What Hi-Fi? Verdict
In all peripheral respects, these are worthwhile speakers. Where the fundamentals are concerned, though, they’re also-rans
Pros
- +
Build and finish belie the price…
Cons
- -
…as does the sound, unfortunately
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The tall and imposing Pioneer speakers deliver an arresting scale of sound, which is also smooth and inoffensive. However, despite the Undertones' Teenage Kicks being launched with a degree of drive and attack, and the rhythm timed adequately and without fuss, the S-H810Vs demonstrate some significant sonic imperfections.
The ribbon tweeter is distressingly pronounced and poorly integrated with the rest of the frequency range. The plentiful low frequencies are solid enough in the centre, but soft and blurred around the edges. Voices in the midrange are isolated and unnatural.
These Pioneer speakers aren't able to integrate information as coherently as their rivals, and signficantly lack dynamic reach.
If you're anxious to fill a large area with sound at a budget, these offer the sort of widescreen presentation that can reach every corner of the listening room, and you won't find a better-finished speaker at the money – yet there are far more complete designs on the market for the same money.
