TechRadar Reviews Sony ULT Tower 5: Punchy Bass and Wide Connectivity at $450
TechRadar reviewer Harry Padoan evaluated the Sony ULT Tower 5 ($449.99), concluding it delivers impressive low-end punch, 300W peak output, and clear mids despite its relatively compact party-speaker footprint. The source highlights versatile inputs—including Bluetooth with LDAC, RCA, XLR, and a microphone jack—alongside customizable lighting and up to 20 hours of battery life. However, testing showed that directional front-facing drivers limit audio dispersion from the rear or sides, and its 28-pound frame lacks transport wheels or a telescoping handle.
Published on Savlume: · Content updated: · Source published:
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AI brief
From the source report
The reviewer recommends the Sony ULT Tower 5 for buyers seeking a party-focused speaker, citing powerful bass, versatile connections, and karaoke and EQ features. It may be worth considering if those functions matter more to you than 360-degree sound or stronger water protection.
Best suited for Buyers looking for a party speaker for indoor or outdoor use, DJ connections, karaoke, and customizable sound and lighting.
Highlights
The reviewer found the bass powerful and well-controlled, while mids and highs remained clear in their listening tests; that may suit bass-forward party music without sacrificing vocal detail.
Bluetooth with LDAC, USB-A, USB-C, RCA, XLR, and a mic input offer options for streaming, USB playback, DJ equipment, and karaoke.
The reviewer reports up to 20 hours of playback with the lights off, and says Stamina mode extends battery life by reducing lighting and ULT Power Sound.
Before you buy
The reviewer says the speaker lacks rear-facing drivers and sounds less full from the side or back than from the front.
The reviewer describes ULT 1 mode as poorly suited to smaller rooms.
The source says IPX4 handles splashes and light rain, but does not present it as top-tier waterproofing.
The stated 20-hour maximum playback figure is with the lights turned off.
Product facts & conditions
Model / variant
ULT Tower 5 · Black
Written by AI from the source report, not a hands-on test. Read source ↗
Media review
Review findings & buying advice
Based on TechRadar Reviews ↗. AI-assisted summary of the source; not a Savlume hands-on test.
The TechRadar reviewer gives the Sony ULT Tower 5 a strong recommendation for its bass, connectivity, and party features, while noting its directional sound and modest IPX4 water protection.
Who it may suit People seeking a party speaker with strong bass, varied audio connections, karaoke features, and customizable lighting.
What the source liked
The reviewer praised the bass output and reported that mids and highs remained clear during listening.
The reviewer found the connection options, EQ modes, app controls, and party features versatile and easy to use.
The reviewer found Party Chain pairing with the ULT Tower 7 quick and said the speaker's lights can be customized.
Trade-offs & limitations
The reviewer found sound less full from the side or back because the speaker lacks rear-facing drivers.
The reviewer says ULT 1 mode is ill-suited to smaller rooms.
The reviewer says IPX4 is suitable for spills or light rain but is not a standout waterproofing rating.
Source testing context The author says they tested the speaker indoors at Future Labs and outdoors, mainly streaming over Bluetooth and Tidal, and tried Party Chain with the ULT Tower 7.
Questions this review helps answer
Does it support connections beyond Bluetooth?
The review lists USB-A, USB-C, RCA, XLR, and a mic input in addition to Bluetooth.
How long does the battery last?
The review reports up to 20 hours with the lights off and says Stamina mode extends battery life at the expense of lighting and ULT Power Sound.
Is it suitable for listening from every direction?
The reviewer says it lacks 360-degree sound and sounds less full from the side or back.
The review reports a US price of $449.99. The supplied Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart links each display $448; these are source-provided listing amounts, not independently confirmed prices or evidence of typical selling prices.
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