & placing the speakers in different areas around the room to enjoy room filling sound at the same level, wherever you stand. Perfect for parties & other gatherings.

A quick scan of the enclosed QR code & I downloaded the Sony App to my Smartphone & within a minute I was streaming music, it was that easy, simple & straightforward. One major plus with the Sony HT-AX7 is the portability, this device can be moved around easily with little fuss. My wife even commented that this device doesn’t look out of place anywhere in the home.

Streamed music sounded great, Sony’s 360 spatial sound mapping technology is at the next level in listening pleasure. Feed this device with stereo sound & enjoy upscaled 360 spatial sound by placing the two satellite speakers nearby.

The Sony HT-AX7 portable home theatre system is a very versatile sound system with amazing sound quality which is easily set up. The options for using this device are almost limitless, a very well made & presentable sound system from Sony.

My only negative comment would be the lack of an AC charger not supplied in the box, for this price a charger should be supplied.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The first thing that struck me was how ecofriendly the packing was. Every part of it was recyclable with no polystyrene in sight.

Setting up the speaker system could not have been easier. I downloaded the app to my phone, followed a couple of simple instructions and everything was working in no time.

The only cable connection to the unit is a single USB C port and this is used to charge the unit. The back speakers automatically charge from the front speaker whenever they are replaced onto their docking positions. Once everything is charged the USB cable can be removed and there are no cables to restrict where you can place the unit.

I decided to connect it to our Sony TV (must be Bluetooth enabled) and this was easily done with the help of the phone app. The front speaker is the perfect height to sit in front of the TV without obstructing the screen. The two rear speakers just lift of and can be placed anywhere, for the best effect they need to be about a metre behind where you are sat and slightly to the side.

I have always thought that the sound from the TV speaker was good but this portable theatre system takes it to another level. The effect when you are watching a movie and have the sound field activated is really impressive. The front speaker gives a deep rich sound and the back speakers enhance certain sounds to create that theatre/cinema experience.

Using the phone app it is easy to adjust the volume of the main speaker. You can also adjust the volume of the back speakers but only as a pair there is no option to make the left speaker louder than the right or vice versa. The bass level is also adjustable, the one control changes the base on all three speakers.

The soft fabric covering is very tactile and gives the unit an almost timeless appearance. I think it is a good speaker system that is versatile and very easy to use which is a big bonus considering I am of mature years.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Sony HT-AX7 is compact and looks very contemporary, it feels and looks well made. The removable surround speakers are extremely cool and can be sat back into place easily with a satisfying magnetic click. There is an app of course that Sony provide which is a straight forward control panel to adjust volume, balance and advice on how to set up.Through Bluetooth it can be connected to your television, tablet or mobile phone. The HT-AX7 provides an extra dimension to you viewing pleasure. I connected it to my television and watched a film and a few of my favourite shows. I was impressed on how different it sounded. The only downside is that it didn't come with its own charger only the lead.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Received my new portable theatre system opening the delivery package, I then took out the theatre unit which came in cardboard box, I removed the unit which is grey in colour. There is little setup information but you scan the QR code and install the app this gives you control of the system you can turn on and off adjust volume to main unit as well as satellite speakers. Once that was done I connected my phone and played music through the speakers and the sound was excellent, next came the tablet and I watched a movie and surround sound really very good, then I played a game on my tablet and again no problem with the sound. The good thing about this is that you can connect multiple bluetooth devices. Setting up the satellite speakers is a little bit tricky to begin with but a little adjustment and everything was fine. I do not have a bluetooth tv so I was unable to test that setup but as it is portable I will test the next time I visit my family. The only downside I can see is that it does not say it is waterproof.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Excellent portable sound system , product arrived in recylable packaging which was good ,

Speaker build quality is superb , soft base on main unit and top speakers which will not scratch when placed on surfaces also the colour of the unit was a good choice as it can blend in with any colour of decor .

Very easy to set up and connect to any bluetooth device whilst using the Home entertainment app .

Bluetooth connection has never failed to connect or cut off from the devices I use and the range of Bluetooth is excellent .

Sound quality is great just using as a bluetooth speaker with speakers on top , but when using the top speakers for 360 spatial sound this is when the unit really performs at it it best , you have to play around with the placement of the 2 top speakers to get best results from the speaker units.

Did not know what to expect with this portable speaker system , but was very surprised with using the sound field , the music coming through the top speakers that was placed behind mye was very clear and the music was sound was excellent it was coming from the front and behind me and when I first used it I got a shock when the music played that I turned around to look at the speakers, very impressed with the sound field on this portable sony theatre spatial speaker .

Also what I think is just superb with this speaker you can put the top speakers in different rooms away from the main unit and it plays music through the house with no drop out from the main unit , to myself its a big plus for me .

Overall this a great way to listen to music and works very well watching videos , but using the 360 theatre with the spatial enhances the overall performance .

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I really like this little system. It arrived well packaged. Once out of the box it look very smart and classy. It has the typical Sony quality feel and finish. Setting up I found straightforward. Download the Home Entertainment Connect app from the Play Store and the instructions are very easy to follow. Once set up I connected it to a Sony KD 65XH9505 TV via bluetooth. Where I have this TV I' m a bit restricted regarding a home theatre system and this one really works well in my set up. You can have the satellite speakers postioned behind you to get the 360 Sound Field. I tried this on Star Wars and then Picard. I had to turn the volume up to hear the effect but was impressed when I did so. I also tried it with the sound field off using music videos on Youtube. Say She She 'Astral Plane' sounded good with the bass mid and treble coming through well. You can postion the satellite speakers around the room to spread the music. Perfect for parties. Initially I was struggling to think of where you could use this but then realised this is perfect for my campervan. Connect to the tablet and stream a film or tv show but instead of awful sound from the tablet you get to have a mini home theatre experience. Yes there is a little bit of compromise but I think overall it works well and is a little gem. Well done Sony

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This is an interesting product. It's not a soundbar, its not a true surround system, its a bit big to travel with, the surround speakers lack volume and definitionand & I'm struggling to identify the market. So, negatives aside, Sony have continued their great approch to renewable packaging. The product feels well built and easy to use. The compatible app is good and easy to use. Once set up, there is a reasonably good immersive experience from 2 channel sources but not that impressive if I'm 100% honest. Great ease of use. I'm just stuck with the impression of 'why?', but that is me just saying I couldnt find a use for it but I'm sure many would. It does what it does reasonably well but I dont think it offers a huge amount (for me).

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Firstly, I'm confused about powering the DEVICE. Before, I was always told for safety to use the supplied equipment that came with the HT-AX7. Now I'm free to select any charger I want that has a minimum 15watt ( I had a 15 watt. Didn't work) output but with no maximum stated. 55 watts would give me the quick charge ability but more than 55 watts isn't indicated as dangerous. I opted for a ' intelligent veriable' 65 watt max single port so that the wattage wasn't shared. This got th HT-AX7 fully charged.

Supplied instructions consisted of Safety, charging and downloading of the necessary app. Downloading from the play store was easy and problem free. The app itself seemed straightforward but on reflection seemed very basic.

I had already seen the speaker system in previews and also some reviews and was very pleased to be given the chance to test it for myself.

The look of the system.

I was expecting that the design look had a good reason as it doesn't look like anything else. I couldn't see it or hear anything that gave it good reason to look this way apart from it being a charge base for the satellite speakers.

I have 5 Sony speakers, 2 GTK-XB5, 2 SRS-XB30 and 1 SRS-X2. All coloured black apart from the X2 that is a battleship grey. The light grey fabric on the HT-AX7 goes with nothing I own. Indoors it stands out as odd. For outdoor use (like in the park), a light fabric seems impractical.

The sound quality is nothing special. I'm not saying it's average because all my Sony speakers are a good quality sound and this unit is on par with those. Strangely I prefer my SRS-X2 with the sound button on, giving a clear sound, rather the the extra base that goes with my other 4. There is a place for both but I do have that preference, so I do enjoy the clear sound option of the HT-AX7.

The features.

I started of with the settings that came on when I first turned the HT-AX7 on (No extra features). The center soundbar gave good sound but the satellite speakers were drowned out even with the balance volume up to max. As I increased the sound bar volume, the satellite speakers seemed to increase at a greater rate and eventually caught up to give a balance but it had to reach an uncomfortable level of volume to achieve it.

Next I tried with the sound field on. At low volume levels, the satellite speakers would only produce a cracked sound affect, seeming to not be able to handle the requirements needed and only when held next to the ear would you know it was even turned on. At a higher volume level, and again with the satellite speaker balance on max, could you hear the sound field start to work. I followed the positioning guide picture and after a shot time got the full benefits of what the system was offering. I couldn't tell where the music was coming from. It was all around me. It was very pleasant. BUT DONT MOVE. The guide picture shows a 'bubble' of sound. I would say there is a sweet spot and even rocking from side to side brings takes you out of the field. I took the system into the garden for that outdoor feel. Again after a bit of shuffling of all 3 speakers the sweet pot was found. I have to say again, it's great. I got up and moved around the supposed bubble. Obviously the sound doesn't stay in one place. The satellite speakers in their up facing position seemed to be a waste of sound. I put a book under both satellite speakers, tilting them towards the place I was sitting. With a bit more shuffling, I was able to again find the sweet spot and reduce the balance level of the satellites to 3-4 (couldn't decide if 3 or 4 was best but no 3½ option.

Battery life seemed wasted on the fact I had max volume on the ballance and having a higher volume on the soundbar to get the satellite speakers to come close to level.

Summary.

When your in the sweet spot, it's great, but it's not a plug and play. Late evening. Forget it. If you want the sweet spot, expect complaints from the neighbours. It needed to be too loud. Without the sound field on. It's not a value for money buy.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] A long review! As is usual with all Sony products nowadays, this speaker arrives in a sturdy recyclable cardboard (rounded) box. Simple but stylish, and better for the planet. On removing this rather interesting but unusual looking oblong shaped speaker from the box, it feels dense and high quality in the hand and is covered in a light grey fabric. The speaker sits on a small dark grey permanently attached rubberised plinth. In the box is also a white USB-C cable measuring 1.5m, which is provided for charging the speaker via the ONLY port on the entire unit, which is situated on the rear of the unit on the base plinth. But Sony DO NOT provide any plug adaptor in the box. What’s more, the plug adaptor has to be a high powered type (“PD”) capable of 15-45W of power. If your USB plug is not that powerful, the speaker unit will not charge and the orange charge light flashes/blinks. As I found out by personal experience! With a suitably powerful plug adaptor, you get a steady orange charge light which goes out when fully charged. The speaker unit takes around 4 hours to fully charge, and once fully charged the battery lasts for about 30 hours of playback which on my testing seems very accurate. Even a short 10 minute charge can provide 2.5 hours of playback which is pretty impressive.

The speaker measures 31cm (w) x 12cm (d), and 13cm (h) with the 2 detachable speakers attached or just 9.5cm high when they are not sitting on top of the unit. The whole speaker set up weighs 2kg, so fairly hefty for a compact Bluetooth speaker unit. Each of the 2 satellite speakers measure 12cm in diameter and 3.5cm tall and weigh just 300g, so easy to pick up and move around as needed. On top of the main unit is the central control panel which has a rubberised finish but with very precisely clickable buttons to power the unit On or Off, or activate Bluetooth for pairing, adjust the volume with + or - buttons or affect the sound field. As soon as the unit was turned On, for the very first time, (the unit arrived with plenty of battery charge), it was in Bluetooth pairing mode, and took just a few seconds to pair with my iPhone. I was playing music from my smart phone via the speaker in about 15 seconds. Very simple paring indeed! The unit can connect to many devices but only 2 at the same time. On turning the speaker On, it automatically connects to the last device it was connected to if within range. You can swap between devices by briefly pressing the Play button on the main unit or via the app. (More on the app in a moment). When connected to your smart phone you can activate your voice assistant, (Siri, in my case) by pressing and holding the unit’s Play button.

The 2 satellite speakers are magnetically held in place pretty strongly. I could hold the unit on its side or even upside down and the speakers held firm and even continued to play music! The speakers also charge via these magnetic areas when sitting on top of the unit. When charging, a small orange lamp glows beneath each speaker to indicate that they are on charge, and these lights extinguish when they are fully charged. The main unit does not need to be plugged in for the satellite speakers to fully charge,which can take 4.5 hours (compared to 4 hours for the main unit). Be aware that the main unit has only 2 front facing/firing speakers and 2 mainly side firing speakers so there are NO REAR speakers. The 2 detachable satellite speakers are only upwards firing.

Sound Quality: The HT-AX7 provides a typically warm Sony sound but I found the mid tones a touch muffled lacking clear separation. And the main unit overall lacking decent base. But high mids and trebles were very good. Not bad for a smallish speaker but nowhere near as bass heavy as Sony’s own XG300 Bluetooth speaker which I also own.

Now for the important part: Setting up the new HOME ENTERTAINMENT CONNECT APP. I had initially tried in vain to connect this Bluetooth speaker with my Sony “Music Centre” app which links to my XG300 speaker but it just would not connect. The HT-AX7 has to be connected with the new “HEC” app which is more for their TV and Soundbar products. A touch confusing! Once connected you have full control over the speaker unit and the satellite speakers. Up to this point, I thought that the satellite speakers were too weak, difficult to hear and disappointingly “tinny” sounding. “Low-fi” not “Hi-Fi!”

But in the app, I could see that by default, they were set to Level 1 for both Volume and Bass. Once set to “Max” (Level 10), the whole sound field improved massively. Now I could really hear them!

Initially I tried them with some Sony “360 Spatial Sound” demos on YouTube and then started watching films on my iPhone and iPad. Really impressive! It is best to place the main unit speaker, for example, on your bed, near your feet, and the satellite speakers either side of you on a bedside table and pillow. This seems wrong at first as the speakers may be sitting “wonkily” but the immersive sound field is incredible. Who needs a massive TV and a large 5.1 or more surround speaker setup when you can have this “bubble” of immersive sound produced around you wherever you consume your media and within a much smaller area? As we all increasingly consume media on our phones and tablets, I feel Sony may be on to a winner here! So I went from being initially unimpressed on initial set up (is this too niche of a product?) to realising that this could be the future of personal audio and film watching! I did not detect ANY lag either when watching films. Max volume on the main unit goes up to Level 50, but I found Levels 35-45 best. You have very precise control over the volume via the main unit or the app. There is also a dimmer switch to turn down the unit’s or speaker lights or turn them off completely. Nice touch Sony! You can also improve or change the bass and sound quality by varying the distance the speaker sits from a back wall for example or side units. The battery lasted a good 7 days of heavy use, using it as a music speaker and whilst watching films.

Downsides: This is only a Bluetooth speaker. No USB-A socket,(on UK or Euro models),No AirPlay, no headphone socket. No Line-In or Out. No Wi-Fi. And rather sadly no HDMI socket. If it had the latter, it would make an ideal kitchen or bedroom TV home cinema speaker with instant surround sound without the clutter or speaker cables. Or it would just improve the sound of a typically thin sounding LED TV instantly. You can probably connect this speaker to your TV via Bluetooth if your TV can do this, but that is not ideal.

Improvements: A carry handle would be nice. This speaker is designed to be moved about the place from desk to bed or lounge depending on where you are watching your media but you have to grab this hefty speaker with one or two hands to do so.

Improve the Connectivity with HDMI for example. A Headphone socket would be nice!

A dimmable digital clock behind the fabric would make it much more versatile as a bedroom or kitchen speaker. Add in a DAB radio?

Sound quality could be improved. A touch more clarity and separation in the mid tones and improving the bass response, which leads on to…

Make the main unit and the satellite speakers a touch bigger to make the sound field even more immersive. May be in the Gen. 2 version!

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The 360 Portable Spatial Sound Mapping from Sony (HT-AX7) arrived to my home and it feels quite light. Opening the box, there it is the HT-AX7 in a compact semi-egg like shape white plastic container. Taking out the unit , base and two satellite speakers in light grey colour is compact and with elegant finish. The unit is simple and minimalistic with a base unit that holds both circle satellites speakers at the top and on the back of the base the USB-c port is the only input to the USB-c charge cable.

The device is immediately recognized by Bluetooth enabled devices when the unit is switch. From my android phone play some of my favourites tunes the experience of 3D sound is refreshing. It gives the impression that satellites speakers are very low in sound emission when compared with the front based but they are engaged and sound effects are noticeable making the experience pleasant and unique.

With the Android app sound can be adjusted for satellites and base. It also allows to vary amount of bass modulated for front sound emitter adjusting sound experience according to the music or theme in reproduction.

Enable the unit also as a sound output for my TV and experience some of my favourite movies some streaming over the internet and some using my Blu-ray disk player and for the latter the experience of sound is more immersive and realistic.

The Sony HT-AX7 for music is superb and the sound ambient for live concerts is unique, allowing to experience the Reading and Leeds Music festival streamed live by BBC in a contained person-centered sound ambient making the listening experience completely new. .

Because of its portability also explore the 3D sound mapping while browsing or working in the computer with some music in the background emitted by the Sony HT-AX7. The good looks and sound quality brings a new way to the regular computer sessions.

A minor point that maybe Sony should consider is to make the surfaces of the satellite speakers with a material that can be clean or wipe as the sides have the same clothe like cover though I am not sure if the side of the satellites also release sound and is a key of the 3D sound mapping effects.

Overall the Sony HT-AX7 brings sound to a new experience level in a compact, elegant and portable unit.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Firstly to the marketing packaging,Sony is a proven provider of quality products,the packaging leaves a bit to be desired.Opening the box you see a fairly large unit,which again is lacking any prominently visible identity,in my opinion, putting the SONY logo on the unit and seperate speakers would let the speaker stand out.

Again no charging plug is included,which I do expect on a product of this price.

User instructions are limited but downloading the AP is easy and user friendly

Using my Smart phone,I can activate the Speaker via the Music AP,or the Sony AP,the later giving you greater control of the speaker

The sound quality is excellent,and spending a few moment in positioning the unit and speakers enhances the music experience,also playing your music with the speaker attached to the unit also provides a good sound experience

Overall a great product let down by its lack of visible identity

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] First impressions are that it's such a well packaged compact product. Rear speakers are charged on top of the main unit. Setup is via the Sony Home Entertainment App and was configured in a matter of minutes.

The sound output is excellent especially the surround sound which has depth and doesn't sound distorted even at high volume.

Only niggle is that although you have a power on/off switch on the main unit, it remains in standby mode when off. Id prefer to fully turn it off so it doesn't automatically activate everytime the TV turns on. Have found a workaround however so not to annoy the wife.

It's built from Solid materials and is fairly lightweight. As portable systems go its very good and battery last quite some time.

With no wires to connect the rear speakers it's excellent whatever Bluetooth device you connect it to.

A great edition to the home.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Sony HT-AX7 Portable Theatre System

The Sony HT-AX7 is a brand new, innovative, and compact Bluetooth Portable Theatre System measuring just 306mm x 133mm x 123mm, weighing in at only 2kg. with a 30-hour battery life when used at normal volume, and fully charged over a period of about four hours. It also incorporates a rapid-charging feature which allows two and a half hours of play following a mere ten-minute charge. One USB-C port is available exclusively for charging. It is so disappointing, however, that Sony requires UK audiophiles to purchase separately a 45W or higher USB PD compatible AC adaptor in order to charge their new theatre systems, which must surely diminish the initial excitement and enjoyment of owning and unboxing this unique, premier product. Having discovered that my 32W adapter failed to charge the system fully, it took three days until an additional 65W purchase arrived. Nonetheless, Sony are to be warmly commended on their environmental credentials, constructing the speakers from a light grey, though not waterproof, fabric material made from 100% recycled plastic which blends unobtrusively into every domestic setting. Strong protective packaging material, derived from bamboo, sugarcane and paper has further eliminated reliance on plastics. Bluetooth, battery-powered connectivity ensures total portability of this device both within and outside the home.

The system comprises three elements – a small front unit - and two circular, satellite rear speakers each 12cm in diameter. The front unit has two elliptical, front-facing speakers and two passive, rectangular radiators, one at each end of the cabinet, designed to reduce sound distortion, and enhance both bass frequencies and higher frequency vocal clarity. The rear, up-angled speakers, which charge automatically when placed magnetically on the front unit, are easily detached to be optimally positioned to create a perfect sound bubble envelope around the listener.

The easiest setup and operation guidance requires the Sony Home Entertainment Connect App, downloadable on portable devices such as smart phones, Apple iPads, and Samsung Galaxy tablets. Other devices including Bluetooth desktops, laptops, chromebooks and smart television sets, which do not support the app, are connected via the flashing Bluetooth function on the front speaker. The app advises on the optimum placement of the front and two rear speakers and provides complete control over content, volume, and other advanced features, although some can be easily accessed manually from discreetly raised controls on the front speaker enabling powering on and off, Bluetooth pairing, volume, and track controls and the innovative Sound Field mode. Bluetooth multipoint pairing is enabled with two devices so, for example, once a phone and laptop are paired, any volume adjustments can be made by phone to audio content on the laptop playing through the speakers.

Sound Field uses the acoustic magic and algorithmic genius of Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology to create a wonderfully cinematic, immersive, surround-sound experience by placing the three speakers within a metre or so of the listener to transform stereo signals into a three-dimensional listening experience. Although this is best experienced with the Sound Field on, switching it off, and increasing the distance between all three speakers will still fill several rooms with warm, rich sound. This remarkable system effectively enhances and upgrades the breadth, depth, richness, quality, and pleasure of everything listened to. Furthermore, it offers listeners opportunities to enjoy their entertainment within a flexible, versatile, portable, and deeply personal soundscape unique to their needs.

Although I used my Portable Theatre System to sample the arts, documentaries, drama, films, nature, news, science and sport, my preference remains for the fully immersive, vibrant, surround-sound textures of all music performances and particularly operatic, ballet, recital, and concert hall performances.

While sound quality will exceed all expectations, issues remain with a meaningful user guide – especially for the more mature audiophile with gradually reducing visual acuity. Although Sony provide detailed specifications in seventeen different languages, the text in a six-point font is virtually illegible and possibly inessential for the average listener. There is no time like the present for Sony to assemble an all-age Listening Panel to pilot, design and publish a user-friendly user manual for this remarkable product aimed at answering frequently asked questions and eradicating set-up trial and error for the less technologically gifted. A few more legible words from Sony will, for many, complete the magic of the music.