Sony expands the ULT POWER SOUND series with three festive speakers – flagship model delivers up to 2,150 watts

ULT POWER SOUND is not entirely a new departure for Sonos. The range was introduced in the spring of 2024, which included the ULT TOWER 10, ULT FIELD 7, and ULT FIELD 1 speakers, as well as the ULT WEAR headphones. The separate ULT button, which enabled quick switching between bass-oriented sound modes, was already highlighted as a common feature of the series at the time.

In the 2026 ULT TOWER trio, the same idea has been taken further. In ULT1 mode, deeper bass is emphasized, while ULT2 increases the volume in addition to bass. Alongside them, FLAT is added to aim for a more neutral reproduction, and LIVE modifies the audio image to make it more spacious for a live performance. More precise adjustments can be made using the ten-band equalizer in the Sony | Sound Connect app.

The technically most innovative novelty in the lineup is the ULT TOWER MAX. Its structure uses three bass units with a diameter of 280 millimeters. Two of them are directed forward and one back. In addition, there are two 120 millimeter mid-range units, two 25 millimeter front speakers and two 40 millimeter rear speakers.

The bass boost is supported by a large enclosure and the new ULT DUCT construction. The overall goal is to increase the volume of low-frequency sound without the other frequency range being below the bass. The ULT TOWER MAX and ULT TOWER 7 models also use the 360° Party Sound solution, which also directs the sound to the rear of the speaker.

The ULT TOWER MAX is also, in the literal sense of the word, a large speaker. Its dimensions are approximately 534 × 1,062 × 472 millimeters and weighs 56.3 kilograms. The speaker can be moved using the integrated handles and wheels, but no internal battery is used in it. Power is supplied from the mains. This makes the MAX essentially smaller than its two smaller siblings.

The ULT TOWER 7 is clearly easier to move than the MAX model. It weighs approximately 22.8 kilograms and has external dimensions of approximately 421 × 710 × 347 millimeters. Audio reproduction is provided by a 280-millimeter bass driver, two 120-millimeter mid-range drivers, and front- and rear-mounted tweeters. Battery life is stated to be up to 30 hours.

The ULT TOWER 5 shrinks the same basic concept into a housing measuring 12.7 kilograms and approximately 358 × 534 × 280 millimeters. It uses one 230 millimeter bass driver and two 60 millimeter treble drivers. Battery life is promised to be up to 20 hours.

Both ULT TOWER 7 and ULT TOWER 5 are rated IPX4 in vertical position. The rating protects against splashing water when the connection covers are properly sealed. In the MAX model, no equivalent IPX4 rating is stated; instead, the upper surface is designated as splash-resistant.

The new products offer an exceptionally comprehensive range of connectors for this type of party speaker. They include an RCA input as well as XLR input and output, in addition to USB-A, USB-C, and 6.3 mm microphone inputs. This allows, for example, a DJ system to be connected directly to the speaker without the need for a separate consumer-grade Bluetooth solution.

Wireless playback uses the Bluetooth 5.3 connection. Supported audio codecs are SBC, AAC, and Sony LDAC. The speakers can also be used in stereo mode.

In addition, there is the Sound Field Optimization function, which monitors the placement of the speakers and the ambient noise level and adjusts the playback accordingly. The speakers can be used in both vertical and horizontal positions, and the volume can be adjusted based on the placement.

A new Party Chain function has been introduced for systems with multiple speakers. It is based on Bluetooth Auracast transmission, which allows the sound and lighting of compatible speakers to be synchronized.

Sony states that the Party Chain supports up to a hundred compatible speakers. At least in the release phase, the supported models are the ULT TOWER MAX, ULT TOWER 7, and ULT TOWER 5. However, the new Party Chain is a different system from Sony’s previous Wireless Party Chain and Party Connect solutions, and the older speakers that support them are not directly compatible with the new system.

For festive use, the lighting has been upgraded with the BEAT, WAVE, and MELLOW modes. For karaoke, the ULTMIC1 microphone, which can be purchased separately, can be used.

The sound finishing of the speakers has been done in collaboration with several producers working in hip-hop and audio professionals. Among them are Dot Da Genius, a Grammy nominee, drummer and producer Daru Jones, producer and DJ Dready, and audio engineer Dennis ”ROC.am” Jones.

The collaboration has been particularly beneficial in fine-tuning the bass tone, sound pressure, and vocal clarity. The solution fits the ULT series’s philosophy, as the lineup has been characterized since the first generation by its strong and bass-oriented rhythm music playback.