Presonus Eris E3.5 vs. Sony SSCS5 3-Way Speakers

Presonus Eris E3.5 3.5” Near Field Studio Monitor Sony SSCS5 3-Way Bookshelf Speakers
MSRP
$100 $200
Dimensions (H × W × D)
10.24” × 7.00” × 7.68”
260mm × 178mm × 195mm
13.25” × 7.13” × 8.75”
337mm × 181mm × 222mm
Power Type
Powered Passive
Frequency Response
80-20,000 Hz 53-50,000 Hz
ASR Score
1.5 4.5
ASR Score w/Subwoofer
4.3 7.2
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In a clash of compact contenders, the PreSonus Eris E3.5 studio monitors boast accurate sound reproduction and user-friendly features tailored for budding audio engineers, with acoustical tuning controls to adapt to any space. Meanwhile, the Sony SSCS5 speakers, with their 3-way design and expansive soundstage, appeal to the casual listener seeking a richer, fuller listening experience at home. Both offer incredible value but serve different masters—precision for the mixer with PreSonus, and a lush audio palette for the audiophile with Sony. Your choice hinges on whether your priority is mixing tracks or immersing in them.

Speaker Comparison

When we dive into the world of studio monitors and bookshelf speakers, there's a consideration beyond just "loud and clear" that sets apart the enthusiast's choice from the average consumer's pick. The Presonus Eris E3.5 and the Sony SSCS5 are two contenders that might seem similar to the untrained eye, but to the discerning audiophile, they each speak a different language of sound. The Eris E3.5 is designed with true audio mixing in mind, offering a flat frequency response for accuracy, while the SSCS5 brings Sony's consumer audio expertise into a package that's meant to please the ear right out of the box.

Design and Build Quality

Starting with their physical presence, the Presonus Eris E3.5 strikes with a professional and minimalist aesthetic, signaling its studio monitor pedigree. It's compact and robust, built to sit close to the creative who's mixing the next big track. On the other hand, Sony's SSCS5 sports a more traditional home audio look with its wood finish and classic bookshelf design, potentially blending better with home decor. The build quality of both units is impressive; however, the Eris E3.5 is slightly more utilitarian in design aimed at functionality over form.

Presonus Eris E3.5 3.5” Near Field Studio Monitor
Presonus Eris E3.5 arrow (at Amazon.com)

Sound Profile and Performance

When it comes to sound, the Presonus Eris E3.5 delivers a neutral, uncolored audio experience, which is essential for mixing and mastering applications. Accuracy is the name of the game here, and these monitors do not embellish the sound, which might be less thrilling for casual listening but indispensable for production work. In contrast, the Sony SSCS5 offers a more colored sound profile. It's a 3-way speaker with a dedicated tweeter, midrange driver, and a bass reflex system that provides a fuller, richer sound that's tailored to enjoying music rather than scrutinizing it.

The Eris E3.5, with its woven composite drivers, provides a clean and coherent sound that remains precise even at high volumes, which is crucial for near field monitoring. Meanwhile, the SSCS5's mica-reinforced cellular woofer ensures punchy lows and the polyester main tweeter aids in delivering crisp highs. The SSCS5 doesn't just stop there; it features a super tweeter designed to extend the frequency response even further, giving a sense of airiness to the sound that can be quite immersive for movies and music alike.

Connectivity and Usability

On the functionality front, the Eris E3.5 is straightforward with its connections, catering to the professional environment with balanced TRS and unbalanced RCA inputs, and a front auxiliary input for quick connectivity. It also features acoustic tuning controls to adjust for room anomalies, a feature that's particularly valuable in a studio setting. The SSCS5, being consumer-oriented, sticks with the traditional binding posts for speaker wire, lacking the more technical input options but maintaining simplicity for the everyday user.

Moreover, the Presonus Eris E3.5 has a built-in amplifier, which simplifies the setup process for users, as there's no need for an external amp. This is a huge plus for those with limited space or who prefer a more plug-and-play approach. The Sony SSCS5, however, requires a separate amplifier or receiver, which can be an advantage or a drawback depending on whether you already have an audio setup that you're looking to upgrade or whether you're starting from scratch.

Conclusion

In essence, the choice between the Presonus Eris E3.5 and the Sony SSCS5 will largely depend on the intended use and personal preference. The Eris E3.5 is tailored for the critical listener who is producing and mixing content, while the SSCS5 is geared towards the music and movie lover looking to enhance their home audio experience. Each offers a different approach to sound and usability, with the Presonus prioritizing precision and professional features, and Sony delivering a warm and expansive soundstage for pure enjoyment.


Check Current Prices:

Presonus Eris E3.5 3.5” Near Field Studio Monitor
Presonus Eris E3.5 3.5” Near Field Studio Monitor
Sony SSCS5 3-Way Bookshelf Speakers
Sony SSCS5 3-Way Bookshelf Speakers
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

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Disclaimer: the speaker data listed on this website are correct to the best of our knowledge, but we do not guarantee the accuracy of the data. Please double-check any measurements with the manufacturer before making a final purchasing decision.