Home entertainment systems are becoming increasingly high-tech and immersive, with products that can take audio and visuals to the next level. Quality audio, especially, is more available now than ever before; between large speaker set-ups and sleek soundbars, you have a myriad of options and sizes to choose from that all sound wonderful. And while portable Bluetooth speakers have also been rapidly improving, they’re not the first choice for a home theater system. This is why the Sony HT-AX7 Portable Theater System is such an interesting release, because it’s a set-up that boasts portability, as well as high-quality spatial audio.
This system has three main parts, including the main speaker and two smaller satellite speakers. The main speaker can charge the smaller ones and hold them in place, but you should utilize Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping tech to its fullest by placing the set around you (or the room). This technology uses an algorithm that transforms stereo sound into three-dimensional surround sound and creates phantom speakers in front, behind, and above you. The set is entirely wireless and automatically pairs, so set up and use is a breeze, made even easier with Sony’s Home Entertainment Connect app. Additionally, the system connects to TVs via Bluetooth, so you don’t have to hassle over additional wires.
As for the battery life, you get up to 30 hours of playback and a quick-charging feature that gives you 2.5 hours more on a 10-minute charge. The design overall is simple and subtle (unlike some other Bluetooth speakers), so it can seamlessly fit in with the rest of your entertainment system, and go with you elsewhere as you can easily carry it with one hand.
The Sony HT-AX7 Portable Theater System is available now for pre-order, priced at $499, and slated to ship and hit the shelves in August.
