Short answer: the Tower Max for mains-powered output, the Tower 9 for battery life. The Max pairs three 11-inch woofers and 2,150W specified output with a 10-band EQ, and AudioTribe measured 110.6dBC at about 6m outdoors with strong 40-100Hz output. The Tower 9 runs on a 25-hour battery instead, but its review notes flag bass loss at higher volume.
The Tower Max is an AC-powered event speaker; the Tower 9 is the battery-powered older alternative. Max uses three 11-inch woofers, 2,150W specified output, 10-band EQ and XLR/RCA/USB-C connections, while Tower 9 prioritizes a 25-hour battery.
Choose the Tower Max for the largest venues: AudioTribe measured 110.6dBC at about 6m outdoors and found strong output from 40-100Hz. Its 124.1 lbs (56.3 kg) weight and AC requirement are the tradeoff.
Choose the Tower 9 for battery operation: It is the practical option when mains power is unavailable, but its review notes flag bass loss at higher volume.
Buy the Sony ULT Tower 9 if you need to play away from an outlet. Buy the Sony ULT Tower Max if it will always be plugged in.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A very loud party speaker, with three big woofers for huge bass at large events.
A battery powered party tower with good sound, a long battery, karaoke inputs, and a detailed app EQ.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sony ULT Tower Max | Sony ULT Tower 9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,198.00 | $798.00 |
| Ranked | #1 of 13 in Large Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #10 of 13 in Large Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (Sony Sound Connect) | Yes |
| Aux Input | RCA input | Yes |
| Battery Life | No Battery | 25 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Dimensions | 21” x 41.8” x 18.6” (534 x 1062 x 472 mm) | 16.1” x 35.8” x 18” (410 x 910 x 456 mm) |
| Drivers | 9 drivers: 3x 11” woofer (2 front, 1 rear), 2x 4.7” midrange, 2x 1” tweeter, 2x 1.6” rear tweeter | 7 drivers: 1x 12.6”x12.6” woofer, 2x 4.7” midrange, 2x 2” tweeter, 2x 1.6” rear tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (10 band; ULT1 / ULT2 / Flat / Live) | Yes (10 band) |
| Guitar Input | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | Splashproof top surface | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes (6.3mm) | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | Yes (360 degree Party Sound) | No |
| Amplifier Power | 2,150W (manufacturer specified) | 148W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Chain) | Yes (Auracast up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB charging) | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1.5A) |
| Power Input | AC 120-240V, 50/60Hz | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | No | No |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| TWS | Yes (Stereo Pair) | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes (USB-A) | Yes |
| Weight | 124.1 lbs (56.3 kg) | 65.3 lbs (29.6 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Wheels | Yes | - |
| Strap | No | No |
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