I have both, and both are very good, but different speakers. Sonys - Very plain appearance, but impressive sound. The highs on these are as good as speakers costing many times more; a touch forward but not enough to be fatiguing. Midrange is balanced and pleasant. Bass is accurate but not strong. You'll need a sub with these, but I use subs with everything, so a non-issue for me. These don't handle high volumes as well as some, so best for small to medium rooms. They will also work well for near field applications. I got mine on black Friday last year for $73, they were $88 this year. At those prices you're crazy NOT to own them. I enjoy mine very much. The JBLs are more attractive speakers. Very good highs, but the mids are a little too forward. I don't re4commend these for near field. They will play louder tan the Sonys while still staying clear, and the bass is better. But again, I think all bookshelf speakers need subs, so this was not a deciding factor. These do well in medium to larger rooms where the forward midrange won't be an issue. They play very loud and clear without breaking a sweat. I got mine for $129 back when the reviews were just beginning. The price has now doubled or more, so they are not the deal they were. I like them both, but the Sonys are the better value and I find myself enjoying the Sonys more for the application I use them for, on shelves just above the bench in my shop. If they were further away, the JBLs would also do great. But I'm hanging onto both, I'm one of these guys who likes to change their speakers around all the time.
i like your idea of swapping speakers to avoid getting used mentally to a single sound signature, what speaker would you recommend for low volume very near field (1 to 2 feet) under $500 ?
@@amanieux check out the Micca RB-42. A bit rolled off on the top end, so very good for near field. Bass is quite good for such a small speaker, but I would still use a sub if possible.
Both micca and cs5 are not available in europe, do you have a sub $300 suggestion available in europe that sounds good at low volume near field for destop use ? Thanks
It seems JBL has possibly discontinued the Stage A130's as they've been out of stock for months now on their official website including retailers. The used market for them is crazy expensive now too. They are no longer within the budget category anymore sadly.
Great job mate. Fine example of how you should compare speakers. It would be even better if you add original sound of songs, then people could compare recordings with their own audio system.
A130 has two quality levels depending its phase orientation. I've confirmed it so many times that there's nothing left to do but swap the color coding of the posts. I was hearing muddy mid-bass, recessed vocals until I flipped their phase and restored their capabilities.
Thanks! Based on the Sony's poor measurement on ASR, I expected them blown away by JBL, Wharfedale etc., but it didn't sound that way. I am looking for a pair for desktop that sound like MDR V6 headphone with the treble tuned down a little. The Sony SSCS5 may just be it.
Interesting. Like what you did with the blind testing. They both sound extraordinarily alike. I think the bass extension is a little better on the jbl's.
I have the Sony’s. Paid $80. Have them set up with an older Klipsch 12” sub. Mind boggling how good this system sounds. I was looking at spending $500-$600 on “better” bookshelf speakers and bought the Sony’s more as a joke just to see what the hype was all about. Well, the joke was on me. But I saved $500 for now. They are pretty damned good. Can’t go wrong with these things.
This is a no-brainer. The Sonys are slightly brighter and the JBLs slightly warmer, but it's so close, that, with the Sonys at $110, and the JBL having just doubled in price from $180 to $350, I'd go with the Sony. I do like the sound of the JBLs better, but not at $350. I still prefer the $249 Wharfedale D320 to both of them
The jbl's have more of a mid-range presence than that of the Sony's along with a little bit more of a rolled off top end despite it having aluminum dome tweeter. The JBL's also have a more robust lower frequency response. The Sony's have a clearer upper frequency presence that comes across as being clearer. It's going to come down to a decision of whether the broader frequency response of the jbl's is worth their higher price tag. When both are on sale, the jbl's are only about $12 more than the Sony's, it's justifiable, but above $200, the JBL's have to start competing with better sounding speakers where they lose their slight edge.
I already know Sony SSCS5 is a great set of speakers, specialy when it comes to pricing but after listening it on my Audio Technica M20x i can say that JBL has better sound stage, more body and clarity. If I were you I'd rather wait for jbl sale to get hands on them with the better value for money tag. If you seriouly can not increase your budget then Sony is still a go to speakers. Ps. consider jbl's better building quality too.
SSCS5 sounds more natural with a wider range and brighter in this video for my ears which is weird even though it's cheaper. I'm going with SSCS5, not because it's cheaper which is a bonus but it sounds better for my test. Edit: so I bought A130, and it's very bright, if A130 is this bright, then I have no idea how bright the sony could've been. anyway, I'm disappointed by the sound of A130. the voice isn't great IMO. I don't own Sony to compare with. but now I think I will go with Eric's recommendation from now on. if he didn't like sony, then I guess I wouldn't like it either. since he called A130 is bright and I didn't believe him. and he mentioned Sony is super bright.
Interesting. I'm Tossed-up between sscs3's and the jbl 180's. I learned from this video that sony and jbl sound profiles compliment each other, and I think i'm going with the JBL towers. Cool.
Thank you for the videos. I've been thinking about buying TV speakers for a long time, but I can't decide whether to buy active EDIFIER R2750DB speakers or pay extra and buy a wharfedale d320 + amplifier, I would be interested in how big the sound difference would be in active vs passive speakers. I wanted to ask if you have any active speakers? Thanks :)
thank you for your support! IMO, generally, almost of all speakers and amps are similar qualities if compared around same price range. You will notice the difference only A and B comparison test. So, You can choose depends on what you need for the most. this is one of examples... If you have limited space, then go to compact active speakers, Or if you have enough space, then you can go passive speaker + amps. However, remember before you choose what you need. Try to listen as many as speakers you can, then choose the best for you. That's why I run this channel. You listen, then narrow down your thoughts until the last....
Night and day! Edifier are junk compared to quality speakers. I went edifiers for my garage tunes and now use them for when I work out on my bike trainer. They are dissatisfying speakers.
In my opinion, there're no doubt Sony sounds brighter wider and more details, JBL reproduce bass a little bit warmer but dull. Then i'd go for Sony SS-CS3 floorstand tower speaker same price with CS5 which have double woofers so obviously bass will be deeper and warmer :)
JBL pulled a bait and switch on the stage series... Don't buy them, you'll regret it for sure! I bought a130's and the a190... Both sound TERRIBLE.. the vocals sound like a $20 radio inside of a cardboard box.
In this comparison I prefer the JBL over the Sony but I think JBL is out of their tree for asking $299/pr on their website. To my ears the JBL's are not $200 better than the Sony! I am enjoying all the equipment comparison videos. Would you consider the entry level speaker from PSB- P3 bookshelf speaker vs any of the other entry level speakers you have compared already?
Took me seconds to figure out which was which? I have the Sony`s and have come to dislike the highs and how they effect the overall listening experience. My Wharfedale D220`s smoke them both.
I have all three speakers, and while I would love to combine the clear highs of the Sony’s with fuller sound of the JBL’s, my Diamond 220’s pretty much cover all the bases. Love the slotted port.
I own both, and like them both, but the Sonys need a subwoofer if you want deep bass, so that will push the price over the JBL 305s, especially if you need to buy an amp as well. That said, if I were NOT pairing a subwoofer to either and wasn't crazy about bass, I would go with the JBL 305s, they do go a bit lower, create a little wider soundstage, and sound a bit more natural to my ear, more body and warmth. The Sonys make a good clean/clear sound, very detailed(that's what I like about them, they're so clean the sound sparkles, though I would not call them overly bright or forward, fatiguing), sometimes they do sound a bit thin though. YOu can't go wrong either way though, in my opinion, I love my Sony speakers, I've listened to them every day this week, and they always amaze me with how good they sound, regardless of the price. I have a system costing 5x as much and often prefer the cleaner sound of the Sonys to it. But yes, I do have a subwoofer going, and it does make a big difference with the Sonys.
@@mydogskips2 thanks for sharing your experience. don't you think that jbl 305 also sound better with a subwoofer ? if sony sscs5 is not an obvious overall upgrade over jbl 305, do you know of other speakers+amp combination that are ?
The Sony's are on the bright side but i prefer the JBl's, They'll last longer, and if you crank up the volume too much these Sony's would blow themselves apart.
Am I the only one who finds the sonys very harsh in the highs in this comparison? The JBL's are much smoother, have more bass, and the slightly forward midrange works better in these demos, especially the second track.
![Sony SSCS5 vs Polk Audio T15 with Marantz PM7000N [Entry Speaker] 3 way or 2 way - Huge Difference?](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RRVh3qKDMQ0/mqdefault.jpg)
![Do you hear as it was intended to be heard? [Sound Battle] JBL Stage A130 vs Diamond 12.2 W/AXA25](/img/n.gif)
I have both, and both are very good, but different speakers.
Sonys - Very plain appearance, but impressive sound. The highs on these are as good as speakers costing many times more; a touch forward but not enough to be fatiguing. Midrange is balanced and pleasant. Bass is accurate but not strong. You'll need a sub with these, but I use subs with everything, so a non-issue for me. These don't handle high volumes as well as some, so best for small to medium rooms. They will also work well for near field applications. I got mine on black Friday last year for $73, they were $88 this year. At those prices you're crazy NOT to own them. I enjoy mine very much.
The JBLs are more attractive speakers. Very good highs, but the mids are a little too forward. I don't re4commend these for near field. They will play louder tan the Sonys while still staying clear, and the bass is better. But again, I think all bookshelf speakers need subs, so this was not a deciding factor. These do well in medium to larger rooms where the forward midrange won't be an issue. They play very loud and clear without breaking a sweat. I got mine for $129 back when the reviews were just beginning. The price has now doubled or more, so they are not the deal they were.
I like them both, but the Sonys are the better value and I find myself enjoying the Sonys more for the application I use them for, on shelves just above the bench in my shop. If they were further away, the JBLs would also do great. But I'm hanging onto both, I'm one of these guys who likes to change their speakers around all the time.
i like your idea of swapping speakers to avoid getting used mentally to a single sound signature, what speaker would you recommend for low volume very near field (1 to 2 feet) under $500 ?
@@amanieux check out the Micca RB-42. A bit rolled off on the top end, so very good for near field. Bass is quite good for such a small speaker, but I would still use a sub if possible.
Both micca and cs5 are not available in europe, do you have a sub $300 suggestion available in europe that sounds good at low volume near field for destop use ? Thanks
Q aqoustic 3020
It seems JBL has possibly discontinued the Stage A130's as they've been out of stock for months now on their official website including retailers. The used market for them is crazy expensive now too. They are no longer within the budget category anymore sadly.
Great job mate. Fine example of how you should compare speakers. It would be even better if you add original sound of songs, then people could compare recordings with their own audio system.
A130 has two quality levels depending its phase orientation. I've confirmed it so many times that there's nothing left to do but swap the color coding of the posts. I was hearing muddy mid-bass, recessed vocals until I flipped their phase and restored their capabilities.
I have the Sony SSCS5 and you need a subwoofer with these, having said this they are awesome for the money.
I am planning to buy this Sony speaker, so it was very helpful.
Thanks! Based on the Sony's poor measurement on ASR, I expected them blown away by JBL, Wharfedale etc., but it didn't sound that way. I am looking for a pair for desktop that sound like MDR V6 headphone with the treble tuned down a little. The Sony SSCS5 may just be it.
Interesting. Like what you did with the blind testing. They both sound extraordinarily alike. I think the bass extension is a little better on the jbl's.
I have the Sony’s. Paid $80. Have them set up with an older Klipsch 12” sub. Mind boggling how good this system sounds. I was looking at spending $500-$600 on “better” bookshelf speakers and bought the Sony’s more as a joke just to see what the hype was all about. Well, the joke was on me. But I saved $500 for now. They are pretty damned good. Can’t go wrong with these things.
This is a no-brainer. The Sonys are slightly brighter and the JBLs slightly warmer, but it's so close, that, with the Sonys at $110, and the JBL having just doubled in price from $180 to $350, I'd go with the Sony. I do like the sound of the JBLs better, but not at $350. I still prefer the $249 Wharfedale D320 to both of them
£170 in UK
The jbl's have more of a mid-range presence than that of the Sony's along with a little bit more of a rolled off top end despite it having aluminum dome tweeter. The JBL's also have a more robust lower frequency response. The Sony's have a clearer upper frequency presence that comes across as being clearer. It's going to come down to a decision of whether the broader frequency response of the jbl's is worth their higher price tag. When both are on sale, the jbl's are only about $12 more than the Sony's, it's justifiable, but above $200, the JBL's have to start competing with better sounding speakers where they lose their slight edge.
The absence of a low end can be solved with the addition of a good sub. Take your pick
JBL clearly for me, but the Sony's are a steal at that price .
I already know Sony SSCS5 is a great set of speakers, specialy when it comes to pricing but after listening it on my Audio Technica M20x i can say that JBL has better sound stage, more body and clarity. If I were you I'd rather wait for jbl sale to get hands on them with the better value for money tag. If you seriouly can not increase your budget then Sony is still a go to speakers.
Ps. consider jbl's better building quality too.
SSCS5 sounds more natural with a wider range and brighter in this video for my ears which is weird even though it's cheaper. I'm going with SSCS5, not because it's cheaper which is a bonus but it sounds better for my test.
Edit: so I bought A130, and it's very bright, if A130 is this bright, then I have no idea how bright the sony could've been. anyway, I'm disappointed by the sound of A130. the voice isn't great IMO. I don't own Sony to compare with. but now I think I will go with Eric's recommendation from now on. if he didn't like sony, then I guess I wouldn't like it either. since he called A130 is bright and I didn't believe him. and he mentioned Sony is super bright.
Sony best
sony are the best in sound to me
no..
Interesting. I'm Tossed-up between sscs3's and the jbl 180's. I learned from this video that sony and jbl sound profiles compliment each other, and I think i'm going with the JBL towers. Cool.
I have the Sony SSCS5 and they need a sub.
Thank you for the videos. I've been thinking about buying TV speakers for a long time, but I can't decide whether to buy active EDIFIER R2750DB speakers or pay extra and buy a wharfedale d320 + amplifier, I would be interested in how big the sound difference would be in active vs passive speakers. I wanted to ask if you have any active speakers? Thanks :)
thank you for your support!
IMO, generally, almost of all speakers and amps are similar qualities if compared around same price range. You will notice the difference only A and B comparison test. So, You can choose depends on what you need for the most. this is one of examples... If you have limited space, then go to compact active speakers, Or if you have enough space, then you can go passive speaker + amps. However, remember before you choose what you need. Try to listen as many as speakers you can, then choose the best for you. That's why I run this channel. You listen, then narrow down your thoughts until the last....
Night and day! Edifier are junk compared to quality speakers. I went edifiers for my garage tunes and now use them for when I work out on my bike trainer. They are dissatisfying speakers.
I prefer the sound of the jbl
I think the Sony’s are on sale at $73.
In my opinion, there're no doubt Sony sounds brighter wider and more details, JBL reproduce bass a little bit warmer but dull. Then i'd go for Sony SS-CS3 floorstand tower speaker same price with CS5 which have double woofers so obviously bass will be deeper and warmer :)
Sony 👍👍👍
no
Sony sound very open, first time I see Sony speaker beating JBL.
SONY👍
no
JBL pulled a bait and switch on the stage series... Don't buy them, you'll regret it for sure! I bought a130's and the a190... Both sound TERRIBLE.. the vocals sound like a $20 radio inside of a cardboard box.
They seem very close... SSCS5 slightly brighter treble and slightly more open, but hard to tell...
Very close, but JBL's (has a little bit bass) has a price like 2 pairs of Sony))
JBL I can hear the box. Sony no boxy sound, they just release the music into the air. Thanks
In this comparison I prefer the JBL over the Sony but I think JBL is out of their tree for asking $299/pr on their website. To my ears the JBL's are not $200 better than the Sony!
I am enjoying all the equipment comparison videos. Would you consider the entry level speaker from PSB- P3 bookshelf speaker vs any of the other entry level speakers you have compared already?
thanks for you comments, I will make a PSB-P3 Speaker Comparison video by next week.
keep staying with me.
Almost like splitting hairs but sonys seem to have just a tad extra.
The highs on the Sonys would be very fatiguing within 2 songs. The JBLs are more neutral.
Took me seconds to figure out which was which? I have the Sony`s and have come to dislike the highs and how they effect the overall listening experience. My Wharfedale D220`s smoke them both.
I have all three speakers, and while I would love to combine the clear highs of the Sony’s with fuller sound of the JBL’s, my Diamond 220’s pretty much cover all the bases. Love the slotted port.
Jbl wins expensive sound but it doesnt mean sony is not good.
curious to hear a sony sscs5+cheap amp vs jbl 305 at the same total price
I own both, and like them both, but the Sonys need a subwoofer if you want deep bass, so that will push the price over the JBL 305s, especially if you need to buy an amp as well. That said, if I were NOT pairing a subwoofer to either and wasn't crazy about bass, I would go with the JBL 305s, they do go a bit lower, create a little wider soundstage, and sound a bit more natural to my ear, more body and warmth. The Sonys make a good clean/clear sound, very detailed(that's what I like about them, they're so clean the sound sparkles, though I would not call them overly bright or forward, fatiguing), sometimes they do sound a bit thin though. YOu can't go wrong either way though, in my opinion, I love my Sony speakers, I've listened to them every day this week, and they always amaze me with how good they sound, regardless of the price. I have a system costing 5x as much and often prefer the cleaner sound of the Sonys to it. But yes, I do have a subwoofer going, and it does make a big difference with the Sonys.
@@mydogskips2 thanks for sharing your experience. don't you think that jbl 305 also sound better with a subwoofer ? if sony sscs5 is not an obvious overall upgrade over jbl 305, do you know of other speakers+amp combination that are ?
I will take the JBL, The will last 30 or 40 years with the same sound quality, Sony maybe 10 years
The Sony's are on the bright side but i prefer the JBl's, They'll last longer, and if you crank up the volume too much these Sony's would blow themselves apart.
Sony se escucha más limpio más separado todo más detallado sony en rango medio sobre todo las voces se le escapo a jbl
At $88 the Sony is a no brainer.
Even at the $40 I paid it`s not the better deal over time. I use mine for dialog TV shows only now.
Second plan in sony is better
I had the Sony's and sent back because they were too bright. The JBL seems worse! It's like bad going to worse
JBL was my preference!
Sony has more extensional sound
Sony Is surround
JBL Is attack
Sony
both sounds cheap but jbl sounds much cheaper :D i don't like it, wouldn't buy it.
JBL👍👍👍👍✌️🇵🇱
Am I the only one who finds the sonys very harsh in the highs in this comparison? The JBL's are much smoother, have more bass, and the slightly forward midrange works better in these demos, especially the second track.
сони свыливает все в кашу. жбл чище и разборчивее
get the Sony's for 88 bucks add a sub and you got it, dig it ?
Sonys spank the JBLs imho.
Sony sound muddy in the mids.Better JBL.
Snimak ti je bez veze. Nije radjen sa profesionalnom opremom za snimanje.
Why is this music so lame ?
Perhaps CZcams would block more popular music.
The Sonys are terrible speakers. Cheap, sound, look and build. I guess they are enough if you are in high school and can't afford anything else.
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