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Sony SS-CS5M2 Bookshelf Speakers Are They Ready For Your Home?
Sony SS-CS5M2 Bookshelf Speakers
In the world of budget-friendly audio, Sony has long been a go-to for quality sound without breaking the bank. The original SS-CS5 speakers were a legend in this space, and now, Sony has released their updated successor, the SS-CS5M2. With promises of enhanced performance and refined components, we put these speakers to the test to see if they live up to the legacy.
Features
The Sony SS-CS5M2 is a 3-way, 3-driver bookshelf speaker system designed to deliver a rich, detailed, and immersive listening experience.
- 3-Way, 3-Driver System: This design separates the frequency ranges, with a dedicated driver for bass, midrange, and high frequencies. This allows each driver to perform its specific task more efficiently, leading to a clearer, more accurate sound.
- 5.12-inch Woofer: The primary driver is a reinforced cellular cone woofer. This material is designed to be rigid and hold its shape even at high pressures, delivering powerful bass and clear vocals without distortion.
- 1-inch Soft Dome Tweeter: The main tweeter handles the upper mid-range and lower high frequencies. Its polyester fiber construction is engineered for faithful sound reproduction and is acoustically tuned to eliminate unwanted sound pressure for natural-sounding vocals.
- 0.75-inch Wide Dispersion Super Tweeter: This is one of the key upgrades. The super tweeter is designed with wide directionality to reproduce ultra-high frequencies up to 50 kHz. This is crucial for “Hi-Res Audio” support, creating a wider, more expansive soundstage.
- Bass Reflex Enclosure: The all-wood, ported cabinet is built to minimize unwanted vibrations and improve low-frequency performance by suppressing noise. The rigid structure is reinforced with solid wood joints for enhanced durability and acoustic integrity.
- Premium Componentry: The speakers use high-quality internal components, including air-core conductors in the tweeters and high-grade film capacitors, which contribute to a cleaner signal path and overall better sound.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Speaker System | 3-way, 3-driver Bookshelf Speaker System |
| Woofer | 5.12″ (130mm) Cone Type |
| Tweeter | 0.98″ (25mm) Soft Dome Type |
| Super Tweeter | 0.75″ (19mm) Dome Type |
| Impedance | 6 Ohms |
| Frequency Response | 53 Hz – 50 kHz |
| Power Handling | Up to 100 W |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 7.01″ x 13.19″ x 8.66″ (178 x 335 x 220 mm) |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) per speaker |
| Enclosure | Wood, Bass Reflex |
Pros and Cons Chart
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent Value: Delivers a high-quality, full-range sound for a very accessible price. | “Bright” Sound Signature: Some listeners may find the treble to be a bit too forward or “bright” for their taste. |
| Detailed Treble: The addition of the super tweeter provides exceptional high-frequency detail and a wide soundstage. | Limited Bass Extension: While the bass is clear, it doesn’t go as deep as some competitors and may require a subwoofer for a truly impactful low end. |
| Solid Build Quality: A rigid, well-dampened wooden cabinet helps prevent unwanted resonance and distortion. | Passive Speakers: Requires a separate amplifier or AV receiver to power them, unlike some powered bookshelf speakers. |
| Hi-Res Audio Support: Capable of reproducing a wide frequency range, making them suitable for high-resolution music files. |
Competitor Comparison Chart
| Model | Configuration | Impedance | Frequency Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony SS-CS5M2 | 3-way, 3-driver | 6 Ohms | 53 Hz – 50 kHz |
| ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 | 2-way, 2-driver | 6 Ohms | 46 Hz – 35 kHz |
| Wharfedale Diamond 220 | 2-way, 2-driver | 8 Ohms | 50 Hz – 20 kHz |
- Note: The ELAC and Wharfedale speakers often have a “warmer” or more “laid-back” sound signature compared to the Sony’s brighter, more analytical profile. The ELAC also has a deeper bass extension, while the Sony offers a super tweeter for high-frequency detail.
Q&A
Q: Do I need a separate amplifier or receiver to use these speakers? A: Yes. The Sony SS-CS5M2 are passive speakers, meaning they do not have a built-in amplifier. You will need to connect them to a stereo amplifier or an A/V receiver to power them.
Q: Are these speakers suitable for a home theater setup? A: Absolutely. They are excellent as front left/right channels in a home theater system. For the best experience, you can pair them with a matching Sony center channel speaker and add a subwoofer for a more immersive low-frequency effect.
Q: What is the difference between the SS-CS5M2 and the original SS-CS5? A: The main differences lie in the updated components. While they share the same cabinet and driver sizes, the M2 version features a new tweeter design and a revised crossover network. This results in a noticeable improvement in high-frequency detail and clarity compared to the original model.
Q: Can I use these for gaming or near-field listening at my desk? A: Yes, these speakers are a fantastic choice for near-field listening. Their detailed and precise sound signature makes them great for gaming, especially for picking up subtle audio cues.
Q: What type of speaker wire do I need? A: The speakers have screw-type terminals, so you can use standard bare speaker wire. We recommend a 16-gauge or 14-gauge wire for a solid connection.
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