The Sony SRS-NS7 is an unconventional product. It looks like a cross between a neck pillow and a speaker. So if you would like home theatre around your neck, this product is for you.

SPECS
PRICE: S$399, available on the Sony Store
Drivers: 2x Full-range Speakers + 2x Passive Radiators
Weight: 319g
Port: USB-C
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0

Sony is renowned for their audio products. From the ever-popular WH-1000XM4 headphones to WF-1000XM4 earbuds, which are considered one of the best on the market. In terms of audio quality, the SRS-NS7 is no exception.

The SRS-NS7 is Sony’s first neckband speaker with Dolby Atmos support. It also has 360° spatial sound, but this is only supported on BRAVIA TVs. With 360° spatial sound, you’ll feel like you’re in the cinema. It’s also smaller and less intrusive than a full surround sound speaker set-up. 

The SRS-NS7 speaker and a wireless transmitter, which is used for TV connections. You can also pair the speaker to devices using Bluetooth 5.0, which is great because I like to watch movies on my tablet.

To me, the main draw of this product is its ability to not disturb anyone else. It has low (but not zero) sound leakage. So you can watch loud movies without disturbing anyone else in your house. If you’re like me and you enjoy watching late at night, this is the one for you.

DESIGN

Looks-wise, I have no complaints. The speaker looks super sleek and build quality is great. At 319g only, it feels pretty light but definitely noticeable.

The back is made of a flexible silicone-like material, so it’s not super hard or uncomfortable on my shoulders. However, it does feel slightly uncomfortable on my collarbones. 

Since it’s unsecured, it moves when I move. You have to balance the speakers on your shoulders and avoid tilting from side to side. But they’re a good alternative if you dislike the clamping force or how ears can get hot from headphones.

You have to be upright for the speakers to rest properly, which is an issue for me since I’m a sloth and like to lie down and get comfortable. So take note if you’re like me!

The speaker also comes with 2 in-built mics, so you can take voice calls with it too.

FOR
– Can connect to multiple devices at once
– Won’t disturb others
– Great audio quality and surround sound

AGAINST
– Must sit upright
– Dolby Atmos only limited to BRAVIA TV

PERFORMANCE

Sound-wise, this speaker is great. The speakers beam audio upwards, directly into your ears, which allows the surround sound effect to shine. 

Movies and shows feel super immersive. The speakers are able to successfully replicate the ‘cinema-feel’ since they’re close to your ears. 

It has two passive radiators that beam sound downwards into your body, so the impact from bass can be clearly felt. I watched The Batman with these on. Every time he punched a baddie, the impact from the radiators felt really cool. 

Since they’re close to your ears, you can listen on lower volumes and still get the full effect. Plus, at lower volumes, you can still hear your surroundings which is great if you have a baby in the house or something. Max volume is pain, don’t do that.

Music sounds good but not great. Sound-stage is wide, but there’s a noticeable emphasis on the mids. If you’re looking for an audio device primarily for listening to tunes, a pair of headphones would be better.

BATTERY LIFE

On a full charge, these speakers will last around 12 hours if you’re just listening at normal volumes. If you use the mic function or listen at max volume, it will definitely run out quicker.

The speaker takes around 4 hours to fully charge, which is pretty slow. But if you’re in a hurry, a ten minute charge gives you around an hour of playtime. It charges with USB-C (yay!).

CONCLUSION

The SRS-NS7 headband speaker can be a really great product for the right person. Its features and functionality are pretty specific, so you have to make sure that they’ll work for you. I would recommend this if you enjoy watching movies late at night or if you’re looking for an un-fussy home theatre set-up. 

RATINGS
Features: 8/10
Design: 7/10
Performance: 8/10
Battery Life: 9/10
Value For Money: 7/10
OVERALL: 7/10