Short answer: it depends, with the Sony SS-CS5 M2 for neutrality and price and the Dynaudio Emit M10 for very low distortion. The Sony’s bracing and updated crossover reduce the original’s resonance issues for $278 against $800, though mild 3-5kHz sibilance shows on S and T sounds. The Dynaudio measures headphone-level distortion at 86dB SPL, but its boosted upper bass and treble with a recessed midrange miss the 100Hz-3kHz range.
Buy the Sony SS-CS5 M2. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Dynaudio Emit M10 is discontinued.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SS-CS5 M2 | Dynaudio Emit M10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $278.00 per pair | $800 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #49 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #59 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 46.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 60.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 13.2”H x 7”W x 8.7”D (335 x 178 x 220 mm) | 11.5”H x 6.7”W x 9.4”D (292 x 170 x 240 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 6 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB | 83.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 5.12” woofer, 0.98 in tweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter | 28mm soft dome tweeter, 14cm MSP mid/bass driver |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 50Hz - 23kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 4.56 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 6.93 (spinorama.org) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Sony SS-CS5 M2 compares with other leading options:
- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs Audio First Fidelia
- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs Philharmonic Ceramic Mini
- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs Ascend Sierra 1 v2
- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs KEF LS50 Meta
- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs XMechanik Mechano23 DIY
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The Two Speakers In Full
Sony SS-CS5 M2: $278.00 per pair 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. Measured bass extension of 80Hz (-3dB).
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) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| 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; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB |
| 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 JBL Stage 250B
- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs JBL Studio 530
- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs Monoprice Monolith THX Compact Satellite
- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs Totem Kin One
- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs ELAC BS U5
- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs Dynaudio X14
- See all 45 comparisons
Dynaudio Emit M10: $800 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Dynaudio Emit 10. It’s likely to perform similarly, though we don’t have measurements to confirm that yet.
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows impressive, headphone-level distortion through the midrange and tweeter at 86dB SPL, with a well-executed port that keeps resonance low below the crossover. 28mm soft dome tweeter and 14cm MSP mid/bass driver. Measured bass extension of 60.1Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 83.5dB.
Cons: Tuned toward a mild showroom sound with boosted upper bass and treble and a recessed midrange: the reviewer prefers speakers that get the 100Hz-3kHz range right, which this doesn’t. His verdict: cheaper speakers deliver much more balanced tonality, so he wouldn’t buy it for himself. Discontinued.
Full Dynaudio Emit M10 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 11.5”H x 6.7”W x 9.4”D (292 x 170 x 240 mm) |
| Drivers | 28mm soft dome tweeter, 14cm MSP mid/bass driver |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 23kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 83.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.56 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.93 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Dynaudio Emit M10 vs ELAC BS U5
- Dynaudio Emit M10 vs Dynaudio X14
- Dynaudio Emit M10 vs Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod)
- Dynaudio Emit M10 vs JBL Stage 250B
- Dynaudio Emit M10 vs JBL L52 Classic
- Dynaudio Emit M10 vs Paradigm Monitor SE Atom
- Dynaudio Emit M10 vs JBL Stage A120
- Dynaudio Emit M10 vs ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2
- See all 39 comparisons