Short answer: the Sony SS-CS5 M2 for better sound quality, the JBL Control 1 Pro for the lower price. The Sony SS-CS5 M2 ranks #39 of 71 bookshelf speakers at $278. The JBL Control 1 Pro ranks #61 at $164, $114 cheaper.
What the Sony SS-CS5 M2 offers: 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. Watch for: 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.
What the JBL Control 1 Pro offers: Magnetically shielded transducers and a rugged molded enclosure make it a durable choice for wall-mount or install use, with SonicGuard overload protection built into the crossover. Feels solidly built despite the low price, and the professional crossover network uses steep slopes. Watch for: Sound power and predicted in-room response measurements are badly uneven compared to the JBL 305P Mark II tested alongside it, with no waveguide to control directivity as the woofer beams before handing off to the tweeter. The reviewer performed no distortion or dedicated listening test on this unit and concluded he didn’t “think there is a reason to purchase it” over a proper studio monitor at a similar price.
Buy the Sony SS-CS5 M2 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Control 1 Pro if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the JBL Control 1 Pro. It ranks near the bottom of the 71 bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SS-CS5 M2 | JBL Control 1 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $278.00 | $164 |
| Ranked | #39 of 71 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #61 of 71 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 55Hz (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) | 9.3H x 6.3W x 5.6D in |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Supertweeter | 0.75 in | - |
| Drivers | 5.12" woofer, 0.98 in tweeter | 5.25" low frequency driver, 0.75" polycarbonate dome tweeter |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs / 4.3 kg each | 4 lbs / 1.8 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | sealed |
| Frequency Response | - | 80Hz - 20kHz -10dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Handling | - | 150W |
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- Fluance Signature HFS vs Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000
- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod)
- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs Micca RB42
Prices on this page were last checked August 24, 2026 at 6:53 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Sony SS-CS5 M2: $278.00 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.
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 |
- 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 Dynaudio Emit M10
- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs ELAC BS U5
- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs JBL Stage 2 250B
- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs Boston Acoustics A25
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JBL Control 1 Pro: $164 Parts Express eBay
Pros: Magnetically shielded transducers and a rugged molded enclosure make it a durable choice for wall-mount or install use, with SonicGuard overload protection built into the crossover. Feels solidly built despite the low price, and the professional crossover network uses steep slopes.
Cons: Sound power and predicted in-room response measurements are badly uneven compared to the JBL 305P Mark II tested alongside it, with no waveguide to control directivity as the woofer beams before handing off to the tweeter. The reviewer performed no distortion or dedicated listening test on this unit and concluded he didn’t “think there is a reason to purchase it” over a proper studio monitor at a similar price.
Full JBL Control 1 Pro review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 9.3H x 6.3W x 5.6D in |
| Drivers | 5.25" low frequency driver, 0.75" polycarbonate dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz -10dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Power Handling | 150W |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 4 lbs / 1.8 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs Polk T15
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs Fluance Signature HFS
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs JBL Stage A130
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs Q Acoustics 5020
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs Micca RB42
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs Q Acoustics 3020i
- See all 18 comparisons