Short answer: the Sony SS-CS5 M2 is the better budget bookshelf speaker, while the Polk T15 is only compelling at its very low price. Sony’s revised bracing and crossover reduce the old model’s resonances, and its measured bass reaches 80Hz at -3dB versus 88.6Hz for Polk.
The Sony is not free of issues: vocals can be sibilant around 3-5kHz, bass compresses as volume rises, and it still wants a subwoofer. Polk’s upper-midrange and lower-treble drop from 3-6kHz is much more serious, with highly variable on- and off-axis behavior. Even its positive review context is nearfield desk listening, where reflections help disguise the dip.
Buy the Sony SS-CS5 M2 for the smoother, more neutral budget bookshelf speaker and the better foundation for a subwoofer system.
Buy the Polk T15 only for a very inexpensive nearfield or secondary system where its response flaws are acceptable.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SS-CS5 M2 | Polk T15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $153.00 per pair | $112.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #87 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #146 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 58.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 88.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 13.2”H x 7”W x 8.7”D (335 x 178 x 220 mm) | 10.63H x 6.5W x 7.25D in |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB | 89dB (manufacturer specified, 1W/1m); 88.98dB measured, spinorama.org |
| Drivers | 5.12” woofer, 0.98 in tweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter | 0.75” tweeter, 5.25” woofer |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each | 8.2 lbs (3.74 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 60Hz - 24kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 0.34 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 3.39 |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Sony SS-CS5 M2: $153.00 per pair Amazon eBay
Older model: the Sony SS-CS5 (ranked higher, rated 3.5/5).
Same family: the Sony SS-CS3 M2 (floorstanding, estimated 3/5) and the Sony SS-CS8 M2 (center, estimated 2.8/5).
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) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| 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 |
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Polk T15: $112.00 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the Polk T50 (floorstanding, rated 3.8/5).
Pros: Extremely affordable 2-way design that actually measured better at +/-20 degrees vertical off-axis than directly on-axis. In near-field desktop use, the reviewer found the T15 “didn’t sound that horrible,” partly because nearby desk reflections mask the frequency response dip. Measured bass extension of 88.6Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 89dB.
Cons: Spinorama analysis reveals what Amir called a “horrific drop in upper mids/lower treble region of 3 to 6 kHz,” likely from tweeter-woofer phase cancellation directly on-axis. Measured impedance ranges from 4-8 ohms, contradicting the specified 6-8 ohm range, and there’s a distortion peak around 400Hz. On- and off-axis response “vary a ton,” making listening position unusually important. The reviewer recommends saving up for the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR instead: “I can’t justify recommending the Polk T15 even though subjective performance was not horrible.”
Full Polk T15 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 88.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 10.63H x 6.5W x 7.25D in |
| Drivers | 0.75” tweeter, 5.25” woofer |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 24kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 89dB (manufacturer specified, 1W/1m); 88.98dB measured, spinorama.org |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 0.34 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 3.39 |
| Weight | 8.2 lbs (3.74 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons