Sony SS-M3 Es Floorstanding Speakers Reviews

Summary:
Purchased the set from Crutchfield before Christmas for only $399 instead of the $900 retail including shipping (compatible speaker stands were thrown in as a bonus). I intended to replace an old set of DCM Time Windows purchased in the early 80's that had been relegated to A/V main speakers at a summer cabin. Although the Time Windows have deep bass, the imaging is somewhat muddled given the fixed room acoustics and jazz vocals sounded like the performers heads was two feet wide.
I recall reading the favorable review given to its biggest brother, the SS-M9, in Stereophile (9/96) and was basically hoping that "it's all in the family."

I wasn't disappointed.

Imaging is excellent and although I'm still using an old Luxman integrated amp (will replace with Parasound separates by the summer), the singers are squarely between the drivers and elevated slightly above the tweeters.
Some sound layering is also evident making the performances more palatable.
With a vintage Proton TV monitor and a Pioneer 525 DVD unit, I'm able to observe John Fogerty belt out a bayou ballad on DVD while close my eyes and visualize Holly Cole and her trio doing 'Girl Talk' in a small club setting.
While it's true that the lower octave is missing, these gems will get you 95% of the way there and a glimpse of the audiophile world.

Strengths:
Quality construction, bi-wire configuration, versatile bookshelf sizing.

Weaknesses:
Limited bass response. Sensitivity is relatively low.

Summary:
These are an excellent speakers. They are not even made by sony, they hired a famous speaker engineer to build/design them. I love how they use such thick cabinet walls, and the fact that they are acoustic suspension. Very heavy, very quality. If you put the B&W name on these things, they'd sell for about $2,000. You do need a good amp however to drive them, they are power hungry but buying a good amp is well worth it. Very clean crisp highs/midrange. Bass is ok, but If I wanted bass, I wouldn't have bought speakers with 6.5" woffers. Excellent, large soundstage.

Strengths:
EXCELLENT CABINET DESIGN, 1 INCH THICK MDF, ACOUSTIC SUSPENSION, GOLD 5 WAY BINDING POSTS, HEAVY

Weaknesses:
need a lot of power 85db

Similar Products Used:
b&w 601s, bose 4.2,

Summary:
When I was searching for a pair of speakers that I could use for stereo or surround sound, I listened to the SS-M3's and they sounded very good. They sounded very open, neutral, and accurate. The soundstaging was deep, female vocals sounded very realistic, and bongos sounded as if they were in the room in front of me. The cabinate is designed very well, even at high volumes, the cabinate does not vibrate much at all. Many people complain that Sony did not make these. This should NOT matter. This is a very good speaker, and I think that some people just do not like the Sony name.

The equipment that I have is cheaper than that of the dealer(I am shopping for a new receiver right now), however, my room (a humble 12'x14') sounds larger than it is. (if you have not already, try nature CD's)

The two way speaker has a 6.5" woofer with an actual woofer diameter of 5" and a 0.5" maximum exurtion. The speaker has a rated response of 70-20kHz, but I have found that on occasion, bass drums can be felt from about 9.5' away.(Definately not chest pounding though)I have found the bass to be adaquate for music, but falls short for home theater.(I am saving up for the Velodyne HGS-12)

The highs are crisp and airy, and no harshness at high volumes. Despite its low power handling, and low sensitivity, in my room, I found them to play quite loud.

This is a very nice speaker, and I think it is well worth $600($900 MSRP)If you are searching for speakers to entertain the neighborhood, or for a large room, you may want to keep searching. If you are looking for a good sounding speaker for a small to medium sized room, and are on a limited budget, you may want to listen for yourself.

Although I am more than satisfied with thesse speakers, I only give it a 4-star rating because only the absolute best speakers should receive a 5.

Strengths:
Good soundstaging. Fairly wide sweetspot. Crisp, open highs. Good cabinate design. No distortion at high volumes. Bi-wire support.

Weaknesses:
Somewhat large when used for surround sound in small rooms. Low power handling, 120W max non-clip. Low sensitivity, 85dB @ 1W @ 1m.