Sony is aggressively tapping the younger generation with their new ULT series speakers, ranging from portables that are small, medium to large towers. Power is the name of the game with Sony promising a more punchy audio experience using their ULT technology.
The Sony ULT Field 7 is the latest speaker of the Japanese brand particularly the medium of the three, joining the powerful and portable speaker bandwagon against brands like JBL, Bose, etc is definitely heating up.
We bought this speaker last July 26 during its initial availability at Abenson Marikina for Php21,599, the reason why we bought this speaker is its size to price ratio. The largest speaker yet in my collection in size for its price of Php20,000+ , but how does this speaker perform?
Sony ULT 7 Review
The ULT Field 7 is a versatile speaker system that can acommodate guitars or microphones via a 6.5mm audio jack. Making this speaker ready for performers or karaoke lovers, just pair this speaker to a Smart TV and play youtube videos for a more fun party.
Just in case you want to charge another device, you can use the USB A for a 1.5A / 5V charger. Controls for the device connected is available such as Key Control, Echo and even a dedicated knob for the control of input volume. All conveniently located in a dedicated panel that can be covered in a rubber seal enforced cap.
Sony ULT 7 Review
The ULT Field 7 has its own woofer chamber along with the 2 tweeters and 2 woofers that delivers a front firing speaker style. A dedicated groove is designed to ensure the speaker is firing forward and standing stable.
Sony ULT Field 7
Volume is stable and at best up to 80%, above this range you can already feel distortion between the bass and treble overpowering each other. If we to put it in a scenario, indoors a room of 40sqm is enough for this speaker or an outdoor area like a backdoor garden is best for this speaker.
We like playing Pop music and House Music in this speaker since the soundstage is powerful, seems that Sony built this speaker for the younger generation since they look for that “umph” of power with every beat.
For musics such as EDM (Bass vs Instruments are fighting) and Jazz / Lounge Music (Strong vocals) we think are this speaker’s weakness since the woofer bass is muffling the singing of the songs.
Sony is proud to introduce the ULT button which features two modes that enhances your audio with the following effects
Sony ULT Field 7
Honestly we have a hard time knowing which mode we are on due to the audio effect Sony choose to implement which isn’t intuitive, we wished that they just sticked to a voice saying “ULT 1, ULT 2, OFF” every time you press the ULT button.
Among the modes, we love the ULT 2 that provides that punchy bass for my audio preference especially playing strong and loud pop music and even house music such as Dove by Moony, Honey Boy by Nile Rodgers & Shenseea.
While raining we were confident playing music with the speaker placed at the back of my car, the barrel style build with carefully well thought handles that resembles a keg is genius.
The speaker system is covered in a cloth black mesh that compliments the overall look while being simply strong in design and still showing ruggedness. We can even confidently sit on the speaker without worries of damages into the unit.
Sony ULT 7 Review
Just remember that the speaker cloth is prone to static electricity when playing thus can collect lint from clothing or even towels in a beach trip. So make sure to clean the cloth from time to time to maintain that beautiful black speaker body.
Additionally the two woofers at the side is accompanied by an LED ring that can do multiple modes and styles.
You can control the equalizer in 7 areas using the Sony Music Centre App, though overall we find the app very very outdated against other brands due to its 2010’s UI still prominent of one click per icon navigation. We just wish that Sony to improve this area especially in the settings in changing the lighting since its not relatable and intuitive in just reading descriptions.
Additionally you can change modes to even audio-in, youtube music and even Spotify playing directly in the app though redirecting.
We can last around 4.5 hours using the ULT Field 7 in around 70% to 100% volume via bluetooth connection, this is below expectation for us since this speaker in design and build is shouting that persona of saying “PLAY ME OUT LOUD!!!”
One disadvantage we also saw is the AC port charging which will lead you to carry a dedicated cable compared to having the same USB Type-C PD Charging cable for your phone or laptop.
Sony ULT 7 Review
We also love that the speaker is very efficient in saving battery with a strong software for standby and idle mode.
For the price of 21,599 the Sony ULT Field 7 speaker is the only one in my collection that I am confident to bring anywhere and even battle the elements outdoors, perfect to bring in outings such as beaches, dance performances and even possibly an impromptu musician performance.
We really wished that Sony can improve the music centre app as soon as possible, as a user of Sony products for a long time the software part is really the weakness of the brand.
Overall if you need a speaker than can be the star of the party, loud audio, satisfactory even outdoors then this is the one that you can confidently drag anywhere and have a party guaranteed. Just make sure to charge this speaker before going to outdoors for the best enjoyment.
