Sony Ult Tower 10 Party Speaker

ULT Tower 10UnpackingFirstly, I’m sure anyone who buys this speaker will know how big it is, but it’s still surprising when you see it. The packaging is simple and robust but be warned, it may take 2 people to unpack it.SetupSetup is very straightforward. Basically you just need to connect via Bluetooth. Basic input, volume, and transport controls are on the top panel which also includes controls to customise the lighting effects. By installing the Sony Music Center app, you get more customization options. Behind a flap on the top panel is the microphone/guitar input.Included are EU and UK power cables, optical cable, microphone (for Karaoke function) and setup instructrions.SoundI have to be honest here and admit that I was not expecting sonic ... MoreULT Tower 10UnpackingFirstly, I’m sure anyone who buys this speaker will know how big it is, but it’s still surprising when you see it. The packaging is simple and robust but be warned, it may take 2 people to unpack it.SetupSetup is very straightforward. Basically you just need to connect via Bluetooth. Basic input, volume, and transport controls are on the top panel which also includes controls to customise the lighting effects. By installing the Sony Music Center app, you get more customization options. Behind a flap on the top panel is the microphone/guitar input.Included are EU and UK power cables, optical cable, microphone (for Karaoke function) and setup instructrions.SoundI have to be honest here and admit that I was not expecting sonic excellence from a ‘Party’ speaker but it is actually very competent indeed. Tonal balance is really very good and remains so up to rather high volume levels (and they really are high). I listened to a variety of music all streamed via Bluetooth from my iPhone and was also somewhat surprised by what an enjoyable speaker it really is.Nothing was or gained or lost via optical input and again the speaker put in a very good performance with no harshness or listener fatigue.I tested in a room that was 15’ by 25’ feet and in that room I found the ULT function a bit overblown for my personal taste, but I can imagine outside, or in a large room, or if you just like lots of bass, it works well. Certainly it didn’t seem to introduce any distortion.ConclusionIts possibly a niche product but is extraordinarily well executed. Build quality is excellent with no signs that it struggles delivery high volumes, and to be honest, a lot of fun.

First impressions are “WOW!”: It’s huge.. and heavy, at just under 30Kg, could actually work indoors, in a large room, as it’s a nice piece of furniture, for a cinema night in. But you’ll never feel it’s potential if that’s where you leave it. Mine now sits in my garage next to a power extension lead ready to extend out to the garden – the power lead provided will never suffice.It looks great: all matt black plastic, with two small wheels (they could be larger really) to aid moving around; you’ll be thankful for the styled halo around the top to hold onto as you position it outside in a large space and enjoy this as it must be. You may want to get some help carrying it over grass or a gravel drive.It’s loud, really loud, but also very clear across all ... MoreFirst impressions are “WOW!”: It’s huge.. and heavy, at just under 30Kg, could actually work indoors, in a large room, as it’s a nice piece of furniture, for a cinema night in. But you’ll never feel it’s potential if that’s where you leave it. Mine now sits in my garage next to a power extension lead ready to extend out to the garden – the power lead provided will never suffice.It looks great: all matt black plastic, with two small wheels (they could be larger really) to aid moving around; you’ll be thankful for the styled halo around the top to hold onto as you position it outside in a large space and enjoy this as it must be. You may want to get some help carrying it over grass or a gravel drive.It’s loud, really loud, but also very clear across all frequencies, with two tweeters, two midrange tweeters and a woofer to seriously impress, enhanced with the two UTL deep bass options. There are party lights top and bottom, and even a surprisingly effective karaoke / DJ microphone. No Wi-Fi connectivity, but it has Bluetooth 5.2, and a hidden rear compartment near the top with three inputs for an optical connector (with 3m cable included), USB and an audio jack.To get things started, install the Sony Music Centre app on a mobile device. I had no problems connecting and find the app is the best way to start it up as opening Bluetooth setting just takes you to the app regardless. You can decide to keep the Bluetooth on standby so that as long as the speaker is powered you can connect. There are other Power options found in Settings, which itself is located at the bottom of a list of items under the picture of the speaker, starting with “My library”, then significantly Fiestable, then the input options and then the any music apps you have installed on your device.Also under Settings are Sound, Illumination, System and Management of Bluetooth. The Sound option provides two ULT bass / power options and a custom, which in turn enables a customisation equaliser if you prefer. You can boost the TV sound via the optical cable, along with an option to prioritise Bluetooth quality or connection (supporting LDAC). Another useful setting is the illumination, which has five different lighting options – but if you install the Sony app Fiestable, you can start this app within the list and play with a multitude of lighting / DJ settings. Try the Bluetooth Audio at the bottom of the app list – volume can be increased more incrementally this way compared with most volume controls on a device.The control panel is illuminated and consists of a power button, the ULT button, the usual playback controls, Bluetooth pairing, volume, light functions, echo and DJ functions, all worth a try. It is water resistant, so great to place a drink, but also handy for a mobile device, which can charge from the USB port at the rear.The microphone is a real surprise in how good it is. Only requiring two AA batteries (included), it pairs seamlessly with the speaker, and has been given a place either side of it in the form of two retractable mic holders. You won’t put it down though, it’s a lot of fun. The app, Fiestable and the control panel have a selection of Karaoke / DJ settings you can use.Even though this is clearly not a stereo speaker, you can pair it with another ULT 10 for that effect, but the app also allows grouping with other compatible Sony speakers, and although it might take 50 seconds or so to establish the connection, the results can be very impressive, given a large open space and a lot of friends.This is a beast of a sound machine, music you can really feel as well as hear. I’ve tried all different types of music, including some big movie soundtracks: the clarity and power never really disappoints. But it’s for those that have the space, no worries about annoying any neighbours, and plenty friends that enjoy karaoke.

The Sony ULT TOWER 10 is absolutely massive, ridiculously loud and insanely punchy. Highs are crisp, mids don't sound muddled and lows are gut rumbling, but not overblown.There are 2 ULT sound modes. One is suited for lower rumbling bass, while the next mode seems to offer punchier bass. My favorite was the first ULT mode, but both sound great.Multipoint Bluetooth allows for an easy connection to just about any phone or deice, while the music center allows for further customization of features and lighting.A wireless microphone is included so that you can sing along with your tunes while enjoying the vivid light show that is built in.You also have karaoke control right on the top of the speaker and can even use it as an amp for a guitar. There's also a USB ... MoreThe Sony ULT TOWER 10 is absolutely massive, ridiculously loud and insanely punchy. Highs are crisp, mids don't sound muddled and lows are gut rumbling, but not overblown.There are 2 ULT sound modes. One is suited for lower rumbling bass, while the next mode seems to offer punchier bass. My favorite was the first ULT mode, but both sound great.Multipoint Bluetooth allows for an easy connection to just about any phone or deice, while the music center allows for further customization of features and lighting.A wireless microphone is included so that you can sing along with your tunes while enjoying the vivid light show that is built in.You also have karaoke control right on the top of the speaker and can even use it as an amp for a guitar. There's also a USB port for charging devices, while they sit nicely on the built-in device stand.I sang along horribly to several songs and while my voice sounded clear via the wireless mic, the cats outside didn't seem to appreciate my singing.This speaker also comes with wheels, because you'll need them to lug around its 50lb heft. What it doesn't come with is a battery, but once you turn up the volume, you'll realize that a battery wouldn't power this unit for very long anyway.Overall, the Sony ULT TOWER 10 is a speaker better suited for larger parties, outdoor spaces, and events such as weddings more so than a home or backyard. I believe one could opt for a much smaller, less expensive speaker for smaller gatherings.With that said, the ULT TOWER 10 is an incredible sounding, huge speaker with a hefty price tag that will leave people wanting to justify purchasing it for their next karaoke party.