Sony SRS-BTM30

The Sony SRS-BTM30 is a portable, wireless speaker system that features Bluetooth connectivity, meaning it can pair with a compatible A2DP Bluetooth device and receive a stereo audio signal. It doubles as a regular speaker system thanks to a line-in jack, but the SRS-BTM30 ultimately places wireless convenience over sound quality.

The SRS-BTM30 produces balanced sound at lower volume levels with most musical styles. However, when the volume is raised, distortion becomes evident and the sound quality deteriorates. The bass distorted on most of the musical styles that we played, and without bass or treble controls, we couldn't tweak the output to get clearer sound.

This is an issue on many similar systems we've reviewed, so it isn't surprising, but it's still disappointing for a unit with such a high price tag. It means that the SRS-BTM30 can only be set to at a low volume level in order to produce clear sound. Those looking for a wireless speakers system for parties or for filling a room with sound will be disappointed, but it's fine for close-range, quiet listening.

Perhaps the best part about the SRS-BTM30 is its design; light, portable and quite stylish. It consists of two 48mm magnetically shielded speakers, both concealed by a black mesh. The front of the unit is finished in a dark grey plastic, while the rear features a flashy silver finish. The two speakers extend out of the back of the unit, with the space between each speaker housing the rear DC and line-in ports. This is an unconventional speaker placement, but it means the SRS-BTM30 can be laid flat, or sat in an upright position.

Controls reside on top of the unit and include an illuminated power button, an ID Set button for pairing a Bluetooth device and volume up/down controls. The buttons are firm and slightly raised, which makes them easy to press. Pairing with a Bluetooth device is a simple as holding down the ID Set button for seven seconds. This will enter the unit into pairing mode, detect any A2DP Bluetooth devices within range (ten metres, or so), and connect automatically.

The SRS-BTM30 can run either on AC power (an adaptor is included in the sales package) or on batteries. Three AA batteries can be installed in the concealed battery compartment at the bottom of the unit, and this makes the SRS-BTM30 useful for traveling. It can be a useful system to have while staying in a hotel room, for example. The rear of the unit also has an auxiliary input for the connection of alternate audio sources, but an audio cable isn't supplied with the unit.