Sony SRS-X99 review – high-resolution multiroom speaker

Sound Quality

In terms of driver configuration, nothing has changed from the SRS-X9. Sony’s still managed to pack in seven speakers here, and these consist of two 50mm magnetic fluid drivers, a central 94mm woofer paired with two passive radiators, two 19mm front wide dispersion tweeters and two 19mm top tweeters. The front speaker grille can be removed using an included magnetic tool to expose the impressive drivers inside.

In terms of digital sound enhancement, there’s both DSEE HX, which upscales compressed files to near high-resolution levels, and Clear Audio+, which applies digital signal processing for crisper audio. I’ve never really been a fan of Clear Audio+, though, as while audio does sound marginally more detailed, it also adds in a tad too much bass, colouring the sound.

Thankfully, you’re afforded a decent amount of control over the EQ to get your music sounding just how you like it. On a flat EQ, the SRS-X99 sounds universally great across all genres. Orchestral tracks have presence and space, while hip hop has plenty of low-end drive and aggression. Listen to high-resolution tracks and you can begin to pick out even more detail. Acoustic tracks sound ethereal, with singer’s breathing becoming even more discernible for that authentic, in-the-room type of experience. Like the SRS-X9 that came before it, the SRS-X99 continues to sound excellent.

Conclusion

Perhaps unsurprisingly, considering how good the SRS-X9 was, the SRS-X99 remains an excellent speaker. The additions of Spotify Connect and Google Cast are useful and subsequent improvements to the SongPal app make it a fully-functional multiroom speaker. It trumps similar high-end speakers like Sonos’ Play:5 when it comes to connections and high-resolution audio support, but Sonos arguably still wins in terms of multiroom convenience and delivery, as it supports a wider variety of online streaming services. Depending on what you need, you certainly won’t be disappointed with the SRS-X99, especially if you shop around, as it’s often available for around £399, making it slightly cheaper than the Play:5 and therefore even better value.