What Is Going On with Sony Speakers and Federal Regulations?

[zieglj01]

Sony seems to have another line of speakers, above the Core line sold at Best Buy,
the Hi Res series. This is the Sony SSHA3/S bookshelf at Amazon > And, also the
Sony SSHA1/S bookshelf.
Amazon.com: Sony SSHA3/S Speaker System: Electronics

Amazon.com: Sony SSHA1/B Speaker System: Electronics

Hi-Res Audio Speaker System - Hi-Res Audio Sony Store - Sony US

However, what caught my eye was about the shipping - Federal regulations require
that the speakers be shipped ground only.

Is somebody afraid of Aluminum?

"Special Shipping Information: This product may not be available for 1 or 2 day shipping
due to federal regulations that require it to ship via ground ship methods only. This product
can only be shipped within the 48 contiguous states."

 

[herbu]

However, what caught my eye was about the shipping - Federal regulations require
that the speakers be shipped ground only.

Is somebody afraid of Aluminum?

"Special Shipping Information: This product may not be available for 1 or 2 day shipping
due to federal regulations that require it to ship via ground ship methods only. This product
can only be shipped within the 48 contiguous states."

It is this:

Prepare yourself for natural sounding vocals, thanks to the all-new Wide Dispersion Super Tweeters mounted both on the front baffle and on top. This super tweeter is specifically designed to deliver ultra-responsive, high-frequency audio response (up to 50 kHz), ideal for High-Resolution listening, with wide directionality (sweet spot).

The resonant frequency of the turbine blades in many jet engines is right at 50kHz. They are afraid the engines will set up a sympathetic harmonic oscillation in the speakers, kinda like the video of that old bridge flapping in the wind), overheat and start a fire. It is why most speakers are designed to "top out" below 50kHz. Although vocals may not sound as "natural", there is no exposure to the manufacturers for lawsuits. Even if shipped ground, it could only take one housefire in an airport approach path to bankrupt a company.

 

[TLS Guy]

Sony seems to have another line of speakers, above the Core line sold at Best Buy,
the Hi Res series. This is the Sony SSHA3/S bookshelf at Amazon > And, also the
Sony SSHA1/S bookshelf.
Amazon.com: Sony SSHA3/S Speaker System: Electronics

Amazon.com: Sony SSHA1/B Speaker System: Electronics

Hi-Res Audio Speaker System - Hi-Res Audio Sony Store - Sony US

However, what caught my eye was about the shipping - Federal regulations require
that the speakers be shipped ground only.

Is somebody afraid of Aluminum?

"Special Shipping Information: This product may not be available for 1 or 2 day shipping
due to federal regulations that require it to ship via ground ship methods only. This product
can only be shipped within the 48 contiguous states."

I suspect it is for the following reasons

Aluminum is inflammable and explosive, especially if it is powder coated.

Aluminum is soft and malleable. I suspect the speakers are made of a magnesium alloy to increase rigidity. This can greatly increase the flammability.

I suspect the reason that these speakers can not be shipped is mainly because they are powder coated by spray or electrolysis.

Powder coated aluminum products are on the special care and procedure list for air freight I have found out.

 

[Adam]

Those are some complex explanations.

Maybe the speakers are just afraid of heights.

 

[ImcLoud]

It has a lot to do with the super tweeters, they are afraid if they start to fly they may not stop...

 

[zieglj01]

I suspect the reason that these speakers can not be shipped is mainly because they are powder coated by spray or electrolysis.

Powder coated aluminum products are on the special care and procedure list for air freight I have found out.

That looks like it may be the reason.

 

[zieglj01]

It is this:

The resonant frequency of the turbine blades in many jet engines is right at 50kHz. They are afraid the engines will set up a sympathetic harmonic oscillation in the speakers, kinda like the video of that old bridge flapping in the wind), overheat and start a fire. It is why most speakers are designed to "top out" below 50kHz. Although vocals may not sound as "natural", there is no exposure to the manufacturers for lawsuits. Even if shipped ground, it could only take one housefire in an airport approach path to bankrupt a company.

That is some interesting thinking!

 

[mtrycrafts]

...

The resonant frequency of the turbine blades in many jet engines is right at 50kHz. They are afraid the engines will set up a sympathetic harmonic oscillation in the speakers, kinda like the video of that old bridge flapping in the wind), overheat and start a fire. It is why most speakers are designed to "top out" below 50kHz. Although vocals may not sound as "natural", there is no exposure to the manufacturers for lawsuits. Even if shipped ground, it could only take one housefire in an airport approach path to bankrupt a company.

You have a good imagination there.

 

[herbu]

You have a good imagination there.

As good as, "natural sounding vocals, thanks to the all-new Wide Dispersion Super Tweeters... specifically designed to deliver ultra-responsive, high-frequency audio response (up to 50 kHz)"?