Andrew Jones has become synonymous with high-quality, budget-friendly audiophile speakers, and the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR bookshelf speakers are a prime example of his design philosophy. Following up on previous models, Jones aimed to push the boundaries of what’s achievable at an accessible price point. This review delves into the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR, exploring its design, sound characteristics, and overall value in the competitive world of bookshelf loudspeakers.
Design and Visual Appeal
The Pioneer SP-BS22-LR presents a clean and functional aesthetic. Compared to earlier Pioneer models, the BS22-LR refines the visual appeal with a more conventional grill design. While the previous fancy Pioneer emblem might be missed by some, the updated grill is a welcome improvement, moving away from a less appealing “iron curtain” look.
The speaker maintains a classic bookshelf speaker silhouette, but closer inspection reveals design choices that hint at its sonic aspirations.
However, the grill design itself raises some questions. The thick plastic construction, resembling a chain-link fence, appears visually obstructive to the tweeter. For optimal audio performance, particularly in the high frequencies, removing the grills might be considered.
Removing the grill unveils the custom-designed drivers, the heart of Andrew Jones’ engineering efforts. While the proportions of the speaker, with its modest woofer size relative to the cabinet, might seem unconventional to some, the focus is clearly on acoustic performance over pure visual extravagance.
Custom-Engineered Drivers
A key feature of the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR is the utilization of custom-designed drivers. This is a notable achievement at this price range, where off-the-shelf components are often the norm. Andrew Jones opted for a bespoke approach to maximize performance within budget constraints.
The tweeter is integrated into a deep waveguide, a design element typically associated with high-efficiency, directional tweeters. This horn-loading approach suggests a focus on controlled high-frequency dispersion.
The woofer cone is constructed from a plastic material featuring an embossed grid pattern. This textured surface is likely engineered to manage cone resonance, aiming for a smoother frequency response by distributing resonant frequencies. This design detail is reminiscent of higher-end drivers, such as the embossed paper cones found in Scanspeak Illuminator series, indicating a sophisticated approach to driver design. The woofer surround utilizes butyl rubber, exhibiting a stiffness that is substantial for its size.
The profile view emphasizes the custom nature of the driver, showcasing a large magnet structure. Additionally, a glimpse of the crossover network reveals the use of a poly capacitor for the tweeter, a component choice often favored over electrolytic capacitors in crossover circuits for its potentially superior sonic characteristics. The rear of the speaker maintains a functional design with standard speaker terminals and a rear-firing port, similar to previous Pioneer models.
Setup and Initial Listening Impressions
For an initial assessment, the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR speakers were set up as desktop speakers. This nearfield configuration allows for critical listening and highlights speaker characteristics that might be less apparent in a room setup. Positioned on stands to elevate the tweeters to ear level and pulled away from the wall to accommodate the rear port, the speakers were evaluated with varying degrees of toe-in. It was observed that the waveguide design resulted in a very direct high-frequency projection. Excessive toe-in in a nearfield setup could lead to an overly focused and headphone-like soundstage, prompting an adjustment to a more outward-facing orientation.
Initial uncorrected listening impressions revealed a mixed bag. While not overtly negative, certain sonic traits were immediately noticeable. Cymbals exhibited a sharpness, the midrange felt somewhat lean, and a degree of boominess was present in the bass. However, for their price point, the speakers were deemed capable. They demonstrated a higher volume output compared to earlier Pioneer models, although the small woofers likely have limitations in terms of extreme volume levels. While a subwoofer might not be essential for desktop use, it would be beneficial for larger rooms or stand-alone listening setups.
Comparisons to the more expensive Audio Engine P4 speakers revealed shared sonic characteristics, albeit with nuanced differences. The waveguide’s focused high-frequency energy resulted in a somewhat harsh top end and narrow dispersion. The thin midrange contributed to a slightly diminished presence of vocals and instruments. The forward-projecting nature of the speaker, due to its baffle design, limited the soundstage width in a nearfield setup. Expanding the soundstage would necessitate wider speaker placement and careful toe-in adjustments to maintain frequency response balance.
Frequency Response and DSP Correction
Frequency response measurements were conducted on the tweeter axis using a close-windowed technique. These measurements corroborated the subjective listening impressions, revealing a pronounced high-frequency emphasis above 12kHz.
Acknowledging limitations in low-frequency measurement accuracy, supplemental data from Stereophile’s comprehensive review of the Pioneer BS22-LR was incorporated. Stereophile’s measurements, utilizing a 30-degree horizontally averaged technique, provide a broader picture of the speaker’s overall frequency response. In nearfield listening, on-axis measurements are considered more representative of the perceived sound. However, below 1kHz, the averaged response should align closely with the on-axis response for a speaker of this size, allowing for data integration.
To address the identified frequency response anomalies, particularly the elevated high frequencies, DSP (Digital Signal Processing) correction was implemented. Based on a combination of personal measurements, Stereophile’s data, and extended listening sessions, a DSP correction profile was developed.
The correction profile included a bass boost below 800Hz to compensate for a perceived lower response in that range. A slight bass cut was applied in the port and woofer overlap region to mitigate potential boominess, and the prominent high-frequency peak was attenuated.
Sound Quality with DSP Correction and Final Verdict
With the DSP correction applied, the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR speakers exhibited a significant improvement in sound quality. The correction allowed for toe-in adjustments without the previously experienced harshness, resulting in a more balanced and detailed sound presentation.
While the physical size of the SP-BS22-LR might be a consideration for desktop use, potentially consuming valuable desk space, the sonic benefits, especially with correction, are undeniable. For desktop listening, the corrected Pioneer SP-BS22-LR, while larger, presents a compelling alternative to speakers like the Micca MB42x. However, for desktop use, the reviewer still maintains a preference for the Micca MB42x.
For living room setups or systems where DSP correction isn’t feasible, the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR stands out as a tonally balanced budget speaker. In its uncorrected form, it is arguably the best-sounding affordable speaker in its class, offering a more neutral tonal balance compared to many competitors. The narrow horizontal dispersion, while a potential drawback for soundstage width, can be advantageous in minimizing room reflections and enhancing sonic detail, particularly in less-than-ideal acoustic environments. For listeners who prioritize detailed, room-independent sound, the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR, designed by Andrew Jones, presents a compelling option in the budget speaker market.
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