The JBL PartyBox 1000 and the Sony XV900 are some of the loudest portable PA sound systems designed by both JBL and Sony, and deliver really loud and powerful sound performance. Having said that, the JBL PartyBox 1000 is significantly more powerful and has higher output power, making it great for larger events or for gigging.
The PartyBox 1000 delivers a powerful 1100W output, featuring a 12-inch subwoofer, two 7-inch midrange drivers, and three 2.25-inch tweeters, creating a dynamic and thunderous audio experience suitable for larger gatherings.
In contrast, the Sony XV900 offers a balanced and immersive sound profile with its 10-inch subwoofer, dedicated midrange, and three tweeters, enhanced by Sony’s X-Balanced Speaker Unit for clarity and a wider soundstage. The PartyBox 1000 delivers 1100 watts of power, featuring a 12-inch subwoofer, two 7-inch midrange drivers, and three 2.25-inch tweeters – it’s hands down one of the loudest PA portable systems from JBL that we have tested.

Specs Comparison
Design-wise, the PartyBox 1000 comes with a rugged construction with an illuminated JBL logo and dynamic light rings encircling the speakers, along with an integrated DJ pad on the top panel for real-time audio control. The Sony XV900, however, has a sleek and modern aesthetic, featuring a vertical speaker layout, customizable LED lights on the front panel, and touch-sensitive controls on the top, adding sophistication to its appearance.
In terms of connectivity, both speakers support Bluetooth for wireless streaming. The PartyBox 1000 extends its versatility with USB input, 3.5mm audio input, RCA inputs, and an integrated DJ pad for mixing tracks and adding effects. The Sony XV900 includes HDMI ARC compatibility, facilitating easy connection to a TV for an enhanced home entertainment experience.
The PartyBox 1000’s top panel includes an integrated DJ pad, allowing for real-time track mixing. In contrast, the Sony XV900 showcases a sleek, modern design with a vertical speaker layout and customizable LED lights on the front panel. The touch-sensitive controls on the top add a sophisticated touch to its appearance.
If you are getting a portable PA sound system for gigging or singing, the PartyBox 1000 has definitely much more to offer specs-wise and in terms of overall sound performance.
Table Comparison
Specification | JBL PartyBox 1000 | Sony SRS-XV900 |
Power Output | 1100W RMS | 100W |
Drivers | 1 x 12.6″ woofer, 2 x midrange drivers, 6 x tweeters | 1 x 10″ subwoofer, 3 x tweeters, 1 x dedicated midrange speaker |
Frequency Response | 30 Hz to 20 kHz | 20 Hz to 20 kHz |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, USB input, 3.5mm audio input, RCA inputs, integrated DJ pad | Bluetooth, HDMI ARC compatibility, USB, auxiliary, and microphone inputs |
Lighting Effects | Dynamic LED rings encircling the speakers, customizable through the JBL PartyBox app | Multi-colored LED lights on the front panel, customizable lighting effects |
Dimensions (H x W x D) | Approximately 43.3″ x 15.6″ x 15.3″ | Approximately 35″ x 16″ x 19″ |
Weight | Approximately 76.5 lbs | Approximately 59 lbs |
In summary, the JBL PartyBox 1000 offers a higher power output and a more extensive driver setup, making it suitable for larger gatherings. The Sony SRS-XV900 provides a balanced sound profile (although at significantly less wattage at 100W) and additional connectivity options like HDMI ARC, catering to users seeking versatility in their audio setup.

Sound Comparison
To evaluate their performance, I played “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars. The PartyBox 1000, with its 12-inch subwoofer, two 7-inch midrange drivers, and three 2.25-inch tweeters, delivered a powerful bass that energized the room. The vocals were clear, though the highs occasionally felt overshadowed by the dominant bass. In contrast, the Sony XV900, equipped with a 10-inch subwoofer, dedicated midrange, and three tweeters, provided a more balanced sound. The bass was punchy without overwhelming the mids and highs, allowing the brass sections to shine.
Switching to “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, the PartyBox 1000 showcased its ability to handle dynamic shifts, delivering the operatic sections with depth. However, during the heavier rock segments, the intricate guitar riffs seemed slightly masked by the bass. The XV900 offered a different experience; its balanced tuning allowed each instrument to be distinctly heard. The midrange clarity brought Freddie Mercury’s vocals to the forefront, while the treble detail highlighted Brian May’s guitar work.
Finally, playing “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran, the PartyBox 1000’s bass-heavy profile added a club-like feel to the track, making it ideal for dance settings. The Sony XV900, meanwhile, provided a more authentic reproduction, capturing the nuances of Sheeran’s vocals and acoustic elements. Overall, if you’re seeking sheer power and bass impact, the JBL PartyBox 1000 excels. For a more balanced and detailed listening experience, the Sony XV900 is a good choice, although the PartyBox 1000 definitely offers more power if you are using this speaker for gigging.

Design Comparison
The PartyBox 1000 has a bold and rugged design with an illuminated JBL logo and dynamic light rings that wrap around the speaker, giving it a vibrant and energetic look. The top panel features an integrated DJ pad, which adds a fun interactive element, making it feel like more than just a speaker. It’s built with reinforced corners and a solid structure that feels durable enough to handle lively party environments, whether indoors or outdoors.
On the other hand, the Sony XV900 goes for a more refined and modern design. It has a front-facing 10-inch subwoofer and sleek multi-colored LED lights that create a more polished and immersive atmosphere. The touch-sensitive controls on the top add a level of sophistication, making it feel intuitive and easy to use. The build quality feels premium, with smooth surfaces and a sturdy frame that looks good in a home setting but is also tough enough to handle transport to events.
Comparing these two speakers to others in a similar price range, like the LG XBOOM XL7S, there are some clear differences. The LG model delivers powerful bass and impressive visuals, but it doesn’t quite match the unique lighting and DJ features of the PartyBox 1000 or the sleek, high-end feel of the XV900.
I like the design of the JBL PartyBox 1000 better – this speaker is rugged and more durable, and is designed to last for a long time. It also comes with a DJ touchpad at the top with different connectivity options for your microphone or guitar which makes it easy to use as a PA sound system. Perhaps the only difference is that the Sony XV900 comes with a huge battery that delivers a massive 25 hours of playtime, and that is the only plus point over the PartyBox 1000 which requires a dedicated power outlet.

The Verdict?
The JBL PartyBox 1000 is hands down the more powerful speaker here, delivering much more powerful bass, volume and dynamic sound performance as compared to the Sony XV900. While the Sony XV900 speaker is loud, the PartyBox 1000 absolutely crushes the Sony XV900 when it comes to pure wattage output, and is the speaker you should go for if you are gigging or require a portable PA sound system. While the Sony XV900 comes with a built-in battery, I felt that this was unnecessarily cumbersome as a speaker of this size should be using a dedicated power outlet rather than a massive battery (which will take a long time to charge). The JBL PartyBox 1000 is the clear winner with much louder sound and deeper bass, and has more DJ controls and inputs than the Sony XV900 has to offer.