Sony's New ULT Tower Party Speakers Launched
Sony expands its ULT Power Sound line with three new wireless party speakers, the ULT Tower Max, Tower 7, and Tower 5, offering powerful bass, DJ-friendly features, and varying levels of portability.
Sony has introduced three new floor-standing wireless party speakers. The ULT Tower Max, ULT Tower 7, and ULT Tower 5 expand the company's ULT Power Sound series, with prices starting at $650. The ULT Tower Max costs $1,500, while the ULT Tower 7 and ULT Tower 5 each cost $650. The two larger models feature integrated wheels.
According to a CNET review, the speakers deliver loud, bass-heavy sound with good clarity and detail. The flagship ULT Tower Max, priced at $1,500, weighs 121 pounds and provides a visceral experience with bass that will shake you. It has three woofers (two front-facing and one rear-facing) and four tweeters, along with midrange drivers. Its redesigned drivers and larger cabinet are engineered to push more air and sound.
Model Specifications and Pricing
The three new models offer varying levels of power and portability. Their key specifications are outlined below.
| Model | Price | Weight | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| ULT Tower Max | $1,500 | 121 lbs | Three woofers, four tweeters, integrated wheels, requires AC power |
| ULT Tower 7 | $650 | 50 lbs | IPX4 splash-proof, 30-hour battery, integrated wheels |
| ULT Tower 5 | $650 | 29 lbs | IPX4 splash-proof, 20-hour battery, built-in handle |
Features for DJs and Party Hosts
The speakers are designed for flexible use. Amateur or professional DJs can link multiple units together using a Party Chain mode to augment the sound or create a stereo pair with two identical models. The reviewer noted they can also be used for karaoke or as a PA system, with Sony offering a ULT MIC two-pack for $118.
Connectivity includes XLR, RCA, and USB-C ports. A drawback, according to the source, is that the new models are not backward compatible with older ULT Tower 9 and ULT Tower 10 speakers via Sony's Party Connect feature, which seems a little weird.
Sound Modes and Design Details
Users can toggle between four distinct sound modes via the ULT button on the front or the Sony Sound Connect app. The modes are ULT1 for enhanced deep bass, ULT2 for a greater power boost, Flat for a neutral "true-to-source" setting, and Live for a spacious concert-like feel while preserving vocal clarity. Additionally, there are EQ settings to fiddle around with.
The design is more industrial, reminiscent of professional DJ gear but with rounded corners. The lighting system has been improved with new modes to make it easier to switch the mood. A visual volume indicator sees a light trail around the speaker's edge retract or extend with the volume level.
The speakers can be positioned vertically or horizontally and feature an automatic sound calibration mode that adjusts to the room. The ULT Tower 7 and Tower 5 are IPX4 splash-resistant when stood upright, a first for Sony's party speakers. All three speakers have built-in handles.
Portability and Power Considerations
Portability varies by model. The massive ULT Tower Max must be plugged into an outlet, as it lacks a battery. The two smaller models are fully portable. The ULT Tower 7 offers up to 30 hours of battery life, while the ULT Tower 5 offers up to 20 hours at moderate volumes, though runtime drops significantly at high volumes.
The reviewer suggested the ULT Tower 7, at $650, may be the best value for most people seeking powerful sound without breaking the bank. They said two ULT Tower 7 speakers as a stereo pair produce impressive audio. The ULT Tower Max was described as potentially overkill for all but the largest parties. The compact, 29-pound ULT Tower 5 was noted as a good fit for a high school sports team's pregame warmups, as it plays pretty loud but is more manageable.
