Pioneer has long been a respected name in the audio industry, and their bookshelf speakers have garnered attention for offering impressive sound quality at accessible prices. Designed by renowned audio engineer Andrew Jones, the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR bookshelf speakers aim to deliver high-fidelity audio without breaking the bank. This review delves into the features, performance, and overall value of these popular speakers, providing a comprehensive analysis for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
Design and Build Quality
The Pioneer SP-BS22-LR presents a straightforward and functional aesthetic. While they may not boast luxurious finishes, the design is clean and unobtrusive, allowing them to blend into most listening environments. The speakers feature removable grills, offering a choice between a more discreet look and exposing the drivers for a more technical appearance. However, some users have noted the plastic grill design can be somewhat flimsy and sonically detrimental, suggesting they might be best removed for critical listening.
Removing the grills reveals the custom-designed drivers, a key feature emphasized by Andrew Jones to optimize performance at this price point. The proportions of the speaker, with its relatively small woofer in a larger cabinet, might appear unconventional to some, but this design is intentional for achieving the desired acoustic characteristics.
Driver Technology
The SP-BS22-LR incorporates custom-designed drivers, moving away from off-the-shelf components typically found in speakers at this price range. This allows for precise control over the speaker’s sonic signature. The tweeter is a soft-dome design set within a custom waveguide. This waveguide is engineered to control the dispersion of high frequencies. While waveguide designs can sometimes result in overly directional sound, potentially making the treble harsh when directly on-axis, they are also designed to increase efficiency and control room reflections.
The woofer utilizes a structured surface, a less common feature in this category. The embossed grid pattern on the cone is a deliberate design choice aimed at managing cone resonance. By strategically distributing resonance, the driver aims for a smoother frequency response and reduced distortion, especially around the crossover region. The woofer surround is made of butyl rubber, which, while being fairly stiff for its size, contributes to controlled cone movement and durability. The custom design of the woofer is evident in its robust construction, featuring a substantial magnet, typically associated with higher-end drivers. The crossover network includes a polypropylene capacitor for the tweeter, a component often favored in speaker design for its superior performance compared to electrolytic capacitors in crossover circuits.
The rear panel of the SP-BS22-LR is functionally designed with standard, user-friendly speaker terminals and a rear-firing port. This port is crucial for tuning the speaker’s bass response, extending the low-frequency reach for a fuller sound.
Listening Experience and Performance
When setting up the Pioneer Bookshelf Speakers, positioning plays a crucial role in optimizing their performance. As desktop speakers, raising them to ear level and pulling them away from walls is recommended to allow the rear port to function effectively and minimize unwanted bass reinforcement. While toe-in can enhance stereo imaging, the waveguide design might make the treble overly prominent when directly facing the listener at close distances. Experimenting with toe-out or less aggressive toe-in might yield a more balanced sound in near-field listening scenarios.
Out of the box, the SP-BS22-LR delivers a sound that is generally considered commendable for its price. Initial impressions might reveal a slightly bright top end, a somewhat lean midrange, and a tendency towards boominess in the bass. However, for their price point, these speakers perform admirably. They exhibit better loudness capabilities than comparable budget speakers, although pushing them too hard might reveal the limitations of the smaller woofers at very high volumes. While they offer decent bass extension for desktop use, a subwoofer would be beneficial for larger rooms or for listeners seeking deeper low-frequency reproduction in a home theater setup.
Compared to other speakers in a similar price range, the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR presents a unique sonic profile. The waveguide tweeter, while contributing to detailed highs, can also introduce a degree of harshness and narrow the horizontal dispersion of high frequencies. This means the sweet spot for optimal treble performance is relatively focused. Moving off-axis can result in a noticeable roll-off in the high frequencies. The midrange, while present, might sound slightly recessed, potentially affecting the fullness of vocals and certain instruments. The forward-projecting nature of the design, influenced by the front baffle, contributes to a soundstage that is primarily confined to the space between the speakers, rather than a vast, expansive soundstage often sought in high-end systems.
Measurements and Potential Improvements
Frequency response measurements of the SP-BS22-LR reveal some characteristics that align with subjective listening impressions. On-axis measurements often show a rise in the high-frequency response above 12kHz, confirming the potentially “hot” tweeter. While detailed measurements below 1kHz require specialized equipment and controlled environments, data from reputable sources, such as Stereophile’s comprehensive review, can provide valuable insights into the speaker’s overall frequency response and behavior. Stereophile’s measurements, typically averaged over a 30-degree horizontal window, offer a broader perspective on the speaker’s performance in a typical listening environment. However, for near-field desktop listening, on-axis measurements can be particularly relevant as they more directly reflect the sound reaching the listener.
Analyzing frequency response data suggests potential areas for improvement, particularly in taming the elevated high frequencies and addressing any bass resonances. Digital Signal Processing (DSP) correction offers a potential avenue for fine-tuning the speaker’s response. By applying targeted equalization, it’s possible to mitigate the treble emphasis and refine the bass performance, resulting in a more balanced and accurate sound.
Conclusion
The Pioneer SP-BS22-LR bookshelf speakers, designed by Andrew Jones, represent a compelling option in the budget-friendly speaker market. They offer custom-designed drivers and a generally pleasing sonic performance that surpasses many competitors in their class, particularly in tonal balance. While the waveguide tweeter design and resulting narrow horizontal dispersion might not appeal to all listeners, it contributes to detailed sound and reduces room coloration. For listeners primarily focused on on-axis listening or those willing to experiment with DSP correction, the SP-BS22-LR offers significant value. For desktop use, their size might be a consideration, and alternatives with standard tweeters might offer a different listening experience. However, for living rooms or setups where DSP correction is not readily available, the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR stands out as a tonally balanced and affordable bookshelf speaker, making them a strong contender for budget-conscious audiophiles and casual listeners seeking an upgrade from basic audio systems.
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