Short answer: the Klipsch RP-500M II, which ranks higher and avoids the Sony’s sibilance. It ranks #27 of 179 bookshelf speakers at $389.99 with about a 5dB midrange fill-in over the original RP-500M, though its 92-93dB sensitivity is an in-room rating. The SS-CS5 M2 costs $278 and its added bracing and updated crossover cut the earlier design’s resonance issues, but mild sibilance in the 3-5kHz range stands out on S and T sounds.
Buy the Klipsch RP-500M II. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $111.99 saving on the Sony SS-CS5 M2 is not enough to make up the difference.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch RP-500M II | Sony SS-CS5 M2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $389.99 per pair | $278.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #27 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #93 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1530Hz | - |
| Dimensions | 13.6”H x 6.8”W x 10.6”D (344.4 x 173 x 270.5 mm) | 13.2”H x 7”W x 8.7”D (335 x 178 x 220 mm) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 82.5dB |
| Drivers | 5.25” Cerametallic™ cone woofer with Faraday rings, 1” LTS Titanium diaphragm tweeter with Hybrid Cross-Section Expanded Tractrix® horn | 5.12” woofer, 0.98 in tweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.22 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.84 | - |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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