The HT-AX7 is a new type of speaker system that the company refers to as a 'portable theatre system' for video and music with up to 30 hours of battery life.
Sony says that the new type of sound system is designed to be placed in any room that it can automatically adapt to.
Sony HT-AX7 is wireless and portable. Photo: Sony
To do that, it is using '360 Spatial Sound Mapping' technology that maps the room and attempts to create "phantom speakers at the front, rear, and overhead", according to the company.
As you may recall, some of Sony's soundbar and AV systems already use this technology for spatial audio.
Also read: Review: Sony HT-A9
Wireless
There is a main unit and two extra detachable speakers that can be used as rear speaker units for surround sound. It is all wireless.
The rear speakers charge when docked to the main unit. Sony claims that the full system delivers battery life up to 30 hours, but it will obviously depend on the volume. A 10-minute charge should deliver up to 2.5 hours of play time.
How? It is using Bluetooth, which makes us worry about latency when watching movies. We have not had a chance to try it or listen to it yet so it remains to be seen how performance is.
Photo: Sony
Portable
The idea of course is that you can use it for more than just movie night. It connects to other Bluetooth devices, too, including your smartphone and tablet for video and music playback, and it can be brought into any room or even outside.
2-channel audio sources are up-mixed so that it uses all speakers.
The Sony HT-AX7 will be available in august for $500, £500 and €550.
Sony HT-AX7 – specifications
Audio Formats
Bluetooth® (Receiver): AAC, SBC
USB: WAV, MP3, WMA
Battery
Battery Life: Approx. 30 hours
Charge Time: Front Speaker: Approx. 4 hours, Rear Speaker: Approx. 4.5 hours
Play time in 10min quick charge: Approx. 150 minutes
Interface
Input and Output Terminals: USB typeA
Bluetooth® version: 5.2
Sound Function
Sound Effect: Night Mode, Voice Mode
Sound Mode: Sound Field
Virtual Surround Technology: 360 Spatial Sound Mapping
Amplifier
Amplifier Type: S-Master
Details
Power Consumption: Approx. 3 W
Size & Weight
MAIN UNIT SIZE – BODY ONLY (W X H X D): 112.13" x 3.88" x 4.88"
MAIN UNIT WEIGHT – BODY ONLY: 3 lb 2 oz
Rear speaker size (W X H X D) (MM): 4.88" x 1.56" x 4.88"
REAR SPEAKER WEIGHT (KG): 11 oz |
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