To say that the Sharp SumoBox Pro CP-LS200 is huge would be an understatement. With a height of 69 cm and a weight of around 14 kilograms, it is one of the largest Bluetooth speakers we have ever tested. But does it also have something to offer in terms of sound? We’ll find out in the test.
Technical data
| The product | SumoBox Pro CP-LS200 |
| Audio power | 200 W |
| Drivers | 2x 10-inch woofers 2x 3-inch tweeters |
| Bluetooth version | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Connections | USB-A; AUX; 2x 6.3 mm jack |
| Battery life | up to 8 hours |
| Special features | IPX4 certification; removable battery; Pro control panel |
| Size | 690 mm x 455 mm x 350 mm |
| weight | 14.1 kg |
| Colors | black |
| Scope of delivery | Sharp SumoBox Pro CP-LS200; Instructions; Power cable; Silicone ball corner protector (x8); Hexagon screwdriver |
| Price | € 562.90 * |
Sharp SumoBox Pro: Massive understatement
- Simple, harmonious design
- Robust construction
- Carrying handles on all sides
It takes a few minutes to heave the 20 kg box out of its outer packaging. And then it stands in front of us, the Sharp SumoBox Pro CP-LS200. 690 mm high, 455 mm wide and 350 mm deep – larger than the JBL Partybox Stage 320 (our test), but at 14.1 kg a little lighter and also visually very different.
Because the SumoBox Pro focuses on understatement. Elegance. And a timeless look that cuts an excellent figure at parties as well as in large office spaces. No RGB lighting, no bright colors – black dominates the housing, individual details such as the product logo are set off in red and white.
The body of the speaker is made of wood and wood-based material and has a pleasantly non-slip, anodized surface. It looks great, but is quite susceptible to dust and dirt due to the glossy finish.
Very practical: As the SumoBox can be used both vertically and horizontally, Sharp has provided the speaker with a carrying handle on the top and both sides. There are four rubberized feet on the underside.
However, if you like, you can protect the corners a little more with the eight silicone ball corner protectors supplied. Unfortunately, Sharp does not include castors. That’s a shame, as it would make it much easier to position the ball. Instead, there is a 3/8-inch thread if you want to mount the SumoBox Pro on a tripod.
Connections and controls
- Versatile connections
- Professional control panel
- Duo mode wireless and wired
The connections also show that the Sharp SumoBox Pro takes a completely different approach to its JBL counterpart. The connections are all located in a clearly arranged panel on the back and are protected by a rubberized cover, as the speaker is IPX4 protected against water and dust and can therefore also be used outdoors.
In terms of selection, the Sharp SumoBox Pro is a real all-rounder. The control panel features blue LED lighting as soon as you supply the speaker with power. The following ports are available:
- 2x USB-A (for charging only)
- 1x 3.5 mm jack
- 2x XLR/TRS 6.3 mm combo
- Speaker-Link In/Out (for coupling with other SumoBoxes)
You therefore have the option of operating two musical instruments or XLR microphones simultaneously with the Sharp SumoBox Pro via the combo connections and can even mix the sound with audio playback at the same time.
Of course, the whole thing can also be done wirelessly. In this case, the speaker uses the Bluetooth 5.0 standard and provides a good range. The pairing of two SumoBox speakers is not only possible via cable, but also wirelessly – there is the Duo-mode/True Wireless Stereo (TWS), with which both speakers can be connected to form a real stereo pair.
The rotary controls and buttons on the back are of course also particularly exciting. Not only can you control the volume for all three channels (XLR/TRS and audio/Bluetooth) separately, but you can also adjust the treble, bass and reverb for the two XLR/TRS channels.
Use the two switches below to specify what is connected to the XLR/TRS ports. In other words, whether it’s an instrument, guitar or microphone. However, due to a lack of musical instruments, I was unable to test whether this makes a difference. However, an XLR microphone only works if you set the switch to microphone.
Last but not least, there are two more buttons on the right:
- Ducking In/Outdoor: The ducking function reduces the volume of channel 3 (audio playback) when devices are connected to channel 1 and/or 2. In/Outdoor switches between two sound colors for indoor and outdoor use, but I have not been able to detect any real difference here.
- Bluetooth / Duo Mode: Responsible for Bluetooth pairing and switching to Duo mode when pairing a second speaker wirelessly.
Operation is therefore pretty self-explanatory. The manufacturer also offers a companion app for Android and iOS, “Sharp Life”, which you can safely do without. This is because there is merely a virtual image of the control panel on the back of the speaker. No equalizer, no other settings, no nothing. Too bad.
Battery life of the Sharp SumoBox Pro
- removable battery
- up to 8 hours runtime
- around 4 hours charging time
Of course, the Sharp SumoBox Pro can also be used wirelessly. There is a slot at the back for the battery, which can be removed accordingly. Replacement batteries are also available separately.
Top: The battery itself has a dedicated USB-A port for charging, but is also charged when the box is connected to the mains. A status LED provides information about the remaining capacity in four stages.
The battery itself has a capacity of 74 watt hours and supplies the Sharp SumoBox Pro CP-LS200 with power for a maximum of eight hours. This is of course absolutely sufficient for parties and relaxed evenings, even if the competition in the case of the JBL Partybox Stage 320 lasts significantly longer at 12-18 hours (depending on the size of the battery).
Sound quality of the Sharp SumoBox Pro CP-LS200
- Excellent, fairly neutral sound
- clear treble, detailed mids and bass
- impressive volume
Under the hood of the Sharp SumoBox Pro is a 2.0-channel speaker system with a maximum output of 200 watts. Two 10-inch woofers and two 3-inch tweeters are installed. The frequency response ranges from 30 Hz to 20,000 Hz.
The acoustics are tuned by SAM by Devialet, which should ensure improved linearity of the sound and a richer bass response. And even though there is no way to influence the sound (at least during playback), I really like the sound quality of the Sharp SumoBox Pro.
A pleasantly neutral sound image has been created here, which delivers a convincing sound across all frequencies. The Bluetooth speaker reproduces bass with an excellent level of detail and merges into the equally broad, clear mids, which are not overpowered by the bass, even with powerful electro or hip-hop tracks.
The treble is also pleasantly clear and airy, creating a convincing spatiality. Compared to the JBL Partybox Stage 320, the Sharp SumoBox Pro CP-LS200 undoubtedly delivers a more neutral sound that serves many more music genres equally well.
However, real bass enthusiasts and fans of electronic music may find that the bass range lacks a little oomph. However, as sound is always a very subjective thing, you’ll have to decide for yourself what you like better.
Personally, I prefer the Sharp model, as the sound is more coherent in the genres I prefer (rock, heavy metal, alternative, folk and some electro) and is more appealing to me.
The maximum volume is also beyond reproach. A value of 30-40 percent is easily enough to envelop a large living room in sound. I didn’t dare to set it to more than 70 percent – but even here the level of detail remains excellent and there is no distortion.
Sharp SumoBox Pro CP-LS200 Review: Conclusion
With the Sharp SumoBox Pro CP-LS200, the manufacturer delivers an excellent party speaker. I really like the simple design without the RGB bling bling, even if the speaker is somewhat susceptible to dust and dirt.
In terms of sound, however, the speaker delivers an impressive performance and scores with a neutral sound that is convincing across all frequencies and copes well with all genres. However, bass fans might find it a little lacking in power. It’s a shame that there is no option to help with this using an equalizer.
The versatile connections at the rear make the SumoBox Pro a strong all-rounder. Especially those who work a lot with instruments or want to sing along loudly to their favorite songs will get their money’s worth here – when used purely as a Bluetooth speaker, this is of course a bit overkill. But undoubtedly nice-to-have. In terms of battery life and companion app, however, the competition has the edge.
- Great sound
- Versatile connections
- Discreet, harmonious design
- Bluetooth 5.0 only
- Battery life somewhat weaker than the competition
- Companion app rather useless
Sharp SumoBox Pro CP-LS200
Workmanship
Ease of use
Sound quality
Features
Value For Money
91/100
Huge party box: In dimensions and sound. The neutral sound and versatile connections are particularly pleasing. However, the battery life could be a little longer.
