In Brief: Sony ULT Tower 10
Designed for energetic parties rather than refined audiophile listening, Sony’s ULT Tower 10 is a towering, 1.1-metre-high speaker with 108 dB of volume potential and built-in lighting effects. It’s geared to fill large spaces (and possibly annoy the neighbours) with colossal sound, featuring dual mid/high horn drivers, a massive 32 cm square woofer, and a wireless microphone for karaoke. Despite some shortcomings in the user interface and ultra-low bass extension at higher volumes, it’s a no-holds-barred solution for those seeking an instant dancefloor vibe.
Pros
- Exceptional maximum volume (~108 dB)
- Powerful sound projection via horn-loaded drivers
- Surprisingly clear vocals
- Included wireless microphone for karaoke
- Good synergy with large gatherings or big rooms
Cons
- Bass extension is limited at high volumes
- Loud system sounds and default high startup volume
- Clunky user interface and minimal Wi-Fi features
- Bulky design, not to everyone’s taste
- No built-in battery
Design & Build Quality
Tower-Style Beast
The Tower 10 stands about 1.1 metres tall, weighing ~23.4 kg. Its industrial look, featuring large, bold horns and bright LED rings, won’t appeal to minimalists. The robust, mostly plastic chassis protects an internal brace for its big woofer. A single top handle and side wheels help move this ~30 kg monster around—though two handles would’ve been better for stable lifting.
LEDs & Controls
Coloured LEDs ring the bottom, shining up onto the speaker’s body, while the top panel has a glass-topped, touch-sensitive control surface flanked by more lights. While eye-catching for parties, the flashy approach might clash with tasteful decor.
Connectivity & Features
Inputs & Audio Sources
- Bluetooth (SBC, AAC, LDAC)
- 3.5 mm mini-jack (analogue line-in)
- Optical (Toslink)
- USB-A for music playback and phone charging
- Guitar/mic input (6.35 mm on top with gain knob)
- Wireless mic (included, pairs automatically)
No Wi-Fi or advanced streaming protocols exist, so you’ll rely on Bluetooth for wireless audio. There’s also no battery, meaning it must remain mains-powered. Party mode or daisy-chaining is possible with multiple Tower 10 units.
Karaoke & Lights
The included wireless microphone merges your vocals into the main mix—ideal for party DJs or karaoke. Light shows pulse in various patterns, though customisation is minimal.
User Experience
Setup & Control
Out of the box, plug it in, pair via Bluetooth, or plug in your source. The front panel LED display is sparse, and the beep/voice prompts are loud. The top controls let you switch modes and adjust basic parameters like volume and bass boost (ULT1 or ULT2). You’ll need the Sony Music Center app for any deeper adjustments, which are limited to an EQ and lighting toggles.
Quirky Interface
- No volume indicator on the panel
- Default volume sometimes resets high after a power cycle
- Obtrusive system sounds (startup, Bluetooth connect) can’t be permanently disabled
Sound Performance
Party-Focused Profile
Armed with a large woofer for bass and horn tweeters for mids/highs, the Tower 10 can surge to a measured 108 dB—louder than many competing party speakers. Clarity in the midrange remains intact up to moderate-loud volumes, and vocals cut through even in noisy conditions. At half-volume or lower, you get decent punch, with respectable extension below 60 Hz. However, at higher volumes, DSP gradually tames the sub-100 Hz region, preventing damage but also thinning out the low end.
360° Sound?
Sony markets 360° coverage, but the top horns mainly project forward, with rear tweeters giving only partial coverage behind. For truly immersive, multi-directional sound, the JBL PartyBox Ultimate might do slightly better. Nevertheless, the Tower 10 saturates an indoor or outdoor space with ease.
Bass & High Volume Constraints
While mid-bass is substantial, extremely low bass is dialled back once volume climbs above 50%. Overall, you get a big, bold signature that can power a large event, but those craving deep sub-bass might want an additional sub. Meanwhile, horns supply excellent vocal projection, ensuring speech or lead vocals don’t get lost in the mix.
Price & Competition
At around €1299 (often discounted to ~€999), the Sony ULT Tower 10 undercuts or matches the JBL PartyBox Ultimate. Its advantage is raw max volume and bright midrange detail, but the PartyBox Ultimate digs deeper in the bass at full volume. Choose the Tower 10 if you want an especially forward-sounding speaker emphasising clarity and intensity.
Conclusion
Overall Rating: 7/10
Sony’s ULT Tower 10 is a no-nonsense party speaker built for loud, energised gatherings. Between its formidable horns, large woofer, bright LED lighting, and included wireless mic, it caters to those craving a powerful, DJ-style presence. The user interface could be more refined, and the intense volume can overshadow the deeper bass. It’s less about audiophile nuance and more about maximum fun factor and crowd-pumping presence. If that’s your goal, the Tower 10 is a strong contender—provided you have the space (and tolerant neighbours).
