Reddit mentions of Sony SSCS5 3-Way 3-Driver Bookshelf Speaker System (Pair) - Black

Sure, they are $120 new.

Alternatives:

Powered/Active: 4" Edifiers start at $70. Edifier R980T or larger 5" Swan D1080-IV $140 or Fluance Ai40 $200

Amp+Passive:

$53 Bundle 6-1/2" 2-Way Bookshelf Speaker Pair and Hi-Fi Mini Amplifier

Mini amps:

Kinter K2020A $33. SMSL SA50 $67, Dayton Audio DTA-120BT $75, Micca OriGain $80 or $100 with USB DAC, more at Zeos AMP and DAC guide.

Speakers:

AverageJoe's Speaker List

Polk Audio T15 $50

Micca MB42X $80

Pioneer SP-BS22-LR 4" Bookshelf Speakers (Pair) $68 or if sale is over, PIONEERSP-BS22-LR $90

Sony SSCS5 3-Way 3-Driver Bookshelf Speaker $73

DIY C-notes $100

Clearance sale dual 5.25" Polk Audio Monitor 40 Series $100

Speaker wire and self adjusting wire strippers or basic.

Subwoofer:

Franklin Audio FPS10 10" 100 Watt Powered Subwoofer $90 with $10 off coupon

Sound quality is not a term I would use to describe either.

In both cases we are talking about a bunch of $5 "full range" drivers stuffed in a tiny housing. Up-firing Atmos doesn't work well with the best of speakers, so having them in a soundbar adds no value.

I will recommend a cheap pair of bookshelf speakers and external amp instead.

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-SSCS5-3-Driver-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B00O8YLMVA/

https://www.amazon.com/S-M-S-L-AD18-Amplifier-Bluetooth-Subwoofer/dp/B071JN7GXN

You could also get a used AV receiver to save some money on the amp and get better speakers instead. If your budget allows, also get an entry level subwoofer like a Dayton SUB-1200 for $150.

Alternate speakers:

Sony SSCS5 - $118

Polk RTIA1 - $200

Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 - $300

Q Acoustics 3020 - $270

Klipsch R-15M - $186

Klipsch RP-150M - $335(best speakers on this list)

​

​

​

Start with a 5.1 receiver and 2 speakers and add the other speakers later.

This
https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrxv383bl/yamaha-rx-v383-5.1-ch-x-70-watts-bluetooth-a/v-receiver/1.html

Plus 1 pair of :

https://www.amazon.com/Micca-MB42X-Bookshelf-Speakers-Tweeter/dp/B00E7H8GG2

Or

https://www.amazon.com/Fluance-SX6-BK-Definition-Bookshelf-Loudspeakers-Black/dp/B00IEDL8EM

Or

https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-BS22-LR-Designed-Bookshelf-Loudspeakers/dp/B008NCD2LG

Or

https://www.amazon.com/Dayton-Audio-MK402X-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B07TB1P7XJ

Or

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-SSCS5-3-Driver-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B00O8YLMVA

But surround is for TV/Movies - most who have surround sound listen to music in 2 speaker stereo mode

If mostly Music you could get a 2 channel receiver and a pair of speakers or Powered speakers which don’t need a receiver

This with any of the speakers above

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDH190-Stereo-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B078WFDR8D

Or powered speakers

https://www.amazon.com/Fluance-Bookshelf-Amplifier-Turntable-Bluetooth/dp/B07CLDGXX1

https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-R1700BT-Bluetooth-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B016PATXSI

https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-Bookshelf-Subwoofer-Bluetooth-Wireless/dp/B077Y6PHKQ

The Pioneer SP-BS22-LR Bookshelf Speakers Pair are on clearance right now for 48.30 at Frys.com

The Pioneer are awesome speakers FOR THE PRICE. I like either DCM selection better, but for 48.30/pair, WOW. This is r/BudgetAudiophile after all!

The Pioneer SP-C22 Channel Speaker Dual 4 Drivers Andrew Jones Design (Open Box) is 37.80, so, 86.10 plus whatever shipping and tax might be, is an incredible deal!

Note that the Fry's add says "open box", and I do not have any inside knowledge, but the Fry's retail stores are all almost empty, (maybe going out of business???) and a common tactic that resellers use to get around promises to the manufacturer regarding MSRP, is to advertise them as a "used" or "refurb" or "open box", but when you get them, they are NIB!

This is a little outside of your budget, but an often overlooked, very well thought of Speaker from Ascend, is the HTM-200 SE , about 450 for a L-C-R set.

Remember, Black Friday is approaching.

Another good value speaker, when on sale, is the Sony SSCS5 3-Way 3-Driver Bookshelf Speaker System (Pair) I have seen the Sony's for as little as 60-70/pair, right now on Amazon they are 148.00.

I own both the Pioneer BS22 and the Sony SSCS5 and for my tastes, I like the Sony better for my application (computer monitor), but the BS22 is an awesome speaker for the price, and I used the Pioneer for a few years as my computer speaker, and probably has a better "base response". Cant go wrong with either speaker. I really like the DCM speakers, and they have a 6.5 in woofer, and while I have not heard them, there have been reviews that put these budget speakers above both the Sony and Pioneer.

The Sony's are on sale again for $73 a pair: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O8YLMVA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Found this price drop recently! Normally they're somewhere between $120-150, but they've been dropped. I think Best Buy is having a sale? Also available on Amazon for a similar price. I have BS22 speakers and I'll be ordering from Amazon to try them out.



FREQ RESPONSE: from lifewire


REVIEWS

LifeWire

YouTube - Z Reviews (Zeos)

YouTube - Thomas & Stereo

Polk Audio T15, $59 - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002RJLHB8

Sony SSCS5, $73 - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O8YLMVA/

I doubt you'd find better for active speakers. You might consider the R1280DB, however (it's the same speaker plus bluetooth - maybe useful for you, maybe not).

Don't totally write off getting a setup with an amplifier. You can get tiny, cheap amplifiers (SMSL SA-36A is an example, or the Breeze Audio TPA3116 amp for something even cheaper) and pair it with a set of cheap bookshelf speakers. In my case, the amp is zip-tied to the underside of my desk so it's both completely invisible, and super-easy for me to reach the volume knob.

The advantage of this approach is more versitility in amp features and speaker selection, and the fact that speakers themselves will last decades if treated well. If a cable gets damaged, you can replace it. If the amp dies, you can replace it and keep the speakers. If you break the speakers somehow, you don't need to buy a new amp. If you want more input options (like bluetooth or optical or whatever), you can just upgrade the amp and keep the speakers. Want surround sound, or a sub? Just add it to your existing gear, without buying everything again.

In the long run, you'll save money because you won't throw the whole setup out when one component dies.

$300 isn't a great budget for L/C/R, really. It's more than enough for something cheap, like the micca MB42x, Pioneer Andrew Jones, etc. But it's not enough for something of true quality.

​

The best value, and my firm recommendation for $250ish is the Sony Core Series Bookshelves at $118 a pair and the Matching Sony Core Series Center speaker for $118.

• $325 will get you Polk S15 L/R + Polk S30 C
  
• $360 will get you HTD Level 2 L/C/R
  
• $370 Will get you Elac B4 with a C5 center
  
  ​
  
  ​

I recommend that you run 3.0 with the sony core series or the Polk S series (S15 + S30).


https://www.amazon.com/Sony-SSCS5-3-Driver-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B00O8YLMVA


https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00O8YLNRS

The Sony SSCS5 are on sale for $73 and they're excellent.

A Lepy is a cheap Chinese knockoff of an already cheap Chinese amplifier. Buy the real Lepai from Parts Express.

Frys often has good sales on Jamo speakers, but I'm not sure what's available in Europe. I've seen the S809 HCS 5 speaker set go as low as $399, so maybe you could get a good black Friday deal. The 803 set with bookshelf speakers is $269 right now, might be a decent option.

The Pioneer AJ set got some good initial reviews as a solid budget set, but I have seen some people complaining about it online after getting the set. The center channel in particular seems to be pretty lackluster based on user feedback.

The Sony Core series speakers get good reviews as a budget option. I've seen the bookshelf SSCS5 speakers go as low as $73 a pair and with black Friday coming up there might be some good deals on them.

For a decent sub you'll probably need to up your budget a little bit or wait until you can save a little more. The Bic PL200ii is a good sub for the price and often goes on sale for $250.

With black Friday deals maybe you could get the Jamo 803 set with a PL200ii sub within your budget or 4 Sony core bookshelf speakers and the matching SSCS8 center channel instead of the Jamos.

You've got tons of options...

These 3 way Sony bookshelf speakers are a great option that fits your budget. You could do 4 of those and the matching center: https://www.amazon.ca/Sony-SSCS5-3-Driver-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B00O8YLMVA

Beyond that... Fluance, Jamo, Micca, Elac and Klipsch all offer good speakers that fall in your budget.

The receiver is going to be a little more difficult, but still doable in your budget. Look at 5.2 options from Onkyo, Yamaha and Denon. You'll be able to save some money without sacrificing too much if you go for "last years model."

Something like this Denon: https://www.amazon.ca/DENON-AVR-S650H-Receiver-Streaming-Bluetooth/dp/B07QRC9NP5

Last little bit of advice... don't overspend on cables. For speaker wire, the bare bones Amazon basics is perfectly fine. Same thing for HDMI and anything else you need. Basically... don't get your cables from Best Buy and you'll be OK.

I'm about to put together a surround sound setup for my room for about $850. I know it's well over $500 but for $500 you won't get much. Although I would recommend looking into the Sony SS CS5 Bookshelf Speakers they are outstanding for their price and you can get a quality AV Receiver for around $250 from Denon and Yamaha.

Also, the matching center for the Sony's performs really well. They're great speakers for the money. Of course you can always spend a couple hundred more and get something better, but the Sony speakers, price to performance is insane. I'd put them pretty close, sound quality wise, to the ELAC B5's. They don't have as much oomph as the ELAC does, but add a sub and you're golden ponyboy.

I have not heard or used the matching sub but I would assume it doesn't go low very well.

Bump up the budget by like $13 and get these Sony Cores which are on sale for half off right now: https://www.amazon.com/Sony-SSCS5-3-Driver-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B00O8YLMVA

They would destroy those Daytons.

how do you think those compare to these?

Check this out at Amazon.com - Sony SSCS5 3-Way 3-Driver Bookshelf Speaker System (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O8YLMVA/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_tM.8BbD09JDVT

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-SSCS5-3-Driver-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B00O8YLMVA/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=sony+cs5&qid=1563810428&s=gateway&sr=8-3

​

https://www.amazon.com/Lepai-LP-2020TI-Instruments-TPA3118-Amplifier/dp/B071FJF4FF/ref=sr_1_3?crid=M2WIJL2PC1PM&keywords=lepai+amplifier&qid=1563810359&s=gateway&sprefix=lepai+amp%2Caps%2C207&sr=8-3#customerReviews

​

The Sony's are an amazing price right now. These two would only cost you $100 and will blow you away. I used to use this combination until I upgraded to a Yamaha AV receiver to replace the Lepai amp and added a center channel as well. It sounded amazing. There might be a better option for a $75 receiver to meet your $150 budget that might provide bluetooth but I'm not as familiar with anything else

https://www.amazon.com/Wharfedale-DIA101-BLK-Diamond-10-1-Black/dp/B003B8U9TU/

https://www.amazon.com/Wharfedale-Crystal-CR-4-1-Walnut/dp/B00Y6W2CQI/

https://www.amazon.com/Cambridge-Audio-SX-50-Altavoces-bookshelf/dp/B00ELK7XUA/

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-SSCS5-3-Driver-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B00O8YLMVA/

https://www.amazon.com/Fluance-Signature-Bookshelf-Surround-HFS/dp/B01A5UB4JU/

https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-TSi200-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B0018QRO9A/

https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-TSi100-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B00192KF12/

https://www.amazon.com/Acoustics-Compact-Bookshelf-Speakers-Graphite/dp/B00TR1QOEY/

https://www.amazon.com/NHT-SuperOne-2-1-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B00LJX4HCY/

https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-BS22-LR-Designed-Bookshelf-Loudspeakers/dp/B008NCD2LG/

https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-NS-6490-Bookshelf-Speakers-Finish/dp/B00018Q4GA

https://www.amazon.com/Jamo-Studio-Bookshelf-Speakers-White/dp/B07JJP9J7D/

https://www.amazon.com/Jamo-Studio-803-WL-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B07JJ69L2D/

$170+ refurbished receivers with Chromecast built in + either MB42X ($80) and MB42X-C ($70) or Sony SSCS5 ($150) or Micca RB42 ($130) or Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 or Polk S20 or Q Acoustic 3020 or more but those are just a few stand outs at their price point. Then you'll need speaker cable and assuming your not adventurous enough to strip wire and put banana plugs on yourself you can buy them pre made for pretty reasonable price. And yes this doesn't have Android TV but do you really want to replace your whole sound bar when Google kills Android TV for Google TV in a few years? (Because Google loves killing products people love)

How do the micca speakers attach to the amp? I see what looks like a plug end on them, not the compression lever wire hole that I have seen on other speakers.

​

Should I be concerned with a lower frequency response for the sub? Is 30 hz low enough?

​

How do I balance bass and treble with an amp without the knobs? Through the computer?

​

Another poster reccomended these speakers https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O8YLMVA/ref=crt_ewc_title_dp_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Are they worth the increase in price?

Mostly Rock/Hard rock
I want it loud but just discovered a specs sheet that the receiver put out 55W per channel
I dont care about size of the speakers.. within reason.


Just ordered these from Amazon.. thoughts?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O8YLMVA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Hello, I’m planning to buy a pair of speakers to connect them to my tv and my pc, I need an affordable receiver I can use to connect them both. My budget is under $100 but it could be stretched if it’s necessary. The speakers I’m buying are these Sony SSCS5 3-Way 3-Driver Bookshelf Speaker System (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O8YLMVA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_97W9Ab8EN9SBD

How about a small Sony Hifi,

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDH190-Stereo-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B078WFDR8D/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-SSCS5-3-Driver-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B00O8YLMVA/ref=pd_sim_23_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00O8YLMVA&pd_rd_r=VPJ3RQ824H37S8NA23GE&pd_rd_w=ZGk4V&pd_rd_wg=aUqvL&psc=1&refRID=VPJ3RQ824H37S8NA23GE

Total=$250

I'm assuming you have the space since you already have a turntable & vinyl collection already in the room.

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-SSCS5-3-Driver-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B00O8YLMVA?th=1&psc=1

Showing as $73 for me. Don't know anything about these, but ccc is showing wild swings, usually around $120.

Sony SSCS5 3-Way 3-Driver Bookshelf Speaker System (Pair) - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O8YLMVA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_7sy4DbECSJ5JK
My buddy is looking for a good deal on speakers. Any suggestions for a better deal than this for around $100 that has decent bass?

I hope you don't take this the wrong way but like a lot of NFL teams, you need help everywhere. Okay, so you have a basic 2.0 setup for a TT and bluetooth. There are several ways to go with this lets outline them and talk though them then you can decide. These are not in any kind of order just a list. I'm not an active guy so my recommendations will passive.

AMP

1. AVR - Sony STDH590 $180 - Ok it's over budget I get it but you're getting a new AVR for under two bills. This gets you more power, remote, auto setup, tone controls, digital inputs (expansion), xover for mains, sub out and multi-channel expandability. Whew...major upgrade over the little amp you currently have. Adjust the crap out of the tone controls to get the most out of the mains you have. This sets you up well for the future.
   
2. AMP - SMSL AD18 $120 - Anther amp upgrade that gets you many but not all of the features above. If you need a smaller form factor and don't want to expand into a surround/HT setup this could be your guy.
   
   Speakers
   
   
3. BIC DV62 $120 - These are about the same size as the speakers you have but will go much lower to get the bass that you're currently missing. If you're going to stay with a 2.0 then I would consider these.
   
4. Dayton T652 AIR $135 - Tower versions with an upgraded tweeter to the ones that you have. These reach down a good bit lower than the ones you have but not as low as the BIC ones above. They are also towers so there's there.
   
5. Polk T50 $80 ea/160 - Over budget but they do go the lowest of all the speakers, they are towers so again make sure you have room. The use of the radiators makes placement more forgiving vs a rear port that will need more room off the wall.
   
6. Sony SSCS5 $80 - Books that don't go as low as the BICs but they do get good reviews for being budget speakers. * You could pair these with the Sony sub on sale for $100 to get a 2.1 going for just more than you're budget.
   
7. Polk S15 $165 - Medium sized books that go lower than what you have currently have. These probably sound the best to me and look better than the rest.
   
   Subs - If you wanted to go to a 2.1 setup with your current speakers.
   
   
8. Sony SACS9 $100 - Ok it's not going to be great but it's in budget and has speaker level inputs. It would give you a low end that you're missing with the current speakers.
   
9. Dayton Sub 1000 $120 - This is the 10" version but any version will add to the low end that the current speakers are not giving you. Speaker level inputs will work for you current setup.
   
   Full upgrade - SMSL AD13 $75 and the Sony SSCS5 $75 puts you at budget but with a better amp (not as good as the above ones) and better speakers.

If you want really, really affordable, the Parts Express Lepy 2020TI + Dayton B652 bundle for $50 gets you good sound for stupid cheap. Or you can get that Lepy amp standalone, as it's a solid budget unit, and pair it with something like the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR speakers, which are a great pair of bookshelf speakers for $100. The Klipsch R-15M are a great pair for a little over $150.

Also:

Sony SCSS5 - https://www.amazon.com/Sony-SSCS5-3-Driver-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B00O8YLMVA $138

BIC Venturi DV62si - https://www.amazon.com/BIC-America-DV62si-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B00006JPDI $117

Polk S15, refurbished - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TJ4D2LZ/ref=dp_cr_wdg_tit_rfb $166

Yamaha NS-6490 - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00018Q4GA $130

Fluance SX6W - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00067OS0A $130

M-Audio AV42 - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00X741TB0 $150

Or you could look for vintage, but bookshelf speakers tended to either be gigantic and heavy (like my Bozak B-201 or B-402, which are bookshelf speakers in name only) or sound weak.

Dayton Audio B652-AIR vs Monoprice 6.5in and Ribbon Tweeter

I'm looking for the same, however I can give my impressions of the speakers I already own

JBL Arenas... I love them, great flat responce. I have not tried the wall mount verison. Because I want another pair of my absolute favorite...

Sony SSCS5 3-Way don't over pay however they go on sale for $75 from time to time.

Of course the Bose 301... but also the old cheap Bose 201... They sound great and are very cheap.

The ABSOLUT MOST HORRIBLE are

Pioneer SP-BS22-LR and the

Polk Audio T15 100 The most horrible Mid Range Freqs are dominent in these spkrs.

​

​

​

​

https://www.amazon.com/Technical-Pro-IA1200-Integrated-Amplifier/dp/B01LBXJ5A0/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=IA1200&qid=1559239330&s=gateway&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-SSCS5-3-Driver-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B00O8YLMVA/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=sscs5&qid=1559239389&s=electronics&sr=1-1

Looks good. Your front 3 Micca's are the weakest component. If at all possible try to spend a little more there.

Maybe Sony Core $150 & Sony Core Center $150

or Wavecrest HVL-1 x3 - $240

There isn't much to cut from your setup besides cheaper surrounds.Dayton B452-AIR - $46

I recently got these sony speakers after one of my Pioneer BS-22's died.

Sony SSCS5 3-Way 3-Driver Bookshelf Speaker System (Pair) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O8YLMVA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_qPw0Cb3Y25D1K

Absolutely love them. They're incredible. I didn't realize how much better my surrounds could be untill I got these.

Hey guys,

I currently own an Audio-Technica AT-LP120USBHC, and I'm looking for an amplifier and two passive speakers to pair it with.

I've gotten a lot of help from the user sharkamino, and I've narrowed it down to a few choices, but I'd like to hear about which of these should I go for and why:




Speakers:


1.Polk T15 Black - 155€ or $173


2.Tannoy Eclipse 1 - 159€ or $178


3.Cambridge Audio SX-50 - 170,99€ or $191


4.SONY SS-CS5 - 175€ or $195


5.MONITOR AUDIO MR1 - 180€ or $201


Receivers:


1.YAMAHA A-S201 B - 180,90€ or $202


2.PIONEER - Stereo Amplifier - A-10-K - 188,99€ or $211


3.CAMBRIDGE AUDIO TOPAZ AM5 - 195€ or $218


4.SONY STR-DH190 - 199,99€ or $222 or


5.YAMAHA Stereo Amplifier R-S202D - 206€ or $230


6.DENON Amplifier PMA-520AE - 208€ or $232


7.PIONEER-A-10AE-S/B Integrated Amplifier - 211€ or $236


8.ONKYO Amplifier A-9010 Black/Silver - 217,99€ or $243


9.PIONEER SX-10AE-B Stereo Receiver 100W/BT - 218€ or $243



Even though the links above are from Amazon US and UK, the prices are from a local store in Portugal, where I intend on buying the setup.

Thanks in advance guys,

Have a good weekend!

I want to buy these speakers and match them up with this amplifier. These would be for a bedroom setting currently and possibly living room in the future. Is the amplifier overkill or should I look into better speakers?

The amazon link for the speakers and the sub I’m looking to get is https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O8YLMVA?ref=emc_p_m_5_mob_t&th=1&psc=1

Sony core series has been 50% off recently. Not as nice as Elac, but for $150 ain't bad.

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-SSCS5-3-Driver-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B00O8YLMVA

My advice - a subwoofer is essential and most certainly feasible in your budget. It makes all the difference for movies.

BF is coming up and every single year SVS has a sale where you can get a sub for ~400-450.

The surround speakers are not as important - don't buy a package. Get good LCR and whatever surrounds you can manage.

I am very partial to Sony Core speakers, the bookshelf SS-CS5. Search aound and you'll see excellent reviews.

They are only $150/pair - https://www.amazon.com/Sony-SSCS5-3-Driver-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B00O8YLMVA?sa-no-redirect=1&pldnSite=1 and were much cheaper last year and might be again.

In any case these are just as good as the Chanes and if you do pick them, you should get 3 of them for use as LCR.

You are also spending too much on the screen, I bet you can apply some special paint on the wall or get a used one for cheaper.

For streaming device get Chromecast if you want google services like youtube, otherwise a FireTv.

So I'm upgrading from my ghetto budget audiophile build, Dayton B-somethings and Behringer U-Control Uca202 as my dac. Amp is something I got in a bundle from parts express with the speakers. Basically the build I learned from /u/zeospantera a few years ago.

My budget is $300.

My use case is only as desktop speakers for my gaming PC. Since I will have them less than 3 feet away, loudness is not a requirement for me.

I need a clear distinct soundstage where I can tell instruments apart.

I'll use them for listening to classical/orchestra, synthwave/retrowave and rock/metal.

Clear, reference highs are more important to me than brightness or thicc bass.

So this is my planned build.

This will be my source and amp, an SMSL Q5 pro.

It will power these passive bookshelf speakers, the Sony SSCS5 3-Ways.

These go to 3(ways).

As always anyone is feel free to tell me why my choice is obviously wrong.

And I hope /u/zeospantera can enlighten me to the true Patrician Choice.

If you have the space I would get something like this Sony home theater receiver at $150 since it allows better control of the subwoofer connection. It also has optical and coax inputs.

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDH550-5-2-Channel-Receiver/dp/B00J30GXW2

If you don;t have the space then the SMSL AD18 would also work.

The Sony CS5 speakers at $120.

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-SSCS5-3-Driver-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B00O8YLMVA/

This Dayton 10 inch subwoofer at $120

https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1000-10-100-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-628

That leaves $10 for speaker wire.

The sony are in $73
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O8YLMVA

Polk S15s are not studio monitors and are passive. OP listed them with the SMSL amp to power them. The S15s are regularly recommended on here and are excellent. They're even listed in the sidebar recommendations put together by AudioPhileJoe or whoever he is. In his review he likes them better than the ELAC B5 and Klipsch.

So, OP. For 160/pair they're great. But you can also grab the Sony's for 73USD right now https://www.amazon.com/Sony-SSCS5-3-Driver-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B00O8YLMVA/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=Sony+bookshelf&qid=1563975540&s=gateway&sr=8-6

But I'd go with the S15s if you don't have or plan on getting a subwoofer. The Sony's won't have the low end like the S15

S15s + used receiver/amp is a great combo.

So these? Can you tell me a little about the wattage and how it works with the receiver? If I wanted a larger speaker (like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07147TBD5/ref=sspa_dk_detail_4?psc=1) how would I know if its compatible with the receiver? I know the cabling would work but how can I ensure the receiver is able to power it? Just by looking at the wattage between the two?

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-SSCS5-3-Driver-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B00O8YLMVA

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-SSCS8-3-Driver-Channel-Speaker/dp/B00O8YLNRS/ref=pd_bxgy_23_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=8027ED8V7NDZ2CRQV4RQ

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-SACS9-10-Inch-Active-Subwoofer/dp/B00O8YLIY6/ref=pd_bxgy_23_img_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=8027ED8V7NDZ2CRQV4RQ

What is the exact name of the sony speakers? Would they be THESE right here?

The Mod Team decided to place a more structured post on Black Friday deals. A lot of people are already invested in this thread so I will just sticky this here. Deals at some of the major retailers are likely to come and go often so it will be impossible to have this be fully accurate 100% of the time. If you have any deals you want to see in this sticky post feels free to message me(I WILL miss plenty of deals), otherwise you are still free to post below of course. Lastly, these are just good deals off of MSRP and I will generally post regardless of whatever personal thoughts I have on X, Y, or Z product. I will shortly add a few more categories beyond speakers.

Speakers:

Pioneer BS22 for $58 at Frys if you have a coupon code

Sony SSCS5 for $73 a PAIR on Amazon

Klipsch R-14M for $99 a PAIR on Amazon, Klipsch R-15M for $125 a PAIR on Amazon and Best Buy

Jamo C-103 for $129 a PAIR at Amazon KILLER Deal

Fluance Signature Series Bookshelf for $150 a PAIR on Amazon and Fluance. Keep watch for $99.

JBL LSR305 for $99 EACH on Amazon. At BH Photo same price but free isolation pads and no taxes outside of New York!

ELAC Debut B4 for $130 a PAIR on Amazon and ELAC B6 for $200 a PAIR on Amazon

Kef Q100 for $250 a PAIR from KefDirect

ELAC UB5 for $350 a PAIR on Amazon

Monolith K-BAS $180 EACH from Monoprice

Focal Super Bird for $250 a PAIR (BOGO) on Accessories4Les

Ascend Acoustics CBM-170SE for $330 a PAIR from Ascend and CMT-340SE for $548 a PAIR from Ascend

HSU CCB-8 Coaxial Speakers starting at $420 EACH or $764 a PAIR from HSU Research

JBL Studio 590 for $475 EACH direct from Harman Ebay. KILLER deal on these towers.

KEF LS50 for $999 a PAIR on Amazon and KEF Direct

Subwoofers:

BIC Acoustech PL-200 II for $250 from Amazon

SVS SB12-NSD for $400 from SVS Sound

SVS PB12-NSD for $500 from SVS Sound

Rythmik L12 for $509 from Ascend Acoustics and Rythmik Audio

HSU VTF-2 MK5 for $574 from HSU Research

Receivers/Amplifiers:

Sony STRDH130 Stereo Receiver for $85 on Amazon and Newegg

Denon AVR-S530BT refurb for $150 from Accessories4Less. Cheapest HDR-ready receiver you'll find out there.

Really you should check Accessories4Less.com if you're fine with good deals on Refurbished equipment.

Source Devices:
HIFIMAN MegaMini High-Res Music Player for $99 from HifiMan

Audio Technica LP-120 Turntable for $229 on Amazon

Headphones:

Audio Technica MSR7 for $150 on Amazon

HifiMan HE400i for $219 from HifiMan

Monolith M560 for $150 from Monoprice and Monolith M1060 for $250 from Monoprice

Sites to Look At Outside of the typical Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon here are some sites worth checking out for Black Friday deals:

RBH.com (Specifically their sales page is a bit of a goldmine)

Monoprice.com

KEFdirect.com (if you want to “evade” sales tax and check out the whole lineup)

Accessories4Less.com

AcousticSoundDesign.com (Website ain’t the nicest but some great packages)

I’ve had very good luck with that Sony receiver as well. I would add that I’ve enjoyed these Sony bookshelf speakers which we’re on sale for less than $100 just a few weeks ago.

Having a Sony TV has zero impact on whether you get Sony speakers.

For Pioneer, the left, right, and center speakers combine will cost you $192:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008NCD2EI/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008NCD2LG/

For Sony, the left, right, and center speakers combine will cost you $296:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O8YLNRS/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O8YLMVA/

For reference, if you wanted the floor standing options for either it will be an extra $100-150 in either case.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O8YLL8E/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0798YNCQ1/

I will assume you will go with bookshelf speakers for now and the Sonys. That means that your AVR, speaker cable, left, right, and center channels combined come to about $500.

That leaves about $500 for a subwoofer. That is a nice chunk of change for a really nice subwoofer.

First, are you certain you want a premium subwoofer like that? Second, are you concerned that you may disturb your neighbors in an apartment building with a subwoofer?

Personally, I would save my money and get the BIC America F12. It is an absolutely excellent subwoofer for $200 and is likely already overkill for your needs:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015A8Y5M/

For $612, I would consider:

Elac Debut B6.2 bookshelf $150/pair

ELAC Debut C6.2 center, $140

Sony SSCS5 surrounds, $73

BIC PL-200 II subwoofer, $249

​

Those are great speakers!

They lack low end but paired with a nice small subwoofer they would we great!

However, I would personally recommend a good pair of 3-ways. 3-ways produce a more full sound without the added need of a subwoofer. You are not going to get the same earth shattering bass a dedicated sub would provide, but you will get true stereo bass that is more true to the mix engineers orignal intent, and often still quite dramatic.

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-SSCS5-3-Driver-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B00O8YLMVA

Other Peoples Opinion:
http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/sony-core-series-sscs5.694183/

The AT-LP120 is a great table but I would personally recommend swapping out the cartridge right away. I know a few people with this player and the Oftofon 2M red sounds great! Just a thought!

http://www.needledoctor.com/Ortofon-2M-Red-Phono-Cartridge