Short answer: the Aalto Speakers Aalto 1 EVO. It ranks #11 of 179 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.3/5); the Sony SS-CS5 M2 ranks #93 (rated 3.2/5).
What the Sony SS-CS5 M2 does well: Budget three way bookshelf speakers with a better braced cabinet and an easy load for a standard receiver. The tradeoff: Mild sibilance in the 3-5kHz range stands out on S and T sounds in vocals.
The Aalto Speakers Aalto 1 EVO is the better-sounding, deeper-bass choice. A very compact Finnish bookshelf speaker with excellent, neutral sound and a waveguided tweeter at a budget price. Its bass reaches about 47.4Hz before falling 10dB, against 54Hz for the Sony SS-CS5 M2. Watch for: Low 81.5dB sensitivity and a 3.3-ohm minimum impedance demand a capable amplifier.
Buy the Aalto Speakers Aalto 1 EVO. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Sony SS-CS5 M2.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Budget three way bookshelf speakers with a better braced cabinet and an easy load for a standard receiver.
A very compact Finnish bookshelf speaker with excellent, neutral sound and a waveguided tweeter at a budget price.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SS-CS5 M2 | Aalto Speakers Aalto 1 EVO | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $278.00 per pair | €599 per pair |
| Ranked | #93 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #11 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 47.4Hz (derived, log-interpolated between manufacturer spinorama -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 53.4Hz (manufacturer spinorama data) |
| Dimensions | 13.2”H x 7”W x 8.7”D (335 x 178 x 220 mm) | 9.5”H x 5.2”W x 8.2”D (242 x 132 x 208 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 4 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB | 81.5dB/2.83V/1m |
| Drivers | 5.12” woofer, 0.98 in tweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter | 1-inch titanium tweeter, 4-inch woofer |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | Passive 2-way bass reflex |
| Frequency Response | - | 53Hz-30kHz |
| Power Handling | - | 15-100W |
| Country | - | Finland |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.92 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 8.25 |
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