Sony’s been on a mission to make your music hit harder, and their ULT Power Sound series is proof of that. Launched last year with a focus on delivering earth-shaking bass, the lineup is now welcoming three redesigned wireless Bluetooth speakers: the ULT Tower 9, ULT Field 5, and ULT Field 3. These aren’t just minor tweaks to old models—they’re packed with new features like dedicated bass mode buttons, upgraded LED light shows, and smarter designs to keep the party going wherever you are. If you’re someone who feels music as much as you hear it, here’s why Sony’s latest drop is worth your attention.
Let’s start with the beast of the bunch—the ULT Tower 9. Replacing the SRS-XV900, this party speaker is built for those moments when you need to fill a room (or a backyard) with sound. Sony’s kept the price steady at $899.99 for the battery-powered version, which boasts an impressive 25 hours of playback. If you’re short on time, a 10-minute charge gets you three hours of tunes—a lifesaver for last-minute gatherings. For those who don’t need portability, there’s a new AC-only version at $749.99, shaving off some cost without skimping on power.
What makes the ULT Tower 9 stand out is its sheer muscle. A large woofer, four tweeters, and two midrange drivers work together to deliver what Sony calls “omnidirectional party sound.” Translation? It’s loud, clear, and immersive from every angle. The star of the show is the ULT button, a one-tap shortcut to two bass modes: ULT1 for deep, rumbling low-end vibes, and ULT2 for punchy, in-your-chest bass that’ll make your playlist feel like a live concert. If you’re picky about sound, a 10-band equalizer lets you tweak the audio to your liking via Sony’s Sound Connect app.
Sony’s also thought about the visuals. The ULT Tower 9’s 360-degree LED lighting has been upgraded to cast a wider, beat-synced glow across the floor, turning any space into a dance-ready zone. And for those who love to take center stage, it supports karaoke mics and even hooks up to your TV for a cinematic boost. Mobility’s been improved too—bigger wheels mean you can roll this 50-pound speaker around without breaking a sweat.
Next up is the ULT Field 5, stepping in for the SRS-XG300 at $329.99. It’s a bit cheaper than its predecessor and sits below the pricier ULT Field 7 ($499) in Sony’s lineup, striking a sweet spot for portability and power. Think of it as the speaker you’d grab for a beach day, a picnic, or a house party where you want big sound without lugging around a tower.
The ULT Field 5 is powered by a central woofer, two tweeters, and a pair of passive radiators on the sides, giving it a robust soundstage. Like its bigger sibling, it offers ULT1 and ULT2 bass modes, so you can dial up the low-end to match your mood. With the lights off and bass modes engaged, you’re looking at up to 25 hours of battery life—plenty for a full day of music. Turn on the upgraded LEDs, though, and you’ll get about 10 hours, or just 2.5 hours if you’re blasting it at max volume with the lights in full party mode.
Speaking of those LEDs, they’re a standout feature. Positioned at both ends, they project colorful, beat-synced patterns onto nearby surfaces, making the ULT Field 5 as much a visual vibe as an audio one. The new boxy design is practical too—it works horizontally or vertically, and an optional shoulder strap (sold separately) makes it easy to carry. Plus, a 10-band EQ in the Sound Connect app gives you control over the sound profile, so you can prioritize clarity for podcasts or bass for hip-hop.
Sony’s also made this speaker ready for the elements. It’s IP67-rated, meaning it’s dustproof and can handle a splash or two (or even a quick dunk in the pool). Whether you’re chilling by the water or caught in a surprise rain, the ULT Field 5 keeps playing.
Rounding out the trio is the ULT Field 3, priced at $199.99 and replacing the SRS-XE300. It’s the second-smallest speaker in the ULT lineup (just above the pint-sized ULT Field 1), designed for those who want solid sound in a grab-and-go package. Like Field 5, it’s got a boxy, versatile design that works horizontally or vertically, making it a great fit for tight spaces or outdoor adventures.
The ULT Field 3 keeps things simple but effective. A single woofer and tweeter, backed by two passive radiators, deliver clear audio with a focus on portability. It only offers the ULT1 bass mode—no ULT2 punchiness here—but that’s enough to give your music some extra depth. Battery life matches its predecessor at 24 hours, though cranking the volume and bass drops that to about five hours. A seven-band EQ lets you fine-tune the sound, balancing performance and battery life through the Sound Connect app.
Unlike its bigger siblings, the ULT Field 3 skips the LED party lights, keeping the focus on audio over aesthetics. It’s still rugged, though, with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, so it’s ready for hikes, picnics, or poolside hangs. At just over five pounds, it’s light enough to toss in a backpack without a second thought.
Sony’s ULT Power Sound series is all about giving you control over your music’s vibe. The dedicated ULT buttons on these speakers make it dead simple to switch between bass modes, catering to different genres or moods without fumbling through an app. Whether you’re a bass head who lives for EDM drops or someone who just wants their folk playlist to feel a bit richer, there’s a mode for you. The redesigned builds—boxier for the Field models, more mobile for the Tower—show Sony’s listening to how people actually use these speakers.
The LED upgrades are a nice touch too. In a world where music and visuals go hand in hand (think TikTok soundtracks paired with flashing lights), the Field 5 and Tower 9 lean into that trend, creating an atmosphere that’s as engaging to look at as it is to hear. And with prices either holding steady or dropping slightly compared to older models, Sony’s making sure these upgrades don’t break the bank.
Sony’s not alone in the Bluetooth speaker game. Bose’s SoundLink Max ($399) and JBL’s Boombox 3 ($499) are heavy hitters in the premium portable space, offering their own takes on big sound and durability. Bose leans toward crisp, balanced audio, while JBL’s known for its bass-heavy PartyBoost ecosystem. Sony’s ULT lineup, though, stands out with its customizable EQs and bass-focused modes, giving you more flexibility to shape the sound. Plus, the IP67 ratings on the Field 5 and 3 make them tougher than many competitors for outdoor use.
For party speakers, the ULT Tower 9 goes toe-to-toe with models like the JBL PartyBox 710 ($799), which also offers flashy lights and karaoke features. Sony’s edge here might be its 360-degree sound and lighting, which feel more immersive for larger spaces. The AC-only Tower 9 option is a smart move too, undercutting JBL’s price for those who don’t need a battery.
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