Sony’s New CS Series Speakers: An Affordable Gateway to Dolby Atmos Excellence
Introduction
Sony has expanded its acclaimed CS Series of home theater and stereo speakers with four new models, offering an accessible path to immersive Dolby Atmos sound. The lineup includes bookshelf speakers, floorstanders, a center-channel speaker, and up-firing Atmos modules—all delivering studio-quality audio at surprisingly competitive prices.
Retaining Sony’s signature minimalist design—exclusively in black—the speakers also feature a thoughtful aesthetic alignment with Sony’s AV receivers, ensuring a cohesive look for discerning home theater enthusiasts.
Key Features & Pricing
The new CS Series models boast high-performance drivers, Hi-Res Audio certification, and Dolby Atmos compatibility, making them a compelling choice for audiophiles on a budget. Below is a detailed breakdown:
1. SS-CS5M2 Bookshelf Speakers
Price: $249.99 per pair
Design: 3-way system with a 5.12-inch woofer, soft dome tweeter, and wide-dispersion super tweeter
Frequency Response: 53Hz – 50,000Hz (Hi-Res Audio certified)
2. SS-CS3M2 Floorstanding Speakers
Price: $279.99 each (~$560/pair)
Design: 4-way system with dual 5.12-inch woofers and bass reflex enclosure
Frequency Response: 45Hz – 50,000Hz (Hi-Res Audio certified)
3. SS-CS8M2 Center-Channel Speaker
Price: $229.99
Design: Dual 3.94-inch woofers, high-precision tweeter, and rear bass reflex port
4. SS-CSEM2 Dolby Atmos Up-Firing Speakers
Price: $249.99 per pair
Design: 3.94-inch full-range driver, compatible with placement on top of other CS speakers or wall/ceiling mounting
Availability & Considerations
All four models are now available in the U.S., though international release details remain unconfirmed.
One notable omission is a dedicated subwoofer—Sony’s previous SA-CS9 subwoofer is no longer widely available, and the absence of an updated model in this launch is somewhat surprising.
Conclusion
Sony’s latest CS Series delivers high-fidelity sound, Dolby Atmos immersion, and sleek aesthetics at an attractive price point. Whether building a new home theater system or upgrading an existing setup, these speakers offer an exceptional balance of performance and affordability.