Today we're diving deep into two very different approaches to portable audio - the premium $299 Morel BIGGIE and the mid-range $129 Sony XE200. While they're both Bluetooth speakers, they target distinct users with unique priorities. Let's explore who might be best served by each option.
Bluetooth speakers have evolved significantly over the past few years. We've seen major improvements in battery life, sound quality, and durability. The Morel BIGGIE represents a newer premium approach, launching in late 2023 with audiophile aspirations. The XE200 arrived in mid-2022 as part of Sony's refreshed portable lineup, focused on durability and versatility.
The BIGGIE takes a traditional hi-fi approach with a two-way design - meaning it has separate drivers (speakers) for high and low frequencies. Its 1-inch soft dome tweeter handles the delicate high frequencies while a 4-inch woofer manages mids and bass. This separation allows each driver to focus on what it does best, much like home stereo speakers.
The XE200 uses Sony's X-Balanced driver - a single full-range unit that handles all frequencies. While this approach can work well, it typically involves more compromises in sound quality compared to separate drivers.
Here's where the BIGGIE's premium positioning becomes clear. It packs 60 watts of Class D amplification (45W for the woofer, 15W for the tweeter), which is substantial for a portable speaker. This extra power doesn't just mean more volume - it provides headroom for better dynamic range, letting the music breathe naturally.
The XE200 uses Sony's digital processing to maximize performance from its more modest amplification. While effective, it can't match the raw power and control of the BIGGIE's system.
The BIGGIE delivers impressive bass down to about 60Hz - unusually deep for a portable speaker. You'll hear actual bass notes rather than just hints of them. The separate tweeter provides crisp, detailed highs without harshness.
The XE200 offers good but less refined sound. Its single driver design means more compromise - when it's working hard on bass notes, this can affect the clarity of other frequencies. However, for background music and casual listening, many users won't notice these technical limitations.
The XE200 shines here with IP67 water and dust resistance. You can literally submerge it briefly without damage. It's built for pool parties and beach trips.
The BIGGIE is more like a compact bookshelf speaker - it's solidly built but designed for indoor use or protected outdoor spaces. Its premium materials and electronics aren't meant for rough handling or wet conditions.
At 5.7 pounds, the BIGGIE is transportable rather than truly portable. It's perfect for moving around the house or patio but less ideal for backpacks or travel.
The XE200 weighs just 1.8 pounds and has a more compact form factor. It's genuinely portable and won't weigh you down.
Both speakers offer solid battery life - 20 hours for the BIGGIE and 16 for the XE200. Both support fast charging, though the BIGGIE's implementation is more impressive: 20 minutes gets you 4 hours of playback.
The BIGGIE supports True Wireless Stereo (TWS), letting you pair two units for proper stereo separation. This is where it really shines - the stereo image and sound quality rival some traditional bookshelf speakers.
Sony's Party Connect feature is more focused on quantity - linking up to 100 speakers for synchronized playback. It's great for large events but doesn't improve the fundamental sound quality.
The XE200 supports Sony's LDAC codec, allowing higher quality wireless audio from compatible devices (mainly Android phones). The BIGGIE sticks to standard Bluetooth codecs but compensates with superior hardware.
The XE200 delivers solid performance and versatility at its price point. Its durability and portability make it an excellent choice for active users who want good sound without worrying about damage.
The BIGGIE is a different animal - it's for users who prioritize sound quality and are willing to pay for it. Its price premium buys you significantly better audio performance, especially when used in pairs.
Choose the BIGGIE if:
Choose the XE200 if:
While both are excellent speakers in their categories, they serve different purposes. The XE200 is a versatile outdoor companion, while the BIGGIE is more like a premium bookshelf speaker that happens to be portable and wireless.
Remember, the best choice depends entirely on your specific needs and how you plan to use the speaker. Consider your typical listening environment, desired sound quality, and budget when making your decision.
| Morel BIGGIE | Sony XE200 |
|---|---|
| Price - Investment vs. Value | |
| $299 (premium pricing) | $129 (mid-range pricing) |
| Sound Architecture - Impacts overall audio quality | |
| Two-way design: 1" tweeter + 4" woofer | Single full-range driver |
| Power Output - Affects volume and sound clarity | |
| 60W total (45W woofer + 15W tweeter) | 7.5W (significantly less headroom) |
| Battery Life - Critical for portable use | |
| 20 hours, fast charge (4h from 20min) | 16 hours, fast charge (70min from 10min) |
| Weight - Affects true portability | |
| 5.7 lbs (less portable) | 1.8 lbs (highly portable) |
| Environmental Protection - Determines where you can use it | |
| Indoor-focused design, no water resistance | IP67 waterproof and dustproof |
| Frequency Response - Defines bass capability | |
| 40-20,000 Hz (deeper bass extension) | 20-20,000 Hz (but weaker actual bass output) |
| Multi-Speaker Features - Expands use cases | |
| TWS stereo pairing only | Party Connect (up to 100 speakers) |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects connection quality | |
| Bluetooth 5.3, standard codecs | Bluetooth 5.2, includes LDAC for hi-res audio |
| Physical Size - Important for placement flexibility | |
| 7"W x 7"H x 4.5"D (larger footprint) | 3.54"W x 8.19"H x 3.7"D (more compact) |
| Additional Features - Adds versatility | |
| USB-C power output for phones, 3.5mm input | Hands-free calling, Sony Music Center app control |
The $299 Morel BIGGIE offers superior sound quality and power, while the $129 Sony XE200 provides better portability and durability. The BIGGIE is better for sound quality-focused users, while the XE200 is better for outdoor and active use.
The Morel BIGGIE costs $299, while the Sony XE200 is priced at $129, making it $170 less expensive.
The Sony XE200 is more durable with IP67 water and dust resistance, while the BIGGIE is designed primarily for indoor use with no water resistance rating.
The Sony XE200 is significantly more portable at 1.8 pounds, compared to the BIGGIE's 5.7 pounds.
The Morel BIGGIE produces deeper, more accurate bass with its dedicated 4-inch woofer, outperforming the XE200's single driver design.
The Sony XE200 is better suited for outdoor use with its waterproof design and lighter weight, while the BIGGIE is better for protected environments.
The Sony XE200 supports LDAC for high-resolution audio with compatible devices, while the BIGGIE uses standard Bluetooth codecs.
The Sony XE200 is better for parties due to its durability and Party Connect feature, though the BIGGIE provides better sound quality for indoor gatherings.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: theabsolutesound.com - ecoustics.com - crutchfield.com - techradar.com - crutchfield.com - tpdhifi.com - audioxpress.com - nlp.stanford.edu - eisa.eu - muzix.eu - sony.com - gymcaddy.net - sony.co.uk - bestbuy.com - sony.com - bhphotovideo.com - youtube.com - sony.com - helpguide.sony.net - soundguys.com - sony.com - sonylatvija.com
