Sony adds three speakers to its final lineup, including the bass boost button

Last year, Sony renamed its portable speaker lineup to the Ult Umbrella and classified the new model as a field or tower. The former is a more “traditional” Bluetooth option, while the latter is a party box, and the karaoke machine is a device. Just like in 2024, the company has three new entries this time in Ult Field 3, Ult Field 5 and Ult Tower 9. The first two fill the middle distance between the current Ult Field 7 and Ult Field 1, while the last project is a smaller alternative to Ult Tower 10.

Ult Field 3 will replace the SRS-XE300. As the name implies, Sony's Ult button is an update, and the control adds instant access Ult1 mode to Bass Boost. The company also expanded customizable EQ and added soundstage optimization. Inside, a single woofer and one tweeter are slightly tilted in the center, while two passive radiators are located at the end of the speaker. Ult Field 3 works in the vertical and horizontal directions of the XE300 only.

There is a new party connection button that can be easily synced with other Sony speakers, and you can charge the device via a USB-C port. The company keeps the 24-hour battery life the same as the XE300, but improves the fast charging feature for two hours of use in 10 minutes. The Ult Field 3 still has IP67 waterproof, dustproof and shockproof, just like its predecessor, but this new speaker is also rust-proof. There is also a removable shoulder strap, but Sony keeps a major item. The Ult Field 3 is the same price as the XE300, and it costs $200.

The Ult Field 5 isn't as big as the Ult Field 7, but it's still heavy. The spokesperson will replace the SRS-XG300 at Sony's Arsenal for a price of $330, $20 less than its predecessor. Here you get a single woofer and two tweeters, with passive radiators at both ends in the middle of the unit. In addition to Ult1 bass enhancement, you can also use a second ULT 2, the second Ult2 that “emphasizes powerful sound”. 10 with EQ and sound field optimization helps maintain sound quality, and there are new party connection buttons on this larger speaker. Like the Ult Field 3, you can use the Ult Field 5 in vertical or horizontal positions, and there are also movable shoulder straps.

Just like the XG300, on the Ult Field 5, battery life remains 25 hours. Sony once again improves fast charging, giving you 30 minutes of use in a 10-minute session. There is light at the end of this speaker, which may affect lifespan. Sony says you will use Ult mode to reach the 25-hour mark with lights off, but use both down to 10 hours. However, there are three different light modes, so there are options available. On the back of the Ult Field 5, there is a panel with auxiliary input, USB-C charging portal, battery care buttons and switches for lights. This is protected by sealed flaps, which helps the speakers reach their IP67 ratings.

This brings us to Ult Tower 9. The Party Box joins Sony's current lineup with the Ult Tower 10, replacing the SRS-XV900. Extended EQ, sound field optimization and both Ult modes are added here, and the redesigned handles and wheels are also better carried. Sony improved lighting for 360-degree projection and created a top control panel splash pad. In addition to the party connection buttons for the new Ult Field speakers, the Ult Tower 9 also has a dedicated stereo pairing option. The top panel also houses controls for lighting, volume, power and two input microphones (one of which can be used for guitars).

Sony

Like the XV900, you can use Sony's TV audio booster feature to enhance the living room audio on the Ult Tower 9. The speaker has this Ult button, which gives you two modes of bass boost or “powerful sound”. The internal driver arrangement includes four tweeters, two of which point to the back of the speakers, as well as two mid-end units and a single woofer. The wireless version of the Ult Tower 9 costs the same price as its predecessor, $900, but Sony also offers a wired option that must be plugged into the socket for $750. If you choose wireless, the Tower 9 has battery life with Ult Field 5: up to 25 hours, only Ult mode, up to 10 hours, while Ult Mode and Lighting Active have 10 hours.

Finally, Sony revealed the Ult Mic, a set of $150 for two wireless microphones and a transmitter designed to work with the company’s party spokesperson. This new accessory pack can also be used with the newer Ult Tower speakers in addition to the Ult Field 7. You can also use it with any older Sony speakers that support microphone jacks and receivers (such as the XV900, XV800, XV500, XV500, XP700, and XP500). The microphone is rechargeable, can last up to 20 hours of battery life, and has a shock-proof design. More importantly, the company equips these devices with noise reduction in hand, breathing and wind, as well as a duo aid to compensate for uneven sounds.

Ult Field 3, Ult Field 5, Ult Tower 9 and Ult Mic are now available.

This article originally appeared on Engadget