Sony's neckband Dolby Atmos audio device delivers satisfying sound quality; however, its intended audience remains unclear.
As a guy pushing 40, there's a lot I can't wrap my head around these days - happy hardcore music, soccer obsession, and Gen Z slang. And this week, there's a new entry on my list: neckband speakers, like Sony's Bravia Theatre U.
Neckband speakers are a growing, albeit niche, category of home cinema and gaming audio hardware designed to provide a personalized, 360-degree audio experience that doesn't require complex speaker arrangements or messy cable management. Intriguing, right? I thought so too, especially with the support for Dolby Atmos.
During our testing, the Bravia Theatre U came out on top, easily surpassing the Sony SRS-NS7 and the Panasonic GN01 - a speaker I used to use at my old workplace before joining our site. Impressed as I was, the four-star review couldn't shake my confusion about neckband speakers as a category.
To clarify, I'm not bashing Sony or any other companies exploring this arena; I just don't get the allure of neckband speakers. Here are my two main reasons:
One, the "personalized" aspect. Since they're designed for single-use, they deliver on their "personalized" promise for one person at a time. However, this means the end user makes noise that everyone else can hear, making them impractical for certain situations, such as watching movies in bed or on a plane/train without disturbing others.
A pair of headphones, on the other hand, allows me to enjoy the 'movie night in my head' without bothering others. Apple's AirPods Max paired with an Apple TV 4K or modern iPad demonstrates this concept perfectly. Why complicate things by introducing a new design and category that people might not necessarily be asking for? It feels like an instance of 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it.'
Two, the design. In my book, I've already accepted that I'm not the coolest cat out there: I'm a proud prog fan with a collection of Styx T-shirts, and I gleefully belt out Meatloaf ballads in the shower. So adding a wearable techie toilet seat around my neck while watching movies feels like going too far. I still have some semblance of self-pride, and I'm not ready to let it go just yet.
That's my take on neckband speakers, but hey, people have different tastes, right?
- I'm considering buying a new hi-fi speaker system for my home, and the news about wearable gadgets like neckband speakers has piqued my interest.
- I prefer traditional speaker systems or a good pair of headphones for immersive audio experiences during movie nights, but neckband speakers are gaining popularity due to their 360-degree design and convenience.
- During the audio reviews, the Sony Bravia Theatre U neckband speaker stood out, delivering excellent performance, but its design is something I'm still grappling with.
- reviewing various brands of neckband speakers, I realize their potential as a niche category in the audio market, but their practicality and design might not appeal to all consumers.
- technology has made significant strides in the development of wearable devices like headphones and smartwatches, but neckband speakers seem to push the boundaries of acceptability for some people.
- If you're looking for a personalized audio experience without the hassle of complex cable management, consider exploring neckband speakers like the Sony Bravia Theatre U, but be mindful of their impact on those around you.
- While neckband speakers may offer unique benefits, the convenience of a traditional hi-fi speaker system or a good pair of headphones grants a more versatile and private audio experience during movie nights and other situations.
