These are not really the same size class, and that is the honest framing here. The Sony ULT Tower Max ranks #1 of 12 large party speakers by sound quality at $1499.99; the Electrotec Stage One ranks #2 of 14 battery-powered PA speakers by sound quality at $1450.
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 $1499.99 if you want a large party speaker. Buy the Electrotec Stage One at $1450 if you want a battery-powered PA speaker instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings and PA & Live Sound rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony ULT Tower Max | Electrotec Stage One | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499.99 | $1450 |
| Ranked | #1 of 12 in Large Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #2 of 14 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 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) | Not specified |
| 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 | - |
| 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 | - |
| 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 |
| Cabinet Material | - | Not specified |
| Rigging | - | Not specified |
| Coverage | - | Not specified |
| Maximum SPL | - | Not specified |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | Not specified |
| DSP | - | App-controlled EQ |
| Bluetooth | - | Yes |
| Frequency Response | - | Not specified |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 15, 2026 at 12:52 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Sony ULT Tower Max: $1,499.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: AudioTribe measured 110.6dBC at roughly 6m outdoors with Flat EQ and ULT1 enabled, 4.4dB above the JBL PartyBox Ultimate in the same setup. Its three 11-inch woofers held about 110dB from 40-100Hz; Sony also provides 10-band EQ, Sound Field Optimization, RCA and XLR inputs, USB-C, a mic input, and XLR output.
Cons: The same comparison found it 1.2dB behind the JBL in A-weighted loudness and weaker below 40Hz. At 56.3kg (124lb) and AC-only, this is a wheeled event speaker rather than a portable battery model.
Full Sony ULT Tower Max review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 2,150W (manufacturer specified) |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (Sony Sound Connect) |
| Aux Input | RCA input |
| Battery Life | No Battery |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | 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 |
| EQ | Yes (10 band; ULT1 / ULT2 / Flat / Live) |
| Guitar Input | No |
| IP Rating | Splashproof top surface |
| Lights | Yes |
| Microphone Input | Yes (6.3mm) |
| Omnidirectional | Yes (360 degree Party Sound) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Chain) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB charging) |
| Power Input | AC 120-240V, 50/60Hz |
| Removable Battery | No |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes (Stereo Pair) |
| USB Playback | Yes (USB-A) |
| Weight | 124.1 lbs (56.3 kg) |
| Wheels | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | No |
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Electrotec Stage One: $1450 Electrotec Audio eBay
Pros: An exceptionally capable battery-powered PA: dual removable batteries deliver a claimed 100-hour runtime, and high-efficiency drivers deliver very high output with a measured 48Hz -10dB bass point. It adds app EQ, IPX6 protection, mic and XLR inputs/outputs, USB playback and low-latency SKAA linking, making it unusually flexible for events and performers. Measured bass extension of 48Hz (-10dB).
Cons: It prioritizes maximum output and endurance over truly deep bass, so it will not replace a dedicated subwoofer for low-frequency-heavy music. At 18.1kg it is a substantial carry, and its focused PA-style presentation is less suitable for wide, relaxed living-room listening.
Full Electrotec Stage One review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 400W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Not specified |
| Battery Life | 100 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Cabinet Material | Not specified |
| Configuration | Battery-powered active PA |
| Coverage | Not specified |
| DSP | App-controlled EQ |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | Not specified |
| Drivers | Dual 1.5" compression drivers (tweeters) + 2x 4" woofers + passive radiators (PA system configuration) |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | Not specified |
| IP Rating | IPX6 |
| Inputs | 2x XLR/6.3mm combo (mic/line), 3.5mm stereo, USB-C audio, USB media player, Bluetooth |
| Maximum SPL | Not specified |
| Microphone Input | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Outputs | Aux, XLR |
| Party Mode | Yes (SKAA) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes (dual) |
| Rigging | Not specified |
| SKAA | Yes |
| SKAA Latency | 19ms |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 39.9 lbs (18.1 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
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