Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The JBL Partybox Stage 320 ranks #3 of 51 party speakers by sound quality at $499.95; the Sony ULT Tower 9 ranks #10 of 13 large party speakers by sound quality at $798.
The JBL Partybox Stage 320 is the lighter, tougher pick. An excellent sounding party speaker, with deep bass that holds up at high volume, wheels, a removable battery and mic inputs. At 36.4 lbs (16.5 kg) it weighs much less than the Sony ULT Tower 9 at 65.3 lbs (29.6 kg). It is rated IPX4, while the Sony ULT Tower 9 has no water resistance. The catch: Slightly sibilant in the treble at full blast.
The Sony ULT Tower 9 is the longer-running option. A battery powered party tower with good sound, a long battery, karaoke inputs, and a detailed app EQ. It is rated for 25 hours of battery against 18 for the JBL Partybox Stage 320. It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Partybox Stage 320 lacks. The catch: Not as deep of bass and loses more bass at high volume even compared to the lower end Partybox speakers.
Buy the JBL Partybox Stage 320 ($499.95) for a party speaker; the Sony ULT Tower 9 ($798) suits a large party speaker instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
An excellent sounding party speaker, with deep bass that holds up at high volume, wheels, a removable battery and mic inputs.
A battery powered party tower with good sound, a long battery, karaoke inputs, and a detailed app EQ.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Stage 320 | Sony ULT Tower 9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.95 | $798.00 |
| Ranked | #3 of 51 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #10 of 13 in Large Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 25 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Drivers | 2x 6.5” woofers, 2x 25mm tweeters | 7 drivers: 1x 12.6”x12.6” woofer, 2x 4.7” midrange, 2x 2” tweeter, 2x 1.6” rear tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (5 band) | Yes (10 band) |
| Guitar Input | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Auracast up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1.5A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes | No |
| Stereo | Partially | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 36.4 lbs (16.5 kg) | 65.3 lbs (29.6 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 240W | 148W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Wheels | Yes | - |
| Dimensions | 26.3”H x 13.2”W x 15.2”D (669 x 335 x 385 mm) | 16.1” x 35.8” x 18” (410 x 910 x 456 mm) |
| Strap | No | No |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
| Wi-Fi | - | No |
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