Short answer: the Sony SS-CS5 M2. It ranks #93 of 179 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.2/5) at $278 and is still sold new; the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod) ranks #122 (rated 2.8/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Sony SS-CS5 M2 is the better-sounding choice. Budget three way bookshelf speakers with a better braced cabinet and an easy load for a standard receiver. The catch: Mild sibilance in the 3-5kHz range stands out on S and T sounds in vocals.
What the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod) does well: A DIY tweeter and crossover upgrade that turns a budget bookshelf speaker into a much flatter, more accurate small monitor. Watch for: Some directivity error appears near the crossover frequency.
Buy the Sony SS-CS5 M2. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod) is discontinued.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Measured Differences
- Close enough not to matter: bass extension (54 Hz vs 60 Hz, 10 dB down).
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SS-CS5 M2 | Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $278.00 per pair | $168 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #93 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #122 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 60Hz (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) | 12.6”H x 7.1”W x 8.5”D (320.0 x 180.0 x 215.0 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 8 ohms nominal (approx. 5 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB | 83dB (2.83V/1m, measured by 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 | 1x 4” curvilinear-cone woofer (stock Pioneer), 1x Peerless BC25TG15 1” silk dome tweeter (replacement) |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each | 9 lbs (4.1 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| DIY Kit | No | Yes |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 3000Hz |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.07 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.82 |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Sony SS-CS5 M2: reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
- Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod): reviews by Audio Science Review.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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