With six watts of power, these speakers produce a quality sound. Sony also uses sigma-type magnetic circuitry which aids in producing a deep bass sound. The 1 1/2 inch speakers deliver excellent sound for their size. The 1 1/2 inch bass reflex woofer has a folded sound duct for high acoustic output. Sony has also engineered a "floating" speaker design into the SRS-Z1. This design elevates the speakers slightly and eliminates reflective waves, creating a crisp and accurate sound. Stylish looks, crisp sound, quality bass: the SRS-Z1 creates big sound in a small package.

What's in the Box
Sony SRS-Z1 speaker system, connecting cord, AC adaptor, user's manual and a ninety day warranty.

They are very pleasing to the eye, but it's sound that we're concerned about, so I'll get right down to it.

Sweetness and clarity are the first things that spring to mind when describing these beauties.Absolutely no coloration in the mids, no boominess, and lacking that jarring harshness most associated with portables.Listening to the soundtrack from 'the mission', the voices were projected with a room filling strength that far belies it's meagre 3 watts per channel rating.The stereo focus was sharp, and voices were placed dead centre.

And this from a listening position about 10ft. away from the speakers!

It definitely lacks a bottom end, but more than makes up for it through its sheer musicality and yes, transparency.These are words normally reserved to describe expensive speakers within the main system, but I have no hesitation in using them here.

I was able to do a comparative listening test with the more expensive and heavier box like sony 1000Z, and the srs-Z1 win hands down.Sony claims to use a special bio-cellulose blended into the central part of the diaphragm for strength and lightness as well as using OFC copper lead polyester film capacitors in the amplifier for better clarity.

It seems whoever designed these at sony has an ear for sound.

There is definitely room for improvement- a compact subwoofer would take care of that thin bottom end, and dare I let my imagination fly...A couple of tubes and a remote?? That would definitely make it a dream hi end portable!!!

But back to earth for the moment, if you are looking for a portable hi end sound, this is it!

One other drawback- It only runs on a 9 volt adaptor, so if you are travelling to places (as i do) where electricity is still a vague notion, it might do well to improvise a battery pack.

(sony- are you listening ? )


Giant Killer (with a little help)   December 17, 2004
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

I had been looking for a better quality speaker to replace the high quality (but huge) speakers that were packaged with my new Sony R series computer. I considered the Bose media mates and others recommended on this site but most still took a significant chunk of real estate and did little to free up visual space either. So I noticed the SRS-Z1 on the Sony website and immediately thought, there is no way that those tiny little things with only three watts per channel are going to sound half as good as my current speakers but...

So here they sit on my desk, barely even noticable among the stacks of... never mind. Bottom line, if you want an all in one portable system or a simple two speaker, easy-on-the-eyes replacement for your computer speakers LOOK SOMEWHERE ELSE! If however you are willing to add a subwoofer and create your own mini audiophile system BUY A SET NOW!

Without a good sub these speakers are huantingly transparent and accurate to a fualt but they have no bass what-so-ever. Imagine a set of $1.99 headphones and you'll be in the right frame of mind. Yes, the fidelity is much higher than a transister radio but the frequency loss on the low end is similiar. Once a sub with mini plug output is added however this system just opens up. Freed of the need to produce the low frequencies these speakers make mids and highs seem to hang in the air as smoothly and delicately as anything else on the market. After about ten minutes of E.Q. adjustment on my computer these speakers are comparable in sound to my (Much larger floor speakers) Bose 701s in the living room, with a little help from the sub.

If the price tag scares you, remember that prices vary wildly from shop to shop and todays latest and greatest is tomorrows bargain bin filler.




This speakers are WAY Overpriced   January 14, 2004
 6 out of 10 found this review helpful

If you really want portable speakers that sound great and cost a lot less go for the Bose Mediamates. They have exceptional sound quality for their size and price. Search for them and read my review on the Bose Mediamate! If you just want great speakers that go even louder than the Bose and have room shaking bass and can afford expesnive ones go for the Bose Companion 3! It is an AMAZING speaker system and it is like $20 more dollars than htis Sony speakers... go to www.bose.com and take a look at it under the Game and PC Section!


A wonderful pair of mini speakers!   August 25, 2001
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

One of the smallest speakers on the market with fully qualified hifi sound. It's incredible that so small speakers could manage to create such a large soundstage. They present treble and midrange with an accuracy similar to electrostatic speakers. The bass is good enough, but lacks in quantity and power. My only recommendation: Buy and enjoy them ! I'm doing so !


High fidelity on a high prize.   February 8, 2001
 2 out of 3 found this review helpful

Sony SRSZ1 are a great invest if you like a good sound. They have a great design and the separated amplifier fits anywhere. The sound is clear and has a great response to high and mid frequencies. They're great to use with personal computers or portable music players (like CD, MiniDisc or MP3 players). I've tried it with my Sony DE200 CD player and the sound is amazing. There's only one problem with these speakers: the high prize. If you enjoy a good sound, spend the $200 they worth. If you're looking something cheaper, buy the Creative Labs CSW100... but you will miss all the advantages in sound and design Sony is offering to you.