This is the SRS-WS1, Sony’s first wearable speaker.
Now although I do see the use case and potential for this product category… the WS1 still
very much feels like a prototype.
So I don’t recommend that you run out and get this product and under no circumstances
is it superior to a proper sound bar or a pair of headphones…
But I still like when companies try out new things, and maybe in a few years Sony’s
wearable speaker might be pretty awesome.
So the WS1 retails for $300 and for that you get the speaker, a transmitter that hooks
up to your tv via a digital optical cable, you get a charging cradle, and you also get
two long USB A to Micro USB cables and two USB A wall warts to power the transmitter
and charging cradle.
Now obviously one of my first critiques here is that I wish the Transmitter and charging
cradle were one unit cause it would lead to a cleaner set up.
But interestingly enough you don’t actually need to use the charging cradle to charge
the WS1 cause you can also charge it via its own micro usb port.
Now when it comes to the build quality of this speaker… it definitely isn’t sony’s
best work and it does pale in comparison compared to Bose’s wearable speaker.
So the outside of this speaker is plastic and the inside is lined by fabric.
But there isn’t any actually padding underneath the fabric.
Now when it comes to fit of this speaker… the WS1 is definitely better suited for people
with a more slender build.
For me I can’t help but feel that this speaker feels a little small.
Now even though yeah this speaker does flex a little bit, its nowhere near as flexible
or as malleable as Bose’s wearable speaker.
So overall you never really forget that its there.
Now I want to address the connectivity of this speaker cause there’s definitely a
lot of confusion.
First off this speaker does not have Bluetooth so you can’t pair it to your phone.
However… you do get a micro usb to 3.5 millimeter audio cable so you can hook it up to what
ever you want.
Which again I find very interesting but ultimately I wish this speaker had bluetooth.
But this speaker is primarily meant to be used with your tv.
And like I mentioned earlier the transmitter hooks up to your TV via the digital optical
port.
And when it comes to wireless performance I have no complaints.
Ive had zero latency issues, I can go into a different a room and not suffer any connection
drops, and the speaker pairs up the transmitter every time im going to use it.
I haven’t had to fiddle around and get the speaker work cause pairing failed or something.
Now when it comes to speaker set ups each stem has a transducer and passive radiator.
And you can also adjust how bass this speaker has with this button.
So if youre watching something and want to physically feel what’s going on you can
either have it set to off, medium, or high.
Now when it comes to the over all sound quality of this speaker when watching movies with
it… my main take away is that they get the job done but you really only hear the broad
strokes of what going on in a scene.
Dialog and more dominate sounds like a doors closing, cars, or gun shots are easily heard
with this speaker.
But more nuanced sounds like back ground noise, foot steps, or just ambiance easily get over
powered.
But so you can see what its like listening to this speaker we’re going to jump into
a sound test.
Now this is a binaural sound test so if you have headphones put them on… and im also
going to show you what other people around you here when you’re using this speaker.
So like I said, this speaker gets the job done but more nuanced sounds get easily over
powered.
But none the less I do see the potential for this product segment specifically for people
who live in apartment buildings.
You can enjoy your content in surround sound but not risk being a disturbance to your neighbors
or getting a visit from your landlord.
Now when it comes to gaming, if you’re playing campaign then sure why not.
But if you’re playing competitively online I wouldn’t recommend that you use this speaker
cause you’ll be at a disadvantage.
Like I mentioned earlier nuanced sounds easily get lost with this speaker.
So its hard to listen for footsteps, reloads, or gun shots.
And since the left and right separation on this speaker isn’t amazing it can be a little
hard to determine where certain things are coming from.
But so that you can see for yourself we’re going to jump into another sound test.
Now these aren’t my best kills, but I choose these clips cause of everything thats going
on in them.
So like ive been saying, you hear the broad strokes of what’s going on but more nuanced
sounds are easily overpowered.
Combined with fact that it can be little challenging to determine where certain things are coming
from… playing with WS1 is a handicap compared to a pair of entry level gaming headphones
like with lets say the Arctis 1.
So over all, I don’t recommend that you get the WS1… but I do see the potential
here.
I think that this product segment would be a good option for someone who lives in an
apartment and wants to enjoy surround sound with their content but not risk being a nascence
to their neighbors.
But sony still has a lot of work to do.
The WS1 needs be more flexible and malleable so that they can conform to more body types.
I also think Sony should try to add two smaller speakers that are placed behind your ears
so that there’s a better surround sound effect.
And if they can throw in bluetooth then the WS1 would be way more versatile.
But for now if you can use a sound bar without any problems just use that.
But if you do live in an apartment I think you’re better off with a pair of headphones.