In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers . Sony SS-CS5 is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the M8 SP2 is a On-wall speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Sony SS-CS5 and Revel M8 SP2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Sony SS-CS5 Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 0.75" Super Tweeter
- 5.25" Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) Woofer
- 53-50k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:up to 100watts
- Weight:4.50kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 335.0" x 7.0" x 8.6"( 335.0 x 178.0 x 220.0mm )
Revel M8 SP2 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 3" Micro Ceramic Composite Woofer
- 110-21k Hz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:10-125watts
- Weight:1.57kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 297.0" x 4-1/4" x 4-5/8"( 297.0 x 108.0 x 118.0mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Sony SS-CS5 and Revel M8 SP2 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that SS-CS5 is a 3-way design whereas the M8 SP2 is a 2-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 |
Sony SS-CS5 |
Revel M8 SP2 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
|
Super Tweeter
|
0.75-inch |
- |
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 3-inch
|
SS-CS5 features a 1" polyester fiber Soft-Dome Tweeter , a 0.75" Supertweeter and 1 x 5.25" Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) Woofer . On the other hand, the M8 SP2 features a 1" MCC (Micro Ceramic Composite) Hard-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 3" Micro Ceramic Composite Woofer .
Frequency Response
SS-CS5 has a frequency range of 53-50k Hz whereas M8 SP2 has a frequency range of 110-21k 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 M8 SP2's min frequency of 110Hz.
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
SS-CS5 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the M8 SP2 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. SS-CS5 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the M8 SP2's is rated at 88 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Revel M8 SP2 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.
SS-CS5 can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas SS-CS5 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 25 watts less than the M8 SP2.
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
SS-CS5 features 5-way post type posts and M8 SP2 has a 5-way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Sony SS-CS5's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both SS-CS5 and M8 SP2 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 Sony SS-CS5's and Revel M8 SP2's external dimensions. Sony SS-CS5 has external dimensions of 335.0 x 178.0 x 220.0mm ( 13.1 x 7.0 x 8.6inch) whereas Revel M8 SP2 has external dimensions of 297.0 x 108.0 x 118.0mm ( 11-11/16 x 4-1/4 x 4-5/8inch) .
Sony SS-CS5 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 70mm wider, 38mm taller and 102mm deeper than Revel M8 SP2.
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 Sony SS-CS5 is approximately 391.6cm2 / 60.7inch2 and base area of the Revel M8 SP2 is approximately 127.4cm2 / 19.7inch2. The SS-CS5 requires 207% more surface area than the M8 SP2 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Revel M8 SP2?
Here are the items that come with the M8 SP2:
2 Satellite loudspeakers2 Wall-brackets4 Wall-mount end-caps2 Rubber foot padsHex-keyOwners Manual
Driver Setup 
Woofer Size 
High Frequency Response 
Price per pair* 
Max Input Power 
Sensitivity 
Nominal Impedance 
Mounting Bracket 
Height 
Base Surface Area