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Sony SS-CS3 Review
Sony SS-CS3

Main Features

  • 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
  • 0.75" Super Tweeter
  • 2 x 5.12" Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) Woofer
  • 45-50k Hz Frequency Response
  • 88 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Power Range: up to 145watts
  • Weight:23.32 lbs / 10.60 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 36.30"x9.05"x10.24" / 922.0 x 230.0 x 260.0mm
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Sony SS-CS3 Review
Sony SS-CS3 Sony SS-CS3
See at AMAZON

Sony SS-CS3 is a 3-way Passive Bass Reflex Floor-standing speaker by Sony. 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 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-fieldBad
Small RoomPoor
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomGood
Very Large RoomPoor

(* 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 SS-CS3 Lifestyle

Sony's CS Series of Loudspeakers

SS-CS3 is a member of Sony's CS series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

Sony CS Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Sony SS-CS5
Compare
53-50k Hz 87 dB6Ω 1 x 5.25"
Sony SS-CS3
45-50k Hz 88 dB6Ω 2 x 5.12"
Sony SS-CS8
Compare
55-25k Hz 86 dB6Ω 2 x 4"


**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.

Frequency Response of the Sony SS-CS3 Speaker

Sony SS-CS3 has a Frequency response range of 45-50k Hz at ±3dB 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.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with Sony SS-CS3, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $500. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how SS-CS3's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
Sony SS-CS3
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
Sony SS-CS3
Min
Average
Max
Sony SS-CS3 Woofer
Sony SS-CS3's Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) Woofer


Sony SS-CS3 Tweeter
Sony SS-CS3's polyester fiber Soft-Dome Tweeter

Sony SS-CS3 Crossover
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
Sony SS-CS3
Min
Average
Max

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.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Sony SS-CS3:

  • Integrated Amps under 300 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 500 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 750 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

SS-CS3 features Post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

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 Real Life Body Size Comparison
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 placed next to a Media Stand
Sony SS-CS3 Floor-standing Speaker next to a Media Stand

Weight

The 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
Sony SS-CS3
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Floor-standing Speakers under $500
Sony SS-CS3
Min
Average
Max

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
Sony SS-CS3 with Grille

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Sony SS-CS3.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.

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.

Sony SS-CS3 Alternatives in Passive Floor-standing Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Sony SS-CS5
Compare
3-way 87 dB 6 ohms 53-50k Hz
Polk XT60
Compare
2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 38-40k Hz
Klipsch R-625FA
Compare
2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 38-21k Hz
Polk XT70
Compare
2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 35-40k Hz
Jamo S 809
Compare
2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 37-26k Hz
Klipsch R-620F
Compare
2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 38-21k Hz
JBL Stage A190
Compare
2-way 91 dB 6 ohms 36-40k Hz
Polk TSi400
Compare
2-way 91 dB 8 ohms 44-24k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Sony SS-CS3
What is the External Dimensions of Sony SS-CS3
What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Sony SS-CS3
is the Sony SS-CS3 an easy to drive speaker?

Sony SS-CS3 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandSony
Full Model NameSony SS-CS3
Speaker Type3-way Floor-standing
Power Rangeup to 145 watts
Sensitivity88 dB
Impedance6 ohms
Frequency Response45-50k Hz
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5.12-inch
Woofer CompositionMica Reinforced Cellular (MRC)
Woofer SurroundRubber
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeSoft-Dome
Port Positionrear

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypePost
Biamp InputsNo
Port Positionrear
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height922.0mm ( 36.30-inch)
Width230.0mm ( 9.05-inch)
Depth260.0mm ( 10.24-inch)
Height922.0mm ( 36.30-inch)
Weight10.60kg ( 23.32 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
FinishMDF/Wood-veneer
Available ColorsBlack
Mounting BracketNo
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty2 years
Labor Warranty2 years
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