Sony SRS-17

The SRS-17 Active Speaker System, manufactured and sold by Sony, is composed of a pair of small speakers powered by an internal amplifier. Its intended use is to amplify and provide stereo sound that is supplied by any audio source that has 1/8" mini-plug output. Originally, Sony marketed them as Walkman speakers, but they can also be utilized with more contemporary electronics, like a computer or iPod. This is an older system and was on the market in the early 1990s, available in black, red, or white; today, Sony sells a comparable system called the SRS-M50.
The SRS-17 features a built-in dual-channel amplifier, powered by two AA batteries. The amplifier and the battery compartment, along with a power switch to turn the system on, are located in the cabinet for the left speaker. The system can also be operated without the internal amplifier when the power switch is in the "Off/Direct" position, which bypasses the internal amplifier. The 1m-length cord to connect to the audio source also leads to the left speaker cabinet; the left and right speaker cabinets are connected by a cord that is approximately 24" in length.
Sony also sold a non-powered version of this system at the same time, the SRS-5. It is essentially the same package without the amplifier, though the cabinets are different and contain plastic speaker grilles, whereas those of the SRS-17 are metal.
Technical details
Built-in Amplifier
The SRS-17 is powered by a Rohm BA5208AF dual-power amplifier IC chip, with an output of 400mW on each channel when driving two 8-ohm loads. The amplifier chip also contains a muting circuit and a preamplifier output, both of which are not used in this system. While Sony's documentation sheet states that the rated output of the amplifier is 100 mW + 100 mW, the Rohm amplifier is capable of producing 400 mW + 400 mW; on-board circuitry limits the output of the amplifier, ostensibly to prevent damage to the speakers.
Loudspeakers
The SRS-17 contains two loudspeakers, one in each cabinet for stereo capability. They are produced by Korea TopTone, and have a 57mm diameter, 8-ohm impedance, and 0.2-watt handling capacity. While used in other small speaker systems (like the aforementioned SRS-5), they also see service in Sony's various office dictation systems.

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