Short answer: the Philharmonic Ceramic Mini for better sound quality, the Sony SS-CS5 M2 for the lower price. The Philharmonic Ceramic Mini ranks #2 of 87 bookshelf speakers at $900. The Sony SS-CS5 M2 ranks #48 at $277.99, $622.01 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 Philharmonic Ceramic Mini offers: Gorgeous looks and finish options for the price. Very low midrange distortion for the size, well under 1% above about 400-500Hz. Excellent on-axis linearity. Mild, pleasant bass bump around 100Hz that adds welcome warmth without being excessive. Wide soundstage and dispersion (~70-80 degrees horizontally). Clean cabinet and port with no measured resonances. A great value combination of looks and performance at this price. Watch for: Somewhat limited output capability for its size - audible woofer compression (“flopping”) around 95dB at 3 meters for a stereo pair, so keep to moderate levels or pair with a subwoofer for home theater use. A mild diffraction-related dip around 4-6kHz can cause occasional sibilance on some vocal tracks. Measured sensitivity (82.2dB average) runs a bit below the manufacturer’s claimed 84dB, so it needs more amp power than the spec alone suggests. Needs a subwoofer for real bass authority below about 40Hz.
Buy the Sony SS-CS5 M2 if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Philharmonic Ceramic Mini if sound quality matters more than the price.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SS-CS5 M2 | Philharmonic Ceramic Mini | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $277.99 per pair | $900 per pair |
| Ranked | #48 of 87 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #2 of 87 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | 36Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | 51Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 13.2"H x 7"W x 8.7"D (335 x 178 x 220 mm) | 12" x 8.5" x 11.3" (305 x 216 x 286 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 4 ohms nominal (3.2 ohms min, 15 ohms max) (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB | 82dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 5.12" woofer, 0.98 in tweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter | 5.25" ceramic woofer, 1" ceramic dome tweeter |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Frequency Response | - | 55Hz - 20kHz (+1.5/-3dB, Manufacturer specified, ported) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2kHz (Linkwitz-Riley 4th order) |
| Country | - | USA (Vienna, Virginia) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 4.89 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 6.91 |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 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: $277.99 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) |
| 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
Philharmonic Ceramic Mini: $900 per pair Philharmonic Audio eBay
Pros: Gorgeous looks and finish options for the price. Very low midrange distortion for the size, well under 1% above about 400-500Hz. Excellent on-axis linearity. Mild, pleasant bass bump around 100Hz that adds welcome warmth without being excessive. Wide soundstage and dispersion (~70-80 degrees horizontally). Clean cabinet and port with no measured resonances. A great value combination of looks and performance at this price. Measured bass extension of 51Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 82dB.
Cons: Somewhat limited output capability for its size - audible woofer compression (“flopping”) around 95dB at 3 meters for a stereo pair, so keep to moderate levels or pair with a subwoofer for home theater use. A mild diffraction-related dip around 4-6kHz can cause occasional sibilance on some vocal tracks. Measured sensitivity (82.2dB average) runs a bit below the manufacturer’s claimed 84dB, so it needs more amp power than the spec alone suggests. Needs a subwoofer for real bass authority below about 40Hz.
Full Philharmonic Ceramic Mini review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 51Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Country | USA (Vienna, Virginia) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2kHz (Linkwitz-Riley 4th order) |
| Dimensions | 12" x 8.5" x 11.3" (305 x 216 x 286 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25" ceramic woofer, 1" ceramic dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (+1.5/-3dB, Manufacturer specified, ported) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.2 ohms min, 15 ohms max) (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 82dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.89 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.91 |
| Weight | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Philharmonic Ceramic Mini vs Ascend Sierra 1 v2
- Philharmonic Ceramic Mini vs Audio First Fidelia
- Philharmonic Ceramic Mini vs KEF LS50 Meta
- Philharmonic Ceramic Mini vs XMechanik Mechano23 DIY
- Philharmonic Ceramic Mini vs Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2
- Philharmonic Ceramic Mini vs Arendal 1961 Monitor
- Philharmonic Ceramic Mini vs Ascend Acoustics Luna V2 Mini-Monitor Titan
- Philharmonic Ceramic Mini vs Aalto Speakers Aalto 1 EVO
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