Short answer: the Sony SS-CS5 M2 for a more neutral balance for far less money. Its bracing and updated crossover reduce the original’s resonance issues, with only mild 3-5kHz sibilance, at $278 against $1,500 for the Dynaudio X14. The Dynaudio pairs a 1-inch silk-dome tweeter with a 5.7-inch magnesium-silicate-polymer woofer and 85dB sensitivity, but its spinorama shows uneven on-axis response and imperfect crossover matching.
Buy the Sony SS-CS5 M2. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Dynaudio X14 is discontinued.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SS-CS5 M2 | Dynaudio X14 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $278.00 per pair | $1,500 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #49 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #62 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 43.9Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 13.2”H x 7”W x 8.7”D (335 x 178 x 220 mm) | 11.2”H x 6.7”W x 10”D (285 x 170 x 255 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB | 82dB (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 | 1” silk dome tweeter, 5.7” magnesium-silicate-polymer woofer |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each | 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 50Hz - 23kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 4.57 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 6.94 (spinorama.org) |
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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 |
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Dynaudio X14: $1,500 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: 1” silk-dome tweeter and 5.7” magnesium-silicate-polymer woofer in a compact two-way stand-mount, rated at 85dB sensitivity. Measured bass extension of 67.4Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 82dB.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows an uneven on-axis response from the lack of a waveguide to control tweeter beam width, plus a port resonance that boosts the lower midrange and imperfect crossover matching between the drivers. Too much energy in the lower and upper treble reads as bright, and directivity narrows at higher frequencies rather than staying controlled. The reviewer’s verdict: out of the box, the objective performance isn’t that great, though EQ can make it a satisfying speaker. Discontinued.
Full Dynaudio X14 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43.9Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 11.2”H x 6.7”W x 10”D (285 x 170 x 255 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” silk dome tweeter, 5.7” magnesium-silicate-polymer woofer |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 23kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 82dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.57 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.94 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons