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Customer reviews

Rating 4.8 out of 5 stars with 2277 reviews

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  • Value

    Rating 4.8 out of 5 stars

  • Quality

    Rating 4.7 out of 5 stars

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    Rating 4.9 out of 5 stars

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97%would recommend to a friend

Customers are saying

Customers have good things to say about the sound quality, price, size, and bass of the Core Series 5" 3-Way Bookshelf Speakers. Many customers are impressed with the sound quality, saying that it holds at different volume levels and is better than other brands. Customers also appreciate the affordable price, compact size, and good bass response of the speakers. However, a few customers have mentioned that the speakers need a subwoofer for larger rooms and that the universal wall mount did not work.

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 2,277 reviews
  • Pros mentioned:
    Bass, Price, 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 Sony_US

  • Pros mentioned:
    Size, Sound quality

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Excellent Sony Core 100 watt 6 ohm 3-Way Bookshelf

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    Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Excellent Quality Sound from these small three-way bookshelf speakers with a 5 in woofer that puts out excellent base it's so superb it sounds like you have a subwoofer out of these tiny little speakers. Here's an overview from Best Buy: Immerse yourself in room-filling sound with these Sony Core Series SSCS5 bookshelf speakers, which feature 5" woofers and 3/4" and 1" tweeters for precise instrument and vocal reproduction and dynamic acoustic depth That's an extremely accurate description of these speakers! Here's the description from Best Buy of how they're constructed: Features 100W maximum power handling Ensures robust, controlled audio. 5" dual-layer, foam, mica-reinforced woofer Uses the upper surface to provide faithful, supple sound and the bottom layer to deliver powerful, tight bass response. 3/4" wide-dispersion super tweeter Along with a 1" tweeter offers ultraresponsive high-frequency audio, so you can enjoy crisp, natural-sounding vocals and other tones. High-quality crossover networks Minimize signal loss to ensure energetic vocal response, reproducing even the most delicate emotional nuances. The networks are mounted directly to the cabinet for efficient vibration isolation. 3-way speaker system Sounds like 1 source rather than several separate sources. Wood, bass-reflex enclosure Along with a cloth grille provides a durable, sturdy design. 53Hz - 50kHz frequency response Ensures a wide range of accurately reproduced sound. 87dB sensitivity (2.83V, 1m) For rich, crisp audio. 6 ohms impedance Efficiently conducts power through the speaker. I purchased these on sale for $75 a pair! That's an extremely deep discount off the $199 a pair! I regret not buying more than two I should have bought four to six of these to fill the room with even more sound! These tiny speakers sound like a full size speaker with a subwoofer! Amazing quality from sony!

    I would recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from SonyListens
      Posted .

      Hi MovieWatcher, Awesome! We are so glad to hear that you are happy with your new SSCS5! 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! -Carl Sony_US

  • Pros mentioned:
    Price, 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 Sony_US

  • Pros mentioned:
    Bass, Sound quality

    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 Sony_US

  • Pros mentioned:
    Price, 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 Sony_US

  • 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 Sony_US

  • Pros mentioned:
    Bass, Price

    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 Sony_US

  • Pros mentioned:
    Price, Sound quality

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Sony medium sized shelf speakers

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    Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Great speakers for the cost! The sound quality is excellent. I would recommend these midrange speakers.

    I would recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from SonyListens
      Posted .

      Hi MayaD, we're glad you like the sound quality of our product! Thanks for choosing Sony! ~Earl Sony_US

  • 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 Sony_US

  • Pros mentioned:
    Bass, Sound quality

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Great speakers at the price point.

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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 things are great and just barely squeezes into the ikea kallax shelf, great sound clarity and more bass then I’ll ever need.

    I would recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from SonyListens
      Posted .

      Hi brandomando, We're glad you like your new speakers. Enjoy and thanks for choosing Sony! -Craig Sony_US

  • Pros mentioned:
    Price

    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:
    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

    GOOD

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    Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I got these speakers on sale for $75 and I cannot be more happy with them . These are GOOD speakers especially for the sale price of $80. I haven’t really tried a lot of other speakers but I have tried the micca rb42 and the Sony’s are more balance and diverse in my opinion . There’s really good speakers and for the price , I don’t think they can get anything better .

    I would recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from SonyListens
      Posted .

      Hi Manny, That's an amazing deal! We're glad to hear you feel that the SSCS5 speakers are worth their price. 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 Sony_US

  • 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
  • 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 Sony_US

  • Pros mentioned:
    Sound quality

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    The perfect sound

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    Posted . Owned for 1.5 years when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    The speakers are in my office connected to my system and the sound is great!

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Price, Sound quality

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Awesome speakers

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    Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Awesome speakers at a great price beyond satisfied with quality and sound. Completed my surround sound system.

    I would recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from SonyListens
      Posted .

      Hi Rlizarraga, we're glad you like the sound quality of 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 for choosing SONY! ~Earl Sony_US

  • Pros mentioned:
    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 Sony_US

  • Pros mentioned:
    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 Sony_US

  • Pros mentioned:
    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
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