In this review, we will be comparing Monitor SE Atom and SS-CS5, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Paradigm and Sony. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Paradigm SE Atom and Sony SS-CS5 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Paradigm SE Atom and Sony SS-CS5 speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Paradigm SE Atom and Sony SS-CS5 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Monitor SE Atom is a 2-way design whereas the SS-CS5 is a 3-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
| Driver |
Paradigm SE Atom |
Sony SS-CS5 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Super Tweeter
|
- |
0.75-inch |
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Monitor SE Atom features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.5" Mineral-filled polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the SS-CS5 features a 1" polyester fiber Soft-Dome Tweeter , a 0.75" Supertweeter and 1 x 5.25" Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) Woofer .
Frequency Response
Monitor SE Atom has a frequency range of 61-21k Hz whereas SS-CS5 has a frequency range of 53-50k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 53Hz, the SS-CS5 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Monitor SE Atom's min frequency of 61Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Monitor SE Atom is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the SS-CS5 which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Monitor SE Atom sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the SS-CS5's is rated at 87 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Paradigm SE Atom a more sensitive speaker compared to Sony SS-CS5, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Monitor SE Atom features Post type posts and SS-CS5 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Paradigm SE Atom's Post terminals
Sony SS-CS5's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Monitor SE Atom and SS-CS5 have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Paradigm SE Atom's and Sony SS-CS5's external dimensions. Paradigm SE Atom has external dimensions of 324.0 x 181.0 x 277.0mm ( 12-3/4 x 7-1/8 x 10-7/8inch) whereas Sony SS-CS5 has external dimensions of 335.0 x 178.0 x 220.0mm ( 13.1 x 7.0 x 8.6inch) .
Sony SS-CS5 is 3mm narrower and 57mm less deeper than Paradigm SE Atom but it is also 11mm taller.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Paradigm SE Atom is approximately 501.4cm2 / 77.7inch2 and base area of the Sony SS-CS5 is approximately 391.6cm2 / 60.7inch2. The Monitor SE Atom requires 28% more surface area than the SS-CS5 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Paradigm SE Atom weighs 5.45kg / 12lbs and the Sony SS-CS5 weighs 4.50kg / 9.9lbs. This makes the Monitor SE Atom 21% heavier than the SS-CS5.
Here is a comparison of how Monitor SE Atom and SS-CS5's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Paradigm SE Atom?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Monitor SE Atom:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
2 Grilles
8 Rubber feet
Owner's Manual
Online Registration Card
 Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Woofer Size |
5.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Height |
324mm
vs
335mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
| Low Frequency Response |
53 Hz
vs
61 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
50k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
391cm2 (178x220mm)
vs
501cm2 (181x277mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
148USD
vs
300USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Paradigm Monitor SE Atom |
Sony SS-CS5 |
| Brand |
Paradigm |
Sony |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
15-100 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
61-21k Hz |
53-50k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Mineral-filled polypropylene |
Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
324.0mm (12.8") |
335.0mm (13.2") |
| Width |
181.0mm (7.1") |
178.0mm (7") |
| Depth |
277.0mm (10.9") |
220.0mm (8.7") |
| Weight |
5.45kg (12lbs) |
4.50kg (9.9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Vinyl |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
| Available Colors |
Matte Black,Gloss White |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
26-28" |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
2 years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
2 years |