Short answer: the Mackie Thump Go for better sound quality, the Sony GTK-XB90 for the lower price. The Mackie Thump Go ranks #25 of 50 party speakers at $449.99. The Sony GTK-XB90 ranks #46 at $429, $20.99 cheaper.
What the Mackie Thump Go offers: 8-inch custom high-output woofer + 1-inch compression driver delivers powerful audio with incredible dynamic range. Watch for: Not quite as good sounding as a Everse 8 or S1 Pro.
On the Sony GTK-XB90 side: Deep punchy EXTRA BASS technology for party use. Set against that: Bass is muddy and not deep, 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-XB90 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Sony GTK-XB90. It ranks near the bottom of the 50 party speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Mackie Thump Go | Sony GTK-XB90 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 | $429 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #25 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #46 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz | ~50Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 16 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 | 12cm drivers + 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, 2.1A) |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | No |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Weight | 17.6 lbs / 8 kg | 30.9 lbs / 14 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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- Ultimate Ears Hyperboom vs Sony GTK-XB90
- JBL Partybox 130 vs Mackie Thump Go
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 |
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- 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
Sony GTK-XB90: $429 Discontinued
Pros: Deep punchy EXTRA BASS technology for party use. 3x 2.36” tweeters + 2x 7.09” woofers, built-in LED lights sync with beat. 16 hours battery claimed (9 hours real-world at moderate volume with lights). Built-in handle, portable one-box design. Fiestable plugin controls party settings and DJ effects. Three-device simultaneous Bluetooth pairing.
Cons: Bass is muddy and not deep, weird midrange peak, rolled off treble and overall strange tuning. Discontinued.
Full Sony GTK-XB90 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~50Hz |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 12cm drivers + passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 2.1A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 30.9 lbs / 14 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons