I have logged about an hour comparing the EOS to the BS-22.
One thing for sure - they are modest with their 83 db sensitivity rating
They seem more sensitive than that - I am finding that I tend to have
to turn down the volume and not up.
Agreed, the Pioneer BS-22 are rated 85 dB and are not as loud as the EOS. I had to turn down the EOS to match the volume.
Since you are use to the Pioneer and Energy speakers - you may be taken back, by the EOS sound signature - they have more of a somewhat robust stage presence, that closer to the front feeling. However, they have a good dimensional sound field - it will be an adjustment for some people.
The first thing that stood out for me (because it was the first thing I listened to), was how much more full and resonant Eric Clapton's voice was with the EOS. On the PIO, his voice was clearly thinner. With Norah Jones, the voice was a little fuller with the EOS, but the dimensional sound field you mention was the bigger effect! I am surprised with how much better the EOS is than the Pioneer in these regards. I was expecting more subtle differences.
I am curious to see how it compares to the Energy RC-10, but my daughter is going to bed, so in another day or two...
I am one who believes that bass can get a little better after a couple of days, and to me the bass got a little better - however, the Pioneer will have more
bass.
Mine have not yet had much play time, but it is pretty clear they won't surpass the Pioneers. The bass is good, but Pioneer/Jones did an amazing job with the 4" driver on the BS-22's. I haven't played any demanding bass material yet.
You should be surprised by the size and weight of the speakers.
You are right. Had I thought about the price, I should have been, but as it is, my speakers in this size range are the Energy RC-10 (which I hope to compare soon) and the EMP 41B. They are both pretty heavy for their size so the EOS did not stand out.
Overall, the EOS is more open and airy. I was surprised at how weak the pioneer was as competition for midrange and treble. This morning, I started listening to the Pioneers for about 15 minutes to make sure they weren't damaged. I enjoyed their sound well enough, it wasn't until switching to the EOS that their faults were revealed.
It was interesting how much more the EOSs did with Claptons voice, while Norahs, not so much. I don't know if the EOS is particularly good at Claptons range or if it is a weakness of the Pioneers.
These are great speakers for ~$110/pr shipped and replace the Pioneers as a value leader if you will use with sub.