SS-M3 - Loudspeaker SONY - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Bookshelf loudspeaker
Brand	Sony
Model	SS-M3
Dimensions (W x H x D)	Approx. 230 x 380 x 220 mm
Weight	Approx. 5.5 kg per speaker
Speaker Configuration	2-way, bass reflex
Woofer	200 mm (8 in) cone
Tweeter	25 mm (1 in) soft dome
Impedance	6 ohms
Frequency Response	45 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity	88 dB (2.83V/1m)
Recommended Amplifier Power	20 - 100 Watts RMS
Max Input Power	120 Watts
Crossover Frequency	3 kHz
Enclosure Type	Bass reflex with front port
Terminals	Screw-type binding posts
Magnetic Shielding	Yes
Grille	Removable, black cloth
Color	Black ash vinyl
Power Source	Passive (no power required)
Maintenance	Wipe with dry cloth; avoid solvents
Safety Features	Designed for stable placement; no sharp edges
Spare Parts / Repairability	Drivers available from Sony service centers

Frequently Asked Questions - SS-M3 SONY

What is the best placement for Sony SS-M3 speakers?

Place speakers on a sturdy bookshelf or stand at ear level. Keep them at least 30 cm from the rear wall to avoid bass boom. Angle them slightly towards the listening position for optimal stereo imaging.

How do I connect the SS-M3 to my amplifier?

Use speaker wire with banana plugs or bare wire. Connect the red terminal to the amplifier's positive (+) and black to negative (-). Ensure the amplifier is turned off during connection.

What amplifier power is recommended for these speakers?

An amplifier delivering 20 to 100 watts RMS per channel is recommended. Avoid amplifiers that can output more than 120 watts RMS to prevent damage.

Can I use the SS-M3 as surround speakers in a home theater?

Yes, they work well as rear or surround speakers. Their bookshelf design and wide dispersion make them suitable for surround sound applications.

How do I clean the speaker grilles?

Remove the grille by gently pulling it off. Clean with a soft brush or vacuum on low suction. For stains, use a mild soap solution and a damp cloth, then air dry completely before reattaching.

What is the impedance of the SS-M3, and can I use it with 8-ohm amplifiers?

The impedance is 6 ohms. Most 8-ohm rated amplifiers can handle 6-ohm speakers, but check your amplifier's specifications to ensure it is stable down to 6 ohms.

My speaker sounds distorted at high volume. What could be wrong?

Distortion may be due to amplifier clipping (too much power), damaged drivers, or loose connections. First, reduce volume and check wire connections. If it persists, test with another amplifier.

Are the Sony SS-M3 speakers magnetically shielded?

Yes, they are shielded and safe to place near CRT televisions or monitors without causing color distortion.

Can I bi-wire or bi-amp these speakers?

The SS-M3 has a single pair of terminals, so bi-wiring or bi-amping is not possible without modification. Use a single run of speaker wire.

Where can I find replacement drivers for my SS-M3?

Contact Sony customer support or authorized service centers. You may also find used or NOS (new old stock) parts on online marketplaces like eBay.

USER MANUAL SS-M3 SONY

Operating Instructions

SS-M7

Features

Transducers

• Diaphragms with ideal mass/stiffness ratios are utilized to maximize linear frequency range.
• Vented magnetic metalwork, large-diameter vented aluminum voice coil formers, and ultra-high-temperature voice coil wire assure excellent power handling capability.
• Transducer parameters are computer-optimized for ideal bass performance in each enclosure size.

Crossover Networks

• Computer-optimized 24 dB/octave attenuation filters ensure optimum frequency division for minimum distortion and maximum power handling.
  • Networks are also computer-optimized for ideal polar (off-axis), power, and phase response.
• Separate high- and low-frequency inputs and circuit boards help maintain high signal quality and provide bi-amp capability.

Enclosures

• Non-parallel internal surfaces are employed to minimize standing waves (which distort the sound).
- Baffle area around transducers has been minimized to dramatically reduce diffraction and baffle effect.
- Time alignment of all transducers at the ideal listening position (3 meters instead of 1 meter) minimizes time-delay distortions.
- 25 mm (1 in.) thick walls with special bracing design reduce cabinet resonances and colorations.

Connections

• Before connection, turn off the amplifier to avoid damaging the speaker system.
• The + input terminal of the speaker system should be connected to the + terminal of the amplifier, and the - terminal to the - terminal.
• This speaker system is driven best by an amplifier or receiver rated as per the wattage indicated in the specification section.
  A low-powered amplifier could result in signal clipping which could result in tweeter burn-out. Therefore, it is recommended to use an amplifier or receiver with sufficient power rating.
• Power amplifiers which are used for Bi-Amplified connection should have identical gain characteristics to ensure proper balance and best sound quality.

Note

An amplifier or receiver with less than recommended wattage can be used when you want to use your speaker systems for background music, or at low levels in a small room. However, please be sure to use the amplifier or receiver with its volume not beyond its normal limits.

• To connect the speaker cords

Normal Connection

Connect the speaker cords to the lower terminals of the speaker.

Precautions

• Do not attempt to open the enclosure or remove speaker units. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
• Keep TV set, recorded tapes, watches, and personal credit cards using magnetic coding away from the speaker system.
  • Periodically wipe the cabinet with a soft cloth. Do not use any type of scouring powder, abrasive pad or solvent.

Speaker Placement

Please note that room acoustics can often produce large differences in the sound for small changes in speaker placement.

• Place the right and left speaker systems in a similar acoustic environment.
• Place each speaker system a minimum distance of 1 meter (39 in.) from any side or rear walls for best imaging.
• Speakers should be placed on speaker stands such that the tweeter to floor height is approximately 102 cm (40 in.) for proper time alignment and best imaging. If speaker stands are used on a carpeted floor they should be spiked to the floor to ensure stability and best sound.
• If possible, avoid having large objects between the speakers and, especially, between the listener and the speakers.

Bi-Wired Connection

Remove the jumpers and connect the speaker cords as shown in the illustration below.

Bi-Amplified Connection

Remove the jumpers and connect the speaker cords as shown in the illustration below.

Specifications

SS-M7

Speaker system 3-way

Loudspeaker units Woofer: 20 cm (8 inches), cone type

Midrange: 10 cm (4 inches), cone type

Tweeter: 2.5 cm (1 inch), dome type

Rated Impedance 8 ohms

Maximum recommended amplifier power

200 W (Non clip)

Characteristic sensitivity level

86 dB (1W, 1m)

Effective frequency range

47 Hz to 20,000 Hz (-3 dB)

Crossover frequency 400 Hz, 4000 Hz/24 dB/oct

Dimensions (w/h/d) Approx. 400 x 745 x 400 mm

(15 3/4 × 29 3/8 × 15 3/4 inches)

Mass Approx. 25.2 kg (55 lb 9 oz)

Optional accessories Speaker stands WS-M7

SS-M3

Speaker system 2-way

Loudspeaker units Wooler: 18 cm (6 1/2 inches), cone type

Tweeter: 2.5 cm (1 inch), dome type

Rated impedance 8 ohms

Maximum recommended amplifier power

120 W (Non clip)

Characteristic sensitivity level

85 dB (1W, 1m)

Effective frequency range

70 Hz to 20,000 Hz (-3dB)

Crossover frequency 2000 Hz/24 dB/oct

Dimensions (w/h/d) Approx. 300 x 465 x 345 mm

(11 7/8 × 18 3/8 × 13 5/8 inches)

Mass Approx. 13.2 kg (29 lb)

Optional accessories Speaker stands WS-M3

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.