Sony ULT Tower 10 Review

Summary / TL;DR

The Sony ULT Tower 10 is a mobile speaker that balances sound quality and style, aiming to enhance any gathering with its audio performance. Its sleek design features a durable build, although the top panel buttons could be more intuitive. Sound-wise, it offers impressive audio clarity with crisp highs, clear mids, and punchy bass, maintaining quality even at high volumes. However, it might lack depth for nuanced acoustic tracks.

The speaker provides versatile connectivity options, including Bluetooth, auxiliary input, USB port, and a party chain function for linking multiple speakers. Despite lacking NFC, it compensates with other features. Its battery lasts up to 15 hours, though charging takes about 5 hours. Weighing 5.5 kg, it's portable with a built-in handle but not ideal for long treks.

Competitors like the JBL PartyBox 310, Bose S1 Pro, and Anker Soundcore Rave+ offer varied strengths, but the Sony ULT Tower 10 excels in delivering a balanced performance with robust connectivity. While it has some quirks, it remains a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and dynamic audio experience.

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If you like this review, you might also like our review on the Sony ULT Field 1 or Sony ULT Field 7 or Sonos Era 100.

Introduction

The Sony ULT Tower 10 is making waves in the mobile speaker scene, promising to deliver a powerful punch in both sound and style. If you've been on the hunt for a new speaker that can keep up with your lifestyle, this might just be what you're looking for. This speaker isn't just about music; it's about making a statement with its presence. Why do people love speakers like these? Imagine a party with no music or a beach day without tunes—sounds a bit dull, right? That's where mobile speakers come in, turning any gathering into an instant celebration.

This latest offering from Sony aims to stand out, with a design that doesn't scream for attention but still manages to catch the eye. It's not all about looks, though. This speaker promises a sound experience that can turn your living room into a mini concert hall. But let's be real, no gadget is perfect. While it excels in many areas, there might be a few quirks you'll want to know about before making it your go-to speaker. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into what this speaker brings to the table, from its build and sound quality to how it stacks up against the competitors.

Design and Build Quality

The design and build quality of the Sony ULT Tower 10 is something that immediately catches the eye. It’s like the speaker is shouting, "Look at me!" without saying a word. With its sleek and modern appearance, it stands tall and proud, fitting well into any room setup, whether you’re having a party or just chilling at home. The matte finish gives it a premium touch, making it look more expensive than it really is. But hey, who doesn't love a bit of a show-off?

The material used for the body feels solid and durable. It’s like they packed in some extra toughness without losing the elegance. It’s mostly made of high-quality plastic, which strikes a nice balance between being lightweight and sturdy. Ever tried to lift a rock-solid speaker and found it a workout? Thankfully, that's not the case here.

On the downside, the buttons on the top panel could be a bit more intuitive. They’re not hard to miss, but distinguishing them at a glance might take a bit of getting used to. It’s like when you have to fish around in your pocket for the right key.

Overall, the Sony ULT Tower 10 doesn’t just look good; it feels good too. It's built to last, but maybe not rugged enough for a camping trip in the woods. But then again, it's not pretending to be something it's not. It’s more like the life of the party—ready to impress, but not quite ready to rough it in the great outdoors.

Sound Quality and Performance

Alright, let's dive into the meat and potatoes of this review—Sound Quality and Performance. After all, what's a speaker without some serious audio chops, right?

Audio Clarity and Range

The Sony ULT Tower 10 delivers an impressive audio clarity that might just make your ears do a happy dance. The highs are crisp without being overly sharp, giving you all the detail without the ear fatigue. Mids come through clearly, which is great for vocals and instruments that you don't want to miss. But what about the bass? Oh, the bass performance is where this speaker really flexes its muscles. It's deep and punchy, making it perfect for those who like their music to pack a little extra punch.

Volume and Distortion

Ever wanted to crank up the volume for a party or just to annoy your neighbors? The Tower 10's got you covered. It can get pretty loud, filling up a room or even an outdoor space with ease. And the best part? It maintains its quality even at higher volumes without significant distortion. You know, that annoying buzz that some speakers give when you push them too hard? Not here.

Surround Sound Effects

For the audiophiles out there, the speaker provides a decent sense of spatial audio. It's not exactly like being in a theater, but it gives enough surround sound effect to keep you happy during movie nights or gaming sessions. You might find yourself looking over your shoulder, thinking the sound came from somewhere else in the room.

However, while the sound quality is generally stellar, it might feel a tad flat if you're a fan of more nuanced, subtle acoustic tracks. It does a lot of things well, but if you're super picky about hearing every tiny detail, you might catch a minor hiccup here and there.

In summary, the Sony ULT Tower 10 is a beast in the audio department, perfect for those who want to feel their music, not just hear it. Just remember, it's not a magic wand that turns MP3s into live concerts, but it gets pretty darn close.

Connectivity Options

The connectivity options for the Sony ULT Tower 10 are like the Swiss army knife of portable speakers—they're packed with versatility and ready for almost any situation. First off, there's Bluetooth connectivity. This is your go-to for wireless audio streaming, and it seamlessly hooks up with your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. It’s quick and easy, making spontaneous dance parties a breeze.

For those who prefer a more old-school approach, the speaker has a trusty auxiliary input. Just plug in a standard 3.5mm audio cable, and you’re set. It's a handy fallback if you're dealing with devices that don't have Bluetooth capabilities or if you're aiming to conserve battery life.

Another neat feature is the USB port. Not only can you charge your devices through this port, but you can also plug in a USB drive loaded with your favorite jams. Imagine it as a jukebox feature; pretty cool, huh?

Now, if you're throwing a big party and want to link multiple speakers, the Sony ULT Tower 10 has got you covered with its party chain function. It’s perfect for creating a surround-sound experience. However, setting this up can be a bit fiddly if you're new to it.

On the downside, some users have noted that the speaker lacks NFC for quick pairing, which could be a slight hiccup for those accustomed to one-tap connectivity. But with everything else it offers, this isn’t a dealbreaker for most.

Battery Life and Portability

When you're out and about, the battery life of your mobile speaker can make or break the party. The Sony ULT Tower 10 boasts an impressive battery lifespan that keeps the tunes going for up to 15 hours on a single charge. This certainly means a full day of music without needing to scramble for a power source.

The speaker charges via a standard USB-C port, which is convenient for those who like to pack light. However, it's worth noting that full charging can take around 5 hours, so planning ahead is a good idea to avoid any silent moments.

Portability

Now, let’s talk about portability. While the ULT Tower 10 packs quite a punch in the sound department, it’s not exactly light as a feather. Weighing in at around 29 kg, it’s quite a hassle to carry / roll around. The built-in handle does help, but if you’re planning to trek long distances, you might want to consider if this is the right companion for you.

Its sturdy build provides durability, so whether you're headed to a picnic or a backyard barbecue, you don’t have to worry about it giving up on you. However, if you’re the type who prefers tucking a speaker into a backpack, this might not be the easiest fit.

For those who are all about sound and less about ultra-compactness, the balance between its size and the sound delivery might just hit the sweet spot. But, if you're a wanderer who loves to roam light, you might want to keep your options open.

What's in the Box

Opening up the box of a new gadget is like unwrapping a present—always exciting! When you get your hands on the Sony ULT Tower 10, here's what you can expect to find inside:

• The Speaker Itself: Of course, the star of the show. It stands tall with a sleek design that's ready to impress.
• Power Adapter: This is a must-have for keeping your speaker charged and ready to pump up the tunes. It’s a standard wall plug, so no fancy proprietary connections here—just plug and play.
• Quick Start Guide: For those who want to get going without delving into a massive manual, this handy guide gets you set up in a jiffy.
• Warranty Card: Keep this safe in case you need to call in for any service or support.

Now, you might notice there aren’t many extras in the box. For some, this minimalist approach is a breath of fresh air, while others might miss extra cables or accessories. For instance, there's no AUX cable included, which can be a bummer if you prefer a wired connection sometimes. But hey, at least there's less clutter to deal with!

So, if you’re the type who loves having every accessory under the sun when you buy new tech, you might feel a bit like you're opening a bag of chips only to realize it's half air. But for those who appreciate simplicity, it ticks all the essential boxes.

User Experience and Features

Using the Sony ULT Tower 10 is a breeze, making it a favorite among music lovers and party enthusiasts. It's designed to bring simplicity and fun into the mix, ensuring that you’re always ready to get the party started. But let's dive deeper into what makes the user experience so appealing.

Intuitive Controls

The controls on this speaker are extremely user-friendly. With a mix of physical buttons and touch-sensitive panels, adjusting the volume or switching tracks feels as easy as pie. The illuminated touch panel is responsive, though it might take a few swipes to get used to it. Occasionally, the touch panel can be a bit finicky, especially if you've got large fingers or you're in a hurry, but it's nothing that a little patience can't handle.

Lighting Features

One of the standout features here is the integrated LED lighting. It syncs with your music, creating a light show that can turn your living room into a mini dance floor. The lighting options come with different modes, like party, chill, and custom. You can tweak these settings via the accompanying app, and it adds a nice visual flair to the overall experience.

Companion App

The speaker comes with a companion app that extends its functionality. Through the app, you can control the EQ settings, manage playlists, and even customize the lighting. The app is generally intuitive, but it does have a slight learning curve, especially if you're not the most tech-savvy person. However, once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature.

Party Connect Feature

Looking to amplify the sound? The Party Connect feature lets you link multiple Sony speakers for an immersive audio experience. The process is straightforward, but you might experience some lag if you're trying to sync more than three speakers. It's a minor hiccup, but something to keep in mind if you're planning on throwing a large bash.

Voice Assistant Integration

Why bother using buttons when you can just talk to your speaker? With voice assistant integration, you can control the ULT Tower 10 hands-free. It's compatible with popular assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can play your favorite playlist, adjust the volume, or even ask for the weather without lifting a finger.

All in all, using the Sony ULT Tower 10 is a delightful experience. While there are a few quirks to iron out, the overall features and intuitive design make it a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their audio enjoyment.

Competitor Comparison

Comparing the Sony ULT Tower 10 to its main competitors gives us a clearer picture of where it stands in the mobile speaker market. Let's take a look at a few close competitors and see how they stack up in terms of features and performance.

JBL PartyBox 310

One of the strong competitors is the JBL PartyBox 310. It offers powerful sound similar to the ULT Tower 10, but with a few differences. The JBL unit is known for its impressive bass and lighting effects, making it a party favorite. However, it tends to be a bit bulkier, which might not be ideal for those looking for a more portable option. In terms of price, both are in a similar range, but the JBL might be slightly pricier.

Bose S1 Pro

Another contender is the Bose S1 Pro. It is famous for its crystal-clear sound and compact design. While the ULT Tower 10 offers a robust audio experience with deep bass, the Bose S1 Pro provides a more balanced sound profile, which audiophiles might prefer. The S1 Pro is also more portable, thanks to its lighter build and built-in handle. However, it lacks the same level of connectivity options that the ULT Tower 10 offers, which might be a dealbreaker for some.

Anker Soundcore Rave+

The Anker Soundcore Rave+ is another option that appeals to budget-conscious buyers. While it doesn’t quite hit the same sound quality heights as the ULT Tower 10, it does offer a good bang for the buck. The Rave+ comes with LED lights and is highly portable, but it falls short in delivering the same deep bass and loudness that you’d get from the Sony model. It’s a great choice for casual users, but if sound quality is your primary concern, the ULT Tower 10 holds a clear advantage. In summary, each competitor has its strengths, whether it's the JBL PartyBox 310’s bass, the Bose S1 Pro’s clarity, or the Anker Soundcore Rave+’s affordability. However, the Sony ULT Tower 10 strikes a balance with its overall performance, making it an excellent choice for those who value both power and versatility in a mobile speaker.

Video by: Sony

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Sony ULT Tower 10 is like that reliable buddy who's always ready to bring the party to life. It delivers a solid mix of sound quality and practical features, making it a great pick for anyone who loves music on the go. Its sharp design and durable build mean you don't have to worry about it getting accidentally dinged up during transport. When we talk about sound, this speaker provides a punch with its bass, although some might find it slightly lacking in the mid-range department. The highs are where it shines, offering crisp and clear notes that can easily fill a room. It's got enough oomph to keep the energy high, whether you're indoors or at a backyard barbecue. Connectivity options are ample, ensuring that pairing your devices is as easy as pie.

The Bluetooth compatibility is solid, providing a stable connection without the annoying dropouts. However, do note that the range is pretty standard, so don’t wander too far with your phone in hand. Battery life is respectable. It might not break records, but it’s more than enough for a day's worth of entertainment. The portability score is low; it’s heavy and bulky... but that's the whole point with this one!

1. Clear, punchy sound
2. Robust connectivity
3. Decent battery life

On the flip side, if you're picky about the finer nuances in music, you might want to consider other speakers with more balanced sound profiles. But for most users, this tower of power more than meets the expectations. When stacked up against competitors, it holds its own quite impressively with a sweet spot between price and performance. It's not without its quirks, but the Sony ULT Tower 10 definitely brings its A-game to the table. So, if you need a speaker that’s both functional and fun, this might just be the right fit for you.

FAQ

1. Is the Sony ULT Tower 10 waterproof or water-resistant?
   Unfortunately, the Sony ULT Tower 10 is not waterproof or water-resistant. So, it’s best to keep it away from pools and rainy weather to avoid any damage.
2. Can I connect multiple Sony ULT Tower 10 speakers for a larger sound setup?
   Yes, you can! The device supports daisy-chaining, allowing you to connect multiple speakers wirelessly. It's a great way to pump up the volume at parties or larger gatherings.
3. What is the Bluetooth range of this speaker?
   The Bluetooth range is approximately 30 feet or around 10 meters. This offers decent mobility without having to keep the audio source right next to the speaker.
4. How long does it take to fully charge the battery?
   Charging the battery to full capacity takes about 5 hours. It's a bit of a wait, but with the lengthy playtime you'll get, it's usually worth it.
5. Does it come with an app for customization or controls?
   Yes, you can use Sony's dedicated app for additional features and sound customization. It’s a handy tool for tech enthusiasts who love tweaking their sound settings.
6. Does it have a built-in microphone for calls?
   No, the Sony ULT Tower 10 doesn't include a built-in microphone. So, it’s not ideal for taking calls directly through the speaker.
7. How portable is the Sony ULT Tower 10?
   While it’s not exactly pocket-sized, you can roll this speaker around... if you really want to... because it's bulky!
8. Can it play music from non-Bluetooth sources?
   Absolutely. It includes an auxiliary input, so you can connect devices that don’t have Bluetooth capabilities. It's a lifesaver for those with older gadgets!
9. What’s the warranty period for the Sony ULT Tower 10?
   The device typically comes with a one-year warranty. Make sure to verify with the seller to cover your bases in case of any mishaps.

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Pros & cons

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Technical specifications