Sony Ult Field 1 Portable Wireless Speaker Forest Grey

I do have a few portable bluetooth speakers and while they all promote having unique features, they are all the same product. So, what makes this one special??Packaging is simple, speaker comes with a charge cable (no wall AC adaptor) and instruction booklet.I compared the audio to battery powered speakers and a few AC powered just to see how it compared. I do like the fact that it does look like it needs to be vertical to perform the best but it can be used in both orientations and not inhibit the music quality. I do feel the detachable multi-way strap will be super handy, from hanging on the back corner of a chair, to securing it somewhere in a golf cart, possibilities are endless if you wanted to bring music along on your adventures.The ULT button does make ... MoreI do have a few portable bluetooth speakers and while they all promote having unique features, they are all the same product. So, what makes this one special??Packaging is simple, speaker comes with a charge cable (no wall AC adaptor) and instruction booklet.I compared the audio to battery powered speakers and a few AC powered just to see how it compared. I do like the fact that it does look like it needs to be vertical to perform the best but it can be used in both orientations and not inhibit the music quality. I do feel the detachable multi-way strap will be super handy, from hanging on the back corner of a chair, to securing it somewhere in a golf cart, possibilities are endless if you wanted to bring music along on your adventures.The ULT button does make a considerable difference in the volume and bass levels, selecting and unselecting makes a noticeable difference. I do prefer the ULT button on while using this speaker for a more complete audio experience. Keep in mind this will significantly decrease the estimated 12 hour battery line, higher volume and ULT on will shrink battery life to 3-4 hours.They promote a grab and go, take it anywhere especially outside, built to last speaker. I would agree with all of these points and the speaker does feel well built, has some weight to it and the design of having the IP67 certification gives you the ability to use this in basically all conditions and environments without worry.Set up and pairing with an iPhone was seamless and quick, it does have an app if you are the type to customize but out of the box this speaker performs nicely.Sony vs. Soundcore Motion X600Full Disclosure the spatial audio on this speaker is fantastic so its sorta an unfair comparison BUT the Sony does hold its own factoring in all ranges and bass. For most stationary settings I still prefer the Soundcore.Sony vs. Marshall Action IIIVolume on the Marshall is on a whole other level but averaging volume between the two you notice subtle differences in the way these speakers broadcast sound.Sony touts their Sound Diffusion Processor and like above compared to the Soundcore, it does try to fill a room with sound but just can’t keep up with either speaker in that regard.This speaker is smaller by about half so factoring in still how loud it can get is impressive. To be more detailed its a good loud, not a distorted turn it down ASAP loud! The size would have me grabbing this speaker vs the Soundcore for more mobile adventures.Overall the features align with all the outdoor focused options - generous battery life when maintaining volume levels, rugged design with IP67 ratings, ability to pair with another for stereo audio and decent call talk through. This speaker is a total package!

The unboxing was just the start of a premium experience. Someone put some thought into this as before you even use it, you feel and see a premium product that is presented professionally. When I removed it from the box, I was not sure how much battery charge it had, but I wanted to try it immediately and it did have enough for about 45 minutes of listening before I plugged it in for recharge. I have not had it long enough to know how long the battery lasts, so I will not speak to their claim of 12 hours, but like every other battery powered speaker, the louder you listen, the shorter the battery life. The USB-C charging port is behind a rubber plug that is tight enough to withstand splashes, but I would not put it underwater or subject it to water pressure. They say ... MoreThe unboxing was just the start of a premium experience. Someone put some thought into this as before you even use it, you feel and see a premium product that is presented professionally. When I removed it from the box, I was not sure how much battery charge it had, but I wanted to try it immediately and it did have enough for about 45 minutes of listening before I plugged it in for recharge. I have not had it long enough to know how long the battery lasts, so I will not speak to their claim of 12 hours, but like every other battery powered speaker, the louder you listen, the shorter the battery life. The USB-C charging port is behind a rubber plug that is tight enough to withstand splashes, but I would not put it underwater or subject it to water pressure. They say it is IP 67 rated which means you can use it near splashing water, but not submerge it. The instructions talk about dusting it off and cleaning the speaker covering if it gets dirty, but I would not put it under running water if I had to clean it. The controls are pretty straightforward with on/off, Bluetooth indicator, pause and play, volume up, volume down, and the ULT button that really makes this speaker shine with CLEAN bass boost. It is not boomy like other similar size speakers. My only nitpick is that when switching the ULT button off and on, it makes a tone sound while attenuating the music. It is a bit annoying, but I leave the ULT on all the time, so no big deal. Connecting with Bluetooth is a snap and anyone who has paired Bluetooth devices will have no problem. The ends of the speaker are where the woofers are located and they sound far better if the speaker is horizontal so both are open to produce sound. It can stand on one end, but you lose some bass in this position. Make sure to download Sony Music Center to have more control over this speaker. I tried receiving a phone call on it, but it was too far away and the caller could not hear me well, likely because of distance from the microphone. It was clear on my end, so I need to try this again. I have not drop tested it yet, but it looks rugged enough and will likely withstand a drop from 3 or 4 feet without damage due to the contruction and the materials it is built from. Another nitpick is the carry strap is a double cord with a knot tied in the end. While functional, I think it detracts from the overall look and feel of premium that they obviously were going for in this speaker. I also own a JBL Flip 6 and this speaker is similar in size, but about an inch longer. It beats the JBL hands down - no comparison in sound quality - especially in bass response! All in all, this is a great sounding speaker and highly recommended.

The ULT Power Sound Field 1 Speaker is very nicely packaged with 100% fully recyclable materials packaging, which is always nice to see.A USB to C Charger Cable is supplied along with the Speaker itself and before attempting to go any further I put the Speaker on Charge, although I thought the charger cable could have been just a little bit longer.Once on charge, I found it very quick and easy to set up, I already have the Sony App on my I-Phone so it was just a case of opening the Sony Music Center App and simply selecting add a new device, then by connecting it to my I-phone via Blue Tooth, set up was completed literally in a few seconds. Although the optional software update took a few minutes to complete, I reckon it was worth getting that over and done with ... MoreThe ULT Power Sound Field 1 Speaker is very nicely packaged with 100% fully recyclable materials packaging, which is always nice to see.A USB to C Charger Cable is supplied along with the Speaker itself and before attempting to go any further I put the Speaker on Charge, although I thought the charger cable could have been just a little bit longer.Once on charge, I found it very quick and easy to set up, I already have the Sony App on my I-Phone so it was just a case of opening the Sony Music Center App and simply selecting add a new device, then by connecting it to my I-phone via Blue Tooth, set up was completed literally in a few seconds. Although the optional software update took a few minutes to complete, I reckon it was worth getting that over and done with at the same time. You can then choose to stream your favourite music via Spotify, Amazon Music, I-Tunes, or even You Tube for example.WOW, I didn’t appreciate what the ULT function actually did until I pushed the ULT Button on top of the speaker and I was blown away with the deep powerful BASS, what an amazing sound from such a small speaker.At only around 8 inches long and 3inches wide this compact but rugged looking speaker sits nicely on my kitchen window and certainly grabbed my attention when I heard the Powerful ULT beat blasting out my favourite music, thanks to the twin end speakers from which you can actually feel the vibe.The speaker sounds absolutely fine without ULT but I do think this function makes a big difference to the overall sound quality which seemed to me to be approaching surround sound if the volume is up high enough. A very impressive feature, which I use all the time now, although not sure yet if this reduces the 12hour battery life, I don’t care as its so much better with it on.I have to say it looks pretty neat sitting on my kitchen window, but also looks equally at home in our Sunroom when relaxing to music, or even while entertaining friends in the garden on a nice sunny day.I think this speaker will really come in to its own on holiday either in our caravan, or in more likely in my carry on bag. At only 650 grammes its light enough, small enough and looks strong enough to survive a bit of rough handling at the airport.I look forward to taking it with me on my next holiday where I will be able to listen to my very own music in the privacy of my Hotel Room or in my Cruise Ship Cabin or perhaps even on the beach as its also dust and waterproof.What’s not to like?I am not struck on the rope carrying handle, to be honest, however I tucked the extra bits in and prefer this look, however do appreciate there may be times where you might need to hang it up (while camping for example) so can see why Sony have went for this option which may suit some folks better. To be fair, if you do hang it up, rather than stand it on a solid surface, as I do, the sound output is actually even more striking.Overall I have to say I am very pleased and impressed with my new travel companion.