Sony SS-CS5 is a 3-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Sony. It features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter, 0.75" Super Tweeter, and 1 x 5.25" Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 53-50k Hz and a sensitivity of 87 dB. Sony SS-CS5 has an MSRP of 148$ per pair.
Room Size Suitability
The size of the room where you plan to use the Sony SS-CS5 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 | Average |
| Small Room | Good |
| Mid-size Room | Average |
| Large Room | Poor |
| Very Large Room | Bad |
(* 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-CS5 Lifestyle
Sony's CS Series of Loudspeakers
SS-CS5 is a member of Sony's CS series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.
**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-CS5 Speaker
Sony SS-CS5 has a Frequency response range of 53-50k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of up to 100 watts. With a minimum frequency of 53 Hz, SS-CS5 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-CS5, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $300. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how SS-CS5's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Sony SS-CS5 Crossover
Impedance and Sensitivity
Sony SS-CS5's nominal impedance level is
6 ohms and has a sensitivity of
87 dB.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Nominal Impedance of the 6 Ohms makes the Sony SS-CS5 a relatively difficult to drive speaker compared to more frequently found 8 ohms speakers from nominal Impedance perspective.
Sensitivity
With a sensitivity level of only 87 dB, Sony SS-CS5 is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps.
Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Sony SS-CS5:
Input Type
SS-CS5 features Post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
Sony SS-CS5 Back View
Sony SS-CS5 External Dimensions and Weight
Sony SS-CS5 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 13.1 x 7.0 x 8.6inch (335.0 x 178.0 x 220.0mm ).
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-CS5 is approximately 391.6cm2 / 60.7inch2.
To get a better perspective on the real life size of Sony SS-CS5, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).
Sony SS-CS5 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc
Here we place the Sony SS-CS5 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.
Sony SS-CS5 Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable
WeightThe Sony SS-CS5 weighs 4.50kg / 9.9lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how SS-CS5's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $300
Cabinet type and Materials
Sony SS-CS5 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-CS5 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-CS5 is available in Black.
Wall Mounting
SS-CS5 doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.
Does the Sony SS-CS5 come with a Grille?
SS-CS5 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.
Recommended Accessories
Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Sony SS-CS5.
- Speaker Cable and Connectors
- 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.
- Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.
User's Manual
For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Sony SS-CS5, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for Sony SS-CS5
Official Product Page
Official manufacturer's product page for the Sony SS-CS5 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Sony SS-CS5
Warranty
2 years of parts warranty and 2 years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.