Sony apm-910av (1980s)
Three-way bookshelf speaker with planar magnetic drivers and anti-magnetic design, made in Japan for AV compatibility.
Overview
The Sony APM-910AV is a bookshelf-type, three-way bass reflex speaker system made in Japan during the 1980s. It uses planar magnetic (APM) drivers and an anti-magnetic design, so it can sit safely near a television. It belongs to Sony's APM speaker line, in the lower-to-mid tier, but it still covers a full frequency range and is efficient. The cabinet is a flat surface type with a rounded baffle, finished in black vinyl.
Specifications
| System type | Three-way bass reflex system |
| Driver configuration | 3-way |
| Low band unit | 196 cm² planar type |
| Mid range unit | 36 cm² planar type |
| High-pass unit | 5.8 cm² planar type |
| Tweeter type | Flat-piston driver |
| Woofer frame material | Stamped steel |
| Woofer construction | Honeycomb panel driven by an aluminum cone |
| Surround material | Cloth |
| Frequency response | 40Hz–30kHz |
| Sensitivity | 90dB/W/m |
| Impedance | 6 Ω |
| Rated input level | 85W |
| Maximum instantaneous input level | 170W |
| Dimensions | 290 mm (W) × 515 mm (H) × 285 mm (D) |
| Weight | 13 kg |
| Cabinet finish | Black vinyl |
Design
The APM-910AV uses square planar magnetic drivers and an acoustic lens enclosure to get natural sound dispersion. The baffle is rounded and the cabinet is a flat surface (baffle) type. The drivers are anti-magnetic, which is what makes it suitable for AV use. The woofer is a honeycomb panel driven by an aluminum cone with a cloth surround.
Context
The APM-910AV is a later-generation model in Sony's APM line, positioned in the lower-to-mid tier. It is often compared to contemporary models like the Technics SB-4000. Its sound is close to the higher-end APM-22ES, though the construction is less rugged.
Market
The APM-910AV was originally priced at ¥31,000 per unit in 1986. Today it typically sells used in Japan for between ¥2,000 and ¥5,500, and well-maintained units have reached over ¥25,000. Foam and cloth surrounds commonly degrade over time. Square surrounds are not commercially available, so people do DIY repairs with materials like chamois leather. Spare drivers occasionally appear on auction sites, and units are frequently sold for parts because of the surround deterioration.
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Related Models
- Sony apm-20av (1980s)
- Sony apm-22es (1984-1986)
- Sony apm-55w (1980s (exact years uncertain))
- Sony apm-66es (1983-1985)
- Sony apm-8 (1982-1984)