Short answer: the Emotiva B1+. It ranks #7 of 34 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $250; the Sony SS-CS5 M2 ranks #19 and costs $278, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Emotiva B1+ offers: Its documented strengths make it a credible option in this class. Watch for: Resonance and peak from 1-2khz.
What the Sony SS-CS5 M2 offers: Added internal bracing (corners, sides, front baffle) plus an updated crossover meaningfully reduce the resonance issues that plagued the original SS-CS5, giving a smoother, more neutral character overall. Watch for: Mild sibilance in the 3-5kHz range stands out on S and T sounds in vocals.
Buy the Emotiva B1+. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Sony SS-CS5 M2 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Emotiva B1+ | Sony SS-CS5 M2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250 Discontinued | $278.00 |
| Ranked | #7 of 34 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #19 of 34 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 10.8"H x 7.1"W x 8.3"D (274 x 181 x 210 mm) | 13.2"H x 7"W x 8.7"D (335 x 178 x 220 mm) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 82.5dB |
| Drivers | 5.25" woven fiber cone with SBR surround woofer, 25x32 mm Airmotiv folded ribbon tweeter | 5.12" woofer, 0.98 in tweeter |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Weight | 8.8 lbs / 4.0 kg each | 9.5 lbs / 4.3 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Supertweeter | - | 0.75 in |
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- ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 vs JBL Stage A120
- ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 vs JBL Stage 2 250B
- Neumi Silk 4 vs Sony SS-CS5 M2
- KEF Q150 vs Emotiva B1+
The Two Speakers In Full
Emotiva B1+: $250 Discontinued
Cons: Resonance and peak from 1-2khz. A little bright up top. Not great vertically off-axis. Discontinued.
Full Emotiva B1+ review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 10.8"H x 7.1"W x 8.3"D (274 x 181 x 210 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 5.25" woven fiber cone with SBR surround woofer, 25x32 mm Airmotiv folded ribbon tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 8.8 lbs / 4.0 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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Sony SS-CS5 M2: $278.00 Amazon
Pros: Added internal bracing (corners, sides, front baffle) plus an updated crossover meaningfully reduce the resonance issues that plagued the original SS-CS5, giving a smoother, more neutral character overall. A modest mid-range dip (about 1-2dB) is present but tolerable, and the reviewer would rather have this dip than a peak in that region. Slightly deeper bass than the previous version, measuring about 2dB more output around 60Hz. Distortion drops noticeably when crossed to a subwoofer around 80-120Hz, meaningfully improving midrange clarity and detail versus running full-range. Easy to drive on a standard AVR - no need for a dedicated high-power amplifier. More modern, understated waveguide look compared to the previous version’s glossy trim.
Cons: Mild sibilance in the 3-5kHz range stands out on S and T sounds in vocals. Some forwardness in the midrange noticeable on certain vocal recordings. Soundstage and sense of envelopment are comparatively flat and two-dimensional, especially next to reference-quality speakers with strong 3D imaging. Marketed as a “three-way” design mainly due to an added super-tweeter that the reviewer considers largely superfluous - it engages only at very high frequencies and adds complexity without a clearly audible benefit, when that cost might have been better spent on the main crossover. Output-limited: realistic ceiling is around the mid-90s dB SPL at a few meters, with comfortable listening closer to 75-85dB at 3-4 meters before distortion and compression become audible. Bass noticeably compresses/shelves below about 120Hz as volume increases, softening kick-drum impact at higher output. Smaller drivers and a lighter motor structure than rivals like the Polk XT20, which the reviewer generally prefers for its better directivity and higher SPL capability. Still needs a subwoofer for any real bass extension.
Full Sony SS-CS5 M2 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 13.2"H x 7"W x 8.7"D (335 x 178 x 220 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.12" woofer, 0.98 in tweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB |
| Supertweeter | 0.75 in |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs / 4.3 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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