Bookshelf Speaker Reviews

Subwoofer: S-W1EX
Connections: Speaker- and line-level
Enclosure Type: Passive radiator
Drivers (size in inches, type): 12, long-fiber pulp paper, active woofer; 12, long-fiber pulp paper, passive radiator
Power Rating (watts): 250
Crossover Bypass: Yes
Available Finishes: Dark Teak wood veneer with Satin finish
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 18.88 x 16.94 x 16.94
Weight (pounds): 75.88
Price: $1,700

These listings are based on the manufacturer's stated specs; the HT Labs box below indicates the gear's performance on our test bench.

Speaker: S-2EX
Type: Three-way, monitor
Tweeter (size in inches, type): 1.38, beryllium dome
Midrange (size in inches, type): 5.5, magnesium cone
Woofer (size in inches, type): 7.06, aramid-fiber-composite cone
Nominal Impedance (ohms): 6
Recommended Amp Power (watts): 50–200
Available Finishes: Dark Teak wood veneer (Satin finish)
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 22.25 x 11.44 x 16.75
Weight (pounds): 61.75
Price: $6,000/pair

Speaker: S-7EX
Type: Three-way, center
Tweeter (size in inches, type): 1.38, beryllium dome
Midrange (size in inches, type): 5.5, magnesium cone (2)
Woofer (size in inches, type): 7.06, aramid-fiber-composite cone
Nominal Impedance (ohms): 6
Recommended Amp Power (watts): 50–200
Available Finishes: Dark Teak wood veneer (Satin finish)
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 11.44 x 32.31 x 16.75
Weight (pounds): 86
Price: $3,800

Ratings: Pioneer S-2EX Speaker System

Build Quality: 98
• Enclosures are elaborately constructed, thick, and inert
• Beryllium tweeter, magnesium midrange

Value: 89
• Materials and construction justify high-end cost
• Requires discrete power amp(s) for the best results

Features: 95
• Concentric driver array provides pinpoint focus
• The drivers' aerodynamic frame construction reduces phase anomalies

Performance: 96
• Unabashedly dark-toned; rigorously clean
• Strong separation of soundtrack elements
• Smooth; causes no listening fatigue

Ergonomics: 89
• Dark-teak satin finish is genuine wood veneer
• Even the smallest member of the EX family is bulky

Overall Rating: 94
Pioneer sits among the ranks of first-rate speaker manufacturers with the EX speakers. Stereotyping and pricing may keep them off "best-of" lists, but these speakers earn their stripes with smoothness, spatial definition, and an ease of listening that is comforting and addictive.

General Information
S-2EX Monitor Speaker, $6,000/pair
S-7EX Center-Channel Speaker, $3,800
S-W1EX Subwoofer, $1,700
Pioneer Electronics
(800) PIONEER
www.pioneerelectronics.com
Dealer Locator Code PIO