Sony SS-G7

Sony's top of the pops, hand-made and containing much of the research spent on previous models : titanium domes, carbon-charged cones, grooved surfaces, computer-designed cones' shapes (NASTRAN) and oversized AlNiCo magnets.

Surprisingly, the launch of the APM line didn't put a shadow on the G speakers, as the first APM was presented along the new G series' topper : the 4-way SS-G9.

The little red badge does not say "professional" - that was for the PS-X9 where it also served for the somewhat discontinuous and sparse Professional Series among which were the PS-X9, PUA-9, TA-N9, EL-D9 (prototype), SS-G9 and the APM-9 (finally produced as APM-8).

It should be noted that Sony delivered a set a High-End cables with the SS-G7 (RK-5S) at a time when cables hadn't yet become the concern they have become :)
It should also be noted that by the time the SS-G7a replaced the G7, Sony had sold in excess of 10,000 G7 pairs ! However, all the serial numbers I could spot indicate a total production closer to 20,000 pairs - 40,000 individual G7s.

The SS-G7S was a brief Germany-only version with added triple-terminals to allow tri-amping and/or filtering. It was probably made by Sony SDL (Sony DeutschLand) with the end tail of the japanese overstocks. I have never ever seen any "official" image of it, only a quick mention in a german magazine but Sony SDL must've believed in it a lot for it custom-ordered a dedicated crossover unit/module named "7-1" to be used with the TA-D88B... If the G7S is extra-extra-rare, the 7-1 module is closer to Invisibilia.


Given the care these loudspeakers were made with and given the price they were sold for... Sony must have made a very limited margin.
But after having sold that many, the profit must've been there, and not only in the listener's homes.

• My new love => Sony SS-G7S                             (18)last updated by Paddy - 08/05/2012, 21H24 Open this topic in TVK Talk
  • #1
    
    Paddy
    07/12/11
    20H44
    Hello!
    
    I'm happy new owner of pair a Sony SS-G7S. I know this speakers are diffrent as standard model G7 (rear panel and crossover). Someone know more differences?
    I'ts amazing , this boxe's soundig better like my B&W Matrix 801 series3 and Cabasse Pacific SCS600
    I'm looking for some info about exactly this model Sony G7 in web but...nothing
    Maybe sameone of You can help me know more about G7S.
    Thanks for any help.
    
    PS. Maybe someone of You have Owner Manual to SS-G7S?
    
    Best Regards Patrick.
    
    PPS. Sorry for my broken English
  • #2
    
    Axel
    07/12/11
    22H20
    Welcome Paddy !
    
    Just do a Google search : top result of the first page and you land there : http://www.thevintageknob.org/sony-SS-G7.html.
    
    The SS-G7S seems to be a late-run Germany-only version, probably made on japanese overstocks which Sony SDL tweaked to try and sell some before stopping the sale of the G7.
    I've never seen an "official" G7S image or catalog and the single-country / small-run probably prevented any specific manual to have been printed.
    
    For those who don't know the item, the SS-G7S is an SS-G7 with a 3-way crossover/terminals added to allow tri-amping.
    I thought I had added the G7S info to the page but apparently... didn't.
    
    Post images if you can !
  • #3
    
    Paddy
    07/12/11
    22H51
    My pair come fom Germany. Last owner buy this speaker from Recordig Studioin Frankfurt some time a go with RK cable and full documentation but...documentation its lost
    He told me about this version was made only on German market. Triamp its possible by this boxes only with active crossover for example Sony TA-D88 or 900
    On rear panel we have a switch => internal or external crossover.
    Picture...of course
    I made some upgrade to today's standard => speaker terminals , sandstone stand's and spikes. Every changes can be restore to the factory condition.
  • #4
    
    Axel
    07/12/11
    22H56
    Yep, just as I thought : like the few different versions of the APM-6 I was told about, specific runs made for this or that business/application or client.
    
    Now all you need is a TA-D900 and a trio of TA-N86B, or even a sextet of them !
  • #5
    
    Paddy
    07/12/11
    23H19
    I have some problem with added picture.
    There is link to photo gallery => http://patrick.pstrykniete.pl/Sony%20SS-G7S/
  • #6
    
    Unda Maris
    08/12/11
    02H30
    Congratulations Patrick !
    
    Even for me as a hard core Sony enthusiast, it sounds pretty surprising, that these speakers could beat B&W 801 in the actual condition.
    
    Here is, what I know from my SS-G5 and from the standpoint of a (former) semi-pro speaker designer:
    
    - The pastification of the surrounds of the bass driver tends to harden, so they get bass light over time.
    - Nothing beats classic Alnico 15" woofers (Enter TAD Blues again)
    - The crossover is full of cheap and crappy components like polar caps and I-core coils
    - The midrange is about the very best paper cone midrange drivers ever made (It is more of a fullrange driver and features superior pulse response and distortion)
    
    The SS-G7S will not be very different in these points, so if nobody modified the internal crossovers, these speakers run in a sub optimal way in passive mode, but could be absolute killers in active mode (but be careful, the tweeters are likely not DC protected in this mode and don't tolerate/forgive amplifier pops/thumbs during power up). A high quality 22uF...100uF MKP foil cap in series with the tweeter input could protect them better in active mode and would not influence phase too much.
    
    If you ever like to part with these (because you got a pair of SS-G9 or a SS-GR1), I'm open.
  • #7
    
    Stoffie
    08/12/11
    16H50
    Congrats, very nice speakers ! Still on my wishlist, but no space...
    
    Still enjoying my SS-G4D's every day, it's hard to imagine an easier listening speaker that still brings the goods.
    
    If you want to try them actively, I think you need to get Unda Maris and me together for enough Sony vintage amps and crossovers (although he could easily do it on his own)
  • #8
    
    Paddy
    08/12/11
    21H02

    Unda Maris wrote:
    Congratulations Patrick !
    
    Even for me as a hard core Sony enthusiast, it sounds pretty surprising, that these speakers could beat B&W 801 in the actual condition.
    
    ...
    
    The SS-G7S will not be very different in these points...
    
    ...
    
    If you ever like to part with these (because you got a pair of SS-G9 or a SS-GR1), I'm open.

    
    
    Thank You
    
    This situation surprising me too but...its true.
    
    I was owner a standard G7. I'm sold this pair for my friend. Hi make for me a photo crossover to compare.
    
    I think this moment never comes because my nosefactor "told me" after upgrade internal crossover to today's technology componets this boxes will be a High End killer I sale Cabasse. Next step on my Sony Fan way will be SS-G9 and active crossover TA-D88 or 900. Next week i'm buy Behringer SUPER-X PRO CX3400 active crossover => http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/CX3400.aspx
  • #9
    
    Paddy
    08/12/11
    22H10

    Stoffie wrote:Congrats, very nice speakers ! Still on my wishlist, but no space...
    
    Still enjoying my SS-G4D's every day, it's hard to imagine an easier listening speaker that still brings the goods.
    
    If you want to try them actively, I think you need to get Unda Maris and me together for enough Sony vintage amps and crossovers (although he could easily do it on his own)

    
    
    Thanks
    
    I know SS-G4D only from official catalogues
    About five year a go in my system "play" pair of SS-G5. Good sounding boxes my recommendation
    In my stereo system was also Sony TA-N7 => very nice sounding power amp and TA-N902 => this is for my a very best power amp which i know from Sony. TA-N7 worked with preamp TA-E88B and TA-N902 with TA-E900. In my opinion we can compare TA-E900 with today's hi class preamps with out stress
    
    To try my G7S in active mode i must find one more pair of monoblock or stereo power amp
  • #10
    
    Stoffie
    08/12/11
    23H25
    Seems like you've already experienced the 'good stuff' and still are
    
    I enjoy my TA-N7B tremendously, like you say, a wonderful amp. My TA-E900 and TA-N900's are off duty for now until I can have them overhauled. Never heard a TA-N902...
  • #11
    
    Paddy
    08/12/11
    23H44

    Stoffie wrote: Never heard a TA-N902...

    
    
    Must hear then...must have /
  • #12
    
    Paddy
    09/12/11
    17H23
    @ Axel
    
    I think in first version TVK i'm find information about how much G7S comes on German/World market. It was more-less 100 pair (200 pcs) its that true?
  • #13
    
    Axel
    09/12/11
    18H04
    We'd need more serial number samples to be somewhat sure but one of yours is #500 137 so at least 70 pairs were made...
  • #14
    
    Paddy
    09/12/11
    20H24
    Thanks , last owner of this boxes give me a information that G7S was sold as selected pair ( max. 1% difference between boxes ) with sequential SN (one by one).
    
    I think thats true becouse every pair "standard" G7 or G7A which I know have random SN.
    
    SN of my pair is 500137 and 500138
  • #15
    
    JwFabrie
    09/12/11
    22H00
    I must admit; these SS-G7's look very great as well! I am sure they will sound every bit as good as they look.
  • #16
    
    Paddy
    10/12/11
    12H48
    SS-G7S Crossover =>
    
    http://www.fototube.pl/zdjecie/1143127-v1jpg.html
    
    http://www.fototube.pl/zdjecie/1143128-v2jpg.html
    
    http://www.fototube.pl/zdjecie/1143130-v3jpg.html
  • #17
    
    Paddy
    12/12/11
    13H09
    Hi!
    
    Last two days im listen my G7S with active crossover Behringer.
    By the way im "discover" that G7S allowed triamp only with external crossover.
    Im leave internal crossover as is my next step is...TA-D900. If sameone want to sell Your offer are welcome
  • #18
    
    Paddy
    08/05/12
    21H24
    Hello!
    
    Unda Maris , You right => compare G9 and G7S its like compare Porsche GT to 911.
    After renovation enclousures and foam upper hanging I show You a photo.
    Then...my G7S is for sale.I have complete original speaker terminal and small plinth.
    For more info/details please mail to patrick.international@gmail.com
    
    BR Patrick.