Short answer: the Sony SRS-XP500 ranks #18 of 50 party speakers by sound quality at $449.99; the Mackie Thump Go ranks #25 at $449.99. Close enough in price that the sound-quality gap is the deciding factor.
What the Sony SRS-XP500 gets right: 20W 3-way speaker system with dual passive radiators, well-balanced sound (clear highs, detailed mids, punchy bass). The catch: Not as loud and bass not as deep as a Partybox 100 or 110.
On the Mackie Thump Go side: 8-inch custom high-output woofer + 1-inch compression driver delivers powerful audio with incredible dynamic range. Set against that: Not quite as good sounding as a Everse 8 or S1 Pro.
Buy the Sony SRS-XP500. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Mackie Thump Go at the same price, so there is no real case for the other one.
If battery life is a priority, the Sony SRS-XP500 is rated for 20 hours versus 12 hours for the Mackie Thump Go.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SRS-XP500 | Mackie Thump Go | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 | $449.99 |
| Ranked | #18 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #25 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | 50Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Dimensions | 10.8" x 22.5" x 11.6" (275 x 572 x 295 mm) | 18" x 9.1" x 11.2" (457 x 230 x 285 mm) |
| EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | None | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | - |
| Stereo | Partially | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 24.7 lbs / 11.2 kg | 17.6 lbs / 8 kg |
| Drivers | 2x 140mm woofers + 2x 50mm tweeters | 8" woofer, 1" compression driver |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| XLR Input | - | Yes |
| Output Power | - | 200W |
| Max Volume | - | 115dB |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Sony SRS-XP700 vs LG XL7
- JBL Partybox 330 vs Samsung MX-ST50B
- JBL Partybox 310 vs Samsung MX-ST50B
- JBL Partybox 100 vs Sony SRS-XP500
- Sony SRS-XP500 vs Ultimate Ears Hyperboom
The Two Speakers In Full
Sony SRS-XP500: $449.99 Amazon
Pros: 20W 3-way speaker system with dual passive radiators, well-balanced sound (clear highs, detailed mids, punchy bass). 20-hour battery life, immersive room-filling sound. Party Connect feature links multiple compatible Sony speakers. USB charging port for device charging on-the-go. Built-in handle and IPX4 water resistance. Microphone input and karaoke support.
Cons: Not as loud and bass not as deep as a Partybox 100 or 110
Full Sony SRS-XP500 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10.8" x 22.5" x 11.6" (275 x 572 x 295 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 140mm woofers + 2x 50mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Partially |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 24.7 lbs / 11.2 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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