Short answer: the Mackie Thump Go for better sound quality, the Sony GTK-XB72 for the lower price. The Mackie Thump Go ranks #25 of 50 party speakers at $449.99. The Sony GTK-XB72 ranks #47 at $349, $100.99 cheaper.
On the Mackie Thump Go side: 8-inch custom high-output woofer + 1-inch compression driver delivers powerful audio with incredible dynamic range. The tradeoff: Not quite as good sounding as a Everse 8 or S1 Pro. Bluetooth pairing doesn’t auto connect every time.
What the Sony GTK-XB72 offers: Exceptional sound quality, powerful bass, vibrant multi-colored LED lights. Set against that: No deep bass at all, weird midrange peak, rolled off treble and overall strange tuning.
Buy the Mackie Thump Go if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Sony GTK-XB72 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Sony GTK-XB72. It ranks near the bottom of the 50 party speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
If battery life is a priority, the Sony GTK-XB72 is rated for 23 hours versus 12 hours for the Mackie Thump Go.
Specifications Side By Side
| Mackie Thump Go | Sony GTK-XB72 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 | $349 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #25 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #47 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz | ~56Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 23 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Dimensions | 18" x 9.1" x 11.2" (457 x 230 x 285 mm) | - |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1" compression driver | 10cm driver + passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | None | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes | - |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A) |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | No |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| Weight | 17.6 lbs / 8 kg | 26.9 lbs / 12.2 kg |
| XLR Input | Yes | - |
| Output Power | 200W | - |
| Max Volume | 115dB | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Power Input | - | AC Power cord |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Mackie Thump Go: $449.99 Amazon
Pros: 8-inch custom high-output woofer + 1-inch compression driver delivers powerful audio with incredible dynamic range. Built-in mini live mixer with two XLR/TRS combo inputs + 3.5mm aux. Up to 12 hours battery (5 hours comfortable gig time), removable for swapping spares. Lightweight 17.6 lbs. Balanced sound with crisp highs, tight lows, natural vocals. Pair two Mackie Thump Gos for stereo via app. High efficiency drivers reach 2-3x the volume of typical speakers for the same wattage.
Cons: Not quite as good sounding as a Everse 8 or S1 Pro. Bluetooth pairing doesn’t auto connect every time. Designed for more loudness than deeper bass. Battery latch breaks easily. Handle on top also can break off. Not very deep bass
Full Mackie Thump Go review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 18" x 9.1" x 11.2" (457 x 230 x 285 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1" compression driver |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | None |
| Max Volume | 115dB |
| Microphone Input | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 200W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 17.6 lbs / 8 kg |
| XLR Input | Yes |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- W. Weiss: Part 3 Sound Demonstration The New EV Everse 8 compared to The Mackie Thump Go
- W. Weiss: Part 3 Shootout MACKIE THUMP GO vs BOSE S1 PRO vs JBL EON ONE COMPACT Max Volume Demo A New Winner!
- W. Weiss: Part 2 NEW MACKIE THUMP GO review/sound demo VS JBL Compact & Bose S1Pro Most Popular portable PAs
- W. Weiss: The $400 Club - Budget Portable PA’s Mackie Thump Go, JBL Partybox 110, Yamaha DBR10
- Reddit Search for Mackie Thump Go Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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Sony GTK-XB72: $349 Discontinued
Pros: Exceptional sound quality, powerful bass, vibrant multi-colored LED lights. ClearAudio+ and Extra Bass technology for dynamic sound. LIVE SOUND button with angled speakers and DSP for 3D sound experience. FM radio, USB, RCA inputs with Music Center app control for lighting effects and EQ. Easy to use with convenient Bluetooth and FM radio.
Cons: No deep bass at all, weird midrange peak, rolled off treble and overall strange tuning. Discontinued.
Full Sony GTK-XB72 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~56Hz |
| Battery Life | 23 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 10cm driver + passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 26.9 lbs / 12.2 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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