Sony CS-Series: Passive Speakers with Dolby Atmos and Modular Surround Sound Options

Sony has announced four new passive speakers that are members of the CS-Series. According to the manufacturer, the four speakers are multifunctional and usable for two-channel and multi-channel applications. There is even a Dolby Atmos model, but a buyer can also start with two floorstanders and expand later. Prices for the Benelux have not yet been announced.

Sony SS-CS5M2: three-way monitor speaker

The SS-CS5M2 is the most compact model of the family. Despite its relatively small size, it is a three-way design with three drivers, i.e. a 5.12-inch woofer, a super tweeter and a high-precision tweeter. Thanks to this arrangement, the SS-CS5M2 delivers a frequency range of 53 Hz to 50 kHz, according to the manufacturer.

According to Sony, the SS-CS5M2 is suitable for use on a desktop, as rear speakers for surround sound, or for small living rooms where floor space is limited.

Sony SS-CS3M2: floor standing speaker

Those with more space and looking for more impact should consider the SS-CS3M2. It’s essentially the monitor model’s bigger brother, with the same drivers but with the addition of an extra woofer. The extra space in the cabinet boosts the bass, while the bass reflex design is designed to keep distortion in check in the low end, according to Sony. The SS-CS3M2 picks up a little lower, at 45Hz.

According to the designers, this model is ideal as a left and right front channel in a surround sound setup, or for anyone looking for a more powerful stereo pair for listening to music.

Sony SS-CS8M2: center speaker

For multi-channel movies and TV shows, a center speaker is crucial, since that’s where most of the dialogue comes from. The two-way SS-CS8M2 is purpose-built for that role, with two 3.94-inch woofers and a tweeter to provide clearer vocal support for on-screen voices and action. The sound is, according to the designers, tuned for vocal clarity, which can be useful because you don’t want to have to constantly adjust the volume to hear what characters are saying.

Thanks to its compact size, it fits easily into a media console or under a television, without taking up too much space.

Sony SS-CSEM2 Dolby Atmos Upfiring Speakers

Finally, Sony adds Dolby Atmos support to the CS series with the upward-firing SS-CSEM2. These speakers are more of a module that sits on the monitor model or floorstander and then bounce sound off the ceiling to create overhead effects.

The SS-CSEM2 has one 3.94-inch full-range driver. The SS-CSEM2 could also be wall-mounted.

Sony CS-Series: Cohesive system

A big part of the appeal, according to Sony, is the plug-and-play feature. Sony has designed these new CS-series speakers to produce a cohesive sound when used together, and of course they are specifically designed to work perfectly with Sony’s AV receivers. Buyers can start with two speakers and expand later if they want.