The Pioneer SP-BS22-LR bookshelf speakers have carved out a significant space in the budget audio market, lauded for delivering impressive sound quality at an incredibly accessible price point. Purchased for a mere US $118 on Amazon, these speakers defy expectations, prompting a closer examination of their build, performance, and overall value. This review delves into detailed measurements and listening impressions to reveal why the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR, often referred to as the Pioneer Sp Bs22, continues to be a benchmark in affordable audio.
The initial impression is one of surprising quality, especially considering the price. The enclosure, while tall, feels substantial, and the rear panel reveals high-quality binding posts, a feature rarely seen in budget speakers.
Adding to the premium feel is the curved cabinet design, an aesthetic element typically reserved for higher-end speakers. Closer inspection reveals clean construction, free from the sloppy glue often found on drivers in this price range. To objectively assess the performance of the pioneer sp bs22, rigorous measurements were conducted using the Klippel Near-field Scanner (NFS). This advanced robotic system minimizes room reflections and noise by analyzing the speaker in close proximity and employing sophisticated mathematical algorithms. This methodology allows for accurate measurements of the speaker’s true sound characteristics, independent of the acoustic environment, providing data comparable to an anechoic chamber but in a standard room setting.
Unpacking the Spinorama Measurements of the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR
The Spinorama, a comprehensive set of acoustic measurements, offers valuable insights into a speaker’s perceived sound quality. It encapsulates crucial data regarding tonality and potential sonic imperfections.
A flat on-axis response, indicated by the red arrow, is generally desired for accurate sound reproduction. The pioneer sp bs22 demonstrates commendable flatness below 1kHz. The crossover point is situated at 3kHz, and the measurements reveal a response peak preceding it, followed by a dip.
Analyzing the directivity index, which compares the speaker’s direct sound to reflected sound, reveals some deviations above 2kHz. However, these are considered reasonable for a budget-class speaker like the pioneer sp bs22. The early reflections, depicted in dashed blue, exhibit smoothness, a positive attribute contributing to a balanced soundstage.
The predicted in-room response, simulating real-world listening environments by factoring in reflections, shows minimal deviations. This suggests that the pioneer sp bs22 maintains a neutral sonic profile in typical room setups.
Delving into Basic Speaker Measurements: Impedance and Distortion
Further fundamental measurements provide a deeper understanding of the pioneer sp bs22‘s technical characteristics. The impedance and phase response across the frequency spectrum are crucial indicators of how the speaker interacts with amplifiers.
The impedance curve reveals minor kinks, suggesting resonances at approximately 280Hz and 1.6kHz. While the 280Hz resonance is not significantly reflected in the frequency response, peaks around 1kHz in the frequency response suggest that the 1.6kHz resonance might be more sonically relevant.
Distortion measurements, although ideally performed in an anechoic chamber, offer insights into the speaker’s linearity at higher volumes. Data below 200Hz should be interpreted cautiously due to the non-anechoic testing environment.
Advanced Measurement Insights: Directivity and Soundfield
Examining advanced measurements, particularly early reflections and directivity patterns, further illuminates the pioneer sp bs22‘s acoustic behavior.
Notably, the early reflections are smoother than the on-axis response. This observation suggests that excessive room treatment with absorbers might be unnecessary and potentially detrimental to the overall sound.
The vertical and horizontal directivity plots reveal the speaker’s sound dispersion characteristics.
The plots highlight the response at 20 and 30 degrees off-axis, simulating scenarios where the speakers are not directly toed-in towards the listener.
The soundfield at the crossover frequency of 3000Hz, an “eye-candy” measurement, visually demonstrates the speaker’s dispersion pattern at this critical frequency.
Ideally, a single, focused sound projection would be observed from a full-bandwidth driver. However, the pioneer sp bs22, utilizing separate tweeter and woofer, exhibits interference patterns resulting in multiple sound lobes, illustrating the complexities of crossover design in budget speakers.
Informal Listening Impressions: Subjective Sound Assessment
Subjective listening tests provide a real-world perspective on the measured performance. Initial impressions of the pioneer sp bs22 were positive, characterized by a generally balanced sound profile. However, a slight brightness was noted, attributed to a perceived lack of deep bass extension. Experimenting with toe-out, angling the speakers away from direct listener axis, significantly improved the tonal balance, mitigating the brightness.
Comparing the pioneer sp bs22 to the JBL LSR305P Mark II, a known performer in its class, revealed that while the JBL offered superior bass response, the overall tonality was surprisingly similar. This highlights the pioneer sp bs22‘s commendable performance, although a slight emphasis in the mid-range was discernible.
Loudness testing revealed limitations in deep bass reproduction, with significant distortion occurring at higher volumes when reproducing very low frequencies. However, the speakers handled techno music with higher frequency bass content much more effectively. Implementing a high-pass filter to attenuate very low frequencies in playback software is recommended for optimal performance at louder volumes.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR
The Pioneer SP-BS22-LR, the pioneer sp bs22, stands as a testament to the design philosophy championed by Andrew Jones, the speaker’s designer. His philosophy of prioritizing component quality within a budget constraint is evident in the speaker’s performance. As Jones himself stated, “people making budget speakers put in 10 cent parts. I spend $1 and that makes a big difference!” This dedication to quality components, combined with skilled engineering, results in a speaker that significantly outperforms its price point.
In conclusion, the pioneer sp bs22 achieves its mission of delivering a non-offensive and enjoyable listening experience despite its budget-friendly nature. Its attractive design, coupled with its measured and perceived performance, solidifies its position as a top recommendation in the realm of affordable bookshelf speakers, offering exceptional value for audiophiles seeking quality sound without breaking the bank.
