Sony ES SS M7 are these worth the price?

[Ratamahatta 437]

I am interested in these http://denver.craigslist.org/ele/4067345779.html  I hear nothing but great reviews, and being compared to Wilson Watt puppy I am even more interested. the thing I dont know about is the asking price $650. I know they retailed for 1400 back in 94ish but just don't know if they are worth the price? thoughts? I know its all highly subjective and all but don't want to spend that if I cant even get half of it back when I sell them.

Thanks!  

[snow 240]

I doubt few of us here have actually heard a pair since they are rare birds but from reading other peoples opinions other than reviews from magazines all say yes they are an outstanding speaker and $650.00 is not a lot of money, supposedly they used all peerless drivers from top to bottom.

 

 

REGARDS SNOW 

[Ratamahatta 437]

OK thanks, I will probably go look and listen Friday cant hurt right? lol. any other opinions or experience would be appreciated.

[danowood 2,167]

I quit being a Sony fan anything sometime back.  Although they made and make some decent products the draw back is they will not carry or make replacement parts for long.  It is their mindset that they don't not want their equipment being repaired or restored, they want you to buy new replacements; Therefore, I will not buy Sony anything any longer.

[snow 240]

 

 

I quit being a Sony fan anything sometime back.  Although they made and make some decent products the draw back is they will not carry or make replacement parts for long.  It is their mindset that they don't not want their equipment being repaired or restored, they want you to buy new replacements; Therefore, I will not buy Sony anything any longer.

Every part in those speakers are replaceable today and will be for some time in the future most likely even after we are all dead and gone. Funny how people still buy and treasure things that are 100 years old and older even those parts are no longer being made either huh.

 

 

 

REGARDS SNOW 

[Daddyjt 9,612]

I had the chance to hear a set many years ago. They were being run with a Bryston amp, and sounded wonderful. I got to listen to Jennifer Warnes The Hunter. I still remember the DEPTH of the soundstage as being amazing....

 

FWIW

[Reese 52]

 

 

 

I quit being a Sony fan anything sometime back.  Although they made and make some decent products the draw back is they will not carry or make replacement parts for long.  It is their mindset that they don't not want their equipment being repaired or restored, they want you to buy new replacements; Therefore, I will not buy Sony anything any longer.

Every part in those speakers are replaceable today and will be for some time in the future most likely even after we are all dead and gone. Funny how people still buy and treasure things that are 100 years old and older even those parts are no longer being made either huh.

 

 

 

REGARDS SNOW 

 

Well, that may apply to speakers/speaker parts -- but I have to say I was surprised when I sent in my Sony ES top of the line 5-disc CD player for  repair to the Sony repair center due to defunct laser or tracking or something - and got it back with note that Sony could no longer repair it/provide the needed replacement parts!  Top of their line model of a few years back in early 2000's and no way to repair it by factory-repair shop.  They did fix the ES DAT player/recorder though.  Go figure.

[snow 240]

 

 

 

 

I quit being a Sony fan anything sometime back.  Although they made and make some decent products the draw back is they will not carry or make replacement parts for long.  It is their mindset that they don't not want their equipment being repaired or restored, they want you to buy new replacements; Therefore, I will not buy Sony anything any longer.

Every part in those speakers are replaceable today and will be for some time in the future most likely even after we are all dead and gone. Funny how people still buy and treasure things that are 100 years old and older even those parts are no longer being made either huh.

 

 

 

REGARDS SNOW 

 

Well, that may apply to speakers/speaker parts -- but I have to say I was surprised when I sent in my Sony ES top of the line 5-disc CD player for  repair to the Sony repair center due to defunct laser or tracking or something - and got it back with note that Sony could no longer repair it/provide the needed replacement parts!  Top of their line model of a few years back in early 2000's and no way to repair it by factory-repair shop.  They did fix the ES DAT player/recorder though.  Go figure.

Sad isnt it? almost all companies now no longer stock parts for longer than their warranty period as part of cost cutting measures, of course most electronics are so cheap to replace that it simply does not make fiiscal sense to do so. Electronic technology changing so fast and consumer desire to have the latest greatest toy has led to this. Why would a company want to stock parts for years to come for a $1500.00 CD player when 3 years down the road you can buy  a CD player that has a better chip in it for less money than it costs the company to repair it?  Most consumers will simply purchase another CD player for $49.95 that sounds better and they don't have to wait 3-4 months for the repair and the shipping costs. Computers are the same way now by the time a computer is worn out or needs repair 4-5 years down the road you can buy a much better performing one for less than the costs to repair the old one. Speakers for the most part have not advanced that much and the drivers are usually made by OEM suppliers like Peerless that supplied the drivers for the Sony speakers which they still have plenty of in stock.

 

 

REGARDS SNOW 

[danowood 2,167]

I had to pitch a 5,000.00 tv that had a  great picture and great sound.  The power supply had two bad transistors, 2 bucks a piece and it could not be repaired no parts anywhere to be found, as Sony controled every aspect of that tv circuitry.  They made the transistors and resistors and make them so that you cannot use generics.  The repairman looked for two months everywhere possible, internet and other vendors.  Nadda

[SteveFord 1,119]

I have no idea about the speakers but Sony (as a company) is the pits.

[snow 240]

All of these comments about Sony being a bad company recently may or may not be true but saying this in a thread asking about advice and opinions on a specific set of speakers is just pure thread crapping and is way out of line and helps no one. I am ashamed to see it here to be honest. Really if you have no knowledge of the speakers inquired about or have never read a review written someone who has owned or listened to them and compared them to other speakers please refrain from saying anything. You guys are better than this. For what it's worth I have not had much success with most Sony products either but that is really not helpful info in this case. I feel for both of you Dan and Reese for having problems but brand bashing is not constructive.

 

 

REGARDS SNOW 

[Ratamahatta 437]

Well for what its worth it got slow at work and I got away and picked them up, I was able to go to $580. They were mint condition.  I just got them home and cut down some stands to the height of the ones that Sony recommends about 1' tall. Holly $h!t! They sounded good in his house but it was small and no stands. They sound phenomenal! They sound better than my Infinity quantum like source I just sold. They don't dig as deep but hey I got a hell of a sub. With the exception of a few pairs of speakers I have always used a sub. These are a very neutral speaker nothing is overdone or bright, Vocals and instruments sound natural, it does not sound like I am listening to speakers interpretation of vocals or instruments but they are right there in front of me, Sound stage is huge, these speakers simply disappear  and at the risk of sounding cliché I am hearing things in music that was muffled or nonexistent.  Thanks for steering me in the right direction SNOW and daddyjt!

 

 

 

[snow 240]

 

 

Well for what its worth it got slow at work and I got away and picked them up, I was able to go to $580. They were mint condition.  I just got them home and cut down some stands to the height of the ones that Sony recommends about 1' tall. Holly $h!t! They sounded good in his house but it was small and no stands. They sound phenomenal! They sound better than my Infinity quantum like source I just sold. They don't dig as deep but hey I got a hell of a sub. With the exception of a few pairs of speakers I have always used a sub. These are a very neutral speaker nothing is overdone or bright, Vocals and instruments sound natural, it does not sound like I am listening to speakers interpretation of vocals or instruments but they are right there in front of me, Sound stage is huge, these speakers simply disappear  and at the risk of sounding cliché I am hearing things in music that was muffled or nonexistent.  Thanks for steering me in the right direction SNOW and daddyjt!

 

 

 

They look fantastic I am glad you got them and are happy you like them, I have spent probably 10 hours reading about this line of speakers on various forums from people who own them or have owned them in the past and virtually everyone said the same thing they sound like they should be worth far more than they cost even new, I have read where people have given up their Polk SDA's, Dahlquist 10-20-30's Yamaha NS-1000'S etc and many many more highly acclaimed speakers for these and that is saying something. I can say with certainty that if I run across a pair locally for 1k or less I am going to buy them simply because I want to hear a pair. 

 

I am not a big fan of Sony stuff in general especially the newer non repairable stuff but that does matter to me in the slightest, I know for a fact that a company can make all kinds of crap products and make one good one or even great one.

 

I know for example that Pioneer for the most part made products  that to my ears sucked even some of the more highly acclaimed and sought after receivers and amps such as the SX-1980 receiver Spec-2 and Spec-4 amps but the SX-1010 receiver which commands little money $300-$600.00 is so far superior it isnt even funny hands down the best receiver I have ever heard.

 

Yamaha receivers  and amps for the most part  sound awful to me very tinny and sterile but the NS-1000 speaker is amazing so I try hard not to judge a company's entire product line by a few or even many bad examples.

 

 

REGARDS SNOW 

 

 

[Daddyjt 9,612]

Outstanding! I'm glad you picked them up, and glad you are so happy with them!

[Blues Pwr 766]

Congrats on your new speakers, they look great, enjoy......

[Bean 384]

Late into this thread, but also like Snow I have read nothing but good things about that particular model line.  They are also very interesting to look at and I wouldnt mind owning a pair sometime myself.

[SteveFord 1,119]

They're cool looking and comments about the parent company are relevant as sometimes you need support for a product and it's good to be informed before your purchase.

At least you know going in that you may be on your own.

Congratulations on your new speakers!

 

[Gene C 1,748]

Nice score Ratamahatta. Is that a BSR EQ or ADC EQ you have in your stack?

[snow 240]

 

 

They're cool looking and comments about the parent company are relevant as sometimes you need support for a product and it's good to be informed before your purchase.

At least you know going in that you may be on your own.

Congratulations on your new speakers!

 

That is absolute BULLSHIT!! and you know it Steve, saying Sony as a company sucks has zero relevance to this particular product, you as an Admin should be ashamed of yourself for brand bashing and even more ashamed for not having the balls to admit when your wrong.

  

 

This was your comment in case you forgot  Quote.. ( I have no idea about the speakers but Sony (as a company) is the pits)

 

How is that relevant to his question regarding the speakers?  

 

 

 

Fisher company after Ira sold out started making some really crappy products as we all know but that has zero relevance to their older  tube products that were and still  are considered to be some of the best ever made by anyone. What if he had asked about a Fisher 800C receiver would you tell him Fisher sucks because they now sell crappy products and are like Sony now making products that parts can no long be bought for?

 

 

REGARDS SNOW 

 

 

 

[PDR 1,194]

Looks like Sony just contracted out to an ex Polk Engineer for the Es line....

 http://www.stereophile.com/content/sony-es-ss-m9-loudspeaker

 

So really its like a re badge and a Sony product in name only.

Would be the same if they bought out the design of my speakers

and slapped the Sony name on them......that doesnt make it a Sony product,

only a Sony purchase, with the rights to brand it.

 

It would've been a smart move on their part, it complimented their price point in electronics.

 

I have no Sony products, I did, but they priced themselves out of my market.

The products I had for the most part worked well and lived long. 

[oldtexasdog 2,456]

Closest I could get on AG was Sony SS-M9es at 1400.00

[danowood 2,167]

Snow, sorry bruther you were offended by my dislike for Sony, it's my personal prefference about Sony.  Those do look like nice speakers and am sure they rock.  I have a sony Sub Woofer (active) for my surround that the driver (voice coil is rubbing and sounds terrible).  I looked to replace it too, but is no longer available.  I am replacing it with a pioneer driver A301R50-51F.  I'm elated he is happy with his new found equipment and that it sounds great.  I too like others was just forwarning and was not trying to talk him out of anything, I just don't care to do buisness personally with a company that will not make available parts for repair after 5 years.  Imagine if our Carver equipment could not be repaired or modified because parts were not available, there would be less Carver fans on this site I'm sure.  Peace bruther...............

[Ratamahatta 437]

 

 

Nice score Ratamahatta. Is that a BSR EQ or ADC EQ you have in your stack?

 

Yeah its a BSR I have two of them I bought both cheap.  I am not to worried about customer support on these as most of the time you are on your own with vintage speakers anyway. The only problem I am slightly worried about is a driver getting bad, in that case I will just have to get it fixed or find a replacement as best I can.  Not any Sony exclusive parts in these anyway, lol. Thanks for the congrats and compliments guys, I was so giddy last night I had a hard time sleeping, I am in audio nirvana.

[Daddyjt 9,612]

Rat graduated to member status a few months ago - why's he a newbie again?

[snow 240]

 

 

Snow, sorry bruther you were offended by my dislike for Sony, it's my personal prefference about Sony.  Those do look like nice speakers and am sure they rock.  I have a sony Sub Woofer (active) for my surround that the driver (voice coil is rubbing and sounds terrible).  I looked to replace it too, but is no longer available.  I am replacing it with a pioneer driver A301R50-51F.  I'm elated he is happy with his new found equipment and that it sounds great.  I too like others was just forwarning and was not trying to talk him out of anything, I just don't care to do buisness personally with a company that will not make available parts for repair after 5 years.  Imagine if our Carver equipment could not be repaired or modified because parts were not available, there would be less Carver fans on this site I'm sure.  Peace bruther...............

I have nothing against you Reese Steve or anyone else for warning someone about a product if parts are unavailable or the particular model has design flaws etc and I understand your dislike for anything made by Sony after your experience with the TV but nothing was said about the speakers by you Reese or Steve for that matter it mostly pertained to Brand bashing which had nothing to do with the speakers in question.

 

As far as Carver products not being able to be repaired goes pretty much the entire Lightstar line falls into that category also, parts are practically non existent. Sunfire products can only be repaired by   a few service centers because both parts and service manuals are not available to the consumer. None of us are bashing all Carver products because of this. See my point here?

 

A simple I have never heard the speakers but from my experience but Sony parts may be impossible to find because they usually use parts that are made by them and are unavailable after the warranty period runs out would have been helpful but I hate all Sony products and all Sony products suck isnt very helpful.

 

Hell I have a set of very rare JBL speakers that I may not be able to refoam once the surrounds go and as far as getting replacement drivers goes I will have to buy used ones if I can find them because there are none available NOS from JBL and their not even 25 years old I don't hate all JBL products for this 

 

 

This being said I still like all of you guys it just upset me because the  OP could have missed out on a set of really nice speakers at a good price because of personal views about unrelated Sony gear. I know I most likely come off as an asshole because I am very to the point and blunt in my terminology but don't think I am picking on any of you personally I would talk the same way to the pope.

 

 

REGARDS SNOW