TechRadar calls Sony ULT Tower 7 a top-tier party speaker with deep bass

The ULT Tower 7 is the mid-sized model in Sony's new ULT Tower lineup, sitting above the Tower 5 and below the ULT Max, according to TechRadar. The review said the speaker uses a seven-driver setup: one 280mm woofer, two mid-range drivers and four tweeters, including two rear-facing tweeters for Sony's 360-degree Party Sound. It also has 420W of maximum power output, a 30-hour battery, customizable lighting and versatile connectivity options, the review said. TechRadar rated its IPX4 waterproofing as just OK.

In sound tests, TechRadar said the ULT Tower 7 produced clear sound across the frequency range, with bass extending down to 20Hz and delivering meaty bass and rippling sub-bass. The review said First Summer by H.K. reproduced deep bass with dynamic, full-bodied and agile character while vocals remained textured and clear, keys and vocals were balanced in the mid-range and higher-pitched drums had an energetic, rhythmic quality. TechRadar said Rocking Chair by Mr. Scruff also showed rich, deep bass, tonally accurate keys, expressive drums and guitars with a strong sense of width.

TechRadar said the speaker's 420W output allowed it to fill large open spaces without losing low-end impact or clarity in the mids and treble. The reviewer tested it mostly outdoors because it shook the foundations of the music testing space, and said a colleague could hear it clearly from the other side of the parking lot; at top volumes, the review described it as borderline deafening in a good way. The review also said Sound Field Optimization analyzes speaker placement and background noise and adjusts sound balance across the frequency range for consistent quality in different environments.

The review praised the EQ options through Sony's Sound Connect app, including ULT 1 for large outdoor spaces with added deep bass, ULT 2 for a more rounded and energetic sound, Live mode for live recordings, Flat for a balanced signature and a custom 10-band equalizer. TechRadar said the speaker supports the higher-res LDAC Bluetooth codec.

TechRadar's main sonic criticism was the 360-degree sound. It said listening from less favorable angles, such as the side and rear of the speaker, was noticeably worse, and tracks did not sound as cohesive and balanced as expected. The review said the larger ULT Tower Max may remedy the issue, but the Tower 7 was outclassed for 360-degree sound by rivals such as the Marshall Bromley 450. TechRadar also said the speaker is heavy and a little cumbersome to move, and that its IPX4 waterproofing is just OK.

TechRadar concluded that the ULT Tower 7 is a fantastic-sounding speaker that handles dynamics beautifully and provides emphatic deep bass, clear mids and highs and a lot of power, making it a strong choice for a top-tier all-in-one party box despite the spatial audio and portability limitations.

Editor's Summary

TechRadar's review places the Sony ULT Tower 7 as a high-power, bass-focused party speaker with a seven-driver setup, 420W output, 30-hour battery life and app-based EQ controls. It highlights the speaker's deep bass and loud outdoor performance while flagging its 360-degree sound, weight and IPX4 rating as weaknesses. The review positions the Tower 7 between Sony's Tower 5 and ULT Max and compares its spatial audio unfavorably with the Marshall Bromley 450.