Having heard considerable buzz around the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR speakers, particularly for their budget-friendly price point and the Andrew Jones design pedigree, I decided to purchase a brand new pair from eBay for $66. The intent was to have a test set of speakers, a secondary backup even, given the positive reviews from various audiophile circles. However, after extensive testing, my experience was far from the hype. In short, these speakers fell significantly short of expectations, and I’m left questioning their value even at this discounted price.
Initial Setup and Testing Environment
My listening space is a modest 12’ x 8’ room, and the Pioneer speakers were positioned with careful consideration: two feet from the back wall and one foot from the side walls. For critical listening, I utilized a range of high-quality audio sources. This included FLAC files and high-definition audio, along with standard streaming services like YouTube (at its highest quality) and Spotify. To ensure a comprehensive evaluation, I cycled through three different amplifiers:
- A recently recapped Marantz 2218, featuring upgraded Nitchicon components, new FETs, and transistors in the power supply and amp driver board.
- The compact yet powerful SMSL SA98E.
- A more refined setup consisting of Amp Camp Amp monoblocks, each driven by separate linear power supplies.
For comparative analysis, I pitted the Pioneer speakers against two established references:
- My 30-year-old Harman Kardon AVS10 surround sound speakers, equipped with 3-inch drivers – a testament to enduring quality.
- My hand-built Fostex BK-20 folded horn speakers, featuring Fostex FE206EN drivers, representing a higher tier of audio performance.
The music selection spanned diverse genres, including classical, jazz, New Age, indie, and pop, to assess performance across various sonic landscapes.
Sound Quality: A Critical Assessment
Across all comparisons, the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR speakers were consistently underwhelming. The only scenario where they proved somewhat acceptable was at very low volumes, making them potentially suitable for near-field listening or for individuals with highly sensitive hearing in quiet, confined spaces. My own hearing range extends to 12.7 kHz before rolling off, with complete cutoff at 15 kHz. Even within my audible range, the high frequencies produced by the Pioneers were noticeably muddy, dull, and lacking in detail.
My son, who possesses significantly more acute high-frequency hearing (capable of detecting ultrasonic rodent repellents), echoed this sentiment. He also found the highs lacking compared to the Harman Kardon and Fostex speakers.
A significant issue emerged when attempting to increase the volume. Across all three amplifiers, the Pioneer speakers exhibited noticeable distortion, manifesting as popping, clicking, and snapping sounds. This distortion severely limited dynamic range and made bass enhancement virtually impossible, as any attempt to boost bass frequencies resulted in further driver distortion.
In direct comparison to both the Harman Kardon and Fostex speakers, the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR simply could not compete in terms of clarity, detail, and overall fidelity. The difference was stark and undeniable.
Modification Considerations
While initially intrigued by online discussions regarding modifications to improve these speakers, the extent of their shortcomings makes investing in new drivers and extensive cabinet modifications seem unwarranted. The fundamental limitations appear to reside within the core components and design itself.
Despite this, I intend to experiment with basic modifications using readily available sound deadening, reflecting, and absorbing materials, along with sound deadening adhesives I already possess. This will be an exercise in exploring potential improvements with minimal financial investment, leveraging existing resources based on community recommendations.
Conclusion: Value Questioned
Ultimately, even at the discounted price of $66, the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR speakers present a questionable value proposition. Their severely limited performance, particularly the muddy highs and distortion at even moderate volumes, makes them difficult to recommend for any serious listening application. While they might suffice for extremely low-volume background listening or specific niche scenarios, audiophiles seeking genuine sound quality will find themselves significantly disappointed. The comparison against even older, budget-oriented speakers highlights the shortcomings of the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR in delivering a satisfying audio experience.
