Sony recently introduced a new line of audio products in the market, the ULT Series. This series includes various products such as ULT Field 7, ULT Field 1 portable speaker, ULT Wear headphones, and ULT Tower 10 Party Speaker. While ULT Wear & ULT Field 7 have been discussed previously, today we will focus on the Sony ULT Tower 10, one of the most powerful speakers in the lineup.
This flagship device is specifically designed for individuals who enjoy hosting parties. The Sony ULT Tower 10 boasts features like 360-degree party sound, 360-degree Party Light, Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, and more, all available at a price point of under 1 Lakh. Is the Sony ULT Tower 10 worth its price tag? Let’s explore this further.
Pros
- Good Sound Quality
- Seamless Connectivity
- RGB lighting effect
- Microphone bundled in
Cons
- Bulky
- Wheels too small
- Expensive Price
Sony ULT Tower 10 Review: Price & Availability
The Sony ULT Tower 10 Speaker is priced at Rs. 89,990 and is available via Sony retail stores, Electronic stores, and e-commerce platforms like Flipkart.
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Sony ULT Tower 10 Review: Design
The Sony ULT Tower 10 speaker lives up to its name with its striking appearance. Its height of over 43 inches and solid build truly make it resemble a ‘Tower’. Not only is the speaker sizeable, but it is also heavy, weighing 30 kg. I struggled to lift it alone, but the wheels proved to be useful when I needed to move it without any help. It is important to be cautious when moving the speaker on uneven surfaces, as Sony has fitted it with small wheels.
Upon initial inspection of the Sony ULT Tower 10, it becomes apparent that it is designed for expansive outdoor spaces such as a poolside area, garden, or large backyard. Featuring a plastic body with a metal grill overlay, this speaker boasts a sturdy and long-lasting construction. Sony has included an IP64 rating for splash resistance in the ULT Tower 10, allowing for worry-free use during poolside gatherings.
At the top, you’ll find touch controls for adjusting light, volume levels, key, echo, and more. Additionally, two physical buttons exist for power on/off and toggling between various modes. The console also features a flap that can be opened to connect your mic or guitar. Furthermore, the speaker includes a designated space to hold your smartphone or tablet, eliminating the need to balance your device on the floor or top of the speaker. However, the console area tends to catch smudges easily.
The handle makes it easier to carry the speaker and also features Sony branding. The speaker is equipped with two side mic holders and a backside flap concealing the USB port, optical in port, and audio jack. The two-pin power connector can be found at the bottom of the speaker. It features RGB lighting for special effects that are in line with contemporary party speakers. The lighting is synchronized with the music being played, and floor lighting adds to the fun at late evening or night gatherings.
Additionally, hidden LEDs provide subtle lighting effects, enhancing the overall aesthetic experience.
The speaker includes a wireless microphone, making it perfect for karaoke nights. It also features two small tweeters, two midrange drivers, and a large square-shaped woofer.
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Sony ULT Tower 10 Review: Connectivity & Features
The installation process for the Sony ULT Tower 10 is straightforward and intuitive. I had to connect the speaker to a power source, power it on, and then sync it with our device, such as a smartphone, TV, or tablet.
The Sony ULT Tower 10 Speaker is designed to work effortlessly with any Bluetooth 5.2 device, ensuring a smooth pairing process. Along with Bluetooth compatibility, it comes equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack, USB Type-A port, and optical ports for various connectivity needs. Sony provides an optical cable for easy TV connection in the package, resulting in improved sound quality.
The USB Type-A port serves dual purposes: music playback and charging for other devices. While the connectivity options are not extensive, they are sufficient. The only drawback is the absence of WiFi for streaming and an HDMI port for laptop or projector pairing.
The speaker is compatible with AAC, LDAC, and SBC codecs. LDAC provides the highest audio quality and must be activated manually in the speaker’s playback settings. The ULT Tower 10 also features Google Fast Pair and multipoint connectivity, allowing it to connect to multiple devices simultaneously. Party Connect can be paired with up to 100 compatible speakers for an even more immersive experience.
The Sony ULT Tower 10 Speaker is compatible with Music Center and Fiestable apps. While using an app is not mandatory, both apps are accessible for Android and iOS users. Installing both apps may result in additional apps on your device, but each app serves distinct functions.
The Fiestable app is designed to enhance your party experience by providing various sound effects, the ability to control instruments such as guitar and microphone, and more for karaoke sessions. The Party Playlist feature also allows guests connected to the same WiFi network to add songs seamlessly.
The Music Center app will enable users to manage speaker settings by controlling lights, connecting devices, etc. Users can control sound effects and customize EQ settings through the app. The 360-degree party speaker features Party Lights that sync with the music being played. A built-in microphone is perfect for karaoke nights and effortlessly pairs with the speaker. Pop-out holders for microphones are located on both sides of the speaker.
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Sony ULT Tower 10 Review: Performance
The ULT Tower 10 delivers a remarkable sound performance that elevates gatherings. It is perfect for both indoor and outdoor events and can fill a 1500-square-foot area with powerful sound. The volume may sometimes be too intense, particularly when playing bass-heavy songs at high levels. The audio quality is sharp and clear, with solid and thumping beats.
The speaker is equipped with a specialized ULT button that significantly enhances the bass levels. Tracks such as Swag se Swagat, Sheher Ki Ladki, Rehnuma, Udd da Punjab, Let the Music Play, and Wakhra Swag are impressive in ULT mode due to their heavy bass. The speaker delivers a solid performance across various music genres, whether you prefer Punjabi music, Bollywood, Rock Music, or Ghazals. The vocals are also crisp and accurate, thanks to the tweeters in ULT.
The application features a seven-band EQ for personalized sound adjustments. When linked to televisions, the audio quality varies, especially during sports viewing. The included microphone effortlessly syncs with the speaker, offering a wide range of sound. It operates without any delays, making it an ideal choice for karaoke sessions. While I haven’t tried connecting a guitar, I can attest to the impressive performance of the Sony ULT Tower 10 in all other aspects.
Sony ULT Tower 10 Review Verdict
The Sony ULT Tower 10 speaker is a top-notch option for kicking off a party with its impressive sound quality, LED lighting, karaoke mic and functions, and wide range of connectivity options. Despite being heavy, not easily portable, and having a high price tag, its user-friendly interface makes it suitable for medium to large gatherings at home. If you’re willing to invest in this quality and want to elevate your parties, the Sony ULT Tower 10 could be the perfect choice.
