JBL Boombox 3 vs Sony Ult Field 7

JBL Boombox 3 vs Sony Ult Field 7: A Comparative Review

The JBL Boombox 3 and the Sony Ult Field 7 are some of the loudest boombox type speakers designed by JBL and Sony. That said, the Sony Ult Field 7 is somewhat lacking when compared to the JBL Boombox 3 in terms of sound performance and overall power output; the JBL Boombox 3 has much more power (180Ws on AC mode) compared to the Sony Ult Field 7’s 45W output, and has significantly more bass output that party goers love to have.

Both speakers are designed for portability and outdoor use, featuring IP67 ratings that make them dustproof and waterproof. The Boombox 3 weighs approximately 6.9 kg, while the ULT Field 7 is slightly lighter at 6.2 kg, making both relatively easy to carry.

In terms of sound performance, the Boombox 3 offers a more bass-heavy frequency response and experiences less compression at maximum volume, providing clearer audio across various genres. It also features a longer battery life, lasting up to 29.7 hours on a single charge. On the other hand, the ULT Field 7 can achieve higher volume levels and delivers a bass-heavy sound, especially with its ‘ULT’ bass enhancement feature. However, its battery life is shorter, providing around 10.6 hours of continuous playtime. The Sony Ult Field 7 does not have as much volume and power output as the JBL Boombox 3 and lacks punch when it comes to higher volumes.

Additionally, the Boombox 3 is designed to float in water, adding an extra layer of versatility for poolside or beach use. In contrast, while the ULT Field 7 is also water-resistant, it doesn’t have the floating capability.

Specs Comparison

The Boombox 3 measures about 19.9 x 7.9 x 10.1 inches and weighs nearly 15 pounds with a thick handle across the top (great for carrying). It has an IP67 rating and a claimed 24-hour battery life which made me feel comfortable taking it outside without worrying about moisture. I found that the Sony Ult Field 7 had a similar footprint though it was a bit lighter at around 14 pounds (roughly 19.8 x 8.5 x 8.8 inches) and came with an IP66 rating and up to 20 hours of battery life.

I liked that both models seemed durable enough for everyday travel, though I noticed the JBL’s fabric covering felt slightly tougher. I listened to them at different volume levels and appreciated that the Boombox 3 (with its dual 4-inch woofers and two tweeters) handled bass well while the Ult Field 7 offered crisp highs and a wide sound profile (likely due to its driver placement). Both felt powerful for their size but the Boombox 3 had a bit more low-end punch which I enjoyed during bass-heavy tracks and performs significantly louder when you turn up the volume on the Boombox 3. When I compared their battery performance I found that the Sony had decent staying power though it never lasted quite as long as the JBL during my listening sessions which went on for several hours.

Table Comparison

SpecificationJBL Boombox 3Sony ULT Field 7
Power Output5x 136 W (180 W Peak)Approx. 45W
Drivers1x 7.4 x 4.5″ Woofer, 2x 3.2 x 3.2″ Midrange Drivers, 2x 0.8″ Tweeters, 2x Passive Radiators2x 4.5″ Woofers, 2x 1.8″ Tweeters, 2x Passive Radiators
Frequency Response40 Hz – 20 kHz20 Hz – 20 kHz
Maximum SPL91.9 dB99.0 dB
Battery LifeUp to 24 hoursUp to 30 hours
Charging TimeApproximately 4.6 hoursApproximately 3.3 hours
Water ResistanceIP67 (dustproof and waterproof)IP67 (dustproof and waterproof)
Weight15.1 lbs (6.9 kg)13.7 lbs (6.2 kg)
Dimensions19.0 x 10.0 x 7.9 inches (48.5 x 25.7 x 20.0 cm)19.4 x 10.4 x 7.9 inches (49.2 x 26.4 x 20.0 cm)
Additional FeaturesFloats in water, Can connect with other JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers for stereo or party modeBuilt-in lighting effects, ‘ULT’ button for bass enhancement, 1/4″ microphone/guitar input

Note: The power output for the Sony ULT Field 7 is not specified.

Sound Performance

I used “Blinding Lights (The Weeknd)” “Take Five (Dave Brubeck Quartet)” and “Shape of You (Ed Sheeran)” because each track has a good mix of beats and vocals. I moved the volume up and down to see if any frequencies dropped out or if distortion crept in when I pushed them harder, especially with ‘Shape of You’ because it contains many bass beats and vocal parts.

The Boombox 3 (with its dual 4-inch woofers and two tweeters) gave me a strong low end during “Blinding Lights” and I felt the kick drums vibrate through the room without overwhelming the vocals. It had a claimed frequency response extending down to around 40 Hz and I appreciated the balance between the bass and the midrange. The Sony Ult Field 7 seemed to place more emphasis on the midrange so I heard the saxophone in “Take Five” stand out more clearly (especially at moderate volumes). It had a rated low-end extension near 45 Hz which still sounded full but not as forceful as the Boombox 3.

I also checked clarity in higher frequencies by listening for details in Ed Sheeran’s vocals and I found both speakers performed well. The Boombox 3 produced a warmer tone while the Ult Field 7 felt slightly brighter in the upper range. I noticed less distortion on the Boombox 3 when I pushed the volume to its upper limit though the Sony model stayed fairly clean until I went beyond three-quarters volume. In the end I felt the JBL model delivered heavier bass impact and a warmer sound signature while the Ult Field 7 gave me a bit more clarity in the mids and highs without sacrificing too much low-end performance.

The most significant difference is when you push up the volume close to maximum on both speakers. The JBL Boombox 3 far outshines the Sony Ult Field 7 in every respect, and delivers very loud sound performance with up to 180W of output power, while the Sony Ult Field 7 only has approximately 45W and starts to distort at maximum volume. While both speakers can get loud, the Boombox 3 is significantly louder and can clearly handle more bass and tight low-ends as compared to the Sony Ult Field 7.

Design Comparison

The Boombox 3 measured about 19.9 x 7.9 x 10.1 inches and weighed around 15 pounds, and it had a big handle on top that made it easier to lift. The speaker is IP67 waterproof and can even float on water, making it the ideal speaker to bring outdoors or for poolside events. The exterior used a thick fabric material that felt sturdy, and the passive radiators on the sides had solid protective covers.

The Sony Ult Field 7 (roughly 19.8 x 8.5 x 8.8 inches and about 14 pounds) features an IP66 rating and looked a bit more squared off. Its handle felt slightly slimmer though still stable, and I noticed a tougher plastic finish around the edges that gave it a solid feel. I found the Boombox 3 a bit heavier yet balanced, while the Ult Field 7 was easier to shift around because of its shape and slightly lighter weight.

I also checked out other speakers in a similar price range (like the Sony SRS-XG500 and the UE Hyperboom) to get a broader perspective on design and build quality. The XG500 came in at around 12 pounds with a fabric-covered body and a solid top handle that felt more flexible, and the Hyperboom leaned toward a tall rectangular shape that made it simple to keep in one spot. I noticed the Boombox 3 had the toughest fabric out of the bunch, and its rubberized base gave me confidence when I placed it on rough surfaces. The Ult Field 7 was closer to the XG500 in terms of portability and had similar rubber grips on the base though it felt a little bulkier to me. In the end I thought the Boombox 3 had a heavier duty vibe suited for outdoor use (especially with its higher IP rating) and the Sony Ult Field 7 felt like a well-built option if I didn’t mind a slightly boxier design with a slightly lower level of water and dust protection.

The Verdict?

Overall, the JBL Boombox 3 is hands down the better speaker here. Compared with the Sony Ult Field 7, the Boombox 3 delivers a massive 180W of output power on AC mode, while the Sony Ult Field 7 only provides 45W of output power which is much less. Both speakers deliver a good amount of volume and bass, but the bass on the JBL Boombox 3 sounded much more impactful and refined and punches deep especially with bass notes on Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You. At higher volume levels, it is clear that the JBL Boombox 3 sounded much louder here and you can blast music at full power without hearing any distortion, while the Sony Ult Field 7 speaker started to sound rather bloated and harsh in the highs at higher volume levels. While the Ult Field 7 provides good clarity in the midrange and vocals, it’s not the kind of speaker that you would want to bring to power a large outdoor party or for poolside use as it does not have the same level of power and bass that the JBL Boombox 3.