Sony SS 9500
A 1970s omni-directional floor speaker with a barrel-shaped walnut cabinet and six full-range drivers for 360° sound.
Overview
The Sony SS-9500 is a classic speaker system from Sony, released around 1970. It features a distinctive barrel-shaped design with six 10 cm cone-type full-range speakers mounted radially to deliver non-directional, 360° sound. The enclosure is made of walnut with an open-pore finish and provides high mechanical strength while minimizing unwanted resonance. It was designed for flexible placement, suitable as both a speaker and a seating element when equipped with its dedicated cushion.
Specifications
| Model Rating Method | 1-way, 6-speaker floor type |
| Drivers | 6 x 10 cm cone type |
| Frequency response | 50 Hz to 18 kHz |
| Impedance | 6 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 92 dB/W/m |
| Maximum input power | 50W |
| Dimensions | Height: 600 mm, Diameter: 360–405 mm |
| Weight | 14 kg |
| Original price | ¥34,800 (1970) |
Design
The SS-9500 uses a non-directional, barrel-shaped enclosure made of walnut with an open-pore finish, available also in tamo. The six full-range drivers are mounted radially to emit sound uniformly in all directions. The spherical processing of the cabinet material enhances mechanical strength and reduces resonance for improved sound quality. It includes a dedicated cushion, allowing it to double as a chair.
Context
The SS-9500 shares its design concept with the similar SS-9300, which has five drivers and a smaller form factor. Its unique shape and functionality positioned it as a stylish, multi-use audio object, reflecting Sony’s experimental approach to home audio in the early 1970s.
Market
A pair of SS-9500 speakers was listed for $1,000 in June 2024 in good condition, with modest wear on the walnut finish and including the original two-sided red/black cushions.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.