Review: Sharp Sumobox CP-LS100 (party speaker)

Upon unboxing the Sharp Sumobox, you’ll find a substantial, yet easily manageable, speaker that presents the classic, clean, and functional design characteristic of PA systems. This evokes a sense of familiarity and satisfaction. The Sharp Sumobox CP-LS100 is a portable party speaker, featuring battery power and Bluetooth connectivity, along with a comprehensive array of connection options on the rear panel to accommodate a wide range of audio sources.

In contrast to competitors like JBL, a prominent player in the party speaker market known for incorporating features like RGB lighting, handles, and wheels, Sharp opts for a more utilitarian, musician-focused design. The Sumobox lacks these extras, which is acceptable given its weight of just over 12 kg and the presence of two robust carrying handles. However, users prioritizing portability might consider this a drawback.

The speaker is powered via a standard AC outlet and includes a rechargeable battery. Additional batteries, priced at SEK 1500 each including charger, are available and offer a claimed runtime of approximately 10 hours. Actual battery life will vary depending on volume levels, but our testing suggests it can exceed this estimate. During a four-hour crayfish party with continuous, high-volume music playback, the battery indicator only dropped by one LED (25%).

While most of the rear panel connections are clearly labeled, a more comprehensive user manual would be beneficial. The included documentation is somewhat terse. For instance, the manual assumes familiarity with audio terms such as “ducking.” While the unit provides knobs for balancing input levels, it lacks an equalizer (EQ) for sound customization. Users can select between “indoor” and “outdoor” modes, which are rather broad presets. Sharp’s companion app is functional, but not without limitations. The speaker requires a Bluetooth connection, and there is no support for connecting a hard drive or USB drive for music playback. Furthermore, AirPlay 2 is not supported. While not critical flaws, these omissions impact the overall user experience.

Sharp Sumobox – Audio Performance

How does the Sharp Sumobox perform acoustically, considering its size and price point? The answer is: remarkably well. The speaker delivers ample power and utilizes sound-directing technology to minimize distortion. Through a collaboration with Devialet, Speaker Active Matching (SAM) technology has been integrated into the Sumobox. In essence, SAM optimizes the amplifier’s performance in conjunction with the speaker drivers (further details can be found on their website). The resulting audio quality is compelling. The Sharp Sumobox proves versatile, excelling with energetic rock or lively party music like disco, thanks to its tight and powerful bass response. It also handles more subdued genres such as classical music, radio broadcasts, or spoken word via microphone with equal aplomb.

The rear inputs offer practical utility for musicians. To demonstrate this, we connected an electric guitar and recorded guitarist Ulf Thärning from Shine On performing a jam session:

The Sumobox supports wireless stereo pairing with another Sumobox unit. Furthermore, the system allows for multi-speaker connectivity via wired connections. However, the need or budget for the average user is unlikely to extend beyond two units, representing a total investment of SEK 10,000.

A minor inconvenience is the location of the volume controls on the rear panel, which are not readily accessible. The design anticipates that users will primarily control the speaker via the app. The Sharp Sumobox includes well-designed, rounded rubber feet that can be easily screwed into each corner, providing both stability and protection against scratches when placed on hard surfaces. Although rubber flaps protect the inputs, the speaker lacks an IPX rating, meaning it’s not resistant to inclement weather. Users requiring a more ruggedized solution may want to consider the larger LS2000 model (approximately SEK 6500), which offers IPX4-rated water resistance and 200W of power.

In terms of audio quality, Sharp has delivered a party speaker that outperforms its price bracket. Our local gym utilizes a JBL Partybox 710, a speaker costing over 50% more (around SEK 9,000) without offering a commensurately superior listening experience. In a blind listening test, it’s unlikely that listeners would perceive a substantial difference between the two. This speaks highly of the Sumobox’s performance.

Summary Sharp Sumobox

The Sharp Sumobox CP-LS100 is a pleasant surprise, offering a broader range of applications than initially anticipated. While it may not be ideally suited for living room environments, it serves as an excellent audio companion for gardens, courtyards, or any setting where higher volume levels are desired. Furthermore, it’s suitable for band rehearsals, DJ performances, or public speaking engagements. While an EQ, an improved app, and a more detailed manual would be welcome additions, the Sumobox represents exceptional value in the party speaker market (unless RGB lighting, wheels, and handles are essential requirements).

Highly recommended!

Sharp provided review samples for this evaluation. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial independence. Our reviews are always conducted objectively, with the interests of our readers and consumers as our primary focus.