Sony ULT TOWER 5 (SRS-ULT500): Specs, Features and Who Should Buy It

The Sony ULT TOWER 5 is a battery-powered floor-standing party speaker from Sony's ULT POWER SOUND range. It sits below the bigger ULT TOWER 7, which makes it easier to carry and easier on the budget. It still brings real bass, built-in lighting, a mic input and DJ-ready connections.

This guide covers what it offers, what it leaves out, and who it suits best.

The short version

• Sound: a 230 mm woofer with two 60 mm tweeters and a bass-reflex cabinet
• Battery: up to 20 hours under Sony's test conditions, with fast charging
• Connections: Bluetooth 5.3, mic input, XLR, RCA, USB-A and USB-C
• Size: about 12.7 kg, with built-in carry handles
• Extras: party lighting, four sound modes, 10-band EQ in the app

Sound: a big woofer in a manageable size

Sony designed the ULT range around low-end impact, and the Tower 5 follows that approach. A 230 mm woofer handles the bass, two 60 mm tweeters cover the highs, and a bass-reflex cabinet with Sony's ULT Duct helps move air for deeper low frequencies. Sony developed the range with input from hip-hop sound creators, and it shows in the tuning.

You choose from four sound modes: ULT1 and ULT2 for stronger bass emphasis, FLAT for a neutral balance and LIVE for a more open feel. In the Sony | Sound Connect app, a 10-band equaliser lets you fine-tune the sound. The speaker also adjusts its sound depending on whether it stands upright or lies on its side, and it can optimise itself for the room.

Karaoke, DJ sets and multiple speakers

The Tower 5 handles more than Bluetooth playback:

• Karaoke: a 0.25-inch microphone input. The microphone is not included, so you need to buy one separately.
• DJ and wired gear: XLR and RCA inputs suit mixers and controllers.
• USB: USB-A and USB-C ports add playback and charging options.
• Wireless: Bluetooth 5.3 supports SBC, AAC and LDAC.
• Multiple speakers: Stereo Pair (you need two SRS-ULT500 units) and Party Chain via Auracast let you link speakers for bigger spaces.

Battery: what 20 hours means in practice

Sony rates the battery at up to 20 hours, measured under specific test conditions. Playing louder or using the lights will shorten that, so treat 20 hours as the best case. A Stamina option turns off lighting and effects to stretch runtime, and Battery Care helps reduce overcharging.

Charging is quick: ten minutes gives roughly 100 minutes of playback. The battery is removable, which is useful if you want to keep a spare for long events.

Portability and water resistance

At about 12.7 kg, the Tower 5 is much easier to move than the Tower 7, but it is still a two-handed speaker rather than a travel companion. It has built-in carry handles and no wheels. It is rated IPX4, which covers splashes, but only when the speaker stands upright. Keep it out of the rain and away from spilled drinks.

Specifications

Who is it for?

A good fit if you:

• host house parties or small to mid-size gatherings
• want karaoke and DJ connections without a separate PA system
• need a speaker you can carry between rooms
• want a lower price than the Tower 7

Think twice if you:

• need a truly pocket-sized or travel speaker
• want wheels for frequent heavy moving (look at the Tower 7)
• need weatherproofing beyond splash resistance

Frequently asked questions

Does the ULT TOWER 5 come with a microphone?
No. It has a mic input, but the microphone is sold separately.

How long does the battery last?
Up to 20 hours under Sony's test conditions. Louder volume and lighting reduce this.

Does it have wheels?
No. It has built-in carry handles. The ULT TOWER 7 is the model with wheels.

Can I connect DJ equipment?
Yes, through the XLR and RCA inputs, depending on your gear's outputs.

Is it waterproof?
No. IPX4 protects against splashes when the speaker is upright, but it is not designed for rain or submersion.

Where to buy

Get the Sony ULT TOWER 5 at AVIT Digital: Shop the Sony ULT TOWER 5. You can also browse the full ULT series collection or see the bigger Sony ULT TOWER 7.