Home > Consumer Reviews > Sony SRS-P7 Passive Speaker System with Stereo Mini-Plug Input

I paid $11 for my set, thinking they might help free up some space on my computer desk - my old speakers were huge blocks, though similarly priced at $15, and I had started noticing considerable loss in quality after 5+ years of use.

However, it was evident moments after I had them running that they weren't cut out for any sort of "power" use. These things are definitely CAPABLE of good sound quality, but if you try to make them loud, they'll get distorted very quickly.

However, I'm not sure this is the fault of the speakers themselves so much as the quality of the input. I'm going to try getting a small amp and seeing what happens then. But as-is, don't expect any miracles.

I got these at Walmart for around $10 because I wanted some speakers that did not run on batteries. For ten bucks, I can't really complain. It sounds alright and are really easy to carry around (just hook them together on the bottom and wrap the cord around it). A major downside to these speakers is that they really don't have any bass. I normally use these with my ipod so it's nice to have them when I can't lug around my stereo system, but I do have to turn up the volume all the way for the music to sound moderately loud. The battery use on the ipod doesn't seem to be cut down either or at least I haven't noticed. If your looking for some cheap speakers and are willing to sacrifice SOME sound, then these are the speakers for you.

The SR-SP7 portable speakers from Sony are cheap for a reason: they are "passive," meaning they do not use any power to amplify the sound output from your audio source. You can plug the pair in to any portable audio sources, like CD discman, MP3 player, portable DVD player, etc. Because the speakers do not have a built-in amplifier, the sound, albeit stereo, is quite soft and if you use them in a noisy environment, e.g., commuter train, you won't be happy. I personally use them for my audio books on weekends, when I take them to my local Dunkin Donuts and hook them up to my Panasonic CD/MP3 player and then enjoy the audio books while sipping my large DD coffee. These speakers do not need batteries or AC adapter, so they are very portable, and also look cool.

DON"T buy these speakers, they are so low you can hardly hear them. I had the first pair replaced, because I thought there was something wrong with them but the second pair was no better. I wanted them for my MP3. At work I ended up using a pair of Dell-harman/kardon and the sound is amazing (get them for $10 or less at e-bay) At home I use a set of Cambridge I got on e-bay for about $20. It has 4 speakers w/ subwoofer, I plug my MP3 or my Sony CD player and the sound is excellent. We use it has a Stereo system since the volume goes way up, perfect quality. SO don't buy these they are garbage.

DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY.
They are so low you can hardly hear them.
Just add $10 and buy Sony SRS-TP1. They sound MUCH BETTER, do not require any batteries, either, and are more portable.