Short answer: the Electrotec Stage One for battery power and marathon runtime, the Sony ULT Tower Max for 360-degree scale. The Stage One claims 100 hours from dual removable batteries plus IPX6 weatherproofing, low-latency SKAA linking and XLR mic/line I/O, and it costs less at $1,450. The AC-only Tower Max answers with nine drivers including three 11-inch woofers and Sound Field Optimization for large mains-powered rooms.
This pits Sony’s Tower Max, a 360-degree consumer party speaker, against the Electrotec Stage One, a performer-focused battery PA. The Tower Max offers nine drivers including three 11-inch woofers, 360-degree sound, 10-band EQ with Sound Field Optimization, wheels, and RCA/XLR/USB-C/mic I/O, though it is AC-only with no battery at all. The Electrotec Stage One offers dual removable batteries for a claimed 100-hour runtime, IPX6 weatherproofing, low-latency SKAA wireless linking, app EQ and XLR mic/line I/O.
Choose the Tower Max for wheels for easier transport and immersive 360-degree party sound: Its wheels also make it easier to roll between rooms or events. Its 360-degree drivers and ULT1/ULT2/EQ modes suit a living-room-to-backyard party speaker better than a performer-focused PA cabinet.
Choose the Electrotec Stage One for marathon battery life and weatherproofing: It also runs on battery power at all, where the Tower Max is AC-only. At $1,450 it also costs less.
Buy the Sony ULT Tower Max at $1,198 if you want a large party speaker. Buy the Electrotec Stage One at $1,450 if you want a battery-powered PA speaker instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings and PA & Live Sound rankings.
A very loud party speaker, with three big woofers for huge bass at large events.
A battery PA speaker with very high output, a claimed 100 hour battery and weather resistance, built for events.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sony ULT Tower Max | Electrotec Stage One | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,198.00 | $1450 |
| Ranked | #1 of 13 in Large Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #2 of 17 in Battery-Powered PA Speakers |
| App | Yes (Sony Sound Connect) | Yes |
| Aux Input | RCA input | Yes |
| Battery Life | No Battery | 100 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | - |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Dimensions | 21” x 41.8” x 18.6” (534 x 1062 x 472 mm) | - |
| Drivers | 9 drivers: 3x 11” woofer (2 front, 1 rear), 2x 4.7” midrange, 2x 1” tweeter, 2x 1.6” rear tweeter | Dual 1.5” compression drivers (tweeters) + 2x 4” woofers + passive radiators (PA system configuration) |
| EQ | Yes (10 band; ULT1 / ULT2 / Flat / Live) | Yes |
| Guitar Input | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | Splashproof top surface | IPX6 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (6.3mm) | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Yes (360 degree Party Sound) | No |
| Amplifier Power | 2,150W (manufacturer specified) | 400W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Chain) | Yes (SKAA) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB charging) | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC 120-240V, 50/60Hz | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | No | Yes (dual) |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| TWS | Yes (Stereo Pair) | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes (USB-A) | Yes |
| Weight | 124.1 lbs (56.3 kg) | 39.9 lbs (18.1 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | No | - |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Wheels | Yes | - |
| Strap | No | - |
| Passive | - | No |
| Outputs | - | Aux, XLR |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 48Hz |
| Inputs | - | 2x XLR/6.3mm combo (mic/line), 3.5mm stereo, USB-C audio, USB media player, Bluetooth |
| SKAA | - | Yes |
| SKAA Latency | - | 19ms |
| XLR Input | - | Yes |
| Configuration | - | Battery-powered active PA |
| DSP | - | App-controlled EQ |
| Cabinet Material | - | Phenolic and vinyl coated birch plywood |
| Rigging | - | Pole mount |
| Maximum SPL | - | 128dB max output (Manufacturer specified) |
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