Sony’s ULT Tower Max headlines a trio of new wireless party speakers built to fill large spaces with room-shaking bass. Priced at EUR 1,294, the Tower Max sits at the top of the new lineup alongside the ULT Tower 7 and ULT Tower 5, both listed at EUR 561. The two larger models add integrated wheels for easier transport, and all three include built-in handles.
The new speakers extend Sony’s ULT Power Sound series, which launched last year with the floor-standing ULT Tower 9 and the ULT Wear headphones. Across the new models, the drivers have been redesigned to work with larger cabinets that push more air and volume.
The flagship Tower Max weighs a hefty 121 pounds and delivers the most physical listening experience of the group. It packs three woofers, two front-facing and one rear-facing, along with four tweeters and midrange drivers. Early listening sessions showed the speakers play loud and produce heavy bass while keeping good clarity and detail.
Connectivity, Party Chain, and DJ Features
Both amateur and professional DJs can link speakers together using a Party Chain mode to boost output, or pair two matching units for stereo sound. The speakers also work for karaoke or as a PA system, with Sony’s ULT MIC two-pack available for EUR 102. Connectivity includes XLR, RCA, and USB-C inputs.
One limitation stands out: the new models are not backward compatible with the ULT Tower 9 and ULT Tower 10 through Party Connect.
Sony gave the speakers a more industrial look reminiscent of professional DJ gear, though with rounded corners. The lighting element has been upgraded with new modes designed to shift the mood for different settings. A lighting trail around the edge of each speaker extends or retracts to reflect volume as you adjust it.
Sound Modes, Calibration, and Splash Resistance
Each speaker offers four sound modes accessible through the ULT button on the front or the Sony Sound Connect app for iOS and Android. The modes are ULT1 for enhanced deep bass, ULT2 for a greater power boost, Flat for a neutral true-to-source signal, and Live for a spacious concert feel that preserves vocal clarity. Additional EQ settings are also available.
The speakers can be placed vertically or laid horizontally and include a sound calibration mode that automatically adjusts output to the room. In a first for Sony party speakers, the ULT Tower 7, at 50 pounds, and the ULT Tower 5, at 29 pounds, carry an IPX4 splash-proof rating when standing upright.
The Tower Max is portable but must remain plugged in, as it lacks a rechargeable battery. By contrast, the ULT Tower 7 and ULT Tower 5 include built-in batteries for cord-free use.
