Anyone heard te Sony SS-AR1


I heard Sony's 27k new speaker today. Sony is obviously not a name you think of when it comes to high-end audio, but this speaker is sony's effort to get back into high-end audio. I'll be honest, going in, I thought anyone who spends 27k on a pair of speakers by Sony needs their head examined.
That being said, I was really, really impressed by this speaker. I compared it head to head with some dynaudio tempations (44k) and thought that the sony's at least held their own. The dealer told me that Sony is only planning on releasing 60 pairs in the US this year, and there are only 6 dealers in the country right now. Also, the wood that they use for the cabinets comes from a special Japanese tree that is specially aged, etc.
Apparently there is a review coming out in stereophile next week.
My question is, with all the great speakers out there at this range, Wilson, magico, Von schweikert, hansen, etc, has anyone heard these, and how do you think they stack up against some of the big boys?
dserota17

Showing 4 responses by rgs92

Well, Sony did make what many say were the best dynamic headphones ever (R10s).
OK, Pryso, I sit corrected. Thanks for clearing that up.
(Is Duntech related to Dunlavy? I mentioned Dunlavy & Hales only.)
And with Sony, you can expect the speaker will be supported with drivers & such for a good long time down the road, something I always worry about with something that expensive. Like what do you do if your Dunlavy or Hales goes on the blink?
Thanks for taking the time for that great history lesson Pryso. I appreciate it. Good stuff.

I only heard Dunlavys once and then I wondered why they weren't as big a name as Wilson. Great speaker. Amazing what can be done with old-technology cones & domes.

Actually, getting back to the thread, I think the Sony uses a traditional design.