Short answer: the Sony SS-CS5 M2. It ranks #32 of 63 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $278; the Q Acoustics 3020i ranks #46 and costs $314.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Sony SS-CS5 M2 gets right: 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.
On the Q Acoustics 3020i side: UK-designed (Finkteam) with attractive styling, including recessed binding posts and custom connectors. Watch for: On-axis response shows a rising upper-frequency trend and a dip in the 2-4kHz crossover region alongside two resonance-related dips; a significant resonance appears at 366Hz in the waterfall plot.
Buy the Sony SS-CS5 M2. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Q Acoustics 3020i and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SS-CS5 M2 | Q Acoustics 3020i | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $278.00 | $314.99 |
| Ranked | #32 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #46 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 49.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 82.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 13.2"H x 7"W x 8.7"D (335 x 178 x 220 mm) | 10.9"H x 6.7"W x 11.1"D (278 x 170 x 282 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 6 ohms nominal, 4 ohms minimum |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB | 86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Supertweeter | 0.75 in | - |
| Drivers | 5.12" woofer, 0.98 in tweeter | 125mm (5") bass driver, 22mm (0.9") tweeter |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs / 4.3 kg each | 10.6 lbs / 4.8 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, reflex |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2.4kHz |
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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
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Q Acoustics 3020i: $314.99 Amazon
Pros: UK-designed (Finkteam) with attractive styling, including recessed binding posts and custom connectors. Vertical directivity is good enough that the tweeter doesn’t need to be exactly at ear level. With EQ correction, especially high-frequency shelving and a sub-40Hz high-pass filter, Amir found performance “improves substantially.”
Cons: On-axis response shows a rising upper-frequency trend and a dip in the 2-4kHz crossover region alongside two resonance-related dips; a significant resonance appears at 366Hz in the waterfall plot. Horizontal directivity is narrow and uneven due to a woofer/tweeter beamwidth mismatch. Amir cautions the speaker is “merely a distortion generator” if played too low, and its low impedance demands a quality amplifier. Without EQ, Amir “can’t recommend the Q Acoustics 3020i.”
Full Q Acoustics 3020i review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.4kHz |
| Dimensions | 10.9"H x 6.7"W x 11.1"D (278 x 170 x 282 mm) |
| Drivers | 125mm (5") bass driver, 22mm (0.9") tweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 4 ohms minimum |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 10.6 lbs / 4.8 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, reflex |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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