There’s no better way to thrust everyone into party mode than firing up the Sony GTK XB90. The speaker’s Sony music center app lets you offer great lighting effects that light up the party like nothing else.
The Fiestable app means great DJ effects that add to the overall excitement of the party or event. Thanks to the speaker’s EXTRA BASS technology, the bass is always deep and punchy. And the 16-hour playback rechargeable battery ensures the party never stops.
Unfortunately, the speaker isn’t waterproof. So, don’t dunk it in salty ocean water no matter how crazy the party gets!
Features
- Weight: 36.5 lbs
- Dimensions: 29.1″ x 15.9″ x 16.3″
- Infinity mirror lighting
- Rechargeable battery that delivers 16 hours of playtime
- EXTRA BASS technology
- Sony Music Center app & Fiestable app
- Mic input
- 2-way design + built-in handle
- NFC and Bluetooth capabilities
- USB ports
- Three 2″ tweeters
- Two 7″ subwoofers
- Wireless party chain
- Stamina Mode
- Output: 60watt
Design
The Sony GTK XB90 features a two-way design that gives you flexibility regarding how you use the speaker. You may stand the speaker or place it sideways and still get amazing sound. The manufacturer decided not to make the speaker waterproof even though it’s marketed as an outdoor option. But you can be sure the product is water-resistant to some extent.
The design positions stunning infinity mirrors around the speaker’s lights. The mirrors bounce back and forth throughout the party, energizing everyone and keeping them dancing the whole time.
Another important feature the design offers is the Stamina Mode. At maximum volume, the speaker delivers only 3.5 hours of continuous playtime. But when you activate the Stamina Mode, the volume subsides a bit. As a result, you’ll end up with up to 1.5 hours of extra playtime.
One more thing. The design features a phone cradle and a USB port to make sure you never run out of charge.
Join Up to 10 Compatible Speakers
The design supports NFC and Bluetooth connectivity, so your audience won’t see a single moment of boredom. If it’s a large party and you want to have several speakers working for you, leverage the speaker’s Wireless Party Chain.
The Bluetooth capability allows you to chain together up to 10 compatible speakers for your outdoor party. The speaker pairs well with the XB60, XB40, SX30, and XB20 via Bluetooth. After you link them, be sure to synchronize the music and lighting. That way, everyone gets to dance to the same harmonious beat.
Sound Performance
If you equalize the sound correctly, you’ll get to enjoy the full bass spectrum. The speakers are powerful and produce bass that’s deep and punchy enough for an outdoor party or event. It’s not called XB (EXTRA BASS) for nothing. But if you seek bone-shaking sound, buy something else.
The speaker’s mids and highs aren’t exactly terrific. But chaining several compatible speakers solves the problem. Be sure the distance between the speakers doesn’t exceed 3 feet.
Users have said that by adding two XB31s and two XB60s to this speaker results in a sound that will blow you away. Note: if you’re experiencing connection problems with your phone, you’ll encounter synchronization issues between the speakers. But you can’t blame your speaker there, can you?
Thanks to its twitters and subwoofers, the speaker delivers a decent sound that’s quite loud. For the price, the speaker’s sound quality will meet your expectations. Here’s good news: you can pair two XB90s, organizing them into a left/right stereo system.
The Sony app works, but I’d say it does so seamlessly. In fact, it sometimes appears like the app has a zilch effect on lights and equalizer settings.
Ruggedness
While the speaker’s rugged design is great for outdoor use, the speaker isn’t waterproof. Honestly, there are quite a few comparable speakers that are waterproof and dustproof. I’m not saying don’t buy it. It’s still one of the loudest Bluetooth speakers out there. I’m simply saying I don’t like the fact that the speaker isn’t weatherproof.
Battery Life
Even though the manufacturer says the battery delivers 16 straight hours of playback, the reality is different. No one who plays the speaker at max volume while streaming music should expect more than 6 hours of playtime.
If you want more playtime so you won’t stop the party halfway through, crank the volume down a bit. Also, activate the speaker’s Stamina Mode. With the Stamina Mode on and your built-in rechargeable battery full, you’ll have up to 8 hours of dance time. You’ll also want to turn the lighting effects off.
Note: if you press and hold the Stamina Mode, the speaker tells you how much battery life remains. And pressing the stamina button just once automatically engages the power-saving mode.
Pros
- Pretty loud and decent bass
- Portable
- Stunning lighting effects
- Quick NFC and Bluetooth pairing
- Stamina Mode
- Can link up to 10 compatible speakers
- Can act as a small PA system
- Affordable
Cons
- Not weatherproof
- Speaker grille dents easily
- Not very good highs and mids
- Lights can be somewhat annoying
The manufacturer should have added the weatherproof feature to this speaker. You don’t want to buy this option if there’s a likelihood of getting a splash or two. Buying a waterproof cover would be a good idea.
Also, the grille that covers the tweeters and subwoofers seems somewhat delicate. It’s not very hard to dent it. But as long as you don’t bash the thing against rocks and trees, it should be fine.
The mids and highs are good enough, but I’d not say they’re perfect. But for outdoors you need bass and loudness. Also, the Sony Music app enables one to handle EQ settings and control the lights. Good news: if you don’t like the Sony app you can replace it with a third-party equalizer app for better performance.
As for lights coming back on without your input, you’ll just have to learn to set them right.
These negatives are noteworthy, and you should certainly choose something else if you’re not ok with them. Still, the speaker does what the best loud Bluetooth speaker does — it thunders throughout the party.
What’s in the Box
- Power cable
- Instruction manual
- Warranty card
- Quick setup guide
- Sony GTK-XB90
Warranty
One-year limited warranty. It covers labor and parts.
Conclusion
The speaker’s sound quality is good, but it’s not spectacular. In addition, the speaker isn’t weatherproof, and that’s a significant omission. But as far as portable outdoor speakers with Bluetooth go, the Sony GTK XB90 performs satisfactorily.
If you live in a climate that’s almost always wet, choose a different speaker. But if deep, punchy bass is what you are looking for, then go for it.