We tested the frequency response accuracy using the ‘ULT Power Sound’ preset and Sound Field Optimization (room correction) off, with the speaker set to a horizontal position. With these settings, the speaker produces a decently well-balanced sound, with a good amount of bass on tap for its size. As with the Sony ULT FIELD 1, there’s a peak in the high-bass to compensate for the lack of low-bass, which injects some warmth into your mixes. The mid and treble ranges are relatively flat too, resulting in a detailed reproduction of vocals and lead instruments. The treble range rolls off at the very top of the range, but it’s still a far cry from the veiled response of previous Sony speakers, like the Sony SRS-XE300.

In our case, we found that Sound Field Optimization didn’t impact the frequency response, though we expect this will change depending on the acoustic environment. By contrast, the ‘ULT Power’ preset drastically alters the response, even boosting the SPL. Curiously, even when you max out the bass in the custom EQ, it’s impossible to replicate the ‘ULT Power’ mode’s bass response. Finally, we also tested the frequency response with the speaker in an upright position, which rolls off some of the mid-range.