Introduction:
Anyone familiar with the Pioneer TAD Reference One loudspeaker knows that they can expect an extraordinary listening experience. The TAD Reference One has received rave reviews from many audio critics, primarily for their accuracy, definition and stunning realism, but are priced at $60,000 per pair. Enter the Pioneer EX Series, a speaker line designed to deliver the TAD experience to the masses. Well, maybe not the masses, but much closer to fiscal sanity than the TAD Reference One speakers.
The TAD Story:
The Pioneer S-4EX speakers are an off-shoot of the TAD line, with many of the same features to retain the sonic signature of the TADs. TAD (Technical Audio Devices), part of Pioneer's pro-audio division was launched when Andrew Jones, Director of Speaker Engineering at Pioneer Electronics USA, Inc., joined the company over a decade ago. His mission was to build upon the expertise Pioneer had developed years earlier in beryllium drivers. Mr. Jones is a legendary speaker craftsman who probably knows more about speakers than anyone I've met. His expertise becomes very clear when you listen to the S-4EX speakers.
Pioneer S-4EX Speakers:
The Pioneer S-4EX is a three-way speaker with a 6.5" bass/mid-bass driver, and a concentric magnesium midrange and ceramic graphite tweeter. Magnesium and ceramic graphite are used due to the high cost and technical difficulties of working with beryllium but retain similar performance characteristics.
The S-4EX speakers are too short to be called floorstanding speakers and too tall to be considered bookshelf speakers. They perform best on high quality speaker stands at ear height when listening. And they produce extraordinary sonic results. Anyone who appreciates truly accurate music reproduction should hear them.
Summary:
There is much more to know about the Pioneer S-4EX speakers, their features and sound qualities. Check back soon for my full review.