Sony SSCS5 Core Bookshelf Speaker Initial Impressions - Stupid good

My initial impressions of this astonishingly good $120 speaker.
Sony SSCS5 Core Bookshelf Speaker amzn.to/32wQdbY

[@yanrad]

I have a pair and compared them to my original LS50s. The Sony's have more air on top, dig deeper in the bass and are more balanced. It's been a few months and I'm still in shock.

[@cnnlive10]

I hooked these up on a pretty good stereo system one night without a sub, well out into the room about 3 feet away from the back wall. They were brilliant! They throw a soundstage as good as any speaker that I have had in my room. Looking at them, I didn't expect that. Great review!!!!

[@RobertHartmannJnr]

Back to $73 again today on Amazon. Thanks!

[@jdpenterprises1]

$73 now at Amazon and the 10" sub is $98. I just ordered both for a garage or RV setup. Love the channel, keep up the good work.

[@gzo313]

Great recommendation on these speakers. I was previously happy with my EU MegaBoom 3 BT speaker and then I saw your video. For basically the same price I purchased a set of these speakers ($75 at Beest Buy) and a small BT amp and good lord what amazing sound that I was missing out on. Awesome, awesome stuff.

[@summer20105707]

I bought a pair of these and I love them on my vintage 70s receiver. They sound really sharp, clear and have a powerful base. Instruments like cellos really sound good on these Sony speakers. Listening to a tape of Sinatra the other night and it almost sounded like he was in the room with me.

[@magichand72]

Pulled the trigger 8 weeks ago....Added them to a recent purchase of a 20 year old Yamaha 2095 surround receiver ($120) paid $98 at ABT....paired them with KEF-140's (Thrift shop $50) They shine holding their own with KEFs 8'" dual woofers...filling the room with bright highs and decent base...thanks Randy for reviewing and encouraging us to find these hidden gems

[@JoeSee]

LOVE your reviews! Love the attitude, comedy and down-to-earth opinion. Look forward to your future reviews! That said, I've been looking for a replacement set of bookshelf speakers for my old Klipsch R15-M (not the newer 51's) and stumbled across these in Best Buy. I used to own a pair of Sony bookshelf speakers and they were about the bottom of the line you could get, I didn't have high expectations. Then I saw them half off at $75 and I was intrigued. Anyway, I stopped by my local store, picked a pair up around 4pm. Came home, grabbed a cup of coffee (lies, I think it was a can of Guinness) and found myself listening to these until well after midnight. I've paired them to my old Marantz NR-1403 receiver, only using an AAC Bluetooth receiver with an optical interface into the Marantz, which is far from hi res at 256k, but man.. these speakers absolutely shine! Absolutely stunned at the imaging of these speakers for the price! A/B'ing next to the Klipsch they aren't even on the same level. Everything about your review is right. Klipsch's horns produce better female vocals. The bass is more muddy on the R15's. The Sony's are very precise feeling on the lower end albeit more muted. Listening to songs I've heard so many times over, listening to them on these felt like I was hearing them for the first time. 3:29: "flippin' ridiculously good" is SPOT on! Moving over to my little Dayton Audio Class D amp in fact did warm up the sound. There was a song in particular by a really odd group Skygge (One Note Samba) that I listened to and I had chills on my arms because for a strange second in the beginning I thought there was someone behind me and it was just part of the track I had not heard before. Impressive. I have three main listening areas of my house and all are fitted with Klipsch systems because that's what is easily available to me. In the near future I plan on watching plenty more of your reviews and deciding on what I will be upgrading with. Keep up the great work!

[@cheapaudioman]

Love it. Thanks so much for getting involved in here.

[@andyweis5194]

I got 2 pair. TOTALLY worth it, especially when you see what's available at that price point AND how much you would have to pay for comparable speakers. Excellent review.

[@leesmith124]

Randy, I have 'older ears' with tinnitus. I retired old JBL 2800s which were muddy, and as you would say, extremely 'shouty'. The Sony SSCS5s are a spectacular value, and music to my ears :). Your impressions are dead nuts on. I auditioned the Neumi BS5s, and they were good, but sounded very linear. Returned. The Sonys are fun and lively. My life is now a smidge better because of you. Thank you! Keep up your great work!

[@sebsefyu]

Awesome channel man. I was going to buy Klipsch BP-200 and just purchased those Sony SSC5S from B.B. Thanks man.

[@ecohangout4481]

i love your videos so much youre like z reviews but civilized and refined

[@Hatebreeder716]

Nice review. You should keep this up and do more videos

[@TyrantTitan.]

Used to have a pair of Polk Monitor 40s a while back and don't remember them sounding as good as these little Sony's. Amazing value!

[@LD-ei8cj]

Thank's so much for your excellent content. Your evaluations of these speakers compared to the Sony towers really helped me in my buying decision, I'm going to run four of these out front on my Sony amp two channel instead of the Sony towers. Thank's for the great content, your my audio guy. I love honest content, great job.❤😊

[@diyenthu2844]

really really hope you a 100k soon! Your reviews are legit, like I'd do. No marketing bs. Please keep this honest streak! Can you comment on the mounting options for the Sony's? Don't see any way to mount on a wall...

[@carlosrobles4957]

Great Review!!! Have heard really good comments about the Sony's! I would definitely go for them 😃

[@johnrudolph513]

Ha ha I bought these speakers a few years ago after a recommendation from a kid at Best Buy. I was looking at Klipsch because of the name, I'm no audiophile. I used them on my Denon amp that wasn't set up right and I thought they were good. After a friend finally pointed out that my speaker placement and amp were all wrong, now they sound crazy good. I added a sub and I'm so glad I have them.

[@cheapaudioman]

They’re something special for their price point

[@mihaipopa9414]

Super video, thanks!

[@scheetmcborsten7977]

Just bought these and thought I'd end up returning them. No way would I be satisfied with speakers that cheap, but I love them, and paired with a sub they're perfect.

[@ricobonifacio1095]

I think I might buy these after watching this. Thanks!

[@rgreeneish]

Wow these are nice. I bought a pair after watching some of your videos. I just use them on a 2ch tube amp for my TV speakers and Bluetooth streaming. I don't even think I need a sub with them. I may add one anyway, but they sound great on their own.

[@TheManInTheRing]

just bought my first home audio system, STR-DB840 receiver, SS-MF415 speakers, came with similar year entertainment surround sound, subwoofer, center and sides. paid 100. feel like a kid in a candy store at this moment.. I love it

[@brianbuckley7770]

Randy is lost for words with the Sony Speaker 🔈 I believe Sony is the winner once again lol The sound must be beast lol.... Randy your doing a great job 👏 keep doing what you’re doing.....

[@pedrofernandez8729]

Just got these at Best Buy and they match perfectly with my vintage Marantz.

[@kennethward4985]

Sony can make some truly great speakers when they try to. I got my Sony SSK-30ED huge bookshelf speakers on CC clearance about 15 years ago, still the very best I have heard. If you see them in a thrift store or Ebay do not hesitate buying. They started out at $329. and were just too much in 2005 for most big box store buyers, so I waited for clearance at $150. Best buy ever.

[@iddscoper]

On sale at Amazon now (11/2/21) for $83 - got mine today, they are wonderfully airy without being harsh in the highs. Mids are great, bass a little light, so add a sub. Amazing!

[@bencarignan2711]

I just grabbed a pair of these for $88 and the matching 10" sub for $113! Crazy value.

[@yoster77]

It's INSANE to watch this and hear Randy say he only has 68 subs. Such progress in only a few years!!!

[@cheapaudioman]

Ha! Man. I remember that like it was yesterday. Tomorrows vid comes almost full circle

[@peterfernandezjr5914]

I did an A B comparison with my old BIC floor models from the 90's and these blow them out of the water, incredible how much more speaker you can get for your money today. Those old BIC's lack detail and the bass is barely there.

[@jamesmdean1987]

I have these, and bought a pair of Infinity r162 speakers this week, and then sold the Infinitys 2 days later. To my ears, these sounded far better. The Infinitys were just harsh and very revealing

[@cheapaudioman]

I love them and bought them from SVS. They ain't going back

[@jamesmdean1987]

@@cheapaudioman you've absolutely gained me as a subscriber. Your reviews are straight forward and honest, and I 100 percent appreciate how upfront you are about audio. Sony really did something special with these speakers.

[@gregeplerwood6534]

I was trying to extrapolate from your placement test of these speakers whether I should buy them. I have a couple of Daytons flush against my brick fireplace hearth that I was about to replace, but with rear porting it sounds like even if I set them off the brick maybe with some rubber baby buggy bumpers (ha!) that wouldn’t help. Did I “hear” you correctly?

[@1450JackCade]

Bought 4 at $146 and grabbed the $98 sub. Will be running it with a Pioneer Technics SA-500 in a medium (15'x20') sized room. I'll try to remember to report back and will post it to some audiophile forums.

[@zappafrank9714]

How do they compare to 70 MkIIs or the SX6 BK ?

[@horaciorecalde1689]

Hola amigo. Tengo el Yamaha ns 6490 del cual tu ya has emitido una opiniòn. En mi caso los tengo hace 4 años y coincido en algunas cosas con lo que dices. Quiero preguntarte sobre este Sony en cuanto a la parte de los BAJOS , si notas una diferencia con respecto a Yamaha? Muy agradecido por tu respuesta.

[@garretts91]

Picked these up at Bestbuy. Great for music. One issue, I was getting a bit of voice echo and slightly messy vocals during home theater use. I decided to tear them down. There is a fair amount of bracing inside along with a layer of poly-fill on top and some high density foam along the bottom and back. The left and right sides of the speaker are bare and when knocking on them with your hand they a give a more hollow sound when compared the rest of the speaker.. I lined both sides with automotive sound deadener I had on hand. I was able to fit 12inx4in pieces on each side. It totally tightened the speaker up. Voicing is clearer and the bass is cleaner as well. Very surprised with the results. I suggest anyone give it a go if they can do it on the cheap. It can easily be undone.

[@cheapaudioman]

The front tweeter plate can also resonate if not tightened down. A little bit of denim on the back of the plate also cuts resonance. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@iangreenwood9328]

Hi Randy, I have an older pair of Mission 701 bookcase speakers being powered by a Yamaha 100 watt per channel receiver from 2007. Do you think these Sony's would be a noticeable upgrade?

[@cheapaudioman]

Unfortunately, I don't have any experience with the Mission's. If you can find the sonys at $120 or $75 I'd just buy them from amazon or somewhere that you can get free return shipping if you don't care for them. they're pretty awesome.

[@snowypython5209]

I just got some for xmas and one of the binding posts broke off😪, do you know where I can get any replacements?

[@thejoyofthemusicinmylife7897]

The other day I found a set of them at a thrift store for 40 dollars. They are in great condition and I was able to store test them. They will be incorporated into my home theater system.

[@cristianchocobar8652]

Me suscribi,quiero esas Sony y me gusta tu estilo man!

[@DKMRFCBrlz]

Hey man! I want two pairs of these with sony’s subwoofer, what receiver would you recommend? And does that make sense (two pairs of these)?

[@mydogskips2]

Do you want four speakers for movies or music? If you're doing it for music I would ask why, in my opinion, two speakers for stereo listening is more than sufficient, and probably even better for various reasons, unless you're in a very large space which may benefit from extra speakers. More speakers isn't necessarily better, certainly not for music. If you want surround sound for movies, a 5.1 channel is fine, but you'll need to get an AV receiver as well, Dolby Atmos can support more channels if you're interestd. And you should probably get a center channel as well at some point if you want to complete a 5.1 channel setup for home theater. Any 5.1 channel or better AV receiver should work, the speakers don't take a lot of power to drive. Look for reviews on AV receivers, there are good offerings from Denon, Yamaha, and Onkyo, but many other brands as well.

[@valikonen]

What amplifier it's good for this speakers? Thank you!

[@TheSixsixsick]

Def on my list to buy now. Sscs5 always get high marks . Thanks

[@BillyKueekSG]

New to hi if, was thinking of getting an active set of Edifier S2000MKIii or Swans and be done with it but then I saw this… what amp and bass speakers to ,at home these with, anyone?

[@matthewbyrnes2879]

Ok. You got me. I'm upgrading vintage speakers in my man cave attic. I started with JAMO 803, one started popping so all faith lost. Then tried Polk XT20. You were right, party speaker, nice bass but highs got exhausting. Just picked up these Sony's. Taking them out of the box tonight. 🤞

[@matthewbyrnes2879]

So far so good. I'll be getting a sub up here. 🤘

[@TheAlex1036]

Hola hace un tiempo habías hecho un review de las yamaha ns 6490, viendo ese review las compré y estoy muy contento con las yamaha. Cual es mejor entre las yamaha y las sony? Saludos desde Argentina

[@todd4freeusa]

DUDE you crack me up!

[@stevesteve8264]

Forgot was going to ask, you have had these on a couple times, better review as they go. Break in made z difference? If so how much time before I'll expect to hear it roughly

[@cheapaudioman]

I never noticed these needing a breakin or sounding very different than they did out of the box

[@anonimushbosh]

Hey Randy, do you believe Sony's own specs for these? Like peak power handling of 100w (bit low?) and the frequency range of 53hz to 50khz. Do you think it really goes that high? They have the same specs on their US & UK websites. Ps one year later & 1000x more viewers. Nice one... keep doing what you do!

[@rjzlwop3153]

I want to hear more about your amplifier the true channel amplifier, is it 100 W per channel? Or does it split it in half and 50 goes to one speaker have 50 goes to the other? Also where can I pick one up at

[@cheapaudioman]

My reference amp I use the most is the Emotiva TA-100 www.affiliatly.com/af-1038942/affiliate.panel It's rated at 50 watts per channel with both channels driven and has proven to be very capable of driving every speaker I have.

[@rjzlwop3153]

@@cheapaudioman good morning sir I tried to click on the link that you shared for the amp, and it wants me to enter my email and password but I don’t have one for the affiliate link how can I go about this to get you a dollar

[@flpmrtnz4920]

help me please!!! Sony sscs5 or dali oberon1? just want the best sounding one.

[@stevesteve8264]

How come 16,500 subscribers only... you honestly deserve lots more, you bust your ass catering to people like me who don't have a fistfull 'O' dough, and lost faith in sony a little. Now I trust these speakers and will save much needed cash. Thanks for doing what you do friend.

[@vincedebart]

And very entertaining even my wife thinks he’s funny

[@barefootrocker]

The Sony SS-CS5 just dropped under $90 per pair on both Amazon and Best Buy. You're welcome!

[@dontcallmebrave]

I bought these the other day along with a 50w fosi for my computer and eff me the amount of detail that even my audio technica at-m40x's don't reproduce is nuts, there's been a few times now I've hit mute and looked over my shoulder because I think someones in my house lol Thanks for contributing to my decision!

[@cjdontthink2]

I think I might snag these since they are so cheap at Best Buy right now. Do you have a recommendation on an affordable receiver or alternative I can use to set them up for 2.1 with my emotiva powered sub? I would love to be able to use them with my PC and TV.

[@cheapaudioman]

You could use the BT20A by Fosi Audio and run the subwoofer using the speaker level inputs. I think Sony and Yamaha both have a decent little 2 channel receiver for around $100 as well. Thanks for watching!

[@cjdontthink2]

@@cheapaudioman Ah, I see. I'm a newbie and was thinking it had to have a sub out. Also, what do you think of going the powered speaker route instead like the klipsch r41pm? They may be a bit more expensive than going for the sony and the fosi, but setup will be smoother and they should sound a touch better?

[@cheapaudioman]

@@cjdontthink2 personally I think you'll get more for your money by buying a decent little amp and two decent speakers. That will give you the opportunity to figure out the wiring and tone controls etc. With powered speakers you get what you get and you have no more freedom. I can help if you need it with wiring and things like that but its fun to have separate components. It may seem a bit intimidating at first but its way easier than you think.

[@cjdontthink2]

I appreciate that advice! Okay, I'll hold off on powered speakers. It just seems like the more I think about what I need it is pointing towards a full blown receiver. I'd like to use them for PC audio and my TV. Maybe ust going for a 5.1 receiver is the move so I can expand down the line. If I do just do the simple Bt20A do you feep a DAC is necesaary coming from my PC?

[@cheapaudioman]

@@cjdontthink2 yes. You would need a DAC. Look for 5.1 channel receivers with digital inputs. You'll need an input for your TV and one for your pc. If the pc doesn't have an optical out then you'll also need a USB to optical converter. Other wise you could go with the bt20a and a topping dac with a remote and be able to control volume that way.

[@AshishPatel-dx5pp]

This review is great. I bought these in a damaged box from Amazon Warehouse for about $55 which is by itself a fantastic deal and tip. And then I paired them with a Denon AVR-S540BT in a small room, about a foot away from the wall. They're everything you said and more, I couldn't be happier. Please make more videos, you know what you're talking about.

[@eliotopian]

wait... what.. 68 subs in November... 5 THOUSAND in December? daaaaaaaang! go go go! :D

[@cheapaudioman]

I still can't believe people watch my idiocy.

[@eliotopian]

@@cheapaudioman its the beard... or cheap audio info... not sure which... *scratches chin*

[@obijuan8466]

@@cheapaudioman It's like watching a Trump speech, but with English. Very entertaining.

[@spooky12341234]

Randy, I love your videos. I bought the SSCS5 speakers. Amazing for the money! $88 I also grabbed the Sony SACS9 sub. Good deep bass, but the sub is a big cube and it adds complexity (crossover frequency selection,volume adjustment) and adds $113. I can’t decide if the sub is worth keeping. Thoughts? Is there a better option for 88 + 113 = 201 without sub that has enhanced bass over the sscs9? Thanks!

[@bridge4tune120]

These are 300$ worth of sound for under 100$. One of the best deals for a budget.

[@stevesteve8264]

Not too sure where to look here in Edmonton Alberta to buy them for under $100, but Best Buy sells for $300. Any idea where people find them for that price?

[@bridge4tune120]

@@stevesteve8264 When it comes to speaker the lesson is this > Never buy anything with inflated prices. There are billions of speakers some better than others. There will always be something better than what you get for the same price or lowers. You just need to exercise patience and wait for a good/best deal.

[@NailsbyAmbie]

Yes where are all these good prices at? Best Buy has them for $225.00 now.

[@canadianwildlifeservice8883]

Even for the full $150 they would be worth the money. Would have been nice if they just made the woofer a standard 5.25". I don't really understand these odd proprietary woofer sizes but whatever. The mids seem to blend in perfectly with the highs. Heck, even the audiophiliac says they're good, so they must be.

[@hifiman4562]

I hooked up a Emotiva A5 to the Sonys. Bass is quite good. But not low enough. Get a sub, or two.

[@DKLGalactus5]

Just bought it for my Father’s Day gift there fantastic, using Denon and a PC there replacing a set of polks wow what a difference. Run don’t walk to Best Buy, highly recommend by Galactus5.

[@valeccylinder8703]

in eu they cost a lot more... around 200 euro. i can get the klipch r41m or r51m for that price.

[@cheapaudioman]

I think 200 euro is maybe too much. They’re good but if you can find the Elac or klipsch I’d go that route. I’m getting the r51m by klipsch in. Will be a good comparison.

[@Tigeron1a]

Found these for 65 bux picking them up.

[@steve4321able]

Got these on the way, I might return my Klipsch R-51Ms if these do it right.

[@jessd1952]

Let me know how they compare to each other.

[@steve4321able]

Loved the Sonys but could not hold a candle to the Klipsch. I would say for music, the Sonys were outstanding. Nice sound stage, mids and highs great and the bass was surprisingly good. For movies and TV, they sounded like mud to me. I returned them and kept the Klipsch. I think I acquired an ear for the Klipsch otherwise I would have kept them. Overall, the Sonys sounded like they cost twice the price for sound quality.

[@patrickmiller4987]

That is a very odd comment. Great for music, mud for tv...WTF!?

[@steve4321able]

Home theater and cable TV is much different than music listening. Just my perspective.

[@iggypopisgod9]

@@steve4321able ht is a much less critical enviroment...in general, if something works well for music at this price point...stick with it...ht is largely about the quality of your subwoofer

[@stevenshelp1107]

Finally got to listen to them in person today, I am liking them but now they're $168 everywhere... ugh... haha.

[@limitnl]

Highly recommended, even if you dont need speakers :) It's a hommage to free markets and capitalism. I was about to go for the XLS encore speakers by Danny Ritchie, and I might still. But for now, I just wanted to ditch the ELAC 5 as quick as possible, and bought these because of your review. Here in the Netherlands they sell for 200 euro. I was using the original Elac debut 5, but these are so much more alive. Sounds come of the speaker way better, good sounds stage, highs are a treat. Bass is much better then the Elacs, nice and tight. Paired it with the Japanse Rotel RA1062, and they work great. Dire Straits on vinyl sounds perfect, great guitar sounds. Very detailed. No brainer for 75-125$. Like I said, buy em even if you dont need speakers. Just celebrate what can be bought for this little money :)

[@cadiehl1]

Paid $80. Running thru my Denon AVR-2400 with a Klipsch 12” sub. Freaking unbelievable. I want the Klipsch RP-600M’s, but not sure if it’s worth it. Money is not an issue. Just don’t think they are 8x better. These Sony’s are a total steal at $80. Ridiculous.

[@BobbyA77]

Who’ve would be better for music like Metallica? Sony sscs5 or jamo 803

[@ruog395]

Sony ssc5 or Kef q150?

[@cheapaudioman]

150’s

[@MrStingraybernard]

just bought them on sale on amazon for $73

[@c.s.2425]

Heads up. Sale today at Best Buy. $129

[@valeccylinder8703]

just comparing klipsch r41m vs polk s15e

[@cheapaudioman]

I’ll compare this to the klipsch r-51, Polk t-15, s15, and fluance reference

[@valeccylinder8703]

@@cheapaudioman good idea. So far my impressions is polk s15 - good, but klipsch r14m - better. There is too much boome bas on the polk. The klipsch are more ballanced.

[@cheapaudioman]

@@valeccylinder8703 I just listened to the S15’s last weekend and that was my exact take on them too. Way too sloppy on the low end

[@valeccylinder8703]

@@cheapaudioman i have the polk back, now i má goong ti hear the “z review” amazeballs Jamo s803

[@albertofierro8666]

de acuerdo con la Review con una buena amplificacion estos Sony suenan como altavoces de mas de U$ 2000

[@RAYSAYFUL]

😂😂😂

[@MichaelSchultzNZ]

Good for $73 too

[@twtwtw1]

$88 on Amazon right now

[@sanatandharmu]

$73 now in amazon

[@mattman237]

Sony says it's a 5.12 inch woofer.

[@Scott-co4dq]

Just hit $88 at Amazon again

[@Beamber]

Are they still stupid good at $180?

[@cheapaudioman]

$180 is pushing it. JBL stage a 130’s can often be had for that and I think those are better

[@Beamber]

@@cheapaudioman Thanks for the rec! Love the channel btw

[@jamesknapp9615]

I paid $75 I have them in my bedroom

[@JoyfulWAVE]

Maybe ask Coca Cola to pay for a good MIC so that we actually get to hear the product. 😜 I'm getting tired from 10 minutes jibbering into the cam. Maybe that can change for future videos. And please don't tell me it's not possiblel...then i'll show you a good example. 😉 Greetings from Germany. 🎶🎶🎶

[@michaelbarry8373]

Funny thing about the Sony speaker, if someone paid 95$ for it they say it is a 95$ speaker. No it's still a 200$ speaker, 200.00 is closer to actual price. If you ,pay 10$ for it , is it a 10$ speaker?

[@RAYSAYFUL]

🤣🤣🤣

[@fredwaldrop3810]

Andrew Jones didn't design them, that means I'll probably like them.

[@felipecervantes7881]

Four? Really?

[@flyingfishnet]

This is the worst review I’ve seen and listened to.

[@cheapaudioman]

thank you so much. that means a lot. I needed that today flyingfishnet

[@flyingfishnet]

@@cheapaudioman . Well. you should be flattered. Ive just given you points. It’s your prerogative on how one interprets them. Surely bad publicity is better than no publicity. You have a unique selling proposition. Use it!