Key Features, »up ‘n down»sound | Pioneer S-IW571L instruction

tE ST REporTS

OCTOBER/09

Pioneer Elite

s-iw571l & s-iw871lr

In-wall speaker system Reviewed by Brent Butterworth

There are few concepts in manufacturing more hallowed than the “skunk works,” a design group that operates outside the mainstream of the corporation that employs them. The name was coined to describe a Lock- heed facility in Palmdale, California that has produced some of the world’s most extraordinary jet aircraft. Only 80 miles away, in the nondescript suburb of Pomona, another skunk works has been flourishing for more than a decade. In this backwater of Pioneer’s worldwide operations, surrounded by shelves of raw drivers and carcass- es of past prototypes, Pioneer chief speaker de- signer Andrew Jones and his crew have designed

everything from $40-per-pair minispeakers to the $60,000-per-pair TAD Reference One towers.

Jones’s team has recently focused on archi- tectural speakers — i.e., in-wall and in-ceiling models. Extra effort went into the models de- signed for Pioneer’s high-end Elite line, which are intended to compete with the world’s most sto- ried speaker brands.

The Pioneer Elite architectural speakers are notable for their concentric drivers, which use 11/2-inch titanium tweeters mounted in the center of various woofers. Pioneer refers to its concentric designs by the acronym CST, for Co- herent Source Transducer.

Key Features

+S-IW571L

($699 each)

(2) 51⁄4-in woofers;

61⁄2-in midrange/woofer; 11⁄2-in tweeter; 2011⁄16 in wide; 13 lb

+S-IW871LR

($899 per pair)

8-in woofer; 11⁄2-in tweeter; 1315⁄16-in high; 7 lb

Price

$2,996 (as tested)

PIONEERELECTRONICS.COM

»up ‘n down»sound

The S-1W571L’s concentric-driver arrangement means it can be installed either horizontally or vertically with no effect on the sound.

52 OCTOBER/2009 SOUNDANDVISIONMAG.com

S-IW571L, S-IW871LR specifications

The Pioneer S-IW871LR and S-IW571L are high-performance in-wall speakers designed to deliver exceptional audio quality in a discreet manner. These models are ideal for home theater systems, multi-room music setups, or any audio application where space is a concern without compromising sound quality.

The S-IW871LR is a part of Pioneer’s premium line of in-wall speakers. It features a 8-inch high-efficiency woofer that provides deep, rich bass and a 1-inch soft dome tweeter that offers pristine high-frequency response. This combination ensures a broad frequency range that accurately reproduces music and sound effects in movies. The speaker integrates advanced technologies to minimize distortion and enhance clarity, resulting in a balanced soundstage. With a recommended power handling of 50 to 150 watts, the S-IW871LR can handle a variety of audio content, making it versatile for any entertainment setup.

On the other hand, the Pioneer S-IW571L is an exceptional choice for those seeking a smaller form factor without sacrificing sound quality. It employs a 5.25-inch woofer and a 1-inch soft dome tweeter as well. This configuration allows it to deliver clear mids and highs, while still providing adequate bass for smaller spaces or secondary listening areas. The S-IW571L is rated for a similar wattage handling capability, making it suitable for a range of amplifiers.

Both models boast a seamless installation process thanks to their mortar box design, allowing them to blend seamlessly into any room. The speakers come with a paintable grille, providing an additional layer of customization for homeowners who wish to match the speaker to their interior decor.

One notable feature across both models is the use of a high-quality crossover network, which optimally divides the audio signal between the woofer and tweeter. This results in improved efficiency and minimizes unwanted frequencies, ensuring that every note and detail of the audio signal is delivered with precision.

In summary, the Pioneer S-IW871LR and S-IW571L offer state-of-the-art audio performance, robust design, and aesthetic flexibility, making them excellent choices for anyone looking to enhance their audio experience while maintaining a clean and uncluttered living space. With their combination of power, clarity, and ease of installation, these in-wall speakers are perfect for modern audio environments.