Sony ULT Tower Max, 7, and 5: New Party Speakers

Sony is expanding its bass-heavy ULT Power Sound series with three new party speakers. The new ULT Tower Max, with up to 2,150 watts, takes on the role of the flagship model. Below it are the battery-powered ULT Tower 7 with 420 watts and the more compact ULT Tower 5 with 300 watts.

The three new Bluetooth speakers aren’t just for private parties and karaoke fans. Thanks to their XLR, RCA, and USB-C connections, they’re also designed to be suitable for DJ setups and smaller events. Lighting effects, Auracast Party Chain, and automatic adjustment to the installation location round out the entertainment package.

ULT1, ULT2, Flat, or Live

All three models feature newly developed round woofers, large cabinet volumes, and the bass-reflex design that Sony calls the ULT Duct. Generously sized airflow channels are designed to increase airflow and deliver powerful, relatively clean bass even at high volume levels.

The distinctive ULT button lets you access two bass presets. ULT1 extends the low-bass range, while ULT2 focuses even more on sound pressure and delivers particularly powerful bass. Additionally, the “Flat” mode offers a more balanced sound, and the “Live” mode creates a distinctly spacious concert atmosphere. You can select Live via the Sony Sound Connect app or assign it to the ULT button.

The app includes an equalizer for more advanced adjustments. An advanced sound field optimization feature also analyzes the placement location and the ambient noise level. Based on this, the electronics adjust not only the bass but the entire sound balance to the specific conditions.

During the mixing process, Sony enlisted support from the hip-hop scene. Among those involved were Grammy-nominated producer Dot Da Genius, drummer and producer Daru Jones, DJ and songwriter Dready, and sound engineer Dennis “ROC.am” Jones. Their feedback is said to have primarily influenced the bass reproduction, peak sound pressure, and vocal clarity.

Sony ULT Tower Max: Three woofers and 2,150 watts

The ULT Tower Max is the top model in the new series. Sony specifies a maximum output power of 2,150 watts, but does not provide any information on RMS or continuous power. Three woofers are designed to deliver the necessary punch: two face forward, and a third is located on the back.

Four tweeters, additional midrange drivers, and the rear woofer form the basis for what’s known as 360° Party Sound. It is designed to distribute music as evenly as possible throughout the room so that the sound isn’t concentrated solely in a narrow area in front of the speaker.

For transport, the large flagship model features carrying handles and redesigned casters with a wider tread. However, Sony does not specify a battery life or protection rating for outdoor use for the ULT Tower Max. This clearly indicates that it is designed for particularly high volume levels and larger, mostly stationary party or DJ setups.

Sony ULT Tower 7: 420 watts and up to 30 hours of battery life

According to Sony, the ULT Tower 7 combines up to 420 watts of output power with 360° Party Sound. Thanks to its built-in battery, it can be used without being plugged into an outlet. With ULT mode enabled, the volume set to a moderate level, and the lighting turned off, it is said to offer up to 30 hours of playback.

A carrying handle and casters are provided for moving the unit. When in a vertical position, the enclosure meets the requirements of protection class IPX4, provided that the port cover is completely closed. This means the ULT Tower 7 can withstand splashing water and can be used, for example, on a patio or in the garden. However, it is not protected against heavy rain or complete submersion.

The new series includes three models of different sizes: the Sony ULT Tower Max (from left), the ULT Tower 7, and the ULT Tower 5. (Photo: Sony)

Sony ULT Tower 5: More compact and easier to transport

With a maximum output power of 300 watts, the ULT Tower 5 marks the entry point into the new generation of tower speakers. It also features a built-in battery and delivers up to 20 hours of playback time under the conditions specified by Sony.

As with the Tower 7, the IPX4 protection rating applies only when the speaker is positioned vertically and the connection cover is closed. The smaller speaker does not have wheels, but can be carried using its built-in handle. All three models can be set up vertically or horizontally, depending on the application. The automatic sound field optimization is designed to adjust the sound output to the specific position.

XLR, Karaoke, and Lighting Effects

The new ULT Tower Series features XLR, RCA, and USB-C connectors. This allows you to connect not only portable media players but also DJ equipment and other wired audio sources. Two compatible speakers can be connected as a stereo pair for wider coverage.

For karaoke, you can connect the Sony ULTMIC1, which is sold separately. The built-in lighting offers three different modes: “Beat” synchronizes dynamic effects with the rhythm, “Wave” creates a calmer ambient lighting effect, and “Mellow” reduces the light movements for a more relaxing atmosphere.

The existing Party Connect technology is being supplemented by an Auracast-based Party Chain feature. This allows you to connect multiple compatible Sony speakers. In addition to music, the system can also synchronize the lighting on the connected speakers.

According to Sony, the ULT Tower Max is made from approximately 35 percent recycled plastic. For the ULT Tower 7 and ULT Tower 5, the proportion is about 20 percent each. Packaging and user manuals are not included in this calculation.

Prices and availability

All three Sony party speakers are set to go on sale in September 2026. The ULT Tower Max costs 1,499 euros. Sony has set a suggested retail price of 599 euros for the ULT Tower 7, while the ULT Tower 5 starts at 399 euros.

More information: Sony wireless speakers