sony BRAVIA Theater U: Private Sound Without the Headphone Hassle – Now on Black Friday Sale!
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There is a problem that most people living in blocks of flats share: you want to watch a movie or series at a decent volume in the evening, but simultaneously occurring you don’t want the downstairs neighbor knocking on your door or waking up the children. Classic headphones work, but after two hours your ears hurt, you can’t hear when someone calls you, and your head sweats under them. Sony BRAVIA Theater U offers a compromise: a personal neck speaker that won’t give you the same private sound as headphones,but it does much quieter than television and significantly more pleasant for long viewing.
Black Friday discount: CZK 4,999 instead of CZK 6,999
Sony BRAVIA Theater U is being sold for CZK 4,999 during Black Friday, a discount of CZK 2,000 from the original price of CZK 6,999. At first glance,that seems like a lot of money for a product that isn’t technically a soundbar or a headphone,but combines the benefits of both-while also having some of the limitations of both categories.
Already Alza.cz has a BRAVIA Theater U rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 28 reviews and over 500 units sold. Users especially praise the sound quality, comfort and long battery life, but at the same time point out that these are not classic headphones – the surroundings will hear you, just much quieter than the TV.
What exactly is it and how does it work?
BRAVIA Theater U is a wireless speaker in the shape of a collar which you put on your shoulders and around your neck.Speaker units with X-Balanced technology are located at both ends, which are meant to direct sound towards your ears – not into them, but towards them. The result is that you hear a strong, surround sound, but simultaneously occurring you perceive the surroundings. It’s not like wearing headphones were you’re entirely isolated; rather it resembles the situation when you are sitting in front of good speakers, only with the difference that the sound mainly goes behind you.
The device supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X a sony 360 Spatial Sound Personaliser which means it can create virtual surround sound around your head. When playing games or watching movies, you can actually hear where sounds are coming from – overhead, behind you, to the sides. It works surprisingly well, albeit with limitations.
Theater U will last on a single charge up to 12 hours which is more than enough for a marathon of several movies or a full working day of video conferencing. It charges over USB-C and it also supports fast charging – 10 minutes of charging will give you an hour of listening.
Who is Theater U ideal for?
This device makes sense in several specific situations:
Prefab housing: You want to watch an action movie in the evening, but you don’t want to disturb your downstairs neighbors. Theater U produces loud enough sound for you, but it’s not loud enough to bother anyone else.
Sony Bravia Theatre U Review: A Unique Solution for Private Home Cinema
The Sony Bravia Theatre U is a novel approach to personal audio, aiming to deliver a cinematic experience without headphones.This wearable speaker utilizes 360 Reality Audio for immersive surround sound,making it particularly appealing to those who want private listening without the discomfort of customary headphones,or who need to be aware of their surroundings. This review examines its features, comfort, and value proposition, especially considering recent pricing.
Design and Comfort
The Theatre U is designed to be worn around the neck, resting on your shoulders. It boasts dedicated physical buttons for volume, power, pairing, and microphone mute, thoughtfully designed to be easily located even without looking. Its lightweight build, weighing just 268 grams, contributes to a comfortable experience, with many users reporting they quickly forget they are wearing it.
However, the design isn’t perfect. The review notes a slight issue when lying down, as the device can press into the neck. It’s best suited for sitting or walking, rather than relaxed reclining positions.
Sound Quality and Features
The core strength of the Theatre U lies in its spatial audio capabilities. It supports 360 Reality Audio, allowing for playback of specially mixed surround sound content. While the initial setup requires the Sony Headphones Connect app, ongoing use doesn’t necessitate frequent app interaction. The sound quality is generally clear and immersive, though some users may find themselves desiring more bass.
The device also offers benefits beyond pure audio enjoyment. It’s a compelling option for those who:
* Live in shared accommodations (apartments) and need to avoid disturbing others.
* Have young children and want to enjoy entertainment without fully isolating themselves.
* Suffer from tinnitus or find traditional headphones uncomfortable.
* Simply dislike the feeling of headphones.
Pricing and Value
The original retail price of CZK 6,999 (approximately $300 USD as of November 24, 2023) is steep. However, the review highlights that a Black Friday price of CZK 4,999 (approximately $215 USD) significantly improves its value.
At the discounted price, the Theatre U becomes a more attractive option, but only for specific users. Those who live alone and don’t mind using traditional headphones or a small soundbar might find better value elsewhere. However, for those who prioritize the unique benefits it offers – privacy, comfort, and situational awareness – it presents a compelling solution.
Competition and Alternatives
The review correctly points out that the Theatre U occupies a relatively unique space in the market. While other neck speakers exist, few offer the combination of 360 Reality Audio support and a lightweight, comfortable design. Alternatives include traditional headphones (like those from Sony themselves Sony Headphones) or compact soundbars (like those reviewed by What Hi-Fi? What Hi-Fi? Soundbar Reviews).
Conclusion
The Sony Bravia Theatre U is a niche product that excels at solving a specific set of problems. It’s not a replacement for high-end headphones or a full home theatre system, but it offers a unique and comfortable way to enjoy private audio without complete isolation. If the discounted price aligns with your needs and priorities, it’s a solid buy.
What do you think about this product?
Sources:
* Alza.cz
* Sony Bravia Theatre U Official Page