Customers often highlight the amazing sound quality, particularly praising the bass and crisp highs, as well as the reasonable price. Many appreciate the compact size and ease of use. A small number of customers mentioned the speakers' weight as a potential drawback.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Page 1 Showing 1-20 of 2,290 reviews
Pros mentioned:
Bass, Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Excellent performance at a very affordable price.
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Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Let's be clear. I didn't buy these speakers expecting jaw-dropping performance. Instead I was pleasantly surprised, since they are an upgrade to the 4" woofer, 2" paper cone tweeter speakers that came with a Sharp component stereo system that I also purchased from BB.
These speakers are pretty decent. The highs are crisp but not harsh and the highs meld in almost seamlessly with the midrange. Acoustic guitar is very nice. Vocals are also smooth but slightly pronounced, since these speakers are reported to have a slight "bump" near the 1KHz. spectrum according to an expert review.
Bass, is not boomy or muddy, thanks to the larger cabinet size which (I suppose) results in a lower resonant frequency, thus reducing that muddiness sometimes found on small speakers. It would be nice to have a little more bass, but in the end, the bass is very clean.
Overall the sound is pleasant and the speakers offer a great balance between size and performance for the price. The only other con is that I wish they had 5-way binding posts for their speaker terminals so that you could use banana plugs with them. (EDIT: I just realized that those buttons on the speaker terminals are removable so that banana plugs CAN be used with these speakers!)
I would consider these speakers "entry-level" for any audio enthusiast looking for a bang-for-your buck speaker with decent sound quality.
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
Posted .
Hi Alan, We're glad to hear you feel that the SSCS5 is worth its price! We're glad to hear you appreciate the overall sound quality of your new speakers. At first listen, these new Core Series speakers will make your favorite audio tracks unfold throughout your listening environment, thanks to precise instrument reproduction, positioning, and even depth relative to an expansive soundstage. Thanks so much for your purchase! -Sam
Pros mentioned:
Bass, Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Excellent front speakers for home theater
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I have had a home-theater/HIFI set ups since my dad would hand-me-down his old Marantz Quadriles in the early 80’s. So naturally a sound bar is never an option for me. These speakers finally allowed me to replace a pair of crumbling Optimus (RadioShack) bookshelf speakers. I’m very impressed by how affordable and full these sound. I have a 150W sub also connected so their bass is unnoticeable, but the treble and mids match very nicely with my Optimus Center channel. Good looking, wood boxes which hang on my wall with my trusty RadioShack wall mounts, albeit they point upwards a bit since the speaker terminals are so large on their back faces. Good Stuff, affordable set of highly rated (CNET) speakers.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Bass, Price
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Good sound and, if marked down, good value
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Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
These are the first new speakers I've bought in perhaps 15 years, after running through set after set of used speakers found online and in local thrift shops. These are good speakers I'd say, but not "excellent", hence the four-star rating.
What's good:
-Value...when they're on sale
-The bass response: Given the size of the woofers, it's pretty darned good--good enough that I don't always run them with a subwoofer
-Laid-back mid-range (my personal preference), and articulate, detailed, but not shrill treble (they are NOT bright, despite what you've read elsewhere)...great for digital material like CDs and streaming
-The five-way speaker posts are functional and look great
-Flat-black finish with minimal cabinet seams looks elegant
What's not so good:
-Value...at MSRP or within $50 of it
-Fit and finish:
--A few random spots of errant glue, on cabinet corners and even a little string of it on one of the woofers, which initially made the cone look like it was creased. I was able to carefully remove it, thankfully.
--The plastic surrounding the "mid-tweeters" on both speakers has a hairline crack at the exact same place...about 10 o'clock. That it appears on both speakers tells me that this is a manufacturing defect and probably could not be solved by returning the speakers for a new pair.
--Screw heads securing speakers are not evenly driven and a few of them look a little worse for wear. It's possible these screws were over-driven and that led to the aforementioned cracks.
--Printed/painted "SONY" emblems on both cabinets (not grilles) are slightly off-center and cockeyed...a shame, since the speakers look best with the grilles OFF.
--Off-axis treble presentation is not great, but still good...really, this is probably a gripe related more to my listening environment than the speakers.
--Mid-range may actually be a little TOO laid back, revealed when listening to material that's focused on vocalists.
These speakers probably still have a little more breaking-in to do, and I believe they'll only sound better after they have done so. They do sound better WITHOUT the grilles, which makes the cosmetic defects a little harder to deal with, but for the price I'm willing to tolerate them.
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
Posted .
Hi magnumrocklord, Thanks for your feedback and insights. At first listen, these new Core Series speakers will make your favorite audio tracks unfold throughout your listening environment, thanks to precise instrument reproduction, positioning, and even depth relative to an expansive soundstage. Thanks so much for your purchase! Thanks for choosing Sony! Erin
Pros mentioned:
Ease of use, Size, Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
One of the best budget bookshelf speaker available
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
They look amazing, the sound is impressive and they fit just perfectly in my Ikea bookshelf. They are so easy to connect and they fill my studio room with the best sound. These have been recommended by so many reviewers and now that I own a pair of them, I can see why. You won't be disappointed.
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
Posted .
Hi migueljlara, Awesome! We are so glad to hear that you are happy with your new speakers! Thank you for choosing Sony! -Carl
Pros mentioned:
Bass, Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Perfectly competent for the price
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
For the price, these are excellent bookshelf speakers. I'm using them with an old Sony Minidisc component system and with a retro game setup. They're basically filling the role of flexible jack of all trades. They're competent in mids and highs and even develop some ok bass without having a sub. Compared to the old stock speakers that shipped with my stereo it's a night and day difference, even if the comparison is a bit unfair.
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
Posted .
Hi Amk1247, we're glad you are enjoying our product with your SONY component system. At first listen, these new Core Series speakers will make your favorite audio tracks unfold throughout your listening environment, thanks to precise instrument reproduction, positioning, and even depth relative to an expansive soundstage. Thanks so much for your purchase! ~Earl
Pros mentioned:
Bass
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Amazing Sound!
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Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I paired these speakers with the Sony 5.2 ch receiver which is connect to my Sony cd/dvd player, and audio technica turntable and it works flawlessly. This is my first stereo ever and I am amazed at how much better music can sound. I originally purchased an Apple HomePod but returned it and got this instead and I’m so glad I did. Volume is loud and the bass is perfect. Buy these you won’t regret it!
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
Posted .
Hi Adrian, we’re happy to hear how much you’re enjoying your new SS-CS5 Bookshelf Speakers. At first listen, these new Core Series speakers will make your favorite audio tracks unfold throughout your listening environment, thanks to precise instrument reproduction, positioning, and even depth relative to an expansive soundstage. Thanks so much for your purchase! ~Earl
Pros mentioned:
Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Amazing speakers
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Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
If you want a great set of speakers that work for a variety of genres, these are hard to beat for the money. I've used the same 2-channel stereo receiver in various applications over the past 20 years, with a wide range of speakers connected. These might be my favorite.
These are amazing, and provide a wide sound stage for the size! If you need a quality pair of bookshelf speakers that can take quite a bit of power, I highly recommend these.
Sources we use with these include vinyl, Pandora, CDs, FLAC files via a computer w/ an outboard USB DAC.
Some considerations-
* Give them a few days of break-in to really open up.
* If you find that the bass isn't quite doing it for you, pull them away from the wall. The port on the back needs room to breathe.
*Isolating them as I've done does help! This is true of any speaker.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Bass, Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Strong Entry-to-Mid Level Desktop Set
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
For the price, these can't really be beat. The bass is slightly punchier than expected, but you'll still want to pair these with a subwoofer for full sound. I have these connected to the Sony STR-DH190 receiver in the same family, and they work great when I'm playing records from my turntable or when I stream from my phone via Bluetooth. Either way, the sound is fairly richer than youd expect and definitely a bargain at this price point.
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
Posted .
Hi SteveJ,
We’re happy to hear how much you’re enjoying your new SS-CS5 Bookshelf Speakers. At first listen, these new Core Series speakers will make your favorite audio tracks unfold throughout your listening environment, thanks to precise instrument reproduction, positioning, and even depth relative to an expansive soundstage. Thanks so much for your purchase!
-David
Pros mentioned:
Size, Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Very impressed
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Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I needed stereo speakers in a small room, so I bought them because of the good reviews.
I didn't expect much, but I'm very satisfied. Sound like this at this price point is only Sony can do.
The sound image is very good($1000 value) and the resolution is also good.($800 value) The sound color is slightly neutral, but enough to satisfy audiophiles if it plays in small room. As all bookshelf speakers, the bass isn't deep, but when paired with a Sony subwoofer, it's a great match.
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
Posted .
Hi Mylove, we're glad you are enjoying our product! we’re happy to hear how much you’re enjoying your new SS-CS5 Bookshelf Speakers. At first listen, these new Core Series speakers will make your favorite audio tracks unfold throughout your listening environment, thanks to precise instrument reproduction, positioning, and even depth relative to an expansive soundstage. Thanks so much for your purchase! ~Earl
Pros mentioned:
Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Shockingly loud stereo speakers!
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This things are SO loud and they have great bass. You will really enjoy having these in your hi-res system. I was pleasantly surprised with the sound I got once I had these plugged into my receiver. They are fairly large - I’d say your regular size stereo shelf speakers. The sound quality is really good for the price and I think they still look alright.
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
Posted .
Hi Kaikai, Thank you for your kind words! It always makes our day to hear that customers like you enjoy our product. At first listen, these new Core Series speakers will make your favorite audio tracks unfold throughout your listening environment, thanks to precise instrument reproduction, positioning, and even depth relative to an expansive soundstage. Thank you so much for purchasing the SSCS5 bookshelf speakers! - Kris
Pros mentioned:
Bass, Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Surprised by the sound.
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I’m not an audio purist but these speakers sound great for a smallish bookshelf speaker. The lows are well defined with no muddling at all. Highs are very crisp. I am playing vintage vinyl and I am seated only about 10 feet from the speakers.
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
Posted .
Hi TonyH, Thank you for the positive review! We're glad you like the great sound quality, defined low, and crisp highs of your Sony SSCS5. Thanks for choosing Sony! -Sam
Pros mentioned:
Price, Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great Speakers, Great Price!
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Really nice speakers for the price. I read the reviews online, but still had my doubts about these at this price point. You're stealing when you get these speakers. Great deal, great sound. Paired with Fluance RT-82 turntable through STR-DH190 receiver
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
Posted .
Hi BigJoeRambler,
Awesome! We're extremely pleased to know about your satisfaction with the reasonable price and amazing performance of your SS-CS5 Bookshelf Speakers, especially when using them with the STR-DH190 Stereo receiver. At first listen, these new Core Series speakers will make your favorite audio tracks unfold throughout your listening environment, thanks to precise instrument reproduction, positioning, and even depth relative to an expansive soundstage.
Thanks so much for your purchase and for choosing Sony!
- Romeo
Pros mentioned:
Ease of use, Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Easy
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Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Very easy to set up and use. Sound is very crisp, no issues at all yet. Just wish they were wireless
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Nice sound and looks at a good price
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I had a surround sound system many years ago. It had speakers in plastic enclosures. Terrible sound. These speakers are in wood (or wood particle) enclosures. And 3-way versus the typical 2-way drivers for most speakers of this size. I bought some speaker stands on Amazon and attached the speakers to them using Gorilla tape so they won't get knocked off. They sound great, but I must admit that as rear speakers, they are mostly being fed "surround sound" rear audio content, which may or may not be full spectrum sound. At least one YouTube reviewer had great things to say about these speakers, so they'd probably work great as front channel speakers, too.
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
Posted .
That's awesome, JosephE! We are thrilled to hear that you've got a great deal on your SS-CS5 Bookshelf Speakers, and that you're satisfied with their amazing performance. Thank you very much for the perfect star review, and for choosing Sony! - Romeo
Pros mentioned:
Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Really nice sound, really nice price!
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Purchased as an open box unit with virtually no defects whatsoever, these speakers have turned out to be the perfect solution to replacing the lackluster sound coming from my TV. Used with a subwoofer, the resulting stereo soundscape now is ideal for my 11 by 12 foot room with sound levels approaching 80dB at a listening distance of 10 feet.
Granted, it took an estimated 20 hours of use for the speakers to really come alive, but I am very pleased with the dramatic improvement to my AV system.
Although there are crossover modifications and insulation upgrades recommended by some reputable audio experts to smooth and better manage the frequency response, I plan to wait for awhile before making an added expense that to my non-audiophile ears may not offer a significantly noticeable enhancement to an already great result!
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
Posted .
Hi dartfever, Awesome! We’re happy to hear how much you’re enjoying your new SS-CS5 Bookshelf Speakers. At first listen, these new Core Series speakers will make your favorite audio tracks unfold throughout your listening environment, thanks to precise instrument reproduction, positioning, and even depth relative to an expansive soundstage. Thanks so much for your purchase! Thanks for choosing Sony! Erin
Pros mentioned:
Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great Value for the Performance pen_spark
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Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
For the price, I think these Sony Core Series speakers offer fantastic value. They've significantly improved my listening experience at home, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for a step up in sound quality without breaking the bank.
Overall, I'm super happy with these Sony bookshelf speakers. They deliver big sound in a compact package, perfect for smaller spaces or those who want a clean and powerful stereo setup.
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
Posted .
Hi FedericoD, nice! We're glad you are happy with your new speakers! Thanks for choosing Sony! ~Earl
Pros mentioned:
Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Used to have “hand me downs.”
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Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
So after owning second hand and hand me downs, I finally decided to let loose of some money and buy a new system. I was originally going to go with Klipsch, but I’m glad I made this choice instead. I enjoy the mids, and highs the speakers produce (The sound fills our space with no problem. We live in a 1400 soft Townhouse). I spent multiple hours with the “burn in”, and there is a great quality of sound that they reproduce.
I purchased four of the towers, a couple bookshelves, and center (I already had a nice subwoofer). I married them up with the Onkyo TX-NR656 (7.2 ch) receiver. As of yesterday I finished off our entertainment area with the Samsung UN65MU8000 television. Everything looks and sounds great!!
I would definitely purchase again, and recommend to a friend.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Price, Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great Value
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Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Good, crisp sound. Good for a small/medium room. Not muffled. Great performance to price ratio. Not big, more placement otpions.
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
Posted .
Hi OfferUp,
Thanks for commenting! We are truly happy to hear your satisfaction with the amazing sound quality, size, reasonable price, and superb performance of your SS-CS5 Bookshelf Speakers. At first listen, these new Core Series speakers will make your favorite audio tracks unfold throughout your listening environment, thanks to precise instrument reproduction, positioning, and even depth relative to an expansive soundstage.
Thanks so much for your purchase and for choosing Sony!
- Romeo
Pros mentioned:
Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
So far so good. A nice upgrade!
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Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
A nice upgrade on the surrounding Lt n Rt chaanels of my 7.1 hometheater sys. Definitely louder lol. Quality sounds great. So far so good!
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
Posted .
Hi FreeSpeech,
Thank you for the purchase! We're glad you like the sound quality of the speakers. At first listen, these new Core Series speakers will make your favorite audio tracks unfold throughout your listening environment, thanks to precise instrument reproduction, positioning, and even depth relative to an expansive soundstage. Thank you for choosing Sony!
Regards, David
Pros mentioned:
Price, Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Awesome Balance in Sound
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Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Purchased these speakers to complete our home theater. They have added great balance and quality sound. A great set of speakers for a reasonable price.