Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs Dynaudio Emit M10

Short answer: the Sony SS-CS5 M2. It ranks #25 of 56 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $278; the Dynaudio Emit M10 ranks #28 and costs $800, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.

The case for the Sony SS-CS5 M2: 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. The tradeoff: Mild sibilance in the 3-5kHz range stands out on S and T sounds in vocals.

What the Dynaudio Emit M10 gets right: 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. The catch: 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.

Buy the Sony SS-CS5 M2. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Dynaudio Emit M10 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.

Specifications Side By Side

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The Two Speakers In Full

Sony SS-CS5 M2: $278.00 Amazon

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

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• Links
  • Official Sony SS-CS5 M2 Website
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Erin’s Audio Corner: Is Sony’s NEW SS-CS5 Version 2 WORTH the Upgrade?
  • Reddit Search for Sony SS-CS5 M2 Review
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
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  • Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs Boston Acoustics A25
  • Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs ELAC BS U5
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Dynaudio Emit M10: $800

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.

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.

Full Dynaudio Emit M10 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
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)
Weight	12.3 lbs / 5.6 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.

• Links
  • Official Dynaudio Emit M10 Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Audio Science Review Measurements
  • Reddit Search for Dynaudio Emit M10 Review
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • Dynaudio Emit M10 vs ELAC BS U5
  • Dynaudio Emit M10 vs JBL Stage 2 250B
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