Short answer: the Sony SS-CS5 M2, if you are buying new. The Sony SS-CS5 ranks higher than it (#72 vs #87 of 168 bookshelf speakers, 3.5/5 vs 3.2/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Sony SS-CS5 M2 is still sold new at $153.
The case for the Sony SS-CS5: A budget three-way bookshelf speaker with a 5.12” woofer, a 1” main tweeter and a 3/4” super tweeter. Watch for: Bass is limited, 85Hz (-3dB) and about 62Hz (-10dB), so a subwoofer helps.
The case for the Sony SS-CS5 M2: Added internal bracing (corners, sides, front baffle) plus an updated crossover meaningfully reduce the resonance issues that plagued the original Sony 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.
Buy the Sony SS-CS5 M2, since the Sony SS-CS5 is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SS-CS5 | Sony SS-CS5 M2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $150 per pair Discontinued | $153.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #72 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #87 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 5.12” (130mm) mica-reinforced cellular woofer, 1” (25mm) polyester main tweeter, 3/4” (19mm) super tweeter | 5.12” woofer, 0.98 in tweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (manufacturer specified) | 82.5dB |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 6 ohms |
| Frequency Response | 53Hz-50kHz (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported, rear |
| Dimensions | 13.2”H x 7”W x 8.3”D (335 x 178 x 210 mm) | 13.2”H x 7”W x 8.7”D (335 x 178 x 220 mm) |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) each | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 61.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.16 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.07 | - |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Sony SS-CS5: $150 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Sony SS-CS5 M2, ranked lower, rated 3.2/5, released Aug 2025. See every Sony SS-CS generation.
Same family: the Sony SS-CS3 (floorstanding, rated 2.8/5).
Pros: A budget three-way bookshelf speaker with a 5.12” woofer, a 1” main tweeter and a 3/4” super tweeter. Erin’s measurements show a smooth predicted in-room response and sound power, for a preference score of 4.16 that reaches 7.07 with an ideal subwoofer, unusually good for a budget speaker. Measured bass extension of 85Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Bass is limited, 85Hz (-3dB) and about 62Hz (-10dB), so a subwoofer helps. The on-axis response is uneven (1.29 average deviation). Sony replaced it with the Sony SS-CS5 M2. Discontinued.
Full Sony SS-CS5 review and specifications →
| Released | May 2014 (12 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 61.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 13.2”H x 7”W x 8.3”D (335 x 178 x 210 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.12” (130mm) mica-reinforced cellular woofer, 1” (25mm) polyester main tweeter, 3/4” (19mm) super tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 53Hz-50kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.16 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.07 |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Sony SS-CS5 M2: $153.00 per pair Amazon eBay
Older model: the Sony SS-CS5 (ranked higher, rated 3.5/5). See every Sony SS-CS generation.
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 Sony 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 Monitor 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 →
| Released | Aug 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
- Links
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