Sony ULT Tower 5

Sony’s ULT Power Sound range expands in September 2026 with a trio of party speakers. Here is the most compact format of the three, tuned with hip-hop sound creators and geared toward deep bass. Nearly thirteen kilograms, four handles, and water splash resistance: this tower speaker is easy to carry for parties, DJ sessions, or karaoke with friends.

A new circular woofer

Behind the grille, bass is handled by a 230 mm circular driver, a new type for Sony. Until now, ULT speakers used an almost rectangular woofer, the X-Balanced design; the 2026 series returns to a round cone and larger cabinets. Two 60 mm tweeters complete this two-way setup and project the upper frequencies forward. The system delivers 300 watts and covers 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

The cabinet is bass-reflex tuned. Its port, called ULT Duct by Sony, has a wide cross-section to let more air through and keep bass clean as the volume rises, where a port that is too narrow starts to chuff. This is the logic behind the entire range: solid low-end foundation without bass becoming muddled at high levels.

The ULT button and its four modes

A dedicated button on the top cycles through four tonal settings. ULT1 extends bass lower and rounds out the foundation. ULT2 further increases sound pressure and sharpens bass impact, for parties where bass needs to be felt physically. Flat mode delivers a more neutral response, without added coloration, useful for acoustic music or vocals. Live mode opens up the soundstage and aims for the atmosphere of an outdoor concert.

These modes are complemented by a ten-band equalizer adjustable from the app, along with DSEE processing, Sony’s in-house engine that attempts to restore details lost through compressed files and low-bitrate streaming.

Wired connections for DJing and karaoke

The rear of the speaker goes beyond a simple Bluetooth receiver. It features an RCA line input, a balanced XLR input and an XLR output for connecting a second device or a PA system, as well as a 6.35 mm jack that accepts a microphone or instrument. A USB-C port serves as an audio interface: when connected to a computer or controller, the speaker receives the signal digitally, appealing to DJs who mix with software. A USB-A port completes the connectivity.

This array places the ULT TOWER 5 at the boundary of portable PA equipment. A DJ controller or vocal microphone can be connected without going through a separate amplifier.

Lighting, effects, and karaoke

The integrated lighting offers three atmospheres. Beat matches dynamic effects to the rhythm of the music, Wave provides softer, more settled lighting, and Mellow further reduces movement for a calm atmosphere. When multiple speakers are connected, the lights synchronize with the sound.

For entertainment, the app provides access to DJ-style effects, including scratch, and karaoke functions. A pitch shift setting transposes the backing track to suit the singer’s voice. The microphone connects to the 6.35 mm jack; Sony also offers its ULTMIC1 microphone, sold separately.

Battery, handles, and water splashes

On battery power, the ULT TOWER 5 lasts up to twenty hours; connected to mains power (120 to 240 V), it handles long-lasting parties. A USB port can charge a phone at 5 V / 1.5 A. In standby, it consumes only 0.3 W and switches itself off after fifteen minutes without a signal.

It is carried by hand: four handles and 12.7 kg for 358 x 534 x 280 mm, without the wheels fitted to larger models. IPX4 certification applies in the vertical position and protects against splashes, not immersion, making it suitable for a patio or poolside, but no more. Sony states that the housing contains around 20% recycled plastic.

Bluetooth LDAC and Party Chain

Wireless connectivity uses Bluetooth 5.3, with Fast Pair quick pairing and Multipoint connection to keep two sources in memory. Three codecs are supported: SBC, AAC, and Sony’s LDAC, which transmits at a higher bitrate to come closer to high-resolution file quality.

The Sony Sound Connect app centralizes settings: sound modes, equalizer, lights, updates. Two ULT TOWER 5 speakers form a stereo pair with separate left and right channels. For a wider sound, the Party Chain function now relies on Auracast and connects multiple compatible Sony speakers while synchronizing both sound and lighting. The speaker can also analyze its placement and adjust its output to the room.

Technical specifications

General

• Type: wireless party speaker
• Configuration: 2-way, bass-reflex

Amplification and speakers

• Amplifier power: 300 W
• Speakers: woofer and tweeters
  • Woofer: Ø 230 mm
  • Tweeters: 2 × Ø 60 mm
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz

Audio processing and modes

• Sound modes: ULT1, ULT2, FLAT, LIVE
• Audio processing: DSEE, customizable 10-band equalizer
• Audio functions: sound field optimization

Wireless connectivity

• Bluetooth: version 5.3
• Bluetooth functions: Fast Pair, Multipoint
• Bluetooth profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, SPP, PBP
• Compatible codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC
• Multi-speaker functions: Stereo Pair, Party Chain
• Compatible app: Sony Sound Connect

Wired connectivity

• USB: 1 × USB-A, 1 × USB-C
• Analog input: 1 × RCA
• Balanced input: 1 × XLR
• Balanced output: 1 × XLR
• Microphone input: 6.35 mm jack

Lighting

• Built-in ambient lighting

Power and battery life

• Battery life: up to 20 hours
• Power supply: 120 – 240 V AC, 50 / 60 Hz mains power and built-in rechargeable battery
• USB charging: powers compatible devices up to 5 V / 1.5 A
• Standby power consumption: 0.3 W
• Automatic standby: after 15 minutes

Design and transport

• Water resistance: IPX4 in vertical position
• Carry handles: yes
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 358 × 534 × 280 mm
• Weight: 12.7 kg

Included accessories

• AC power cord