Sony just launched a new line of wireless speakers and headphones designed to bring more bass to the masses. Replacing the company's old XBS (eXtra Bass System), the new ULT line features "Ultimate Power Sound." The ULT button on each of these new products extends the low end of the frequency response to satisfy even the most bass-hungry listeners.
We got a chance to check these new products out at a launch event in New York City last month and we were impressed by what we saw and heard. The DJ at the event was able to fill the venue with sound using just a single ULT TOWER 10 Speaker ($1199). The new flagship powered tower radiates both sound and lights in all directions. The ULT TOWER 10 brings the party with it whever it goes, with the included wireless microphone and an additional wired input for a guitar, keyboard or electronic drum set. It also includes an optical digital input for connection to a TV and Bluetooth wireless connectivity for conecting a phone or tablet.
Of course, the unit has built-in Karaoke features like Key control, in case you can't quite hit that high "E" in A-Ha's "Take on Me" and an Echo/reverb adjustment to add texture to your voice (sorry - no auto-tune!). The top panel controls also allow you to adjust volume, switch inputs and control the light show effects. Although the ULT POWER 10 is more than capable of filling most rooms with sound, it can be paired with up to 99 additional speakers in Party Mode for truly impressive sound pressure levels over large areas.
Unlike most of the other party speakers from the company, the ULT POWER 10 does require a power plug. It's just too powerful (and power-hungry) to be battery-powered. If you do want to bring the ULT TOWER 10 out into the world (to the beach, camping or tailgating), you should pick up one of the big portable power stations from Anker or Bluetti or get an AC power transformer for your car. The ULT TOWER 10 is pretty beefy (64 pounds and almost 4 feet high) but two handles on top and a pair of wheels on the bottom make it easy enough to roll around.
On the more reasonably sized front, Sony introduced several more easily transportable truly wireless speakers in the ULT FIELD line. The ULT Field 7 ($499) packs a punch at about a quarter the size of the ULT TOWER 10. It measures about 20 inches high (or long if you place it horizontally) and weighs about 14 pounds. It features a more limited version of the light show and also includes the ULT button so you can switch between extended low bass and high SPL with more modest bass. It too can be used for PA or Karaoke duties with a wired microphone input (mic not included). It can be paired with a second FIELD 7 for stereo or synchronized and grouped with up to 99 additional speakers in Party Mode.
The smallest speaker in the line-up is the ULT FIELD 1 ($129). This offers a more traditional compact form factor that we see in portable Bluetooth speakers. Like all products in the ULT line an ULT button allows you to extend the deep bass response. Compared to a similarly sized SONOS Roam, the FIELD One offered fuller sound and deeper bass, particularly with the ULT bass boost engaged. Its IP67 rating makes it waterproof, and dustproof. It's also said to be rustproof and shockproof so it won't mind being tossed around at the beach.
Like its big brother, the FIELD 1 can be paired with a second FIELD 1 for stereo mode, but the the FIELD 1 does not support Party Mode. With a full charge, the FIELD 1 should provide about 12 hours of playback. It includes a built-in microphone and can be used as a speakerphone for voice calls and video conferencing.
The final entry in the ULT line is a new set of wireless over-ear ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) headphones, the ULT WEAR ($199). These too feature the new ULT button for a deep bass boost. They include wireless multi-point Bluetooth connectivity but can also be powered by a standard headphone cable (included) for connection to a phone, tablet, computer or in-flight entertainment system. They come with a travel case and USB-C charging cable and are rated for up to 30 hours of wireless playback with ANC on or up to 50 hours with ANC off. A quick 10-minute charge will get you five full hours of playback with ANC on.
Headphones with extended bass response are not particularly new. Sony has had great luck with its own WH-XB910N headphones (which the ULT WEAR is replacing). The predecessor was highly rated by customers for its extended and prominent bass response. With a new improved larger 40mm driver, the ULT WEAR carries over the deep bass that customers loved so much on the XB910N to an even greater level. Just press the ULT button and prepare to be battered by big bottomed bass. If it's too much for you, then press it again to return to a more balanced frequency response.
Sony's ULT line of speakers and headphones offers a wide array of options to music lovers who like to take the party with them, whether that's on the train, to the beach or to a friend's house for an impromptu Karaoke party. The ULT TOWER 10 is the most powerful party speaker we've heard, and this is after spending a few days with it at home (full review coming soon). And the ULT WEAR with its wired and wireless capability, affordable price point and excellent noise cancellation would make an ideal travel companion. For those who like their music to move them (and sometimes the walls, too), there's a lot to like here.
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