Sony SS-CS8 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Center Channel speaker by Sony. It was released in April 2014. Center channel speaker is an important component of a home theater system set-up as it delivers the listener significant part of the on-screen dialogue from your television. It features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 4" Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 55-25k Hz and a sensitivity of 86 dB. Sony SS-CS8 has an MSRP of 169$ but can often be found around 119$ per pair.
Room Size Suitability
The size of the room where you plan to use the Sony SS-CS8 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 | Poor |
| Small Room | Average |
| Mid-size Room | Good |
| Large Room | Average |
| 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-CS8 Lifestyle
Sony's CS Series of Loudspeakers
SS-CS8 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.
Frequency Response of the Sony SS-CS8 Speaker
Sony SS-CS8 has a Frequency response range of 55-25k Hz and Power Range of up to 145 watts. With a minimum frequency of 55 Hz, SS-CS8 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-CS8's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Sony SS-CS8?
Impedance and Sensitivity
Sony SS-CS8's nominal impedance level is
6 ohms and has a sensitivity of
86 dB.
Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Nominal Impedance of the 6 Ohms makes the Sony SS-CS8 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 86 dB, Sony SS-CS8 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. Work out how loud the Sony SS-CS8 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-CS8 need?
At normal listening levels in a medium room, about
25–145 W
per channel into 6 ohms.
Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.
Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $300, or every amplifier we cover.
Input Type
SS-CS8 features Post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →
Sony SS-CS8 Back View
Sony SS-CS8 External Dimensions and Weight
Sony SS-CS8 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 5.75 x 16.93 x 8.66inch (146.0 x 430.0 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-CS8 is approximately 946.0cm2 / 146.6inch2.
To get a better perspective on the real life size of Sony SS-CS8, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).
Sony SS-CS8 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc
Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →
WeightThe Sony SS-CS8 weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how SS-CS8's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $300
Cabinet type and Materials
Sony SS-CS8 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-CS8 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-CS8 is available in Black.
Does the Sony SS-CS8 come with a Grille?
SS-CS8 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-CS8 with Grille
Recommended Accessories
Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Sony SS-CS8.
User's Manual
For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Sony SS-CS8, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for Sony SS-CS8
Official Product Page
Official manufacturer's product page for the Sony SS-CS8 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Sony SS-CS8
Warranty
2 years of parts warranty and 2 years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.