Short answer: the Sony SS-CS5 M2 for better sound quality, the Klipsch R-41M for the lower price. The Sony SS-CS5 M2 ranks #48 of 87 bookshelf speakers at $278. The Klipsch R-41M ranks #85 at $149, $129 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 Klipsch R-41M offers: Binding posts are unusually nice for the price point, and impedance is well controlled in the bass, easing the load on the amplifier. The horn-loaded tweeter can play loud without strain. Watch for: CEA2034 spinorama shows a sharp, prominent peak around 1kHz that the reviewer compared to “Pinocchio’s nose,” plus poor directivity that makes the off-axis sound diverge sharply from on-axis. Sensitivity is only 85dB through most of the music-energy range despite Klipsch’s horn-loaded reputation for efficiency. In an A/B against a $118/pair Pioneer SP-BS22-LR, the R-41M had “no bass” and all mid-to-treble energy; the reviewer’s verdict was “please avoid the Klipsch R-41M unless you just want a speaker as an ornament.”
Buy the Sony SS-CS5 M2 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Klipsch R-41M if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Klipsch R-41M. It ranks near the bottom of the 87 bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SS-CS5 M2 | Klipsch R-41M | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $278.00 | $149.00 |
| Ranked | #48 of 87 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #85 of 87 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) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 13.2"H x 7"W x 8.7"D (335 x 178 x 220 mm) | 11.3H x 5.75W x 7.9D in |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 8 ohms nominal (per spec; measured lower) |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured) |
| Supertweeter | 0.75 in | - |
| Drivers | 5.12" woofer, 0.98 in tweeter | 4" spun-copper IMG woofer, 1" Tractrix horn-loaded aluminum dome tweeter |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs / 4.3 kg each | 7 lbs / 3.18 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Frequency Response | - | 68Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Handling | - | 50W RMS / 200W peak |
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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
Klipsch R-41M: $149.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Binding posts are unusually nice for the price point, and impedance is well controlled in the bass, easing the load on the amplifier. The horn-loaded tweeter can play loud without strain.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows a sharp, prominent peak around 1kHz that the reviewer compared to “Pinocchio’s nose,” plus poor directivity that makes the off-axis sound diverge sharply from on-axis. Sensitivity is only 85dB through most of the music-energy range despite Klipsch’s horn-loaded reputation for efficiency. In an A/B against a $118/pair Pioneer SP-BS22-LR, the R-41M had “no bass” and all mid-to-treble energy; the reviewer’s verdict was “please avoid the Klipsch R-41M unless you just want a speaker as an ornament.”
Full Klipsch R-41M review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 11.3H x 5.75W x 7.9D in |
| Drivers | 4" spun-copper IMG woofer, 1" Tractrix horn-loaded aluminum dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 68Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (per spec; measured lower) |
| Power Handling | 50W RMS / 200W peak |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured) |
| Weight | 7 lbs / 3.18 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Klipsch R-41M vs PMC twenty.21
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- Klipsch R-41M vs Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000
- Klipsch R-41M vs Polk T15
- Klipsch R-41M vs JBL Control 1 Pro
- Klipsch R-41M vs Fluance Signature HFS
- Klipsch R-41M vs JBL Stage A130
- Klipsch R-41M vs Q Acoustics 5020
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