In this review, we will be comparing SS-CS8 and Apex A40, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Sony and Monitor Audio . Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Sony SS-CS8 and Monitor Audio Apex A40 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Sony SS-CS8 and Monitor Audio Apex A40 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 Sony SS-CS8 and Monitor Audio Apex A40 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
Both SS-CS8 and Apex A40 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Sony SS-CS8 |
Monitor Audio Apex A40 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4-inch
|
2 x 5.5-inch
|
SS-CS8 features a 1" polyester fiber Soft-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 4" Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) Woofer . On the other hand, the Apex A40 features a 1" gold dome C-CAM Tweeter and 2 x 5.5" C-CAM with RST® (Rigid Surface Technology) Woofer .
Frequency Response
SS-CS8 has a frequency range of 55-25k Hz whereas Apex A40 has a frequency range of 50-35k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the Apex A40 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the SS-CS8's min frequency of 55Hz.
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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel 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-CS8 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the Apex A40 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. SS-CS8 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the Apex A40's is rated at 90 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Monitor Audio Apex A40 a more sensitive speaker compared to Sony SS-CS8, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel 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-CS8 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas SS-CS8 has a max power handling value of 145 watts RMS , 55 watts less than the Apex A40.
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-CS8 features 5-Way post type posts and Apex A40 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Sony SS-CS8's Post terminals
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-CS8's and Monitor Audio Apex A40's external dimensions. Sony SS-CS8 has external dimensions of 146.0 x 430.0 x 220.0mm ( 5.75 x 16.93 x 8.66inch) whereas Monitor Audio Apex A40 has external dimensions of 140.0 x 610.0 x 121.0mm ( 5-1/2 x 24 x 4-3/4inch) .
Monitor Audio Apex A40 is 6mm shorter and 99mm less deeper than Sony SS-CS8 but it is also 180mm wider.
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-CS8 is approximately 946.0cm2 / 146.6inch2 and base area of the Monitor Audio Apex A40 is approximately 738.1cm2 / 114.4inch2. The SS-CS8 requires 28% more surface area than the Apex A40 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 Sony SS-CS8 weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs and the Monitor Audio Apex A40 weighs 6.91kg / 15.2lbs. This makes the Apex A40 38% heavier than the SS-CS8.
Here is a comparison of how SS-CS8 and Apex A40's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of Monitor Audio Apex A40?
Here are the items that come with the Apex A40:
LCR loudspeakerGrilleBracket (pre-installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber feet2 Rubber insertsHex-keySet Up GuideImportant Safety InstructionsImportant InformationMounting Template
 Price per pair* |
169USD
vs
1125USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
145 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
86 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
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
140mm
vs
146mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
738cm2 (610x121mm)
vs
946cm2 (430x220mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Sony SS-CS8 |
Monitor Audio Apex A40 |
| Brand |
Sony |
Monitor Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Center Channel |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 145 watts |
50-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
55-25k Hz |
50-35k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
4" |
5.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) |
C-CAM with RST® (Rigid Surface Technology) |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
gold dome C-CAM |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
146.0mm (5.7") |
140.0mm (5.5") |
| Width |
430.0mm (16.9") |
610.0mm (24") |
| Depth |
220.0mm (8.7") |
121.0mm (4.8") |
| Weight |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
6.91kg (15.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Gloss White |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 years |
5 Years |