Besides volume control, the play/pause button, the power button and the Bluetooth pairing key, there is also a live button for flipping modes. The rubber keys on top of the case are mostly self-explanatory. (Photo: Sony) Operating and connecting Sony´s SRS-XB33 (Photo: Sony) Under the hood on the back there are some sockets plus keys for pairing. If the light effects aren’t colourful enough, the Sony SRS-XB33 is also available in red. Connecting it to voice recognition such as Siri or Google’s voice assistant in the connected phone also works smoothly. The Sony SRS-XB33 connects easily to Sony´s Music Center app plus the Sony Fiestable app, and also offers various sound effects like a 3D processor. Both options can be enabled with or without the app by just pressing the dedicated buttons on the back. HiFi fans might be tempted to enable stereo pairing when owning two units which is clearly recommended if you expect any imaging or ambience. Finally, Party Connect mode allows you to wirelessly daisy-chain up to 100 units of the same type together and then have them lights pulsating in synchronicity. It clearly delivers a bit of party atmosphere, even if there is no lighting. The built-in lighting effects illuminate both speaker drivers as well as one side ring each. However,upright operation of the Sony SRS-XB33 is at least possible if the surface is even and rigid, since the rings offer a slight recess. Two passive compound drivers hidden behind the protective rings on the sides reinforce the lower bass region. So we might expect a slightly narrower directivity pattern and would not put too much of hope into the virtual stereo arrangement as the two drivers sit close to each other usually resulting in a somewhat limited ambience. Instead of four drivers with enlarged frequency range handling plus wide directivity pattern as in the XB43, however, just two oval-shaped full-range drivers form kind of a virtual stereo mode. The slanted shape also offers clearly the advantage of a secure position in horizontal operation with the drivers facing slightly upwards in some kind of wedge monitor style. Its shape makes it look more compact than it actually is, and at a good kilo and just under 25 centimetres long, you might find some space in your backpack for this Sony but you´ll notice it later. Besides the obligatory black, there is also beige, red and blue option to choose from. The Sony SRS-XB33 is positioned as kind of a hybrid for a variety of situations, may it be living room or garden parties. But we got plenty of reserve in both cases with or without lights: spec sheet is promising a whopping 24 hours without and a maximum of 14 hours with effects. But – everything nice comes at a cost! That´s usually battery runtime when it comes to lights. Next to the two fullrange drivers some multi-coloured LEDs are located creating a decent light effect in a variety of colours. This applies to both the outdoor-compatible housing with Water and dust ingress protection according to IP67, as well as the built-in party lighting console around the illuminated drivers. Despite from that it looks pretty much like a smaller version of the bigger Sony SRS-XB43´s concept, which got a pretty review some time ago. It outperforms its closest competitors in sound quality.The Sony SRS-XB33, coming in at just a bit more than one kilogram, shows a certain tendency towards its more elegant sybling SRS-XB23 (which we have reviewed already) in terms of size and price. The Sony SRS-XB33 has impressively rich and good bass, and extends beyond the size. After doing a few important adjustments to the sound in the app. No matter what kind of music you like, the Sony speaker does it better. And if you’re wondering if Marshall Emberton rocks better, I do not think so either. It has both the bass, the sound pressure, and the ability to separate instruments and voices better from each other. Vocals sound rounder and better than with the JBL Charge 5, the XB33 is just simply a better speaker. Electronic music sounds rhythmic and tough, and it was born to rock. I prefer to raisee the treble a few notches, and, conversely lower the bass notch to avoid it being too oppulent. The sound balance is then warm and full, and is the most entertaining we have tested in this class. Therefore, make sure that this is activated. Like the SRS-XB23, the XB33 sounds pretty flat and tame with Extra Bass turned off. It has built-in, flashing party lights, and you can change the color and rhythm of in the app. Multiple speakers can be connected wirelessly, either in party mode or in stereo.
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