I had already seen press releases presenting this type of product: neck straps supposed to be able to replace speakers. I admit I was puzzled. Would it be comfortable to wear? Not too heavy? And would it hold up? What would the feelings be? So when Sony, in addition to the Bravia XR X95J television, offered us to test one of these neck straps, I didn't hesitate to say yes immediately.
The unpacking is classic, a small white box, containing the product and a one-meter USB Type-C charging cable, all encased in cardboard. Also provided is a wireless transmitter to connect to the television, with its two cables: a digital optical cable of about 80 cm and a USB type-C cable of only 20 cm.
The product is light, about 300 grams according to my kitchen scale (317 g), made from a soft-touch gray plastic. The set is supposedly splash and sweat resistant (IPX4 rating which we couldn't really test). In any case, it seems sturdy, and it's very comfortable to wear, the weight is negligible and we didn't feel any discomfort at the support points (neck and shoulder), even after long use. The only downside is the cold effect of the first few minutes if the neckband is put on bare skin, and even if it is stored in a room at room temperature. Of course, if you always wear turtlenecks or shirts, nothing prevents you from putting it over your clothes, and that worry is no longer a concern! Fortunately, for the chilly that I am, it warms up very quickly.
The upper face is occupied on both sides by rectangular speakers (called X balanced). At the level of the neck, the collar is reduced, to be no more than a simple vertical bar of a few centimeters, very fine, which sticks against the nape of the neck. On the underside, two small openings, which are placed at the level of the lower shoulders, to better feel the sound effects. Inside, controls: large buttons, very easy to access, with embossed logos that identify well under the finger (fortunately because it is almost impossible to see them, even when squinting, once around positioned neck). The left part is dedicated to volume and pause, while the right allows you to turn on the device (same button to start Bluetooth synchronization) and deactivate the microphone. Small funny detail: once the helmet is on, a short press on the power button allows you to know the remaining percentage of the battery.
Once the transmitter is plugged into the correct ports and the neckband is paired, use with the Bravia TV is automatic. But it also works very well with other televisions, you just have to tweak in the audio input options after connecting the transmitter (don't do the same stupidity as us, trying to pair the headphones directly by Bluetooth with the TV). You must then take care to turn off the sound on the TV speakers to avoid an unpleasant echo effect. If you want to watch a movie as a family, it is necessary that everyone has a neck strap, which is clearly more intended for solo use.
A compendium of technology, the Sony SRS NS 7 speaker is compatible with Dolby Atmos, 360 Reality Audio and 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer. This latest feature, specific to Bravia XR TVs, analyzes the shape of the ear to optimize the sound field for a personalized Dolby Atmos experience. In fact, unlike conventional speakers, the sound here is directed upwards, towards the ears of the wearer. Very little distortion, for excellent sound reproduction, and this without cutting itself off from its environment. By setting the sound to a minimum so that the wearer can hear correctly, this is audible but difficult to understand for someone who is sitting next to him. It is enough to move away from a few meters not to be disturbed any more. And the wearer does not have to lock himself under a helmet, which risks hurting his ears after prolonged use!
The press kit advertises 12 hours of battery life, and that seems to match our tests. Having fully recharged the product upon receipt, it lasted about ten hours without worry. Then, we handled the object quite a bit, making multiple pairings, which necessarily reduced its autonomy.
Namely that the transmitter is necessary for a television, but that the neck strap can also be paired directly in Bluetooth on mobile phones (Android or iPhone). It is therefore advisable to install a free application, provided by Sony, in order to take advantage of the full potential of the speakers. First time I find myself taking pictures of my ears! Just a pity that the system is not compatible with iTunes Music, but only for the moment with 360 by Deezer, Artist Connection, nugs.net and TIDAL.
Technical specifications
Audio system
- Frequency band: 20Hz - 20,000Hz
- Supported content: SCMST
- Microphone : Electret Capacitor Omni directionnel
- Hands-free: yes
- USB Type C : oui
- Materials: elastomer, fabrics
- Multi-point connection: yes
- Optical input: yes (WLA NS7)
Food
- Type : DC
- Voltage: 5V
- Battery (internal): Li ion
- Battery capacity: 2900mAh
- Consumption: 7.5W (on)
- Autonomy: 12h
- Charging time: 4h
Bluetooth
- Technology : Bluetooth 5.0
- Range: approx 30m
- Frequency: 2.4GHz
- Modulation : FHSS
In conclusion, I was really impressed by the product. I find it difficult to keep headphones, or even earphones, on my ears for a long time. I tolerate some of them better than others, but the freedom to be able to enjoy an (almost) personal sound, with almost the same rendering as a soundbar, and that without bothering my family, is a luxury. of which I will not deprive myself. I say a luxury because, unfortunately, the product is really expensive. Currently, count 299€ on Amazon, FNAC or Darty, well beyond the classic price of headphones, and almost at the level of entry-level soundbars...
