Short answer: the Sony SS-CS5 M2. It ranks #25 of 56 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $278; the JBL L52 Classic ranks #34 and costs $1099.95, 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 JBL L52 Classic offers: Genuine walnut wood veneer cabinet with a retro Quadrex foam grille (black, orange, or dark blue) reviving JBL’s classic L-series look. Watch for: Measured compression and distortion behavior from about 1-5 kHz was inconsistent (“wonky”) across output levels, and didn’t clean up even at lower volume.
Buy the Sony SS-CS5 M2. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL L52 Classic and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SS-CS5 M2 | JBL L52 Classic | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $278.00 | $1,099.95 |
| Ranked | #25 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #34 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 45Hz (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 62Hz (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 13.2"H x 7"W x 8.7"D (335 x 178 x 220 mm) | 13-1/16"H x 7-13/16"W x 8-11/16"D |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 4 ohms nominal, 3.7 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB | 85dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Supertweeter | 0.75 in | - |
| Drivers | 5.12" woofer, 0.98 in tweeter | 5.25" pure pulp cone woofer, 0.75" titanium dome tweeter with waveguide |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs / 4.3 kg each | 11 lbs each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Frequency Response | - | 47Hz - 24kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Power Handling | - | 10-75W RMS |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2.8kHz |
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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
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JBL L52 Classic: $1,099.95 Amazon
Pros: Genuine walnut wood veneer cabinet with a retro Quadrex foam grille (black, orange, or dark blue) reviving JBL’s classic L-series look. 5.25” pure pulp cone woofer and 0.75” titanium dome tweeter on a waveguide, front-firing bass reflex port, in a compact stand-mount cabinet. A pronounced upper-bass bump around 100 Hz gives kick drums a punchy, textured character.
Cons: Measured compression and distortion behavior from about 1-5 kHz was inconsistent (“wonky”) across output levels, and didn’t clean up even at lower volume; adding a subwoofer high-pass didn’t fix the high-frequency distortion either. Response rolls off quickly above the upper-bass bump, so there’s punch and impact but not real low-end rumble or fundamental weight below about 60 Hz without a subwoofer. Soundstage width was inconsistent track to track, with imaging not staying locked to where instruments should be. Vocals could sound hot and slightly grainy in the 2.5-5 kHz region; pointing the speakers off-axis reduced that sharpness but also killed high-frequency air.
Full JBL L52 Classic review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz (measured average, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 62Hz (measured average, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.8kHz |
| Dimensions | 13-1/16"H x 7-13/16"W x 8-11/16"D |
| Drivers | 5.25" pure pulp cone woofer, 0.75" titanium dome tweeter with waveguide |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 24kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal, 3.7 ohms minimum (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Power Handling | 10-75W RMS |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (measured average, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 11 lbs each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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