popularphoinix | Staff posted Today 07:19 AM
Item 1 of 4
Item 1 of 4
popularphoinix | Staff posted Today 07:19 AM
$173*: Sony BRAVIA Theater U Wireless Wearable Speaker at Amazon
$173
$300
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Having gotten several pair of the Boomerangs for less than $35 on flash deals (used to be very common a few years ago but I haven't seen them go that low in a very long time as they have become more popular), I'm always wondering just how much of an improvement, if any, these bigger name brand models could actually offer to justify the massive price jump that come along with models from Sony, Panasonic, Bose, etc.
Having gotten several pair of the Boomerangs for less than $35 on flash deals (used to be very common a few years ago but I haven't seen them go that low in a very long time as they have become more popular), I'm always wondering just how much of an improvement, if any, these bigger name brand models could actually offer to justify the massive price jump that come along with models from Sony, Panasonic, Bose, etc.
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Having gotten several pair of the Boomerangs for less than $35 on flash deals (used to be very common a few years ago but I haven't seen them go that low in a very long time as they have become more popular), I'm always wondering just how much of an improvement, if any, these bigger name brand models could actually offer to justify the massive price jump that come along with models from Sony, Panasonic, Bose, etc.
This Sony is a good product. I've owned this model and the similar one this replaced. The sound is more natural than the Bose (which was very good but is an obsolete model) and Monster, and is pretty comfortable too. The only complaint is the usual price is too high. That being said there isn't a better one that I could find when I bought it.
Nowadays, open ear style buds have replaced these for me (e.g. clip style). None of these open style options are for critical listening because they don't have deep bass, but the clip style allow me to move around and not have to worry about them falling off. This is especially true when I'm doing yard work.
Setup and calibration through the Sony apps was straightforward, and I know there are some niche use cases where these might shine (particularly with certain streaming services that have enhanced audio modes). But at the end of the day, they are exactly what the product name suggests: a wearable speaker that happens to sit near your ears.
What they are not is private or "laser-focused" sound. Even at modest volumes, the audio is clearly audible from across a room. Anyone nearby will hear what you're listening to. I would not want to be working in the same space with someone using these (just as I dislike hearing portable Bluetooth speakers on an otherwise quiet hike).
From looking at other reviews elsewhere, it seems I'm not alone in this assessment. Many people have pointed out that while the Theater U can sound immersive to the wearer, the sound leakage is more significant than you'd expect for something marketed as a "personal" solution.
Overall: 2.5/5 stars. These are basically a wireless neck-mounted speaker - not a private listening device.
This Sony is a good product. I've owned this model and the similar one this replaced. The sound is more natural than the Bose (which was very good but is an obsolete model) and Monster, and is pretty comfortable too. The only complaint is the usual price is too high. That being said there isn't a better one that I could find when I bought it.
Nowadays, open ear style buds have replaced these for me (e.g. clip style). None of these open style options are for critical listening because they don't have deep bass, but the clip style allow me to move around and not have to worry about them falling off. This is especially true when I'm doing yard work.
These shoulder speakers are very comfortable, the weight just disappears after while so I can just leave it on my shoulder all day. You can pair them with multiple (2) Bluetooth devices at the sometime and it can switch automatically depending on which one have active sound coming in. You can also pair 2 of these to a Sony Bravia Tv with each person having different volume. If its connected to the new Sony Bravia tv, you will get to enable their simulated surround sound engine. It also have built-in omnidirectional microphone so you and make and answer phone calls too if its paired with your phone.
here what I have use these with:
Pair up with TV so that I can still hear the TV when I cook in the kitchen or walk around the place. The sound leakage is very noticeable, but its quieter than turning up the volume on the tv or sound system. The sound is very good and clear too with just enough base.
For those that wears headphones, when the weather gets HOT or if you are going to be eating HOT or spicy good, you will normally want to remove your headphones, but with these you can leave it on your shoulders and the hot weather or food will not effect you.
For those that still drives an old car with not so great speakers, you can wear these with you when you drive since its not headphones. and use it to enjoy better music and use as hand/free headset for calls too. (if you are a delivery courier, they may or may not allow this so you will need to confirm with your manager)
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