Pioneer SP-EBS73-LR Dolby Atmos Elite Concentric Bookshelf Speaker Overview

[HTKamikazee]

Buckle up, guys!!!

Two years ago, we were absolutely amazed by Pioneer's SP-PK52FS 5.1 Floorstanding Speaker System. Designed by world-renowned speaker engineer Andrew Jones, this speaker system demonstrated what a true engineer/designer could do when partnered with the right company. This system was receiving amazing reviews from the audio community (me included). It even got the attention of our President, Gene DellaSala, who decided to personally test review this system. It was an awesome review by the way!!!!!

What? You didn't read it?
Click on the following link!
http://www.audioholics.com/tower-speaker-reviews/pioneer-sp-pk52fs

After witnessing what they were capable of with such an affordable design, I thought it would take a long time before seeing them doing it again. Oh, yes....they have done it again!

Pioneer and Andrew Jones are introducing their new Atmos Enabled Elite Concentric Speaker System consisting of two towers, two surrounds, one center and a subwoofer. We already have a preview on this nice speaker system that you can read here:
http://www.audioholics.com/tower-speaker-reviews/pioneer-elite-speakers

Since we already have a full system preview, I'm getting ready to post a separated thread dedicated to each speaker alone and I'd like to dedicate this thread to their new SP-EBS73-LR Dolby Atmos Elite Concentric Bookshelf Speaker. This way we can share our impressions and talk about the characteristics, features and specifications of each one separately and also benefit many audio enthusiasts looking for a specific speaker rather than a full system.

Will these new Elite speakers change the way we listen to budget speakers AGAIN?.... Time will tell the whole story.

In the meantime, don't forget to check out the following features and click on the attached pictures for technical specifications. Also don't forget to share this with your friends and comment on our Elite products threads.

FEATURES:

• Pioneer Elite developed CST driver.
• True three-way speaker design.
• Dolby-enabled top firing concentric driver.
• The Elite bookshelf speakers are ideal for either main front-channel or rear-channel speakers.

Price: $749.99/pair

You can check out the other related threads here:
- SP-EFS73 Dolby Atmos Elite Floorstanding Speaker Overview
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/threads/pioneer-sp-efs73-dolby-atmos-elite-floorstanding-speaker-overview.93646

- Pioneer SP-EC73 Dolby Atmos Elite Concentric Center Speaker Overview
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/threads/pioneer-sp-ec73-dolby-atmos-elite-concentric-center-speaker-overview.93648

- Pioneer Elite SW-E10 Powered Subwoofer Overview
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/threads/pioneer-elite-sw-e10-powered-subwoofer-overview.93649

- I will be adding the links to the other components as I post them.

 

[zieglj01]

Well, I am not too optimistic - as I am a little disappointed in the measurements.
For me I expected better - for now, they are not on my short list.
http://www.soundandvision.com/content/pioneer-elite-sp-ebs73-lr-speaker-system-review-test-bench

 

[HTKamikazee]

Well, I am not too optimistic - as I am a little disappointed in the measurements.
For me I expected better - for now, they are not on my short list.
http://www.soundandvision.com/content/pioneer-elite-sp-ebs73-lr-speaker-system-review-test-bench

Lets wait and see what happens. Hopefully Gene will get his hands on them for review.

 

[j_garcia]

I'll reserve judgement until hearing them, but at the price point, I think they'll be up against pretty heavy competition.

 

[zieglj01]

I'll reserve judgement until hearing them, but at the price point, I think they'll be up against pretty heavy competition.

For me, they will have to beat the $165 a pair Philharmonic AA speakers.
I can buy something to put on top, if I desire Atmos.

 

[gene]

Well, I am not too optimistic - as I am a little disappointed in the measurements.
For me I expected better - for now, they are not on my short list.
http://www.soundandvision.com/content/pioneer-elite-sp-ebs73-lr-speaker-system-review-test-bench

I got to hear a full AJ speaker setup at my local Magnolia. I though the audio sounded pretty good but the Atmos effect was virtually non-existent. My wife couldn't stand them at all. Said all the sound was confined at the speaker without much of the 3D effect they are touted to have. I realize this was a non-ideal demo as the room had drop ceilings so I reserve final judgment until I get to hear them in the confides of my own listening space.

Though, that likely won't happen since Pioneer took offense to our first Atmos video even though nothing in that video was directly related to them. Funny how they loved me when I reviewed their budget AJ speakers but now they are touchy for a few Atmos videos we did on Youtube, none of which put down Pioneer or their products

 

[zieglj01]

My wife couldn't stand them at all.

I reserve final judgment until I get to hear them in the confides of my own listening space.

Though, that likely won't happen since Pioneer took offense to our first Atmos video even though nothing in that video was directly related to them. Funny how they loved me when I reviewed their budget AJ speakers but now they are touchy for a few Atmos videos we did on Youtube, none of which put down Pioneer or their products

I will not hold my breath waiting for the review.

However, that dip in the upper midrange and lower treble - may have
played a part in what your wife was hearing.

I am sure they will sound decent - however, it looks like there may be
some compromise in the overall resolution. And do look to be voiced a
certain way with that speaker added on top.

If given a chance, I will listen to them - however for the list price, my
expectations will be a little high.

One person at AVS reviewed their towers, and did not find them to sound
much better than the Pioneer FS-52 budget friendly towers.

 

[slipperybidness]

Well, I am not too optimistic - as I am a little disappointed in the measurements.
For me I expected better - for now, they are not on my short list.
http://www.soundandvision.com/content/pioneer-elite-sp-ebs73-lr-speaker-system-review-test-bench

+1

For the MSRP, just spend an extra ~$100 and get a pair of Philharmonitors! Put the $ on something that improved the sound, not on a top-firing gimmick.

Now, when street price hits 1/2 of MSRP, then we might have something worth consideration.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

So, one extra top firing woofer plus elite moniker = 6-7 x the price?