Sony APM-500 (1984–1985)
A compact bookshelf loudspeaker from Sony's APM series, with planar drivers that use aluminum honeycomb diaphragms.
Overview
The Sony APM-500 is a bookshelf loudspeaker system built from 1984 to 1985. It was developed as a sister model to the APM-700 and shares design elements with the rest of Sony's APM speaker line. It is a two-way, two-driver system in a bass-reflex enclosure. Both drivers are the planar type: a flat woofer and a planar tweeter, each with an aluminum honeycomb diaphragm. Sony made it in Japan for listeners who wanted high-fidelity sound in a compact cabinet.
Specifications
| Type | 2-way, 2-driver, bass-reflex, bookshelf speaker |
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz to 20,000 Hz |
| Power Handling | 30 W (nominal) / 50 W (music) |
| Impedance | 6 Ω |
| Efficiency | 88 dB/W/m |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.2 kHz |
| Dimensions | 215 x 360 x 215 mm |
| Weight | 5.1 kg |
| Made in | Japan |
Design
The APM-500 uses a bass-reflex enclosure with a planar woofer and a planar tweeter. Both have aluminum honeycomb diaphragms. It was developed as a sister machine to the APM-700 and shares its core driver technology.
Context
The APM-500 sat in a line that included the APM-700. It was positioned as an accessible way into Sony's flat-membrane speaker technology. Users describe it as a great budget option, and it gives you the distinctive "Sony APM sound" in a compact bookshelf format.
Market
One unit was listed for sale at £47.50. Replacement foam edge rings are available from third-party suppliers, and a service manual is also available.
Similar items on eBay
No exact Sony APM 500 listings are live right now — these searches show current Sony and similar vintage audio gear on eBay:
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.