Sony apm-22es (1984–1989)
A 2-way bookshelf speaker system using Sony's APM planar drivers, released in Japan in 1984 and later in Europe and Australia.
Overview
The Sony APM-22ES is a 2-way, 2-speaker, bass reflex bookshelf system. It uses Sony's own APM (Air Pressure Modulation) planar drivers. It came out in Japan in 1984. In 1987 it reached Europe and Australia as the APM-22ES MKII, which had an all-black finish and a big-magnet dome tweeter. The original model was also offered in black (APM-22ESB) and wood-grain finishes. It was a HiFi Choice Best Buy in the UK, and users often call the sound "great," "excellent," or "seriously good sounding." Some preferred the smaller APM-12ES.
Specifications
| Product type | 2-way, 2-speaker, bass reflex system, bookshelf type speaker system |
| Playback frequency band | 38 Hz to 30000 Hz |
| Output sound pressure level | 90dB/W/m |
| Impedance | 6 Ω |
| Rated input level | 60W |
| Maximum instantaneous input level | 120W |
| Crossover frequency | 1.3kHz |
| Woofer size/type | 290 cm² Plane type |
| Tweeter size/type | 16 cm² Plane type |
| Tweeter level control | Can be controlled from 0 dB to -50dB |
| External dimensions | Width 310 x Height 515 x Depth 310 mm |
| Weight | 15kg |
| Original price | ¥39,000 (for 1 unit, around 1984) |
Design
The APM-22ES uses APM (Air Pressure Modulation) units. The woofer has an aluminum honeycomb vibration plate. Four armatures, connected directly to the voice coil, drive the plate at multiple points. This cancels divided vibration and expands the piston motion band. The tweeter is also an APM type. Its light, strong aluminum honeycomb vibrating plate is driven by a large voice coil at the node points of divided vibration, which eliminates that vibration within the audible range. The enclosure is an acoustic rounded design with R-shaped corners to prevent diffraction. It came in black wood-grain and walnut finishes. The 1985 APM-22ESAV uses the same drivers but is slightly narrower. It has a ferrite plug over the drivers so it won't interfere with CRT televisions placed between them.
Context
The APM-22ES came in two versions, and the US model is directly equivalent to the original Japanese version. It was named a HiFi Choice Best Buy in the UK.
Market
Multiple users report failing tweeters, and Sony no longer supplies official replacements. A failed tweeter can sometimes be repaired if the voice coil is undamaged. Second-hand prices have historically been low. Forum reports show £10 - £15 per pair in the 2000s and one offer around US$150.
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Related Models
- Sony apm-20av (1980s)
- Sony apm-55w (1980s (exact years uncertain))
- Sony apm-66es (1983-1985)
- Sony apm-8 (1982-1984)
- Sony apm-910av (1980s (exact years uncertain))