Short answer: the XMechanik Mechano23 DIY. It ranks #6 of 179 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.4/5, at $200; the Sony SS-CS5 M2 ranks #93, rated 3.2/5, and costs $278, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The case for the Sony SS-CS5 M2: Budget three way bookshelf speakers with a better braced cabinet and an easy load for a standard receiver. Watch for: Mild sibilance in the 3-5kHz range stands out on S and T sounds in vocals.
The XMechanik Mechano23 DIY is the better-sounding option. A DIY bookshelf design with exceptionally accurate sound that rivals far pricier speakers for a modest parts cost. The tradeoff: This is a true DIY project.
Buy the XMechanik Mechano23 DIY. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Sony SS-CS5 M2 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Budget three way bookshelf speakers with a better braced cabinet and an easy load for a standard receiver.
A DIY bookshelf design with exceptionally accurate sound that rivals far pricier speakers for a modest parts cost.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 PM 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SS-CS5 M2 | XMechanik Mechano23 DIY | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $278.00 per pair | $200 per pair DIY parts |
| Ranked | #93 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #6 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 42.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 77.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 13.2”H x 7”W x 8.7”D (335 x 178 x 220 mm) | 11.4”H x 6.9”W x 10.4”D (290 x 174 x 263 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 4.1 ohms nominal (measured, ASR) |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB | 85.1dB @ 2.83V/1m (measured, 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 | Scan-Speak Discovery H2606/9200 1” horn loaded textile dome tweeter, SB Acoustics SB13PFCR25-4 5” fiber cone woofer |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| DIY Kit | No | Yes |
| Enclosure | - | ported |
| Port Tuning | - | Approximately 45Hz |
| Cabinet Material | - | 18mm Baltic birch plywood |
| Country | - | Design origin: United States (ASR forum); assembled by buyer |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.42 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.88 |
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