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Sony SS-CS8 Review
Sony SS-CS8

Main Features

  • 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
  • 2 x 4" Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) Woofer
  • 55-25k Hz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Power Range: up to 145watts
  • Weight:11.00 lbs / 5.00 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 5.75"x16.93"x8.66" / 146.0 x 430.0 x 220.0mm
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Sony SS-CS8 Review

Sony SS-CS8 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Center Channel speaker by Sony. 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.

What size of room is the Sony SS-CS8 speaker good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use the Sony SS-CS8 is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various sizes of environments considering its size and max power parameters:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldPoor
Small RoomAverage
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomAverage
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.)

What are the speakers in Sony's CS Series?

SS-CS8 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-CS8
55-25k Hz 86 dB6Ω 2 x 4"
Sony SS-CS3
Compare
45-50k Hz 88 dB6Ω 2 x 5.12"


**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.

What is the Frequency Response of the Sony SS-CS8 speaker?

Sony SS-CS8 has a Frequency response range of 55-25k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of up to 145 watts. At a minimum frequency of 55 Hz, SS-CS8 will provide an average bass depth so depending on your use case, you may consider supplementing your system with a subwoofer.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with Sony SS-CS8, 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-CS8's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Sony SS-CS8
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Sony SS-CS8
Min
Average
Max


What are the Impedance and Sensitivity of the Sony SS-CS8? Is it an easy-to-drive speaker?

Sony SS-CS8's nominal impedance level is 6 ohms and has a sensitivity of 86 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Sony SS-CS8
Min
Average
Max

Nominal Impedance of 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 speakers.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Sony SS-CS8:

  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

SS-CS8 features Post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
Sony SS-CS8 Back View
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 Real Life Body Size Comparison
Sony SS-CS8 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Weight

The 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
Sony SS-CS8
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $300
Sony SS-CS8
Min
Average
Max

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
Sony SS-CS8 with Grille

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.

Sony SS-CS8  Lifestyle
Sony SS-CS8 Lifestyle

Sony SS-CS8 Alternatives in Passive Center Channel Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Polk ES35
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 66-40k Hz
Polk XT35
Compare
2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 57-40k Hz
Polk ES30
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 55-40k Hz
Emotiva Airmotiv C1+
Compare
3-way 89 dB 4 ohms 50 Hz – 28 kHz
Wharfedale Diamond 12.C
Compare
2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 90-20k Hz
Emotiva Airmotiv C2+
Compare
3-way 92 dB 4 ohms 45 Hz – 28 kHz
Klipsch RP-500C II
Compare
2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 60-25k Hz
Klipsch RP-600C
Compare
2-way 97 dB 8 ohms 58-25k Hz
JBL Stage A135C
Compare
2-way 90 dB 6 ohms 75-40k Hz
Polk XT30
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 55-40k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Sony SS-CS8
What is the External Dimensions of Sony SS-CS8
What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Sony SS-CS8
is the Sony SS-CS8 an easy to drive speaker?



Sony SS-CS8 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandSony
Full Model NameSony SS-CS8
Speaker Type2-way Center Channel
Power Rangeup to 145 watts
Sensitivity86 dB
Impedance6 ohms
Frequency Response55-25k Hz
DRIVERS
Woofer Size4-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
Height146.0mm ( 5.75-inch)
Width430.0mm ( 16.93-inch)
Depth220.0mm ( 8.66-inch)
Height146.0mm ( 5.75-inch)
Weight5.00kg ( 11.00 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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