Sony’s new wireless neckband speakers sport Dolby Atmos

By Phil Nickinson October 4, 2021

Sony today announced its new SRS-NS7, the latest wireless neckband speaker from the Japanese electronics manufacturer. And along with it comes the WLA-NS6 wireless transmitter. Combined, they give wearers a slick Dolby Atmos-compatible experience with Sony’s Bravia XR televisions.

The gist, for those who have yet to experience a wearable speaker, is that it’s the sort of thing designed for someone who wants their audio as close to their ears as it can get, without actually being in their ears. There are lots of reasons for that, and it’s a cool option to have, even if it does look a little odd.

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There’s also a transmitter bundled with the SRS-NS7 (the aptly if awkwardly named WLA-NS7), and together they’re priced at $300.

Sony SRS-NS7 — Sony Electronics

Both the neckband and wireless transmitter are available now for pre-order. Amazon shows them shipping in early November.

“The SRS-NS7 transforms the way customers experience their favorite Dolby Atmos movies thanks to Sony’s unique 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer,” Tyler Ishida, deputy president for Consumer Business Group for Sony Electronics, said in a press release. “With powerful audio, long-lasting battery, and an extremely comfortable design, this product is made for nonstop entertainment.”

In addition to enhancing enjoyment of movies with Dolby Atmos, Sony also is positioning the wireless neckband as a work-from-home option that’s more comfortable than earbuds or headphones, with “perfect” microphone placement. It also has echo-canceling built in, so you can avoid echo and feedback.

Movies aren’t the only content that’ll benefit from the 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer, Sony says. Audio services like Deezer, mugs.net, and Tidal also can take advantage. And if you have other select Sony headphones, you’ll be able to use the wireless transmitter with them for the 360 Spatial Sound experience, too. On its own, the transmitter costs $60.

The SRS-NS7 should last up to 12 hours, Sony says, and up to five hours if you’re listening at full blast. And a 10-minute change should get you an hour of use.

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Phil spent the 2000s making newspapers with the Pensacola (Fla.) News Journal, the 2010s with Android Central and then the…

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