Short answer: the JBL Stage 2 280F. It ranks #188 of 228 floorstanding speakers by sound quality (rated 3.4/5) at $1,319.90 and is still sold new; the Sony SS-CS3 ranks #214 (rated 2.8/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Sony SS-CS3’s replacement, the Sony SS-CS3 M2, is rated 3.0/5 at $596.
What the Sony SS-CS3 does well: A discontinued entry level tower that is easy to power from a budget receiver and can sit fairly close to the wall. The catch: Severe cabinet and driver resonances plague the passband between 100Hz and 600Hz, imparting audible coloration and chesty resonances to male vocals and acoustic instruments.
The JBL Stage 2 280F is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. An easy to drive tower with twin 8 inch woofers that plays loud with low distortion for the price. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.69 against 4.11 for the Sony SS-CS3. Its bass reaches about 48Hz before falling 3dB, against 72Hz for the Sony SS-CS3. Watch for: Explicitly called out as disappointing relative to expectations for the JBL name and this price point: lacks native linearity compared to similarly-priced alternatives like the Polk Reserve R500, which the reviewer recommends instead for anyone who doesn’t want to rely on EQ.
Buy the JBL Stage 2 280F. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Sony SS-CS3 is no longer sold new.
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Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the JBL Stage 2 280F reaches 30 Hz (10 dB down) against 39 Hz for the Sony SS-CS3, about half an octave deeper. You hear more of the lowest bass notes and kick drums.
- Tonal accuracy above the bass: with a subwoofer taking the low end, the Sony SS-CS3 scores 6.7 against 6.1 for the JBL Stage 2 280F on the Spinorama preference scale. Its frequency response and off-axis sound are smoother, so voices and instruments sound closer to the recording.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SS-CS3 | JBL Stage 2 280F | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $450 per pair Discontinued | $1,319.90 per pair |
| Ranked | #214 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #188 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 30Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 72Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 48Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 36.3”H x 9.1”W x 10.2”D (922 x 230 x 260 mm) | 43.8” x 14.1” x 16.5” (1113 x 358 x 419 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal | 6 ohms nominal, 3.9 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 88.6dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 89.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 0.75 in. supertweeter, 0.98 in. polyester main tweeter, dual 5.12 in. MRC woofers | 1” anodized aluminum dome tweeter with HDI waveguide, dual 8” polycellulose woofers |
| Weight | 25.4 lbs (11.5 kg) each | 55.1 lbs (25 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.11 | 4.69 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.65 | 6.14 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1.1kHz, 2.1kHz |
| Power Handling | - | 125W RMS |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Sony SS-CS3: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
- JBL Stage 2 280F: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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