On March 1, Best Buy had a great deal on Apple iPhones (offering $150 for a trade-in on a working iPhone 4S). I traded my iPhone 4S for two 16GB iPhone 5S models.
My kitchen audio Logitech Speaker (model s715i with 30-pin connector) did not support the new Lightning connector or Bluetooth, so I had to replace it.
I was looking for a Bluetooth Speaker with the following features:
I got a new speaker with a Lightning connector or Bluetooth. After reading many reviews, consulting forums, and Consumer Reports, I settled on the Sony RDP-XF300IPN Wireless Speaker Dock.
My evaluation criteria are subjective, but I run the usual gamut of songs on each speaker to see how it handles heavy bass and vocals.
The sound on this Sony dock was fantastic, but the speaker is a bit deep, and I wanted to find something a bit narrower for our Kitchen countertop. I liked all of its features, from the built-in Bluetooth, Lightning connector, FM radio, OLED display, and remote control.
Positives:
The Sony sounded clear, with excellent highs and a nice bass response. Being too big, I considered looking for something smaller for my kitchen.
With that in mind, I first purchased the TDK A33 to see if I could do better than Sony.
The TDK was highly praised by Consumer Reports and many Amazon customers. I tried it in the store and liked it. However, when I compared it to Sony at home, it was immediately apparent that Sony was superior overall. The TDK A33 is small and has lovely highs, but the bass is seriously lacking.
Consumer Reports over-rated this speaker. It's not nearly as good as the magazine makes it out to be.
Pluses:
It also looked dated in design. I decided to return it.
Next, I tried the new Bose Soundlink 3, the latest Bluetooth speaker. It was highly praised on Amazon.com and on many forums.
The Bose is relatively small and looks nice on the countertop. However, it costs more than the Sony and does not sound as good overall (especially in the treble section). However, the difference was insignificant (as with the TDK).
Positives:
I returned it since it was not better than the Sony and was much more expensive.
Now, the only remaining speaker worth trying is the Sony SRS-BTX500. It's much narrower than the RDPXF300IPN, so it may fit better on the counter.
Positives:
The Sony SRS-BTX500 works well on the kitchen tower. It's much thinner and smaller than the RDPXF300IPN.
My kitchen audio Logitech Speaker (model s715i with 30-pin connector) did not support the new Lightning connector or Bluetooth, so I had to replace it.
I was looking for a Bluetooth Speaker with the following features:
- Highest Sound Quality
- Small Size / Portability
- Built-in battery (for use outdoors)
- Lightning Connector (if possible) to charge my iPhone 5S
- Price under $300
I got a new speaker with a Lightning connector or Bluetooth. After reading many reviews, consulting forums, and Consumer Reports, I settled on the Sony RDP-XF300IPN Wireless Speaker Dock.
My evaluation criteria are subjective, but I run the usual gamut of songs on each speaker to see how it handles heavy bass and vocals.
Positives:
- Bluetooth
- Lightning Connector (for iPhone 5S charging and playing)
- FM Radio
- Aux in (3.5 mm)
- OLED Display
- Remote Control
- Many DSP Surround Modes
- Excellent, modern styling
- Built-in battery for playing without Power
- 40W Power
- On sale on Amazon at $148
Negatives:
- Fairly deep
- Lightning Connector does not work well with iPhone 5S cases
- The power brick is bulky
With that in mind, I first purchased the TDK A33 to see if I could do better than Sony.
The TDK was highly praised by Consumer Reports and many Amazon customers. I tried it in the store and liked it. However, when I compared it to Sony at home, it was immediately apparent that Sony was superior overall. The TDK A33 is small and has lovely highs, but the bass is seriously lacking.
Consumer Reports over-rated this speaker. It's not nearly as good as the magazine makes it out to be.
Pluses:
- Bluetooth
- Weatherproof
- Aux in (3.5 mm)
- Very Small brick
- A USB port for charging devices
- Inexpensive ($150)
Minuses:
- Weak Bass response
- Ugly
- No Remote
- Disconnects from iPad devices randomly (needs a full reset to reconnect)
It also looked dated in design. I decided to return it.
Next, I tried the new Bose Soundlink 3, the latest Bluetooth speaker. It was highly praised on Amazon.com and on many forums.
The Bose is relatively small and looks nice on the countertop. However, it costs more than the Sony and does not sound as good overall (especially in the treble section). However, the difference was insignificant (as with the TDK).
Positives:
- Bluetooth
- Aux in (3.5 mm)
- Nice size
- Good styling
- Built-in Lithium battery
Negatives:
- Muddy Treble (not as good as Sony)
- No Remote
- No charging port
- Expensive ($299)
Now, the only remaining speaker worth trying is the Sony SRS-BTX500. It's much narrower than the RDPXF300IPN, so it may fit better on the counter.
- Bluetooth (v3.0)
- Aux in (3.5 mm)
- Shallow Depth
- Good styling
- 3 Surround Modes
- 40W of Power
- NFC
- USB Port for charging devices
- Hands-free Speakerphone
- On Sale on Amazon for $199
Negatives:
- Very wide
- No Remote
The Sony SRS-BTX500 works well on the kitchen tower. It's much thinner and smaller than the RDPXF300IPN.
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