Sony has finally introduced India's party lovers to its new ULT lineup of speakers. This latest ensemble comprises the Sony ULT Field 3, ULT Field 5, and ULT Tower 9. Before doing an in-depth analysis of each speaker, let's understand the vision behind Sony's ULT series. In Sony's words, this series is all about providing, I quote, "Massive Bass and Ultimate Vibes".
In theory, whichever speakers from this range are used at a party, every festive spirit will be surrounded by an impeccable vibe that keeps them moving nonstop. But do these new speakers practise what Sony preaches? While I am yet to test this bold claim, I will take a closer look at each speaker and its features.
A Tale of Two Fields: ULT Field 3 and ULT Field 5
Although this speaker may be the smallest in size and feature the least number of components, it is far from ordinary. I am referring to the ULT Field 3, which boasts immersive features.
At its core, it houses a single woofer and tweeter within a compact, portable body. Despite its size, it can produce high-volume, bass-rich music perfect for a cosy porch hangout. Its Sound Field Optimisation feature automatically adjusts the sound profile to suit different environments, and with the 10-band custom equaliser lets you fine-tune the audio to your liking. For the ultimate party experience, it can be linked up to 100 compatible speakers using its Party Connect feature. It also supports multiple device connectivity, allowing you to connect it to two devices seamlessly. With an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, you can turn almost any location into a party hub. Its claimed 24-hour battery life ensures that the party lasts long. The speaker comes with Bluetooth version 5.2 and supports SBC and AAC codecs.
Moving on to the ULT Field 5, this model is to the ULT Field 3 what Charizard is to Charmander in the Pokémon series.
While it retains all the features of the ULT Field 3, it adds several enhancements. To begin with, it boasts a 360° party lighting on both sides, elevating the atmosphere of a terrace hangout. It also includes an additional tweeter, resulting in a wider soundstage that balances low and high frequencies with precision, bringing out the finer details in music such as guitar riffs. On the technical side, the ULT Field 5 upgrades to Bluetooth version 5.3, offering improved battery efficiency, stability, and security compared to its smaller sibling. It supports the LDAC codec alongside SBC and AAC, delivering richer, higher-resolution audio quality. Moreover, when compared to the ULT Field 3, the Field 5 is claimed to last an hour longer.
Sony's Showstopper Steps In: ULT Tower 9
Sony wrapped up its launch event with the ULT Tower 9, the final product of the evening. In my view, it was a fitting conclusion because of the impressive features of this massive speaker. It comes in two versions: the ULT Tower 9 and the ULT Tower 9 AC. The first runs on a battery, while the latter needs to be plugged in to deliver its musical power. Aside from the power source, both models share the same set of features. Like the ULT Field 5, this speaker features a 360° party light, but that's not the only 360° element it has. Its sound projects in all directions, delivering bass-heavy grooves that can quite literally shake the ground. I'm calling it "ground-shaking" because I experienced it myself.
The venue was already blasting with loud music when someone mischievously queued up Chaiyya Chaiyya on an unattended Tower 9. Despite the ongoing cacophony of DJ-mixed tunes in the background, I could still hear the lively beats of this timeless Bollywood song. It was loud, clear, and full of bass. My moment of enjoyment was short-lived due to the event's tight schedule, and honestly, I'll need more listening time before making a final judgment on its overall audio performance..
In terms of Bluetooth version and codec support, the ULT Tower 9 is on par with the ULT Field 5. While it can't match the portability of the smaller model, it makes up for it with a built-in handle and casters for easy movement. Sony has also taken durability into account, equipping the top panel with water resistance. As a bonus, the speaker can double as a power bank, letting you charge your phone when needed.
So, Are You Buying Performance or Prestige?
The ULT Field 3, ULT Field 5, and ULT Tower 9 look impressive on paper. However, when Sunil Nayyar, Managing Director of Sony, revealed their prices to a packed auditorium, my excitement quickly gave way to hesitation.
Take the ULT Field 3 and ULT Field 5, for instance. The ULT Field 3 is priced at Rs 17,990, while the latter comes in at Rs 24,990. Coming from a value-conscious family, I found it a little hard to digest those steep price tags. After all, both the online and offline markets are flooded with options that offer similar features at prices more accessible to people from all walks of life.
I understand that Sony is considered a premium brand, often mentioned alongside Bose, Marshall, and Sennheiser. The difference, however, is that Sony sells products across almost every price category, from budget-friendly to ultra-premium. As a result, most people don't see it as a purely luxury brand, making it harder to justify such pricing for its speakers. Marshall, Sonos and Bose, on the other hand, have firmly positioned themselves as luxury-focused names, attracting aspirational buyers eager to showcase their lifestyle. This brand perception gives their rival products a higher acceptance rate despite similar or higher prices.
That leaves Sony with a tougher challenge: proving that these ULT speakers are truly worth what they cost. Personally, I hope they rise to the occasion, delivering an experience so exceptional that it cements Sony's place as a leader in the audio space.
