Short answer: the Sony SS-CS5 M2, since the ELAC BS U5’s crossover distortion is a real problem. The ELAC’s slim three-way coaxial is fairly even on-axis to 3kHz and smoother off-axis, but distortion is very high at both crossovers, near 270Hz and 2700Hz, exceeding 3% at the mid-range crossover. The Sony’s added bracing and updated crossover give a smoother, more neutral character at $278 against $856, with mild 3-5kHz sibilance.
Buy the Sony SS-CS5 M2. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the ELAC BS U5 is discontinued.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SS-CS5 M2 | ELAC BS U5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $278.00 per pair | $856 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #49 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #60 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 41Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 63Hz (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) |
| 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” tweeter + 5.25” woofer |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each | 13.2 lbs (6 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 4.71 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 6.79 (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 |
- 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 Dynaudio Emit M10
- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs Dynaudio X14
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ELAC BS U5: $856 per pair Discontinued eBay
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. Measured bass extension of 63Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 83dB.
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) | 41Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 13.4”H x 7”W x 11.5”D (339.1 x 178.0 x 293.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter + 5.25” woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.4 ohms minimum) |
| Sensitivity | 83dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.71 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.79 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (6 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- ELAC BS U5 vs Acoustic Energy AE100 Mk2
- ELAC BS U5 vs Dynaudio Emit M10
- ELAC BS U5 vs Dynaudio X14
- ELAC BS U5 vs Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod)
- ELAC BS U5 vs JBL L52 Classic
- ELAC BS U5 vs JBL Stage 250B
- ELAC BS U5 vs JBL Stage A120
- ELAC BS U5 vs Paradigm Monitor SE Atom
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