Can $150 Speakers beat a $750 pair? Klipsch RP600M ii vs Sony SSCS5 Cheap vs Not So Cheap Speakers

Sony SSCS5 amzn.to/3R3tThJ
Klipsch RP600M ii howl.me/chrPqkDCcvV
Klipsch RP600M (Vers 1 on sale) amzn.to/3OFYWi1
www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman
Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF
Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt
Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH
amzn.to/3GkNaop
CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K
apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P
massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5
Amazon Unlimited Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9
Amazon Unlimited Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9
Tidal Deal bit.ly/3fQvNkq
www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman
High Res Music Streaming for FREE!!!!
Amazon Music Unlimited Free Trial amzn.to/3fiiMPC
Test Track Playlist:
music.amazon.com/user-playlis...
Satanic Panic Playlist:
music.amazon.com/user-playlis...
Leg Warmers Playlist
music.amazon.com/user-playlis...
cheapaudioman
If you click on this link and sign up for a free trial I will receive a small referral fee.
If you use any of my links to purchase products I will receive a small commission on the sale of that item. Won’t cost you any more to purchase with the link.
Recommended Streamer
WIIM Mini amzn.to/33CL99w
Bluesound Node shop-links.co/cgGiqJ2UFIO
Recommended Speaker List
Around $100 (These prices will fluctuate between $75 - $150)
Sony SSCS5 - Lively amzn.to/3pZNnGk
Pioneer AJ First Gen - Laid Back
Neumi BS5 -Neutral amzn.to/3q0SR3B
Around $200
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ - Crystal Clear and Punchy emotiva.com?aff=9
Elac Debut b5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/2WPNQxw
Wharfedale Diamond 11.2 (In and Out of Stock) - Laid Back/Bassy/Detailed amzn.to/37W8hPA
JBL Stage A130 - Neutral/Great All Arounder at $179 the best value amzn.to/3t7gOHe
Around $400
Klipsch RP600M - Neutral amzn.to/3pBoXCf (This speaker’s price can fluctuate between $440-630 which is really dumb)
Jamo C93ii Bit - Boosted on Top amzn.to/3beIG6F (Can also be found cheaper at Crutchfield)
Q Acoustics 3030i - Neutral with Punch - amzn.to/2OQkpLo
Around $500
SVS Prime bit.ly/2LozJgF
Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 bit.ly/2ZckoD9
Around $600
Elac Uni-Fi UB5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/3s3srPG
Elac Debut Reference - Buttery but Detailed amzn.to/39bt6WC
Polk Reserve R100 - Neutral
Aperion Novus - Neutral and probably the best desktop speaker one can get $599 bit.ly/2Q1H9rW
Aperion Novus Open Box $449 bit.ly/3us8zGx
Wharfedale Diamonds Lush and Detailed amzn.to/3aBAso0 Come as singles
Recommended Amp List
Under $100
Aiyima A07 - Neutral and Full amzn.to/3g9YLNf
Around $130
SMSL AD18 - DAC/Amp Lively on top but solid tone controls amzn.to/3rVZxkN
SMSL SA300 $140 amzn.to/3u83oLs
Around $250
SMSL DA-9 Balanced Amp amzn.to/34SdbLs
Around $400
Emotiva TA-100 - DAC, Phono Stage, Pre Outs - Balanced and Tasty emotiva.com?aff=9
Vista Audio Spark www.vista-audio.com/products.htm
Recommended DACs
FX D01 amzn.to/3d9GY6U
SMSL SU8s amzn.to/2SWTGiw
Denafrips Ares 2 www.denafrips.com/ares
Subs
Emotiva SE8 emotiva.com?aff=9
Emotiva SE12 emotiva.com?aff=9
SVS SB1000 Pro bit.ly/3scmwsc
0:00 Start
1:47 Electronics
3:45 Soundstage and Imaging
4:25 Bass
6:05 Midrange
8:58 Treble
10:45 Final Thoughts

[@cheapaudioman]

Sony SSCS5 amzn.to/3R3tThJ **********Beware of Scammers! Don't reply or contact anyone on Telegram or WhatsApp. It's not me****!!!!!!!!! Klipsch RP600M ii howl.me/chrPqkDCcvV ----------Klipsch RP600M (Vers 1 on sale) amzn.to/3OFYWi1 ================================================www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman ------Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF -----Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt ---Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH ----amzn.to/3GkNaop --CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5

[@jralmon537]

Can sony sscs5 beats Wharefadale diamond 12.2?

[@chebrubin]

What is the amazon bit rate from the macbook to the DAC?

[@peytonsnead3114]

Randy, how can the room have effects on sound when listening in the near field? Seems your tight equilateral would control for that.

[@cheapaudioman]

@@peytonsnead3114 rear wall can still add some room gain. If I had them in the middle of the room then probably not. The reflections aren’t an issue that close

[@peytonsnead3114]

@@cheapaudioman i owe you a hearty thanks for getting me back into the hobby. I took a hiatus for quite a while.

[@EskWIRED]

Keep 'em coming, Randy. You occupy a unique niche and provide huge value to all of us.

[@ernies8828]

I agree. Randy is great!

[@oldguysplaymetal5517]

Love your channel, Randy. I'm a a home recording musician. A producer's job is often to make sure that all listeners can appreciate recorded sound on varied sources. Since we often need a "regular listener" reference, I bought the Sonys to check my mixes on "a regular person" setup. I used a Fosi audio $85 amp. I actually found myself enjoying the recordings in the near field, when monitoring mixes on them. I am still chuckling at how good they sound at low volume and at about 3-5 feet. They were a bit wobbly at 15 feet and beyond, because they suffer from too much of a delta between direct and reflected sound, but they are indeed, IMO, somewhat of a unicorn. Your reviews are unabashedly honest with the caveat that subjectivity cannot be avoided, and I find that useful info!

[@joelcarson4602]

I got the Sony speakers about a year ago on sale. They are in a small to medium sized listening area. They are very good. And coupled with an admittedly mediocre powered subwoofer and an older Kenwood receiver (35 watts at 8 ohms) I am very happy. This combo can reveal deficiencies in the DAC of an older Sony DVD player I use for CD playback.

[@kevinbehnke7149]

Great review Randy. I've actually had 2 pairs of the Sony's over the past few years and never disappointed. Currently have the Klipsch RP-6000F II's. Yes, totally different presentation. Even though they are not the RP-600M II's, their signature follows through on the towers. My personal budget darling is the Neumi BS-5. LOVE that speaker! Also have the Emotiva B1+ which is also fantastic! Happy 4th!

[@brettcase4129]

I’ve had four different pairs of speakers. My first pair was the Sony CSS5. Second was the Klipsch RM 15, a cheap set of Polk from Best Buy and the Kef Q 150. Equipment is Denon PMA 600NE. I still have the Sonys after 3 years as well as the KEFS, the others went back. Spot on review, just wish I’d bought a few more pairs at $73

[@ginom407]

Bravo Randy! Really appreciate your honesty. It really comes down to personal preferences and your preferences are similar to mine on most speakers. Thank you for what you do!

[@MrRamperez01]

Hey Randy, I concur with your assessment. I own both and the main reason I purchased the Mark 2 was for the bass as I have a low powered Cambridge AXA 25. But I unapologetically love my Sony’s and recommend them to anyone who asks my opinion on affordable speakers.

[@juandomingo4634]

Thanks for the review, just picked up the SSCS5s for $123, AIYIMA T8 6N3 Digital Tube Preamplifier for $139, and AIYIMA A07 TPA3255 Power Amplifier for $ 64.99 on amazon. This is my first system and I am attempting to give my digital library (PC) some warmth and personality. Wish me luck and again, Thank you.

[@jacobjohnson4763]

I grabbed a pair of the Sonys at $88 after your first or second review of them. They are amazing but missing a little low end. Grabbed a pair of KLH 12’s at Goodwill. I have $110 in the two sets and paired together, they sound absolutely fantastic. I cannot imagine a better sounding setup and get giddy every time I listen to them.

[@PAINFOOL13]

Got the Sony,s 2 yrs back for $77 amazon open box . Run them with a hybrid tube amp and a 8 inch front firing sub Warmth n clarity ✨️ Good stuff because you Mr Randy recommended them 👍🏻 👌

[@luismanuelcardoso9889]

Hey Randy, you've read my mind! I was so intrigued about how this two models compare, just a day ago! Thank you very much

[@brianchristopher4666]

I love my SSCS5's! greatest $88 purchase I ever made!! The key is not only setup (small room/near a boundary/crossed over 80hz -definitely for HT!)) but definitely amp matching! The smooth Harman Kardon receiver I use is simply wonderful with em. however, for rock and placed behind a trasparent projection screen in medium or larger room??? ..yeah the Klipsch .for sure

[@Sam_Saraguy]

Just yesterday I replaced my front main (Klipsch Synergy) speakers with Sony SSCS5s, which I picked up for $100 as "like new" (they were) from Amazon. I couldn't be happier with the change. The Sony speakers broke in quickly, and started to sound very good indeed after only a couple of hours worth of music. I'm running them in "small speaker" mode off my Yamaha AV receiver, with an 80 Hz cutoff, and filling in the lower bass with a 12" Klipsch subwoofer. They sound amazing. I'm seriously considering another pair to replace the surround speakers, which double as monitors for my digital piano. These are seriously good speakers at the $100 price point. (note that Prime Days are coming right up on the 12th & 13th of this month.)

[@austin51280]

Your love for the SSCS5 has single handly made me buy them 😂 just getting started with home audio experience but they were 66 on Amazon the other day so snagged them. Looking forward to the journey

[@samsquanch7943]

Hoping to find a pair under 100 this BF myself

[@EsotericArctos]

I've seen a couple of reviews that paise the Sony SSCS5's. It's really amazing that such an economical speaker can out perform a more expensive speaker on so many levels.

[@welderfixer]

Randy, I am so jealous of the gear you powered this review with. One hell of a set-up! That must have been so much fun. Awesome! Have a great 4th of July.

[@stevenmcgrath1603]

Randy, you are absolutely correct, the Sony's have more clarity and detail than anything else in the price range and about $300.00 additional. I have 2 pair and have begun going back thru all of my music enjoying all that that was covered up and there was a lot. Keep up the great work!!!

[@toddwalker4301]

I'm like you....I want to hear the fingers sliding along the frets, the China cymbal 's dark ring, the fuzz in the tone of a jazz saxophonist. It makes the music live. Detail is everything to me. I was very happy to go with the Sony speakers. As a retired band teacher, I love that stuff!!

[@powerguymark]

I resubscribe to your channel because of this video today. I think you're a nice guy and you don't claim to be an expert, but this video reminded me of why I started watching your channel in the first place. You gave an honest heads up review without straying off topic too far.

[@Fingerprintguy]

Ordered a pair of the SSCS5s, a Mission 10" sub and an Aiyima D03. Blown away by the sound. Clear, full and can crank way louder than I like to listen. Makes movies boom like they should. Thanks Randy for pointing me in the right direction.

[@prestonf1047]

Another great video. I have the Sony SSCS5 in my bedroom with a Pioneer Receiver and the 1st Gen RP-600M in my listening room with a Denon receiver. I find myself preferring to listen to music in my bed room. I have switched rooms and receivers to see if that was the difference but I have determined the Sonys just sound better overall. The main difference is how loud I am listening. If I am really cranking it, usually with some alcohol influence, the Klipsch hold together better and punch harder but IMO at lower levels the Sonys definitely sound better.

[@pbaker7160]

It's the size and acoustics of the rooms. Try the Klipsch in your bedroom and the Sonys in the listening room.

[@cardboardorigami]

I got a pair from Amazon warehouse for $55. original package was damaged so they repacked them!! Not a bad deal, and I love ‘em.

[@marcuslikespie]

Excited to see an RP-500m ii review!

[@mikegallagher2732]

Randy your opinions and Honesty are PRICELESS...THANK YOU !!!

[@antiguy1994]

I got the sony while ago and I was shocked how many things I heard that I have never heard compared to my Sennheiser Over Ear Headphones. Really glad I got them as per your recommendation.

[@AmericanConstellation]

I have a lot of speakers. I bought those Sony's for 80 bucks from Amazon. I just can't believe how well the Sony's sound. I love em. I do rotate my speakers out for a change. I've got the Klipsch and the Elac speakers as well.

[@BDawgStudio]

Ive recommended the Sonys to so many people that love clear sound but are not audiophiles. Those Sonys with a sub are perfect for most of the people happy with the home theater type of sound. I run in both circles and just my 2 cents when compared to my Infinity Kappas or PSB Stratus 2 channel set up is where the Sonys can't compete is in how natural it sounds. Also the Sony's have a resonance which is quite audible if you are used to more expensive speakers but not super noticeable. Is it worth the extra price... Not to 90 % of the population I'm guessing... The Sony's pack real value and the imaging is crazy.

[@sightofsound9899]

Hey Randy I took your advice got the Sonys and the Aiyima T9 amp added some ge tubes, put on an sacd and was blown away. the sound is stellar. Thanks for all the great reviews

[@jim010109]

I think you hit on the root of the channel. Affordable gear can sound good. A person doesn't have to spend thousands of dollars to enjoy thier music or movies. I have friends that make really good money, they don't want to spend thousands for gear, they want something they can enjoy, and something that's easy to use. I think it's great when you and Drako put together systems that don't break the bank but get the job done. That's why this is my go to channel for Audio gear.

[@edverbeek6292]

The King of CheapAudio did it again! You rock!

[@ernies8828]

Hi Randy. Another great video, and more of why I bought, and love the Sony speakers! I left a detailed comment on your comparison speakers under $300. Excellent speakers by Sony, and a great price!

[@gage4375]

Hooked the Sony's to the sony1080 receiver and was amazed at the bass and clarity

[@weirdfishes9961]

I've been a fan of this channel for well over a year now and I think this is the best review he has ever done. It's brutally honest. The genuine conflict in his voice and demeanor is as great an indication of his sincerity as I've ever heard. I am not in market for new gear, but I am now keeping my eye on the SSCS5, because I'm going to pull the trigger on them as soon as the price comes down.

[@Eron55555]

Do it. I still can't quite find the right replacement for the Sony's in my 2 channel stereo room.

[@weirdfishes9961]

@@Eron55555 My dailies are Dynaudio Special 40s, so they’re in no danger of being immediately replaced. My thinking is that I would use them as my A+B speakers with my new Fosi V3, which I love. So, you know, we’ll see what happens. Though the Sony’s are starting to seem overpriced for what is an older, if excellent, speaker.

[@lgude]

I like detail too. I use exciter driven polystyrene panels with a sub for just that reason - from Scruggs to chamber music. 👻 I’d certainly consider the Sonys based on this review. Thanks.

[@petetalbert]

I tried both the SSCS5 and the original RP-600Ms to go with my vintage Yamaha receiver. I learned later that Yamaha + Klipsch is not a great combo (really shouty and fatiguing), but I am in complete agreement here: the SSCS5s just sounded better! I ended up selling the SSCS5s to the father-in-law, returned the Klipsch, and got the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52s instead. I'm absolutely in love with the ELACs, but the lesson is the same: SSCS5 > RP-600M. Glad to see my subjective listening experience validated--thanks, Randy!

[@lionelpatterson1436]

If you were listening to dance techno pop stuff in a big room for a party or want to listen to guitars and stuff that's different genre they make a difference... recording formats like six or seven of those it's hard to get it dialed in but it's fun

[@billywindsock9597]

It would be interesting to see if your findings would be the same if you listened in a wider, say 2m triangle, more space for better bass. The 600's may need a bit more space to do their best thing. I like the wobbly Sony table . . . a lot.

[@mcethos8678]

Hi Randy. Just bought a pair of SSCS5's . I'm taking your advice and watched many of your videos on them. I have taken the plunge. Should receive them a week from now. Can't wait to hear them.

[@LemonySnicket-EUC]

How are they ?

[@mikeedwards752]

I respect your opinion on these speakers I have these Klipsch setup in a 15 x 15 foot room with a full 7.2 setup and have tried multiple different types of speakers and have not found a better sounding stage as I did with these Klipsch great for music even better for home theater but I respect your input and opinion on these bud

[@bigharm1204]

I've had the RP-600m for a while love them. I picked up the Sonys last week brand new for $65 shipped. I was going to get the new 600m's but grabbed a pair of Rp-8000f on a super deal instead. Brand New for less than new 600m's!

[@erics.4113]

Those 8000 are monsters. If you have the space for them I bet they sing. I picked up their older version rp280f on a crazy sale a few months ago, new for something like $800 for the pair! I've only run them a handful of times. They are a bit much in my small listening room but I'm holding onto them because I love em 🤣

[@larrygaines7462]

Thank you for convincing Laura to go listen to the k, the s and a few more brands. Sticker shock, brought cash , and two suvs to haul system. The 2120 does the 92 db efficiency, great match I knew what she liked sound wise..

[@great100m]

Great comparison. I listen/watch about 6 audio review sites but typically turn on CAM YT first just because of this type of review. Looking forward to the 600-I vs 600-II review since others have gushed about the improvement but, in this case, you have already compared the II with a cheaper product and it came up lacking a bit (esp for the $$).

[@JWickyJr13]

When i bought my cs5's (and the rest of the set for that matter) i got the cs5's for 68 per pair, sub for 100, heights for 70 and center for around 90. Insane deal and these speakers are still treating me well.

[@hoot2416]

I just bought the SSCS5 to finish up my 2.0 system dedicated to music. Believe the hype. They are excellent speakers. The speakers I was using before were Klipsch RP-41s so I don't have high end speakers to compare them to but I am definitely hearing things I didn't in the Klipsch. I got them on Amazon for $123. At this point I don't feel like I need anything better or a subwoofer. Listening to the last movement from Beethoven's 5th symphony and the Berlin Philharmonic has never sounded better or so epic. Thanks Randy! My system: Yamaha RX V385 Cambridge Audio AXC-35 CD player.

[@jimllfaxit]

Just dug out my b&w dm 601 s2 bookshelves and put them on their side on top of my klipsch 280 floorstanders. Using with a sub. Jeez, more tighter, hummy bass from the b&w's. First thing I had to do was turn down the sub. The midrange is more warmer and natural with more depth and the high's perfect on the b&w's. The over all clarity is nicer on the b&w and they don't have that crazy scoop in the midrange. Put the b&w's in storage years ago but now I want to play all my cd's again. I know b&w 's can get some dislike but man, really enjoying them compared to the klipsch. The klipsch make nice stands too.

[@taoresonance3144]

My Summer rig is the Sony SS CS5 paired with the Aiyima T9 - great sound, great price! Thanks for the recommendation.

[@skeet5150]

I have the same setup, amazing sound and detail even at low volume!!!

[@actuaryphil]

Same here! Also a $40 sony dac player feeding the coax input of the aiyima to play cds.

[@gphalen92]

It may have something to do with my smallish room and close proximity to the wall or something, but I just got the SSCS5 along with Fluance Signature Series bookshelfs and I really wasn't feeling the Sonys that much because of a bit of boomy bass that was distracting. I felt like there was a pretty obvious improvement with the Fluance in terms of accurate/deep bass. I'm going to hook up the Sonys again and make sure I can compare both pairs after they're properly broken in though. Last decent stereo I had was a few years back and I had EPI M50s, definitely feeling like I need to get those repaired after hearing both of these new speakers so far.

[@donalddeorio2237]

Bought a pair used for $75 to use in my desktop system with a Fossi audio amp and Yiaema dac headphone amp and they sound great. Better than the Polk r15 i was using

[@bengleason508]

It would be great to see more SSCS5 comparisons to more expensive speakers. Thank you Randy.

[@cheapaudioman]

I think I’m going to do just that

[@mauriciojimenez8518]

Thank you, I bought theses Sony SScs5 and I think they are great, sounds amazing, I use a vintage deck technics as an amplifier and make a great set up

[@mauriciojimenez8518]

I got a question, now what, what could be great to mix with these, a subwoofer, what reference do you recommend?

[@Tearial311]

I loved the switch from Klipsch to Elac

[@MrRamperez01]

I have them both. Love my Sony’s. Bought 2 pairs at less than $100. Using them with class D Fosi Audio amps. But I stepped up to the klipsch and paired them with a Cambridge Audio AXR100. Best of both worlds.

[@BobFonseca]

After watching this vid I put my Sonys back in service as my music mains (w/Pro-Ject X-1, Moonstone cart, Mac MA252, Elac 3010 sub). Last night I listened to Clapton Unplugged (2012 Bellman@Grundman cut) on my Fortes. Nice as you could imagine. Swapped in Sony’s tonight, same album, yes some more detail! More 3-d and immersive in some ways. Wider. Played nice with sub. Then I threw Kenny Durham Matador (Impex) at them. Trumpet sound is amazing and I can hear the breaths. I can hear the room. And somehow I’m hearing less record surface noise. How can this be? It’s 1 am and I don’t want to turn them off. Forte IV’s forever, but Sony’s make me smile like I’m cheating on my taxes! My CS5 story: Bought on CAM recommendation. $80 dollars @ BB minus $50 in reward zone= net $30. Wish they had magnetic grilles. Randy, do you prefer grilles on or off?

[@vincejones4247]

I got the Sonys absolutely love them perfect for me I don’t listen really loud enjoy them great sound

[@pmleclair63]

Understated in so many ways. Pair them up with a subwoofer and humble most comers in this category of speakers at much much higher price points. Not sure how SONY pulled this off, but they certainly did in a big way.

[@hifipi3.14]

Bought the Sonys a while back for $88 as a birthday present for a friend who was naive to audio. Of course I had to break them in first as it was a few weeks before his birthday and I really enjoyed them. I have way better gear now and would love to hear them in my space now, maybe they’ll hit $88 again. Anyways, opened my friends eyes to better audio and he’s since added a sub so he’s coming along. At least I get to visit the Sonys fairly often.

[@Joldrath]

Finally an honest audiophile channel on youtube. Thank you ❤

[@chrisb5986]

Thank you for the weekly justification for my SSCS5 purchase.

[@Joldrath]

Thank you for being honest. Keep em coming please ❤

[@medd3412]

You are right, the sensitivity of the klipsch is 86dB @ 2.83v/1m, despite Klipsch rating this speaker at 94.5dB

[@philm6674]

Those Sonys are super sweet. Some kind of mysterious magic applied to those little box boxes.

[@francescotenti193]

I think that most people buying these speakers would use them as a 2 channel system, vinyl, CD's, streaming... but not placed just 3 feet apart and listening from only 3 feet away. I do have the RP600M in my modest vinyl and CD setup, they are placed 9' apart and my comfy chair 14' away. I keep the grills on and minimal toe in and 1' away from the wall. After months of being unhappy with them "something happened" and now they sound really good and the best sound I get is with well recorded jazz albums and less with rock, go figure! Power comes from an SX550.

[@Daminlk]

you got used to the sound signature, I rotate a couple of speakers/amps due to this reason

[@francescotenti193]

@@Daminlk Could be, but I went from being totally disappointed but being too lazy to send them back, to really liking them. Power will now come from an SX780 that I just got back from servicing. Yes, I am totally hooked to the old stuff!

[@JohnSmith-fy1hr]

Hi cheapaudioman love your show, I watch it most every day. A few words about this review. While I do admit to being a Klipsch fanboy, my fanaticism is actually limited to the heritage line, so I don't get but-hurt over their newer line failing to take top honors in a review. Having said this, you did say that the Sony loses its advantage when turned up and listened to at normal distances. Seems to me therefore that the review was a little unfair because most people who listen at 1 meter will be at their desk and will wind up buying small computer speakers anyway. But I do see the Sonys as being ideal for a large desk. Thoughts?

[@jeffreyallison771]

I picked up a pair of the Sony’s not long ago list was $113 on Amazon I had some points so I got them for under $50. I run them in my garage on an old Harmon Kardon integrated amplifier I got in 1983. I have an iFi Blue connected to the aux input and I use a Galaxy 7 tablet to run Apple Music. I can’t turn the volume past 9 o’clock without getting complaints from people in the house or requests from the kids in pool next door (when the door is open).

[@Casey.S.]

Erin's Audio Corner on YT has measured way lower db efficiency on a few klipsch speakers now, compared to klipsch's own specs.

[@erics.4113]

I don't *think* there is a standard for measuring efficiency so manufacturers can do things differently than the typical 1w @ 1meter that most expect. If I recall correctly, this is what Klipsch was doing. Not an outright lie, just a different way of measuring.

[@SacreDro]

Klipsch are crap for what they offer.

[@Jon-nz3dm]

@@erics.4113 Manufacturers can do whatever they want, but it hurts us, the consumer, if they don't follow standards. So we should be advocating they follow standards so we get TRUTH with no grey area. Klipsch is a HUGE company with plenty of money to do everything the right way. They are one of the biggest speaker manufacturers for regular people that don't know anything about the specs or how they're gathered, so the Klipsch specs will always look better on paper. It's misleading, pure and simple. The FR numbers are also from in-room response, so the stated bass extension is always better than other manufacturers. Point is, they have plenty of money to buy a Klippel NFS or even build a state of the art anechoic chamber(hell, they probably already have one) but they choose not to. Instead they mislead unsuspecting consumers for more sales.

[@alextsibanoulis122]

about your experiment to find out the efficiency on 12:05 .... on the same level on your amplifier you must test the exact same impedance value speaker. if a speaker is rated at 6ohm (sony) and the other at 8ohm (klipsch) then at the same volume level the amplifier would push more current to the 6ohm speaker than that on the 8ohm speaker.That means that the power provided at the 6ohm speaker will be significantly increased compared to the power provided to the 8ohm speaker at the same volume level. (A lot people seem to be missing that information) So to make an example if you connect a 32 ohm speaker maybe you will have to raise your volume all the way up to the max in order to pass some current to the speakers and make them play sound.

[@jcoffman9518]

Great review. This is why I'm a patron.

[@daveandreahoward8203]

Through the Sonys, Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams." An acoustic guitar appears in the chorus. It shimmers. I've heard the song a ka billion times and never heard that acoustic guitar radiate like that.

[@cardboardorigami]

I’ve noticed new things too, especially with apple lossless and spatial!

[@edverbeek6292]

You are the Honest Cheapaudioman.

[@RobertSpiller]

I have the 2 Sony's SSCS5 and a Sony Sub (did I spell that wrong..and they sound so awesome. I running it with a Fosi Audio BT30D. I use the near field setting...On my couch, I can reach out and touch the speakers....the Sub is up about 3 feet, and it all sits right up to me...and again they so awesome. I'll prefer the Sony's over the Klipsch and it's not even close. For my ears, Kli;psch, the only Klipsch I like are the ones that cost over $15,000 a piece and that is out of the question. The K's tweeter hurts my ears. The Sub, the speakers are the way to go, especially if you're looking for a beginner or just a great sounding system, you can't go wrong with this set up...especially if you take these in the near field system set up.. Next year, I'll get a great 5.1 home theater.

[@lifelongfan07]

I need a home Bluetooth that I can connect to my phone. This article comes out right in time. I will seriously consider the Sony. TY!

[@rock_and_coffee]

Finally a speaker recommended by Randy that’s available!

[@sweetsansui2829]

Great review. Your speaker sensitivity comparison raised a few questions for me. Are the specs provided by manufacturers worthy of reference? And are the so claimed "high sensitive" speakers more suitable to the tube amps a fact or myth? Would you prefer matching tube amps with Sony or Klipsch?

[@ChihuAudioMan]

Klipsch rates sensitivity with room gain, whereas most manufacturers rate it anechoic. The Klipsch speakers should be 85ish anechoic according to other review measurements.

[@davideberhardt1361]

ahhhhhh no wonder their sensitivity is always so much different

[@theothercasper]

Not quite that bad. Reviews on Soundstage, Audioholics, and Stereophile are pretty consistent: Klipsch speakers rated in the upper 90s will measure in the low 90s. The spec-vs-reality falloff applies to their Reference and Heritage models.

[@great100m]

@@theothercasper Yep, since Klipsch refuses to use industry standards for their specs I tend not to consider their products

[@ericspalacio]

Heads UP, the Polk R200 bookshelf speakers just went down to 699 $ on Amazon, From what I have been hearing for the pass 5 months is these are the speakers of the year. I think the M600 2 are very good but 300 $ over priced compared to what the R200 Polk's can deliver. I also do think R200 vs m600 2 would be an awesome review.

[@rael2099]

I also prefer detail in the mid and high ranges to listen to rock, jazz, classical music as long as they don't pierce my ears or don't sound nasal, although I crave for zero distortion at higher volumes so I'm in a dilemma with both speakers because I'm deciding between the two. Is there a speaker that sounds like the Sony but has a better freq response at higher volumes, also near the price range?

[@Mejorcanal]

I’ve got some towers I designed that have 2 6.5” woofers and single silk dome in each cabinet .That I believe would rival/beat most of the crazy priced towers that you used to show. I’d be willing to send them in for you to check out , but you said about a month ago (I believe) you don’t intend on reviewing any more towers any time soon. If you would want to check them out by chance , let me know.👍🏼

[@shipsahoy1793]

You know you bring up a good point in this video. I could compare two sets of speakers with a specific recording and say that one set of speakers is a clear winner over the other, and I could choose a completely different recording and come to the opposite conclusion; irrespective of your sound signature preferences, there probably isn’t one speaker system that you will always think sounds good, regardless of what type of music recording you’re listening to, which is why equalization is always a good idea to have at your disposal instead of just bass and treble controls, although it’s difficult get the different speakers to sound the same even with the EQ, bc they are distinctly different physical animals with distinct voicing, just like people. You are always making compromises with Audio even in terms of where you put your speakers, where you listen to them, what you drive them with, etc. The list goes on … not just the beat 🤣

[@shipsahoy1793]

@@Simplyveej I put the commas in there, what are you, a challenged reader? 🤣 .. You probably just didn’t like what I said, that’s usually where sarcasm comes from.

[@joshdeakins1775]

I would disagree that the Sony's fall apart in a bigger room or at high volume. I will say they need a good eq adjustment to truly shine at higher levels. i think they do better pulled a few feet off the wall as well, if you have a sub. I've had my sonys for about 3yrs now, running them as front channels on a older Yamaha 5.1 receiver. Rated 6ohm at100 watt. This isn't to bad but I bought a Behringer 15 band powered eq 1yr ago to add to my setup ❤️ best addition to my setup ever!! I can really dial in the Sony's and make them extraordinary! I can also dial this weak Yamaha sub in better with the Behringer eq and together I have a very cheap but amazing system 😀.

[@firebladeclements]

Randy you can't use horns for near field man. Unless you use the new syth backstop!

[@tbear2327]

Hi Randy. I have been a subscriber of your channel for quite a while now and I must admit that I have never commented. Still, I enjoy your videos, even though my electronics are quite a bit more expensive than many of the items which you review. Still, I was rather interested in this little shoot out between the SSCS5 and the RP600M ii. I've owned the Sonys for about a year now. My main speakers are the amazing Q Acoustic Concept 500s. My other equipment is a mixture of Naim (streaming DAC and Uniti Atom), Rega Planar P6, Nagoaka MP500, Audiozen Embrace (amazing integrated), and the amazing Willsenton R8 and R800i tube integrated amplifiers (both using NOS tubes). Subwoofer-wise, the REL T/7i and and SVS 3000 Micro. High quality mixture of interconnects too. Anyway, to the point of this comment. Just for fun I purchased the Sony SSCS5s. Simply because they were so cheap. Right now I have the Naim streaming DAC as the front end with the Willsenton R8 and the Sonys coupled with the REL subwoofer. The sound is truly amazing, although I have noticed for best effect, the Sonys need to be rolled off at around 80Hz. The REL then takes over. Anyway, the sound is so good, that I see no reason to use more expensive bookshelf speakers. Fabulous upper bass, midrange and top end. The Sonys are a definite steal and I would recommend them to anyone who is on a strict budget. BTW, I have heard the RP600 IIs and personally, I didn't like them. They are simply not "acccurate" enough for my taste. So are the Sonys a "unicorn" loudspeaker? Absolutely! They are proper little gems! In my main listening room I currently have a second Naim streaming DAC, the Audiozen Embace and the Concept 500s. Ok, truth be that my main system is better, but the Sonys are much closer in quality of sound than they have any right to be. In fact I had the Focal Chora 806s and sold then because the Sonys were sonically better IMHO. Keep up the great work Randy. :)

[@vinylordie1301]

HERE FOR IT!!!

[@vinylordie1301]

With the Sonys you need a good sub pairing. But I’m always happy to hear good things about my Sonys lol

[@peterphan227]

I have the Sonys. I think they are great. Of course, there's always the itch to "upgrade" to something better. But I think I'll get a bigger benefit from Dirac room correction rather than buying a more expensive speaker. It's not all about the speakers or components, it's also about the room.

[@tidsbids6199]

Even after you do Dirac, I think the itch you have to upgrade will still be there :D

[@peterphan227]

@@tidsbids6199 I try to stay disciplined. Plus, I think we're entering the age of advanced DSP/room correction where the very minor differences that component changes offer will be eclipsed by the changes, tweaks and improvements that DSP offers. As you can tell, I'm not a purist. I just care about the sound that hits my ears.

[@rakitakhan]

Klipsch makes an "exciting" speaker. However, if you want detail in all aspects of music, Klipsch isn't it. Typically Klipsch bass is sloppy and the high end is overly bright and, as you said, they can sound nasally. Horns color sound. Period. When I was dealing in audio, people would come in wanting Klipsch because someone told them they were the best. I'd get the same thing with Bose. I'd let the customer pick the music and I'd A/B Klipsch speakers against others about the same price or less. Very few bought Klipsch after the side by side comparison. I never sold a Bose system doing this. There are far better speakers for music but Klipsch is great for home theater. I always say "everyone hears differently and has different tastes" but I was right with most people. Love the show amigo !

[@shipsahoy1793]

😎Good stuff, Ron.👍

[@Bradimus1]

Nice, I read your comment after making mine and see the same thoughts.

[@jameshastings6538]

What speaker would you recommend then? Right now on my list is Klipsch, RSL, and ELAC. I’m new to surround sound speaker and I’m trying to build a 5.1 system.

[@veeclash4157]

I own both the Sony and the klipsch 600m gen I. I can see where the Sony has the edge in crispness, but once you add a woofer, the smaller sound of the Sonys become a problem because they are nowhere close to matching the punch your woofer gives making the sound uneven and unmatched, which is why I switched to the Klipsch. I have a 1000 watt SVS pro woofer and the Sonys just sound like tin cans in comparison. Klipsch 600m fills up the whole room at all volumes, matches the bigger sound of the woofer, and performs excellent for both movies and music.

[@Feliciano12v]

I also preferred my SonyCS5 speakers over the RP500M. V1 They sounded fuller unlike the RP 500M.

[@thornwithin6195]

Wow great review Randy. I just love hearing reviews and dreaming about speakers! Well it sounds like who ever did the Sony's needs a raise...I wonder if you have or would do a indepth video on what makes the Sony speaker magical? Is it the housing or the parts used...combo of both?!? Happy 4th of July from Canada 🇨🇦.

[@patrickimel3075]

I got these sunnies and they are awesome thanks so much

[@mikegallagher2732]

Have my Coffee Randy.....THANKS AGAIN from a Klipsch Fanatic !!!!! BUT $750 for the MK II's tho ??? NO WAY..

[@fletchermunson6225]

Other folks have questioned the efficiency ratings of Klipsch stand mount speakers.

[@daviddoan8076]

Excellent review. Thank you! Off topic but what watch are you wearing? It looks cools.

[@AncientMysteriesAndInnovations]

I know this was a year ago, but are these Sonys good for the rear two speakers in a 7.1 setup?

[@patrickimel3075]

This was exactly the review that I wanted to hear this is exactly what I didn't want was bass going to run me down and you explained both very well anywho maybe find a speaker that goes well with the STR-DH190 Sony. That's what I have anyway I found those Sonys for only 123.00. I like that you said that there is no best speaker have a good one

[@toddcroteau1144]

Love the channel, lots of good stuff here! it has opened my eyes to a whole lot of fun equipment! That being said. What equipment did you use for your evaluation? How were the speakers mounted? My experience with both speakers in my office system using a Mystere tube integrated tells a different story. Mounted on mass loaded stands of the appropriate height for both speakers, ( I have three sets of older Target lead and sand filled stands, 22" , 24" and 26" respectively) I used 24" stands for Klipsch and 26" for the Sony. The Sony's were very nice, detailed and smooth. Both sets of speakers need to be placed off axis or they will be too bright. Also front wall placement is critical, placed too close to the front wall the bass will be boomy. The Klipsch when placed correctly outperform the Sony's by a country mile. More dynamic with better imaging, much more like a high end speaker. The Sony's when placed correctly sound great too, just not as dynamic and bass shy (as to be expected). Either way they are both winners at their price point. Both the Sony and Klipsch scale well when used with high end gear (I used speaker cables that cost more than both sets of speakers combined). Both sound better with Tube amps as well. A little more information on the associated equipment would be very helpful to making purchase decisions. Heading to the living room with a cup of coffee to do some listening now, thanks!

[@johnloper5740]

i love my sony's own 4 pair! however the towers for some reason dont have the same magic but the bookshelves are awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@asan1050]

Thanks!

[@glenncurry3041]

For some reason I think you might find Jethro Tull's "Sossity; You’re a Woman" as an incredible reference tune. Intense acoustic guitar and vocal with an exceptional sound field that will pin you against the wall.

[@donalddeorio2237]

Just so you know they scale up pretty well, I hooked my Sony's up to my Marantz pre-amp and Carver amplifier 125 watts/channel and they sounded very good.

[@peytonsnead3114]

Would the crossover replacement on the Sonys help with breakup at higher volume or is the breakup a problem inherent in the drivers?