Joined on 04/25/11
Great bargain!
Pros: Great sense of timing, detail retrieval, and sound staging. Incredible bargain at current discounted prices.
Cons: Slightly tipped top end easily mitigated by better electronics. Not really sure if there sonic character will appeal to all.
Overall Review: Having owned a number of different speakers such as Infinity, Pioneer, Energy, Definitive technology, Martin logan motions, jbls, revels, and a bunch of 'others', I find these Triangles enticing to listen to. From 100hz and up, they sound absolutely ravishing. I was also surprised by their excellent sense of timing, much like my beloved Celestion sl600s and 700s. However mate these speakers with average electronics and with their slight tipped tonal balance, listening fatigue sets in quickly. Hooked them up with the nice HK990 integrated, they provide a slice of sonic heaven. Tube front ends will work very well because of their efficiency. As a somewhat jaded audiophile, I find myself looking forward to listening to them each day. Thank you for reading this 'review.'
Affordable high end
Pros: Much has been written about these 1st generation Andrew Jones designed speakers. My experiences have been favorable as well. Overall these speakers produce a very pleasing sound that do not make these "golden" ears cringe as many budget speakers do. While they do not 'wow' you in any specific area of sound reproduction, they are very enjoyable to listen to. "Balance" within their range what I could best describe them and is rare in speakers in their price range. While the Triangle speakers are more enticing to listen to, I fall asleep(in a good way) listening to the pioneers many nights which speaks volumes for their non fatiguing nature. These speakers are keepers.
Cons: Faux wood finish is not high end in appearance but in sound quality. Cheap price deters pride of ownership and lack of 'show off' factor.
Overall Review: I gave these speakers more than their share of their listening time which is a testament of their sound quality. I actually like these a bit better than the generation two version which I also own. While the generation 2s are good, I feel they are trying to do 'too much.' Balance is lost somehow.
Just great speakers
Pros: Use good upstream electronics with these speakers, the user will be rewarded with a great listening experience. The sins they commit are sins of omission. They do not make listening a chore as even some much more expensive speakers do. The design goal here is musicality.
Cons: Quality amplification can offset the effects of low sensitivity.
Overall Review: These are far better than the other speakers in their price range. This can represent a problem for dealers.
Impressive center speaker for HT
Pros: This center speaker is great match for other pioneer speakers for an amazing HT experience.
Cons: A cohesive sound more than makes up the lack of sensitivity reported by others. This speaker emphasizes musicality rather than being hi fi. Sounding impressive at first listen does not always produce long term satisfaction.
Overall Review: Pioneer's problem is pricing this line of speakers with other generic mid fi stuff. Many people are unlikely to hear these speakers to their potential.
Best speaker under $100
Pros: I still in awe at how good these budget priced speakers sound. At less than $100, they offer unbeatable value. They are very well balanced within their operating range by presenting music in an unforced manner. No particular frequency is over emphasized. Therefore, these speakers not only measure well but they are easy to listen to. In all, they make you listen to the music and forget about the equipment.
Cons: Not full range but hey they are bookshelf speakers.
Overall Review: They are a steal at their price. The designer has definitely done his homework in making these speakers listenable. I have listened to far more expensive speakers that do not sound as good.