Customer Ratings & Reviews

Sony wasn’t kidding when they set out to make the ultimate party speaker. The ULT Tower Max Party speaker is gigantic at almost 42” tall, 21” wide, and weighing in at a hefty 125lbs. Thankfully there’s handles and wheels integrated into the body, which is also adorned in rugged plastic with metal speaker grills to protect your investment as you’re moving it around. I don’t recall Sony ever making a PA speaker, but this might be the closest thing to it. Especially with an XLR input and output and the ¼” mic input. There’s also a USB-A and USB-C port for charging and input and of course a Bluetooth 5.3 connection for wireless playback. What’s really cool about the wireless option is if you have other Sony “Sound Connect” compatible speakers with Auracast. This lets you wirelessly daisy chain each speaker so you can have multiple angles and rooms covered. And with this speaker it’s likely other rooms, or maybe even houses, because this thing gets incredibly loud. In a 2 story single home, I can barely turn the volume past ¼ up because of how loud it is. And depending on whether you use the ULT1 or ULT2 EQ setting you’ll notice the bass shift from deep and low to punchy and powerful. To me, ULT1 is more about sound quality and ULT2 is about thump. There’s also a Live setting that adds some DSP effects and isn’t half bad. But if none of those satisfy you, the 10 band EQ also has a user programmable setting to tune it to your preference. And while sound quality generally takes a backseat priority to loudness in party speakers, I’m happy to say the ULT Tower Max sounds great as well. It doesn’t have the high fidelity and balance of studio speakers/headphones, but the highs are not shrill, the vocals sound natural, and the bass can be melodic depending on how you set it. It even sounds good at low volume, but this baddie was made to be loud. Fitted with three 11” woofers, two 4.7” mids, and four tweeters in a 360 dispersion pattern there is no shortage of thump. Just one should cover most large gatherings, but it really depends on the setting. I would say no problem for most pool parties, a ballroom, or even an auditorium. Again, it’s essentially a 2,150 watt Sony PA speaker. The XLR and ¼” mic inputs are great for plugging a microphone or guitar directly and also works great connected to a mixer. There’s also an XLR output for a wired daisy chain connection. What might be my favorite touch though is the little LED light that illuminates the ports when you open the panel. A lot of times, connections have to be made or adjusted in the dark so kudos to Sony for understanding and improving on AV tech issues. If you’re looking for the ultimate party speaker, or one bluetooth speaker to do it all… this is it. It’s literally called the ULT Tower Max and all three of those words are fitting. It’s the closest thing I’ve seen to Sony making a PA speaker and like most of their high end products, this did not disappoint. It’s ridiculously loud, will shake the house, and you can even use the Sound Connect app on your phone to add some DJ sound effects and play with the light effects. Great job Sony! PROS - LOUD - Heavy bass (3x 11” woofers) - 360 sound - Multitude of ports (XLR input, XLR output, ¼” mic port, RCA input, USB-A, USB-C) - Customizable EQ - Essentially doubles as a PA speaker - Light action is fun - Karaoke tools - One speaker to do it all - Rugged enclosure with metal grates - Integrated wheels and handles - Can wirelessly daisy chain compatible speakers with Auracast CONS - Large - Heavy at 125 lbs - No battery, must be plugged in

Here comes Sony going all out with their latest most powerful party speaker to date. The ULT Tower Max. man this speaker is no joke, this is not the type of speaker that just sits inside your house this thing is huge and heavy, it has extremely powerful bass, high volume, 360 degree sound, RGB party lighting, karaoke and even DJ style setups. Its a pricey and a Tank of a speaker, ive been messing with this speaker for about a week and it's just incredible how loud the ULT Tower Max can truly get. If you want something that can shake the room well you might have just found the right one. PRODUCT & FEATURES: The first thing that you will notice about the Ult Tower Max is its size. A 120lbs speaker is insane for a party speaker. Its technically still a portable speaker since Sony added large wheels and multiple handles, which will make moving around much easier than physically lifting it.The build quality is appropriate for something this large. It definitely has a more mature look than it does not look like a fun toy. I found the design very calm and not too flashy even though it has RGB lights around the metal grille. Inside there are three 280mm woofers, 2 two midrange drivers, and four tweeters, giving the ULT Tower Max a 2150W. Those 3 large woofers are the biggest reason this speaker can produce such enormous low end energy. But the speaker also comes with its own dedicated sound mode or ULT button. We have ULT 1, ULT 2 and FLAT, first two are bass heavy setting while FLAT is the better choice when you want something closer to the original mix. Another major upgrade is connectivity which includes bluetooth, RCA, USB C and XLR connectivity, its very flexible than a standard party speaker. The XLR input is interesting if you want to connect professional audio equipment or DJ mixer. Sony also added 360 party sound and a much more sophisticated lighting system, LED can react to the music and can also provide visual feedback for certain functions. The speaker is also design with karaoke in mind, which is perfect for a great party night. One thing to keep in mind if you're going to be outdoor near the pool Tower Max isnt the speaker id choose, its splash resistant but i honestly wouldnt chance it considering the ULT Tower Max is required to be plugged in the whole time you are using the speaker. EXPERIENCE: Ive been using the speaker for a week now and the amount of sounds this speaker produces is what truly stands out for me. I started playing through bluetooth using my phone and testing the ULT button to see how much difference each setting provides. Let me tell you about the bass isn't just something i could hear, you can actually feel it. Kick drums have a physical impact, bass-heavy hip-hop tracks sound enormous, and electronic music benefits tremendously from the extra low-end. Even at relatively moderate volume levels, the Tower Max has enough bass to make a room feel different. What impress me was that the speaker doesn't simply turn everything into a muddy wall of bass, midrange and vocals remain surprisingly clea and the tweeters give the speaker enough high frequency detail to keep music from sounding completely dominated by the sub bass. I also tested it with a DJ mixer which is where you can really appreciate the ULT Tower Max. connecting the mixer made the Tower Max feel more like a legitimate party PA system than just a giant bluetooth speaker. I love having physical audio inputs that gives you considerably more control over your setup. Specially if youre mixing tracks, using multiple sources, or want to control your music directly from a mixer. Its not a replacement for dedicated professional PA system but for home DJ setup, parties, backyard events, and casual DJ use, it has plenty of power. I also and went ahead and plug my bluetooth microphone to test it for karaoke mode, my family love singing and so far this speaker has enough power and head room for fun night with the family, these type of speaker is always a hit when it comes to karaoke and its so handy. The RGB LED light makes it feel more like a party system, i personally dont care about the lights but the kids loves it. The biggest downside is obviously the size and weight its around 120lbs so this is no joke to move around, its massive so small space might require a bit more planning on where do you this speaker to be placed. I also highly recommend downloading the Sony Sound Connect app for ULT Tower Max it will sure enhance your experience, it gives you more control over the speaker than simply using the button of the unit. You will have the ability to customize and fine tune the EQ which is useful for ULT modes. You also have the ability to customize the LED lighting and some sounds effect thats built in the app that you can press anytime. CONCLUSION: For me i think Sony has created an incredibly impressive party speaker, the biggest strength is the sound the 280mm woofers give this thing an enormous amount of low end power. The vocals remain clear during karaoke, Sony offers flexibility with its connectivity, i forgot to mention that you can even sync multiple ULT party speaker with these. There are some downsides again is the size and weight, a grown adult will be needed to move this speaker around. Also the price of the speaker is not cheap so might turn down some people, if you host party alot and doesn't listen to music on standard listening level i think thats one of the reason to own this ULT Tower Max its designed to be loud, bass heavy and to have fun so if youre not about to do any of that then this might not be the party speaker for you. Overall this is one amazing speaker to own that sure will get your experience worth.

Over the last week, I've been testing the new Sony ULT Tower MAX party speaker, and overall, this thing is absolutely incredible. Its performance is seriously at a level that I’ve only heard in professional setups—meaning clubs, DJ rigs, karaoke bars, block parties, and full-scale music venues. When listening to acoustic covers, the sound profile is warm, vocals are pronounced, and instruments sound remarkably natural. Guitar strums stay tight, and drum beats sound so realistic. The performance on Latin music is equally amazing: vocal clarity is absolute perfection, the trumpets sound lively, and the bass naturally makes you want to get out on the dancefloor. In terms of distortion, the speaker itself stays completely clean. Whether I was listening to Hip-Hop, R&B, Rock, or Techno, everything sounded club- or party-ready. The only audible distortion during testing came from room resonance—vibrating picture frames and furniture—rather than the speaker driver itself. There are four available built-in sound modes with adjustable EQs, which allow for additional flexibility based on the type of music I was playing. The Flat setting is very balanced and is best used for casual listening or when using the EQ from another source. ULT 1 is best for music with heavy bass and seems to emphasize tighter bass hits. ULT 2 is my absolute favorite to use for house parties. It works best for environments where you want to fill the room with a warmer midbass, throw the bass further, and reduce the impact of hard drum beats. Live sounded best for live music using musical instruments or a microphone for singing and karaoke. When it comes to output, the volume is simply insane. Used indoors at 25%, it will comfortably fill 1,200 square feet with loud, clear sound. At 100%, you might get a knock on the door from a neighboring house. Outdoors it sounds equally fantastic, with the music being audible multiple houses away. As for inputs, the selection compartment is illuminated and features an excellent professional port setup. It includes RCA, which is great for plugging in my DJ controller, a 1/4-inch auxiliary port for pro audio gear like the Sony ULT MIC (along with a dedicated knob for microphone volume), and male and female XLR-3 inputs for daisy-chaining speakers and equipment for reliable, wired, low-noise signal transmission. There is also a USB-C port that can power both an iPad and a DJ controller at the same time, as well as a USB-A port. On the front of the cabinet, there is a multifunction knob that controls volume and switches Sony's ULT sound fields. The built-in LED light strip looks very elegant and is customizable in the Sony Connect app. Bluetooth works great—pairing is instant, and I am able to connect two Bluetooth devices at the same time. However, I would still recommend a wired audio connection for the very best sound and less risk of interference. The cabinet itself is well-balanced, making it easy to tip the unit and transport it to another location using the built-in wheels. The only minor negative of this speaker is that the corners don't have extra reinforcement in the corners, and the wheels don't work great on stairs. Their placement causes the side of the cabinet to get scratched up when moving it between floors. With all that said, this is still the best party speaker I've ever tested. If your goal is to DJ music, host a karaoke party, or just have the best outdoor speaker in the neighborhood, this speaker will deliver, and I give it my highest recommendation.

The Sony ULT TOWER MAX is easily the biggest and most powerful speaker I’ve ever owned. I had expected a lot of bass, but I wasn’t quite prepared for what this massive speaker was going to throw at me! It gets incredibly loud, and will shake the entire room and everything in it, at the upper volume setting. It has a lot of useful connections, and feels like something I could actually take to an event and get some good use out of. You’ll notice the size before you even open it. The shipping box is enormous and heavy to move on your own, so I would definitely recommend having someone help you. Sony’s instructions have you open the top, take out the power cord and paperwork, flip the box over, and lift the box off the speaker. That worked well, but I would have liked more cushioning around the speaker during shipping. Once I got the beast unboxed I was instantly impressed by how much thought went into moving around a speaker this heavy. There are very sturdy handles at all four corners, with enough room to get a good grip or share the load. They make a huge difference when two people need to lift it. The wheels on one side are also very handy. I was able to tip it back and pull it up a couple of steps in my house to an upper floor, almost like using a dolly. That being said, I would still appreciate a second set of wheels on the other side, preferably something able to lock, so I could roll it around more like luggage. But that’s just a suggestion for improvement on a future model, because the handles and wheels Sony included already make it much easier to move than I expected. I also like that it has rubber feet for using it upright or on its side to keep it in place when the bass is thumping. Getting the speaker setup was about as easy as it could be. I plugged it in, turned it on, pressed the Bluetooth button, and paired my phone without any trouble at all. The Sony Sound Connect app picked it up quickly too and I really like the app. I like that it walks you through the speaker when you first connect it. From there, you can adjust the 10-band equalizer, change the lighting colors, and explore features like Party Pad, listening history, badges, and achievements. There’s quite a bit in there, but the app does have a lot so it might seem a little overwhelming at first, but that will pass quickly. The sound on this speaker is seriously impressive. I’ve owned speakers with a lot of bass before, but nothing like this. At just above halfway volume, it was shaking my house, and me too! I’ve only taken it to around three-quarters volume so far because anything beyond that is more than I need indoors. The preset ULT bass settings are a lot of fun and can make the right song feel like an event. You really can feel the music as much as you can hear it. That much bass isn’t what I want for every song, though. Some tracks sound better in FLAT mode, where the mids and higher details have more room to come through. The sound remains generally clean when I turn it up, but with the bass boosted, some of that finer detail gets covered up. But I really like that Sony gave us an easy choice with its own button. If I want the whole place thumping, I can do that with just a touch. If I want to listen more closely, I switch modes or make a few adjustments in the EQ. Connecting the ULT Tower Max with other Sony ULT speakers as a left and right Stereo Pair, or a party chain of up to 100 speakers, has been one of my favorite experiences with them. You press the pairing button on one, press it on the other, and they find each other. Each speaker even announces whether it’s the left or right channel. The sound with both playing in stereo is amazing, and it fills the space in a way one speaker can’t quite match. I also like that when I turn one off, both power down. When the speakers are spread apart, that saves me a walk across the room just to press another button. What really made me excited about these speakers was connecting my DJ controller. I create my own music and have been getting into mixing, so I wanted to see how the TOWER MAX would feel as part of a DJ setup. Connecting the controller was straightforward, and once I had music playing, I could concentrate on mixing. The volume and bass made it feel like I had a real party setup in front of me. It honestly got me thinking that I’m ready to have people over and play a set, or maybe even take this setup on the road to an event. The rear connection area is especially well designed for that kind of use, in a party setting. Under the protective cover are the RCA and XLR connections, USB-A and USB-C ports, and a microphone input with its own level control. There’s also a small light inside that illuminates the connections. That might sound like a minor detail until you’re behind a large speaker in a dark room trying to find the right place to plug something in! The input selector also lights up as you turn it, so you can see what you’ve selected without pulling out your phone for a flashlight. I really appreciate that Sony thought about what it would be like to use these controls at a party or in a dark club. Another thoughtful addition is a recessed spot on top for a phone or tablet. Its wide enough to hold my phone securely even with its case on. I tried the microphone and karaoke features as well, although my only audience so far has been myself and my dogs, lol. It was a lot of fun to use and I can’t wait to try it out with friends. Between the mic controls, echo and key adjustments, lighting, and all that volume, I can see using this to sing with friends or make announcements at an event. I haven’t hosted that party yet, but testing the features has made me want to. My biggest practical concern for this speaker is the size. This is a very heavy speaker, it needs an outlet, and moving it to another location will take some planning.. As for the sound, the bass modes can be too much when I’m trying to hear every detail in a song, though switching to FLAT takes care of that pretty easily. Overall, I’m extremely happy with the Sony ULT TOWER MAX. It’s powerful, surprisingly manageable for its size because of how it was built, easy to set up, and a lot of fun to use. The DJ connections and illuminated controls are what make it particularly useful to me. I started out wanting a great speaker, and now I’m thinking about the party I could put on with it. If you have the space and want serious volume and bass for music, DJing, or events, I think you’ll be very impressed with this speaker.

Allow me to start off my review by saying HOLY COW! Sony has knocked it out of the park with this speaker. Never have I owned or operated a portable speaker that puts out sound quite like this one. First of all, it comes loaded to make noise! There are two subwoofers on the front of the speaker, and one on the back. It has multiple high and mid range speakers too. The very first time I plugged it in and connected it to my smartphone's Bluetooth, I didn't even have the volume up half way and the walls of my home were RATTLING! My oldest son was nervous that items hanging on his wall would fall if I kept the speaker running! That is just how powerful this speaker is! It is freakishly large in size as well! If you have it standing upright, it comes up to my stomach/chest area. To give you some comparison, I am 6' 3" tall! I like that it can also be laid over on its side though, as it has foot pads on the side for it to rest on. Speaking of size, it is no slouch in the weight department either. This speaker weighs around 130lbs! Don't expect it to be super easy to load/unload by yourself. It can be done, but I would highly recommend having assistance loading it in/out of a vehicle. Once it is on the ground, it has wheels! It rolls super easy to move it wherever you want it to go! The speaker also has metal handle bars on each side making lifting and maneuvering the speaker a breeze! The speaker's build quality in general feels VERY sturdy. I am impressed, as it feels like a premium product, especially with the up front cost of this speaker. Lets talk inputs now! The speaker is Bluetooth, which is great for using a smartphone or tablet to play music. It also has XLR connections, USB-C/A connections, RCA connections, and a mic/guitar input too! You can literally use this thing for so many different events, from DJing parties to playing live music gigs! And, if somehow one of these speakers isn't enough, you can pair up to 100 compatible speakers to it with Sony's Party Chain! I like that you can use a charging cable right from the speaker's connections to charge your device as well. The speaker also has built-in LED lights around the rim of the speaker cage on the front side. You can customize the lights using the Sony app on your smartphone. The volume button, which is a wheel with the letters "ULT" on it, is placed on the front of the speaker. It lights up as well and doubles as a sound mode button when pushed. Sony has multiple sound modes that can be selected, from ULT1, ULT2, FLAT, and LIVE. After my first usage inside my house, I took this speaker outdoors to really see what it could do! I transported it to our youth football practice. I rolled it onto the field using the built in handles and wheels, all while receiving odd looks from parents and coaches alike. I plugged the speaker in (it is NOT battery powered) and connected my phone to Bluetooth. I immediately turned it all the way up and hit play! As soon as the first note hit, everyone on the field and off the field turned and looked! It was commented several times how impressed everyone was with not only the sound quality in general, but also specifically how much bass the speaker puts out! It has more bass than our football stadium's sound system! The top panel of the speaker is listed as "splash resistant" but the speaker is not listed as "waterproof." I would certainly be careful and ensure that it is covered if there is a possibility of using it during inclement weather situations.

As a lifelong musician, I am tuned into sound quality by default. I don’t know if this is a blessing or a curse, but my ears demand the best sound quality at all times. Whether it’s a guitar through an amplifier, a home theater system, or a bluetooth speaker. If what I am hearing doesn’t deliver, I will most likely be unsatisfied. The Sony Ult Tower Max has taken bluetooth speakers to an all new level in both sound and size. *** SOUND QUALITY *** With three quick EQ sound profiles selectable by tapping the front facing ULT dial (which doubles as the volume control), as well as a 10 band EQ accessible via the Sony Sound Connect app, you can tune this speaker to satisfy just about any genre of music you prefer. The quick select ULT 1 and ULT 2 EQ profiles embellish bass heavy music and can literally make the floor shake, only adding to the immersion of your tracks. The third quick select Flat EQ setting is a great way to give the speaker a starting point to customize frequencies further via the Sound Connect app. In my testing, I have found that the Flat EQ profile works perfectly for indoor use in smaller spaces. Once you take this speaker outside, the ULT 1 and ULT 2 EQ profiles provide enough bass response to move your pant legs and rattle your teeth. Overall this speaker is definitely geared towards bass heavy genres, but when you adjust the EQ with the app, you can make it sound incredible for any other genre of music. The clarity and punch this speaker provides is not surprising. There are two front facing woofers, two front mid range speakers, two front tweeters, one back woofer, and two back tweeters, providing all of the frequencies needed to satisfy my ears. With this speaker design, you can hear music from all sides clearly. The volume this speaker can produce on its own is more than enough for functions, or karaoke parties. If that isn’t enough, you can use the party chain app to connect more speakers and create a massive wall of sound, or place speakers in different locations of a venue to fill the entire room with ease. *** FEATURES *** The ULT Tower Max includes a hidden panel on the back of the unit that is covered with a rubberized door to protect the inputs from the elements. Inside the panel there is a microphone input with a dedicated volume control. This comes in handy for karaoke and events where you may need to interact with a crowd. You can also plug an electric/acoustic guitar into this port for amplification if you prefer. There is one USB-C port for hooking up a computer, tablet, or phone, which also charges your device, as well as a USB-A port which is great for plugging in a USB thumb drive to select from hundreds of hours of music. All of which you can control via the free Sony Sound Connect app. I have personally connected a low profile thumb drive full of music that I can leave plugged in at all times, even with the port cover closed. To my surprise, there is also an RCA input which lets you connect a turntable directly to the speaker. This is an excellent feature and it sounds amazing! Lastly there are XLR ports for DJ use, which makes this speaker a truly powerful option for many use cases. Next to the ports, there are buttons for the lighting and syncing of other compatible party speakers, as well as dedicated karaoke effects and key control buttons. Right next to these buttons sits a small radial dial to select which input / function you are using at the time. The top of the unit has dedicated play/pause, bluetooth, and power buttons. All of the buttons on the front and rear of the speaker have a rubberized feel, which protects from moisture and dust. Located on the front speaker grille is the large ULT dial, which also doubles as the volume wheel. When you press this button the unit makes a different audible sound effect for each of the previously mentioned ULT 1, ULT 2, and Flat EQ profiles. When you turn the knob, the lighting around the edge of the speaker grille goes up and down indicating the level of volume, which is a nice touch. *** BUILD *** Most of the exterior is made from hard plastic. The speaker grilles are all metal, and the buttons are all rubber. There are also rubber feet on the bottom and side, so you can lay it down if you prefer. The handles located on each corner are very strong and easy to grip, and the wheels make it pretty easy to move around, even though it weighs over 100 pounds. The weight and size are something to keep in mind when purchasing this model, as you will need help loading it into your vehicle, or taking it on stairs. *** IN CONCLUSION *** I have owned several bluetooth speakers in all sizes over the years, but none have been this massive in both size and sound. The sound quality is clear and precise, and there is more than enough bass response if you need it. The versatility of this speaker is off the charts. If you are a DJ, solo artist, or a Karaoke enthusiast, you are covered. If you simply want a speaker that can rumble the floor for parties, you are also covered. The Sony ULT Tower Max is big in every way. I recommend demoing this speaker at your local Best Buy if you get the chance! *** PROS *** Rich detailed sound quality Tons of bass if needed EQ is fully adjustable Large handles and wheels for transport Inputs and outputs for a wide variety of uses *** CONS *** May be too large or heavy for some users

The Sony ULT Tower MAX is the party speaker you want if you’re looking for powerful, high quality sound with prosumer level inputs and features. After using this speaker, it is clear that Sony is serious about portable audio and offering the best experience for DJ’s, Bands, or anyone hosting large events… Just make sure you’re aware of the size/weight of the Max before purchase. It’s HUGE! IN THE BOX: - ULT Max Speaker - Power Cable - QR Code Setup Guide SETUP: Upon receiving the packaging, you’ll immediately think “What did I just do?!” The Tower MAX is physically large and heavy. This speaker weighs just over 120lbs and measures 42” x 21” x 19”. Taking it out of the box is surprisingly easy as you can simply lift one side off, roll the box over, and take the speaker out. I would recommend having an extra set of hands available, when possible, but it is able to be done by one person. You’ll want to download the Sony Connect app which allows you to register, update, and control the speaker with more settings than the buttons located on the speaker itself. It isn’t mandatory but I would recommend it. The speaker comes with a roughly 6’ power cable that plugs into the bottom, backside so it will need to be located fairly close to a power source as this is NOT battery powered like the ULT 5 and ULT 7 can be. Once powered on, the Sony Connect app will immediately find the speaker, connect to it, and link it to your Sony account. Very easy. USAGE: Speaker Inputs: - Bluetooth 5.3 - XLR (Input & Output for chaining together) - RCA - USB Type-C (Input and/or Charging) - USB-Type A (Charging Only) The ULT Tower MAX has 9 drivers and a total output of 2,150 watts of output. This is power you can FEEL. The front contains 2x tweeters, 2x midrange, and 2x 11” woofers. The rear features 2x tweeters and 1x 11” woofer. This makes the speaker more versatile as it is not as directional but it is still best to have the front facing the main event. The speaker features “Sound Field Optimization" which actively adjusts the audio playback to the environment the speaker is placed within. Using the speaker within a small indoor environment (home, apartment, etc) is not where this speaker shines. Using the speaker outdoors, within garages, or larger indoor spaces is where this speaker shines. The power is plentiful and it gets LOUD to the point that you will annoy neighbors and bystanders that are not part of your party (but they might want to join!). Most of the time the volume only needed to be around 40% to be adequate for outdoor usage which also allowed guests to talk amongst themselves. With so much overhead available, you could easily use one of these speakers to create a club type environment over a large space at higher volume levels. ULT 1 and ULT 2 offer the most “punch” or bass while the “Live” and “Flat” EQ’s are more balanced. The “Live” mode has to be enabled via the Sound Connect app as it is not available without doing so. I found myself gravitating to the “Flat” EQ for most music while the ULT options were good for newer pop, hip hop, or electronic music when you desired more bass. The party chain function allows up to 100 compatible speakers to be connected simultaneously for stereo sound and increased output. This also synchronizes the lighting if you have this enabled. I enjoyed how simple it was to control via the buttons on the speaker itself. The volume and sound mode knob on the front is very large. The play/pause, Bluetooth, and power buttons on top are easy to access. Plus the dial on the backside allows for quick input selection. Likes: - POWERFUL Sound - RCA/XLR Inputs - Party Chain Function - Build Quality/Design - Karaoke Ready - Illuminated Rear Inputs Dislikes: - Shorter Power Cable - Large, Heavy - No Sony integration with Sony home audio equipment (I.e used as wireless Subwoofer for newer Sony receivers) Overall, the ULT Tower MAX is a serious prosumer level party speaker that can be used for a variety of parties/events with multiple ways to connect and control the sound. The biggest downside of this speaker is the physical size and weight. For the average person, it is too heavy to move around comfortably. If you’re able to have someone help, it makes this task much easier. The sheer sound this speaker produces is incredible. You can feel the bass (even outside) and the highs and mids are good when the flat EQ is set or the 10 band EQ is adjusted. The ULT 1 and ULT 2 settings are geared towards bass heavy, party music. I would highly recommend this speaker for those who want to use it frequently for large events but I would caution anyone looking at it simply for occasional use given the size/weight. The ULT 7 would likely be a better alternative.

The Sony ULT TOWER MAX will have not only you, but your whole block, partying like rockstars. Everything about this speaker feels ultimate, from its massive size and room shaking bass to its powerful, event ready sound. It is an all-in-one party speaker built to bring the energy to backyard gatherings, karaoke nights, DJ setups, and large celebrations. Let’s take a closer look at everything the new Sony ULT TOWER MAX has to offer. SETUP: The Sony ULT TOWER MAX is truly a massive party speaker, weighing about 124 pounds and measuring roughly 42 inches tall, 22 inches wide, and 19 inches deep. It is definitely a substantial piece of audio equipment, but the setup itself could not be much easier. Once you get a little help taking it out of the box, it is essentially ready to go. Sony also includes built-in wheels and multiple handles, which make moving this big speaker around much more manageable. Getting started is simple: plug in the power cable, pair your phone through Bluetooth, and get ready for some seriously powerful sound. My phone detected the speaker right away, and within moments, the entire house was filled with booming music and bass strong enough to make everything feel like it was shaking. To get the most out of this beast, I highly recommend downloading the Sony Sound Connect app. The app makes it easy to manage the speaker’s multiple input options, including Bluetooth, Line 1, Line 2, USB-A, and USB-C. It also provides access to karaoke controls, including voice-changing effects, echo adjustment, key control, microphone volume settings, and background audio options. Whether you are playing music, hosting karaoke night, or setting up a more serious party system, the app makes the ULT TOWER MAX even more fun and flexible. The Sony Sound Connect app also lets you control the lighting and sound settings directly from your smartphone, which is much more convenient than walking over to the speaker every time you want to make an adjustment. The integrated party lighting is a great addition and makes the speaker feel even more party-ready. The synchronized effects add color and movement to the room, helping turn a regular living room, patio, basement, DJ setup, or event space into something more immersive. One major advantage of the ULT Tower is how versatile this speaker is. It includes XLR, RCA, USB Type-C, microphone, and guitar inputs, making it useful for more than streaming music over Bluetooth. You can connect DJ gear, music players, microphones for karaoke, or even instruments, which makes it a strong option for parties, performances, announcements, and events. SOUND: Sony’s 360 Degree Party Sound design is one of the most impressive parts of the experience. The speaker uses three woofers, two mid-range speakers, two front tweeters, and two rear tweeters to send sound throughout the room. One of the biggest highlights is the sound. The ULT TOWER MAX delivers deep bass and impressive sound pressure that can easily fill any event space. The ULT button on the front of the speaker gives quick physical access to volume control and several listening modes. ULT1 emphasizes deeper bass, while ULT2 adds a punchier, more aggressive bass response. FLAT offers a more balanced sound for everyday listening, and LIVE creates a more dynamic, concert-like presentation. I also like that the Sony Sound Connect app lets you customize the EQ on top of ULT1, ULT2, or FLAT, giving you more control when you want to fine-tune the sound. To make the party even better you can connect up to 100 compatible Sony speakers and synchronize both the music and lighting for a much bigger, more coordinated experience via Auracast. Overall, the Sony ULT TOWER MAX is an absolute beast of a party speaker. It combines massive bass, incredibly loud sound, flexible connectivity, customizable audio modes, karaoke features, synchronized lighting, and a design that is easier to move than its size would suggest. If you want a speaker capable of turning almost any space into a party venue, the ULT TOWER MAX absolutely delivers.

I have had the Sony ULT TOWER MAX for about a week now, and the only way to describe it is absolute insanity! When the box arrived, I actually giggled a little because of how big and heavy it was. The packaging was vibrant, showed off some of the speaker’s features, and everything was packed tightly and neatly inside. After unboxing it in my driveway, I was very happy to see that Sony included wheels because this speaker weighs about 124 lbs. The wheels made moving it into the garage surprisingly easy. Despite its size, the speaker is balanced incredibly well. When tilting it back to roll it around, it never feels like it is going to fall over. I also noticed rubber feet along one side, allowing the speaker to sit either upright or horizontally. That is a really nice touch because you could potentially lay it on its side and fit it underneath a table in a party setting. Once I got it into the garage, it was time to fire it up. Setup was quick and easy. I plugged it into the wall, turned it on, and even the startup sound for the first time was an experience in itself. Woah. I knew right there that this speaker meant business. Bluetooth was easy to set up, and connecting it to the Sony Sound Connect app was just as simple. After about two minutes of setup, it was time for some music. I put on some hip-hop to start, and there are almost no words that can justify the intensity, clarity, deep lows, and all-out loudness this speaker can produce. I have had it for a week and I still cannot get over how awesome it sounds. I honestly cannot even turn it up all the way because my ears and head feel like they are going to explode! Using a microphone with the speaker is also a ton of fun. There is a dedicated echo button near the microphone input on the back with three different levels of echo. Inside the Sound Connect app, there are even more options that make the experience better. When using a mic, you have voice-changing effects, echo controls, and karaoke features. The app also has several preloaded soundboard effects and some really cool DJ features. There are easy-to-use sliders that can separate the bass from vocals or bass from treble, along with a phaser effect that morphs the sound around. Definitely play around with these because they are a lot of fun. The LEDs on the front are another perfect touch. You can sync the lighting with your music, and the app gives you plenty of options for changing the lights to match your preference or even the theme of a party. You can also shut them off completely. The LEDs sit along the inside edge behind the protective mesh, so they are not obnoxious like the lighting on some party speakers. It is just the right amount. The lighting also serves a functional purpose when adjusting the ULT control and volume, giving you visual feedback as you make adjustments. The ULT button on the front is great because it makes it easy to quickly change the intensity and character of the sound. You can go from deep bass to powerful, punchy bass or a flatter, more balanced sound, while additional options like Live mode can be accessed through the app. There are also a ton of connectivity options on the back, making this capable of much more than simply playing music over Bluetooth. It can be incorporated into a DJ setup and supports guitars and microphones, along with USB-A, USB-C, RCA, and XLR connections. You can even pair it with another ULT TOWER MAX. Why anyone would need more than one of these, I have no idea, unless you literally want to bring the house down or you are a professional DJ! The handles on the sides are extremely solid. They are thick, knurled metal and give you a great grip when wheeling the speaker around or laying it on its side. This speaker is an absolute powerhouse and will bring any party or backyard to life. Sony says the top panel is water resistant, which might be useful if you get caught in some light sprinkles, but personally, I would not let this thing get wet. It is way too gorgeous for me to take that risk! Hands down, this is the best speaker I have ever experienced. I would recommend it to anyone who loves to rock out, throw parties, DJ, sing karaoke, or simply wants to feel their music in their chest. The clarity across the highs, mids, and lows is unbelievable. I genuinely feel like this speaker has transformed music for me because I am experiencing it in a way I never have before. It feels like I now have the power to throw a concert whenever I want. And it does not just perform incredibly well. It looks amazing too. It is clean, surprisingly sleek for its massive size, and almost cute in a way, but the second you turn it on, you know it means business. I am absolutely blown away by everything the ULT TOWER MAX has to offer. The Sony Sound Connect app is a must if you want to experience everything this speaker is capable of, and I highly recommend downloading it. If you want massive sound, incredible bass, tons of features, and a speaker that can completely transform a party, you will not be disappointed.

The ult max is an upgrade from last generation speakers Sony released. Deeper bass down to 30hz atleast and clear mids and highs. It is heavy tho so this is really a set up and leave it in one spot type speaker. Pros: -A lot of power -great features -Price is great compared to competitors -sound quality is fantastic -the design is minimal and engineered great -down facing port for clean output -lights are great, minimal and not overbearing -360° sound is great Cons: -super heavy -bass can overwhelm mids and highs but using the eq helps a lot. I use the flat ult option and then eq it afterwards -no battery for those wanting to take it everywhere -it can get very warm if up against a wall so pull it away from the wall atleast 6 to 8 inches to let fan have room to cool down the unit -it states 2150 watts i believe its max power not rms BUT I do believe its atleast half that more like 1,200 watts minimum rms cuz it is definitely powerful and shakes more than the house!!!

SONY's new ULT Tower MAX is monster of a party speaker that will rock your block! This speaker is physically MASSIVE; 41 inches tall, 21 inches wide and 19 inches deep and weighing in at over 120 pounds! You'll need at least two people to transport, unpack, and setup this unit safely. (Handles and wheels notwithstanding!) Be aware that there is virtually NO useful documentation in the box and the website you are pointed to has broken links! So you're going to be tempted to just wing it and power the thing up. Before you do, be absolutely certain that you have the volume turned all the way down on your Bluetooth source BEFORE you link up. This thing gets crazy loud very fast! You can connect up to two Bluetooth sources at the same time. Although not apparent, be aware that the lighted "ULT" medallion on the front of the unit is both a press-to-click switch AND a rotating volume control. The SONY Sound Connect app is a MUST have. Download it first before you turn the power on to the speaker. In addition to acting as a remote control by mirroring all of the controls that are physically on the unit there are a number of additional features such as a 10 band equalizer, a visual color wheel for customizing the party lights and the ability to update the device's firmware. The built in equalizer settings for LIVE or FLAT give the best experience for casual listening. The ULT1 and ULT2 settings are more for party modes. The lights enhance that experience and can be adjusted or turned off completely. Adjustments include a wide range of colors and three different behaviors. There is a comprehensive array of connectivity options. In addition to Bluetooth 5.3, the wired options include a quarter inch microphone input, XLR input and output jacks, stereo RCA audio jacks, and both USB-A and USB-C ports. Physical controls are pretty well labeled and accessible. The speaker can stand upright or lay on its side. You'll naturally want to use this speaker outside for parties on the patio and it is sonically designed for exactly that! However, be aware that this unit's weight will cause it to sink right into any soft surface and it is only nominally water resistant so you can't really leave it outdoors. Having said that, the speaker is perfect for Karaoke and even has dedicated controls for that so it's definitely not going to live indoors all the time! It's hard to find the words to do justice to the sonic range of this speaker. With three 11" subwoofers, two mid range drivers, and four tweeters this unit covers the entire listening range effortlessly. Furthermore the drivers are arranged with six facing forward and three more on the back to give you a 360 degree sound field. The subwoofers are ported as well. With over 2000 watts of output you're not going to have a problem hearing your music. This speaker's sound can best be described as bass forward and it has been tuned to take advantage of those huge subwoofers. Still, you can tame it down with the built in equalized listening modes or even better with the built in multiband equalizer in the app. This speaker is truly a party-in-a-box and is unlike anything else in its class. If you have the budget and a strong back you're sure to be delighted with unique powerhouse!

This Sony ULT Tower Max Party Speaker is the real deal. I’ve been really impressed by its volume and overall sound quality. The overall volume is by far the loudest portable speaker I’ve ever owned or even heard. It turns way up and keeps crystal clear, beautiful sound the whole way to full volume. This is definitely loud enough for large parties and outdoor gatherings. However, if you’re just looking for something to lounge about the house listening to music then this speaker would be more than you need. It can be used for that but would be tremendous overkill. The sound and volume are the biggest thing that stands out. This thing gets LOUD, but what I really like is that the sound doesn’t fall apart when you turn up the volume. The bass is massive and has a lot of power, thump thump thump. This has significantly deeper/stronger/louder bass than my 12” stand-alone subwoofer in my media room – it’s impressive. We’re talking super deep, punchy, big sound that you can actually feel. If you have the chance to stand in front of one of these speakers in the store you will be blown away. But if bass isn’t your thing, or at least not all the time, then the conveniently built in ULT button allows for instantaneous sound adjustments on the fly at the push of a button. The no need to connect through the Sound connect app every time you want to adjust things. However, the Sony Sound Connect app is available and makes a wonderful customization tool to get the exact sound profile I’m looking for. The app also allows for easy customization of the speaker’s lighting effects as well to set the mood to whatever I’m looking for. The ULT button feature makes it very easy to quickly change sound settings for different music genres to make this speaker sound beautiful no matter if I’m listening to, rap/hip-hop, electronic, rock, or anything. The speaker also stands out visually. This thing is large and in charge. Big build means big sound! It does have many conveniently placed handles as well as wheels to get it around easily. Also has cool LED lighting throughout. This massive tower design looks modern and feels solid, and the lighting adds a nice touch for a party or just to liven things up at night or with friends over. The lights flash with the beat and give everyday music more of a party feel. Connections and use are straight forward and simple. Plenty of hardwired connections for the serious audiophile or anyone looking to use this as their literal DJ booth in a box. I simply connected via Bluetooth to my phone which was straightforward, and once it was connected, controlling speaker’s settings as well as the music was simple. The controls on the speaker are convenient too, especially when I don’t have my phone right next to me at all times. This speaker is awesome in all aspects, this is ideal for anyone who wants a mobile party that can go pretty much anywhere you’ve got a plugin. Yes, a plugin, realize this is not a battery powered speaker. It is super portable but still needs to be plugged in. That is the only pseudo-negative thing about this speaker, it is otherwise the absolute ultimate party on wheels. Overall, I’m very happy with the Sony ULT Tower Max. It has powerful sound, impressive bass, fantastic clarity, fun lighting, and plenty of volume for outdoor events, parties or larger rooms. If you’re looking for a speaker that makes music feel more exciting instead of just playing it in the background, this one is definitely worth considering. I’ve really enjoyed using it and would certainly recommend to a friend.

Let's get the obvious out of the way. This thing is huge. Roughly 42 inches tall and north of 120 pounds, it arrives looking less like a speaker and more like an appliance. Wheels and four handles make it manageable across a floor, and I got it where it needed to go without much drama, but you won't be tossing it in a hatchback for a quick trip. Know that before you order one. I already own a couple of Sony's bigger battery-powered party speakers, so I figured I knew roughly what to expect. I didn't. The Tower MAX gives up the battery entirely and runs on wall power, and once you hear what it does with that, the trade makes total sense. Inside are three 11-inch woofers (two facing forward, one out the back), two midrange drivers, and four tweeters split front and rear, all fed by 2,150 watts. My battery speakers handle portability. The Tower MAX handles volume, and nothing else I own comes close. Most of my time with it was in my garage, a big two-stall, and even there it was almost comical. Around halfway, for maybe ten or fifteen seconds, was all it took. "Holy crap," out loud, to nobody in particular, and it went right back down before the neighbors came looking for me. Still haven't had a chance to let it loose in a wide-open outdoor space, and frankly I'm a little curious what that looks like. One session happened inside the house. It's a lot for indoors. Bass you feel in your chest and through the floor, even at levels well short of what it can do. What surprised me is how clean it stays. Plenty of big party speakers get loud by getting sloppy, and this one doesn't. Most of my listening happened in ULT1, the deep-bass mode, and the low end is massive without burying the vocals or turning the highs harsh. That front knob handles volume with a twist and cycles sound modes with a press, and it plays a DJ scratch to tell you which mode you landed in, one scratch for ULT1, two for ULT2. Small touch, but it's the kind of thing that tells me someone at Sony actually used this. FLAT and LIVE are there too, and the app has a 10-band EQ for each mode if you want to dial things in. I didn't need to. Defaults sounded right to me. Connectivity is where it starts feeling closer to pro gear than a party speaker. Beyond Bluetooth you get XLR in and out, RCA, a quarter-inch mic input with its own level control, and both USB-A and USB-C. Wireless covered most of my listening, but I also tested a few wired sources, and everything came through clean with no noise or fuss. Rear jacks sit under a cover with a light that comes on when you open it, which anyone who's patched cables behind gear in a dark room will appreciate. Party Chain can link up to 100 compatible speakers over Auracast, though it's limited to the newer generation, so older models won't join in. Lighting is here too, and you can go full party mode, but I set mine to a subtle static color and left it. Personal preference. So who should buy it? If you host, DJ, run karaoke nights, or just want the biggest sound you can roll into a garage or backyard, this is an easy one to love. Just be realistic about your space. It's not an apartment speaker, not even close, and even in a house you can get yourself in trouble fast. Give it room and a reason to be loud, and it's a blast.

Overview: The speaker has clean lines, nice appearance and professional looking. The lights on the front are a nice touch. The great thing is you are able to change colors on the front through the Sony sound App. You are limited on the special effects with the lights with only using the ‘LIGHT’ button on the speaker itself. The speaker is very heavy to move. The handles and wheels make it easier but it would be difficult to have as mobile DJ speaker if you are by yourself. Overall size is not conducive to everyone’s needs. This is not a speaker for you if you have a small car or are always traveling with it by yourself. Sound: The sound this speaker produces is amazing. I tried the speaker in every sound mode offered on the speaker by using the ‘ULT’ button on the front of the speaker, which was easy to get to and use. The four different sound settings offered using the ‘ULT’ button are great depending on what you are using the speaker for. ‘ULT1’ & ‘ULT2’ are great for different bases mixes. ‘FLAT’ is great if you are using a pre-amp DJ mixer or Amp mixing board. The ‘LIVE’ mode is good for outdoor mixing. You can easily change sound modes based on genre of music which makes a huge difference. I also used the speaker with a pre-amp equalizer. This was a great way for me to experience the different levels of sound using the different ranges of speakers. Depending on the genre of music there was weakness in the tweeter in the 600mh – 1k range. There was really good clarity in the 5k- 10k range. The speaker demonstrated good range in low volume and high tone. I was unable to increase volume more than 50% indoors as the speaker puts out exceptional volume. Even at ½ volume it would be great for an indoor house party. The placement of the volume button combined with the ‘ULT’ settings button is in a good spot. The only downfall is the volume setting button cannot be minutely adjusted. It jumps from quite to loud with not much adjustment in the middle. Sony/Sound Connect App: It is a nice feature for this speaker. However, most of the settings in the app you can also control from the speaker directly. The nice addition in the app is the ability to control the speaker lights/colors and the availability of 10 slider EQ. However, if you are using a pre-amp DJ mixer you don’t really need the app to use the speaker. I tried all the input options on the speaker. It was nice to be able to have a selection for whatever I wanted to use to hook up different equipment. The microphone input was nice to use, with an independent volume control. This would be a great speaker for karaoke in a bar or tavern. Overall: The price of the speaker is a little higher than you would normally pay for a set of professional DJ speakers. However, the ability to have an all-in-one unit is nice and convenient. The ability to stand the speaker upright or lay it on its side is nice, in case you want to slide it under a table while DJ’ing. I wish it had a dust cover to prevent damage during transport or storage. Overall, this is great speaker and the ability to daisy chain the speaker through Bluetooth is also a great feature. The downfall is that according to the instruction manual you are only able to chain the speaker with similar speakers. This would be a great speaker to keep in a large garage or use for outdoor parties and small wedding or banquet venues.

Where do I start???... This thing is a MONSTER. Is that a portable speaker in the box just delivered, or a refrigerator, or a couch? Well, there’s only one way to find out, open the box. My Sony Ult Tower Max showed up in a huge box. There was some box damage on the corners and edges, and some of the tape was starting to open up but the Ult tower max was undamaged inside. It is a little work to get it out of the box, and 2 strong people will be helpful for unboxing. I was able to safely unbox it solo. The first step for me after unboxing was to go to the phone app so I get access to all the features of the Ult Tower Max. I already had the Sony Sound Connect app installed on my phone for my headphones, but soon realized it was an older version and my phone wouldn’t allow me to update it. The older version of the app was unable to connect to the Ult Tower. Fortunately I have a newer phone/tablet device for my XR glasses that supports installing the newest version of Sound Connect. Connecting to the newer android went without issue and I started exploring the capabilities of the Ult Tower. As a side note, I was able to bluetooth connect my old phone to the Ult Tower max for playing music, but wasn’t able to use the app features on the old phone with the old android version. Just something to keep in mind, I didn’t see any notes in the documentation or advertising that specified needing the latest Sound Connect that wont install on older android versions. I started by playing some of the usual music I listen to. My first impression was it sounds ok but default settings have the midrange cranked way too high for my taste. This sounded about the same in any of the 4 modes (Ult1 Ult2 Live Flat). Fortunately each mode has its own 10 band eq for tweaking. I ended up lowering the midrange in each modes EQ and was very happy with the results. The EQ’s work awesome. As advertised, Ult1 is for the low bass, Ult2 is for max spl, Live gives the live concert hall feeling, and Flat is just like it says. I tweaked each mode’s EQ and listened to a few different genres. Ult1 sounds best for me with some EDM, Dance, Dubstep etc. Ult2 I dont use much, as I’m not really looking for that crazy SPL/dB level with the punch in my chest feeling. Flat mode with a tweaked EQ is great for a natural sound with country, rock, 70’s 80’s ect. Live works well with the same genres but gives a more spacious live feeling. Moving the Ult Tower Max around is made a little easier by the built in wheels on one bottom edge and built in handles on 4 of the sides. It rolls nicely from room to room. I was able to move it fairly easily, but it still is around 125lbs, so it’s no light weight. You won't be grabbing this alone with one hand and throwing it in the back seat of your car. The Sony Ult Tower Max has a mix of built in buttons and connections. On top are the quick easy access for your most used functions, power, bluetooth, play/pause. On the rear lesser used function buttons along with a covered panel with various inputs. RCA’s for older gear, XLR in and out, a ¼” mic jack along with level adjustment, and USB A and C to power your gear and/or play music from. I’m surprised the mic input is only a ¼”. Your standard mic output is XLR. I had to dig out a mic cable with XLR on one end and ¼” on the other in order to connect my studio mics. I get it that Sony sells their own wireless mics and they have ¼”, but it would have been handy for some if they used a combo XLR/TRS input jack for the mic. Another nice touch added by Sony is a light above all the rear panel jacks. The rear buttons are also backlit but only as needed. IE the karaoke buttons only light up when you plug a microphone in. The rubber cover that goes over all the rear jacks has a tab that you pull to open it. I did find it tough to grab this tab, a little texture on it, or a plastic knob or tab to grab would make it easier. A few fun features I found while playing with the app and the Ult tower and karaoke functions. You can play music from your favorite streaming app, go back to the sound connect app, and in the karaoke functions you have the option to diminish the vocals coming from the song playing, or you can completely eliminate the vocals. This worked very well for me. It might not eliminate the vocals completely on some songs but still does a good job.. To add to that, there is a scoring function. Start scoring before you start singing your song, and stop it when done, and it gives you a score of how well you sang. I assume it tracks how well you stay in tune, but it was a fun feature and could be a party hit. Lots of other features in the app to play with also, you can change the colors on the front grill. Lots of DJ party functions, sound effects, phaser, etc etc. On a side note, the front grill is a heavy metal, which should prevent any damage to the massive woofers and drivers behind the grill. The lighting wraps around the edge of the grill and has a few option modes. The Ult button on the top/front of the grill serves as a rotary volume knob and a push button Ult mode selector. It’s great having a quick easy access volume knob. The lighting around the perimeter also serves as a volume level indicator when changing the volume with the Ult button. This Sony Ult Tower Max is quite the hit, literally and figuratively. After a little tweaking of the Eq for my taste and environment, it sounds awesome. It can hit hard and play clearly throughout the entire volume range. It has more than enough inputs for any use case that I can think of or would need. I need to get this thing in some proper venues and put it to work. Despite my couple little nit picks this thunderous Ult Tower Max is getting 5 stars from me.

The Sony ULT TOWER MAX is one of those products where you understand what it’s designed for almost immediately. This isn’t a typical portable party speaker you casually move from room to room. It’s huge, extremely heavy, built like a tank, and capable of getting impressively loud. Despite the size, Sony did a great job making it manageable to move. The built-in wheels and handles make a massive difference, especially considering how heavy the speaker is. You’re still not going to want to carry it very far, but rolling it around a venue or into position is surprisingly easy. Sound output is the obvious highlight. The TOWER MAX can fill a large space without feeling like it’s struggling, and there’s an enormous amount of bass available through Sony’s ULT modes. It’s clearly tuned toward energetic music and events rather than critical listening, but I was impressed by how much output and presence it can produce. Sony’s Sound Connect app is also very good. Controls are straightforward, and the 10-band EQ is a particularly nice addition because it gives you considerably more control over the sound than I expected from this type of speaker. Being able to adjust the EQ while still using the ULT sound modes makes it much easier to dial things in rather than simply choosing between maximum bass and a completely different custom sound. Party Chain worked well in my testing too, and this is where I started seeing the TOWER MAX as more than just an oversized party speaker. Sony has created an ecosystem that could make a surprisingly clean event setup. As a wedding photographer, I’m around DJs and wedding audio setups regularly, and I could legitimately see a DJ using multiple Sony ULT speakers for certain events. Having physical XLR, RCA and USB connections available directly on the speaker makes it considerably more useful for that kind of application, while Party Chain allows compatible speakers to work together without requiring a complicated speaker setup. Add the integrated wheels and handles, and it becomes relatively easy to roll speakers into a venue, position them and build a clean-looking system. There are some obvious limitations. At roughly 124 pounds, this is an enormous piece of equipment, and despite the wheels, actually lifting it into a vehicle or onto a stage is realistically a two-person job. It also requires AC power, so this isn’t something you’re taking out to the park like a conventional Bluetooth speaker. Overall, though, I came away really impressed with the ULT TOWER MAX. If you’re simply looking for a speaker for occasional backyard parties, this is probably overkill. But that’s also missing the point. For large gatherings, event spaces, DJs, weddings or anyone who can genuinely take advantage of this much output, Sony has built something substantially more capable than the average party speaker. If you can actually put the ULT TOWER MAX to use, it should serve you very well.