Short answer: the Sony SS-CS5 M2 for better sound quality, the Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 for the lower price. The Sony SS-CS5 M2 ranks #39 of 71 bookshelf speakers at $278. The Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 ranks #63 at $249, $29 cheaper.
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. 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. Watch for: 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.
What the Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 offers: Bass distortion is well controlled per the measurements, and the slow bass rolloff means it can be pushed fairly hard for its size. Ships with a footer that keeps the small cabinet planted despite its light weight. Watch for: CEA2034 spinorama shows severely reduced bass energy between 40-120Hz, a directivity mismatch between the tweeter and woofer, and a severe resonance/interference issue around 14kHz. Distortion at 96dB SPL was so bad the reviewer limited testing to 86dB. Direct comparison to a $118/pair Pioneer SP-BS22-LR left the reviewer calling the $500/pair ProMonitor 1000 “a bad experiment that should be forgotten” and concluding “there is nothing Pro about it.”
Buy the Sony SS-CS5 M2 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000. It ranks near the bottom of the 71 bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SS-CS5 M2 | Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $278.00 | $249.00 |
| Ranked | #39 of 71 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #63 of 71 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 95Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 13.2"H x 7"W x 8.7"D (335 x 178 x 220 mm) | 10.88H x 6.25W x 6.5D in |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review - reviewer noted this vs. a manufacturer spec of 91dB) |
| Supertweeter | 0.75 in | - |
| Drivers | 5.12" woofer, 0.98 in tweeter | 1" aluminum dome tweeter, 5.25" BDSS mid/woofer, 5.25" planar bass radiator |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs / 4.3 kg each | 7.3 lbs / 3.29 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | passive radiator |
| Frequency Response | - | 47Hz - 30kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Sony SS-CS5 M2: $278.00 Amazon eBay
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 |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2
- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs Paradigm Monitor SE Atom
- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs Totem Kin One
- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs JBL Studio 530
- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs Dynaudio Emit M10
- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs ELAC BS U5
- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs JBL Stage 2 250B
- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs Boston Acoustics A25
- See all 29 comparisons
Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000: $249.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Bass distortion is well controlled per the measurements, and the slow bass rolloff means it can be pushed fairly hard for its size. Ships with a footer that keeps the small cabinet planted despite its light weight.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows severely reduced bass energy between 40-120Hz, a directivity mismatch between the tweeter and woofer, and a severe resonance/interference issue around 14kHz. Distortion at 96dB SPL was so bad the reviewer limited testing to 86dB. Direct comparison to a $118/pair Pioneer SP-BS22-LR left the reviewer calling the $500/pair ProMonitor 1000 “a bad experiment that should be forgotten” and concluding “there is nothing Pro about it.”
Full Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 95Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 10.88H x 6.25W x 6.5D in |
| Drivers | 1" aluminum dome tweeter, 5.25" BDSS mid/woofer, 5.25" planar bass radiator |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 30kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review - reviewer noted this vs. a manufacturer spec of 91dB) |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs / 3.29 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 vs Polk T15
- Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 vs Sehlin Helium
- Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 vs JBL Control 1 Pro
- Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 vs Fluance Signature HFS
- Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 vs Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR
- Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 vs JBL Stage A130
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- Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 vs Q Acoustics 5020
- See all 18 comparisons