Short answer: the Sony SS-CS5 M2. It ranks #25 of 56 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $278; the ELAC BS U5 ranks #29 and costs $856, 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 ELAC BS U5 gets right: This slim three-way coaxial design (an Andrew Jones creation) shows a fairly even on-axis response up to 3kHz, with off-axis behavior notably smoother than the on-axis curve. The catch: Distortion is very high right at both crossover points - around 270Hz (mid-range) and 2700Hz (tweeter) - at both 86dB and 96dB SPL/1m, exceeding 3% at the mid-range crossover.
Buy the Sony SS-CS5 M2. It ranks higher for sound quality than the ELAC BS U5 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SS-CS5 M2 | ELAC BS U5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $278.00 | $856 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #25 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #29 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 13.2"H x 7"W x 8.7"D (335 x 178 x 220 mm) | 13.4"H x 7"W x 11.5"D (339.1 x 178.0 x 293.1 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 4 ohms nominal (3.4 ohms minimum) |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB | 83dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Supertweeter | 0.75 in | - |
| Drivers | 5.12" woofer, 0.98 in tweeter | 1" tweeter + 5.25" woofer |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs / 4.3 kg each | 13.2 lbs / 6 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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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
- 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 Boston Acoustics A25
- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs Dynaudio Emit M10
- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs Neumi Silk 4
- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs JBL Stage 2 250B
- See all 20 comparisons
ELAC BS U5: $856 Discontinued
Pros: This slim three-way coaxial design (an Andrew Jones creation) shows a fairly even on-axis response up to 3kHz, with off-axis behavior notably smoother than the on-axis curve. Predicted in-room response looks like it should give good tonality. Vertical directivity is better than average, a benefit of the coaxial layout.
Cons: Distortion is very high right at both crossover points - around 270Hz (mid-range) and 2700Hz (tweeter) - at both 86dB and 96dB SPL/1m, exceeding 3% at the mid-range crossover. Minimum impedance dips to 3.4 ohms with a possible resonance around 500Hz visible in the impedance/phase curve. Discontinued.
Full ELAC BS U5 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 13.4"H x 7"W x 11.5"D (339.1 x 178.0 x 293.1 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter + 5.25" woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.4 ohms minimum) |
| Sensitivity | 83dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs / 6 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- ELAC BS U5 vs Dynaudio Emit M10
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- ELAC BS U5 vs Paradigm Monitor SE Atom
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