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JohnDubya 10.2K Views
May 28, 2026 3:11 PM

Sony SS-CS5M2 3-Way Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)

$198

$280

29% off
+ Free S&Hat Amazon
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Deal Details
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

Editor's Notes

Written by powerfuldoppler | Staff
  • About this deal:
    • Please see the original post for additional details & give the WIKI and additional forum comments a read for helpful discussion.
  • About this store:

Original Post

Written by JohnDubya
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
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

Editor's Notes

Written by powerfuldoppler | Staff
  • About this deal:
    • Please see the original post for additional details & give the WIKI and additional forum comments a read for helpful discussion.
  • About this store:

Original Post

Written by JohnDubya

Community Voting

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Top Comments

Backhome77
2.4KComments
513Reputation
Lots of reviews and comparisons out there, but Erin's Audio Corner backs it up with measurement: https://youtu.be/iI2a-KVuUhw?t=88
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.
Go to Comment
SmileyMicrobe
69Comments
10Reputation
Is this honestly the cheapest it's gonna go? I remember when these were under a hundred a pop.
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CrimsonFeather358
386Comments
71Reputation
I bought "the old ones" on sale for $75 (pair) in 2020! The specs are the same (impedance, min/max frequency response) so I'm assuming these aren't much different than mine, if not the same drivers. They're just OK -- entry level bookshelf speakers. I was using them as my PC speakers and upgraded pretty quickly. These now act as my surrounds in the living room, which they are very well-suited for.
Go to Comment

Community Reviews

Sony's CS bookshelf speakers are described as solid entry level speakers that work well for PC audio, living room surrounds, and basic home theater or record setups. The sound is generally framed as warm and natural, with a decent soundstage, easy power requirements, and sturdy construction that avoids cabinet resonance. The newer version is said to have a redesigned tweeter, with slightly better bass and smoother, warmer highs than the older model. The main hesitation is price, since the improvement is seen as modest and the value case weak near $200, with better appeal closer to $100 or below.

  • The speakers can work well as living-room surrounds while still delivering a warm, natural soundstage.

    CrimsonFeather358Jsolo818

  • The tweeter redesign reportedly aims to smooth the sound, with only subtle differences expected versus the older version.

    supermanrob

  • The speakers can be easy to power with many receivers and may suit both record listening and home theater upgrades.

    Jsolo818

  • Measurements reportedly show slightly better bass and warmer highs versus the original model.

    Backhome77

  • The speakers may be only entry-level and not justify paying much more than about $100.

    CrimsonFeather358TigerwangCarl69

  • The newer model reportedly may not be worth the $200 price if it sounds only marginally better than the first generation.

    EagerLanguage9208

  • The tweeter redesign can potentially make the sound softer, which creates uncertainty at the current price.

    SmileyMicrobe

  • A blind test reportedly favored the older version over the newer one.

    supermanrob

Common Questions (5)

AI-generated summary based on comments from the community. Updated ago

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22 Comments

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Jun 4, 2026 5:45 PM
11 Comments
Joined Nov 2017
Jsolo818Jun 4, 2026 5:45 PM
11 Comments
I had these speakers for over 3 years and used them for both my record listening and home theater (just recently upgraded and sold them for Kanto U6P) and these are just a few of my thoughts on it.
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!
Last edited by Jsolo818 June 4, 2026 at 10:50 AM.
2
Jun 4, 2026 8:23 PM
65 Comments
Joined Jun 2020
EagerLanguage9208Jun 4, 2026 8:23 PM
65 Comments
Had the first generation and sold them soon after. If reviews are correct that these sound marginally better than those, there's no way I'd pay 200 bucks for them
Jun 5, 2026 12:35 AM
156 Comments
Joined May 2024
CurtitoutJun 5, 2026 12:35 AM
156 Comments
Quote from CrimsonFeather358 View quoted comment :
I bought "the old ones" on sale for $75 (pair) in 2020! The specs are the same (impedance, min/max frequency response) so I'm assuming these aren't much different than mine, if not the same drivers. They're just OK -- entry level bookshelf speakers. I was using them as my PC speakers and upgraded pretty quickly. These now act as my surrounds in the living room, which they are very well-suited for.
I also got a pair back then, about $80. Then I saw a pair on Amazon for $55, used, bought them sent others back. Kept them a few months, sold for $75. OK, never ever be worth $200 to me. I paid $150 for some RB-81's ,Klipsch on craigslist, more better.
Jun 5, 2026 1:55 AM
8 Comments
Joined Aug 2025
truonguyen81Jun 5, 2026 1:55 AM
8 Comments
Quote from sr27 View quoted comment :
The fact that these are 3-way itself makes this a deal
Correct.
Jun 5, 2026 4:34 PM
715 Comments
Joined Aug 2015
Carl69Jun 5, 2026 4:34 PM
715 Comments
Quote from EagerLanguage9208 View quoted comment :
Had the first generation and sold them soon after. If reviews are correct that these sound marginally better than those, there's no way I'd pay 200 bucks for them
That was my initial feeling on price as well, having only heard the towers which are decent speakers. But neither speaker is worth a premium price. If you're in the market and price dips below $100, this is the time to buy. Not now.
Jun 5, 2026 11:37 PM
580 Comments
Joined Dec 2020
OneOfTooManyJun 5, 2026 11:37 PM
580 Comments
Quote from Tigerwang View quoted comment :
Not worth more than $100...
Yeah a hundo in 1979 dollas lol
Jun 5, 2026 11:38 PM
580 Comments
Joined Dec 2020
OneOfTooManyJun 5, 2026 11:38 PM
580 Comments
Quote from Tigerwang View quoted comment :
Not worth more than $100...
Yeah a hundo in 1999 dollas lol

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