Various retailers have
Sony SS-CS5M2 3-Way Bookshelf Speakers (Pair) for
$198.
Shipping is free.
Thanks to Community Member
JohnDubya for finding this deal.
Available retailers:Features:- 3-Way Bookshelf Speaker Configuration
- 5.12" Woofer
- 0.98" High-Precision Tweeter
- 0.75" Wide Dispersion Super Tweeter
- 100W at 6 Ohms Maximum Input Power
- Rear-Ported Bass Reflex Enclosure
- 53 Hz to 50 kHz Frequency Range
- Removable Cloth Grille
Top Comments
Bottom line, slightly better bass and warmer highs. Most reviewers agree they're better than the originals, but only slightly - not twice the price better. That said, there really aren't a whole lot of great speakers at the sub $200 price point. So they still might be the best option in this price range, unless you find a clearance or open box deal, or are willing to shop used.
Community Reviews
Sony's CS bookshelf speakers are described as solid entry-level speakers with a warm, natural sound and a good soundstage, making them useful for record listening, PC audio, or home theater surrounds. The newer version appears to keep the same basic specs, with a redesigned tweeter that may bring slightly smoother highs and a bit more bass. The main caution is value, since the improvement over the older model is only modest and the current price is widely seen as too high. They come across as a capable budget pair when found well below this price.
Home theater upgraders replacing TV speakers or a soundbar, because they deliver a warm, natural soundstage and are easy to power on almost any receiver.
Record listeners building a basic stereo setup, because they sound good enough for vinyl playback and have solid construction for the price.
Shoppers filling out living-room surround channels, because they work well as rear speakers and are well-suited for that role.
Buyers shopping under $200 for a bookshelf pair, because the sound is slightly better than the originals and the price range has few stronger options.
Buyers unwilling to pay a premium price, because the speakers are not considered worth $200.
Listeners expecting a big jump over the older version, because the newer model sounds only marginally better and side-by-side differences are subtle.
Audiophiles chasing a high-end bookshelf upgrade, because these are only entry-level speakers and lack the sparkle of more revealing models.
People comparing against stronger used alternatives, because similarly priced used speakers can offer better value.
Common Questions (3)
AI-generated summary based on comments from the community. Updated ago
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22 Comments
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1) For the price (unless you wanna go thrifting), these are pretty hard to beat in quality and construction. They are heavy enough where you don't need to worry about sound bleed from a "cheap" cabinet.
2) They are easy to power and easy to use on almost any receiver (again makes thrifting for a cheap receiver or buying a cheap one online less of a worry and whether it will work with your setup).
3) The soundstage is great for what you're getting. This isn't one of the more sparkly high speakers (like the KEF LT II that slickdealers are raving about) but gives a great warm and natural sound!
I have them paired with the Sony STR-DH190 on 14 gauge wire. Also, I have my U-turn Obrit Plus with an Ortofon 2m Blue plugged in and these speakers provided such a great listening experience. Overall, I would recommend these to anyone trying to upgrade a basic record set up or upgrade their home theater setup (whether using just the tv speakers or trying to upgrade a sound bar). Highly recommend!
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