Cheap Speaker Review: Pioneer SP-BS21-LR Bookshelf Speakers

My quest for dirt cheap bookshelf speakers came to an end last weekend.  I happened across a pair of open box Pioneer bookshelf speakers on clearance at Walmart for only $50.  Since they normally cost $80, I pounced.  They turned out to be discontinued Pioneer SP-BS21-LR bookshelf speakers. These speakers were part of an expensive series of Pioneer Speakers designed by Andrew Jones and perform wonderfully.

Pioneer SP-BS21-LR Bookshelf Speaker

The Pioneer SP-BS21-LR S speakers earned good reviews from a variety of critics, but were outperformed by the even more popular SP-BS22-LR speaker series.  However, in the world of audio, outperformed is a relative term.  If you are a normal mortal, I think you'll be pleased by these speakers.  I certainly find them pleasant for low to moderate volume bedroom use.  I've listened to jazz, symphonies, pop, and rock albums on these speakers and I've enjoyed them all.

Pioneer SP-BS21-LR Curved Cabinet

According to the Pioneer packaging, the SP-BS21-LR bookshelf speakers were designed by Chief Audio Engineer Andrew Jones.  They also have oversized magnets for powerful bass,  a superior crossover design for full spectrum clarity, a curved cabinet to reduce vibrations, and a 1-inch soft dome tweeter for crisp, accurate, high frequencies.

Pioneer SP-BS21-LR Bookshelf Speaker Specs

Pioneer SP-BS21-LR speakers are 80 watt units with 6-ohms impedance.  They have a sleek, modern, cabinet design with gently curved cabinet.

If you can afford the improved Pioneer SP-BS22-LR Bookshelf Speakers by all means get them. At times, the price difference may be as little as $30. However, if you are on a budget and you want to stay dirt cheap, then scoop up a pair of the SP-BS21-LR Bookshelf Speakers. You'll probably find them to be excellent speakers.