Sony SRS-NS7 Wireless Neckband Speaker - A wireless neckband speaker that promises you'll be neck-deep in surround sound
The NS7 is a realistic answer for settings requiring a directional yet open sound, but it falls short of providing a believable overall surround sound experience.
If you've ever wished you could listen to audio in a highly localized personal soundfield that follows you about without the uncomfortable isolation and pressure on your temples that headphones provide, you might be interested in Sony's premium SRS-NS7 neckband speaker. Perhaps you've shuddered at the prospect of a) becoming that person that compels others to listen to their music/phone calls and b) appearing a little ridiculous.
Undoubtedly, hanging a horseshoe-shaped speaker across your shoulders and going about your business in public may draw a few stares and ears, but the SRS-NS7 is quite effective as a practical and portable music device in a variety of households circumstances. However, this is a speaker created exclusively for home cinema, and despite its 3D audio credentials, we can't recommend it.
The SRS-NS7, like other neckband speakers, features a somewhat bendable U-shaped design that is worn on the shoulders with a gap in the front center. A pair of upward-firing full-range X-Balanced drivers that employ a non-circular form (3.2 x 3.3cm) to maximize the area of the diaphragm for greater sound pressure are located about halfway down both sides, right above the collar bone. A pair of passive radiators are hidden behind them to help increase the neckband's low-frequency response.
The SRS-NS7 weighs 318g, which is comparable to a set of over-ear headphones, but it isn't designed to require clamping force to stay in place and, in general, is rather pleasant to use for extended periods of time. The underside is covered in silicone and is wipe-clean, but there is no cushioning, and despite its flexibility, the absence of size adjustment means that the speaker may be too small for some.
The top is wrapped in grey fabric, and the item has an IPX4 classification, making it splash-resistant. Two sets of controls, one for power and Bluetooth connection and one for volume, are located on the inside borders, together with a covered USB-C charging connector and an in-built microphone. The battery life is supposed to be 12 hours, however when listening at loud volumes, this is usually cut in half, and while a 10-minute charge offers an hour's more life, the speaker cannot be used while charging.
The SRS-NS7 is a powerful and revolutionary wearable speaker that can give clear functioning audio to a single user. The neckband, on the other hand, is still limited by the restrictions of extremely small speakers, with a lackluster bottom end, and the addition of Dolby Atmos compatibility, sadly, isn't properly accomplished. The SRS-NS7 offers practical features that may appeal to some as an alternative to headphones.
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