Sony SS-CS3 is a 3-way Passive Bass Reflex Floor-standing speaker by Sony. It was released in April 2014. It features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter, 0.75" Super Tweeter, and 2 x 5.12" Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 45-50k Hz and a sensitivity of 88 dB. Sony SS-CS3 has an MSRP of 458$ per pair but can often be found around 358$ per pair.
Room Size Suitability
The size of the room where you plan to use the Sony SS-CS3 is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:
| Listening Environment* |
Suitability |
| Near-field | Bad |
| Small Room | Poor |
| Mid-size Room | Good |
| Large Room | Good |
| Very Large Room | Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)
Sony SS-CS3 Lifestyle
Sony's CS Series of Loudspeakers
SS-CS3 is a member of Sony's CS series of Passive speakers. The CS range are Sony's affordable Core Series home speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.
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Frequency Response of the Sony SS-CS3 Speaker
Sony SS-CS3 has a Frequency response range of 45-50k Hz and Power Range of up to 145 watts. With a minimum frequency of 45 Hz, SS-CS3 delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.
Here we have a comparison of how SS-CS3's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Sony SS-CS3?
Sony SS-CS3's Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) Woofer
Sony SS-CS3's polyester fiber Soft-Dome Tweeter
Sony SS-CS3 Crossover
Impedance and Sensitivity
Sony SS-CS3's nominal impedance level is
6 ohms and has a sensitivity of
88 dB.
Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
Nominal Impedance of the 6 Ohms makes the Sony SS-CS3 a relatively difficult to drive speaker compared to more frequently found 8 ohms speakers from nominal Impedance perspective.
Sensitivity
88dB of the Sony SS-CS3 is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise. Work out how loud the Sony SS-CS3 plays in your room →
Running more than one pair from a single amplifier? Check the load it would present →
What amplifier does the Sony SS-CS3 need?
At normal listening levels in a medium room, about
16–145 W
per channel into 6 ohms.
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Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $500, or every amplifier we cover.
Input Type
SS-CS3 features Post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →
Sony SS-CS3 External Dimensions and Weight
Sony SS-CS3 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 36.30 x 9.05 x 10.24inch (922.0 x 230.0 x 260.0mm ).
Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base area of Sony SS-CS3 is approximately 598.0cm2 / 92.7inch2.
To get a better perspective on the real life size of Sony SS-CS3, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).
Sony SS-CS3 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc
Here we place the Sony SS-CS3 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a media center to get a better idea about the size.
Sony SS-CS3 Floor-standing Speaker next to a Media Stand
Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove → · Work out where they should sit in the room →
WeightThe Sony SS-CS3 weighs 10.60kg / 23.3lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how SS-CS3's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.
Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
Weight
Floor-standing Speakers under $500
Cabinet type and Materials
Sony SS-CS3 has a
Bass Reflex type cabinet and a MDF/Wood-veneer finish. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.
Port Position
Sony SS-CS3 is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe.
Available colors
Sony SS-CS3 is available in Black.
Does the Sony SS-CS3 come with a Grille?
SS-CS3 comes with Removable Cloth grilles in Black color choices. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.
Sony SS-CS3 with Grille
Recommended Accessories
Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Sony SS-CS3.
User's Manual
For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Sony SS-CS3, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for Sony SS-CS3
Official Product Page
Official manufacturer's product page for the Sony SS-CS3 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Sony SS-CS3
Warranty
2 years of parts warranty and 2 years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.