Pioneer knows this is an issue, so following the release of its affordable VSX-1130 Atmos-equipped receiver, it is releasing two new sets of speakers to complement it in the SP-BS22A-LR compact and SP-T22A-LR add-on speakers. With this release, the company is aiming at two separate types of customer: those who are looking to build an inexpensive Atmos setup from scratch, and those looking upgrade to Atmos while keeping their existing speakers.
The SP-BS22A-LR can be used along with a subwoofer and center channel speaker to form a complete Dolby Atmos-ready setup, complete with the requisite connections on the back. Inside is a 4-inch structured-surface front woofer, 1-inch soft dome front tweeter, and concentric top-firing driver, capable of handling 80W of power.
If, on the other hand, you’ve got a functioning 5.1 surround setup and simply want to add Atmos to it, the SP-T22A-LR should be exactly what you’re looking for. These speakers are meant to sit directly on top of a standard flat-surfaced speaker and feature a 10-degree tilt to allow them to function as the top driver for a Dolby Atmos system when combined with a compatible receiver.
Both speakers are constructed from the same RF-molded laminated MDF cabinet and feature gold-plated connectors. Pioneer intends for the speakers to be used with its VSX-1130 or Elite VSX-90 receivers, though any Dolby Atmos-capable receiver with the proper specs should work fine.
Notably absent from the speakers is the name of well-reknown speaker designer, Andrew Jones, which graced the last two series of speakers Pioneer produced. Both series of speakers were widely considered to offer outstanding performance at a shockingly low price. The SP-BS22A-LR do appear to use Jones’ signature concentric driver technology, however, which Jones personally introduced to Digital Trends last year.
The SP-BS22A-LR compact speakers sell for $300, while the SP-T22A-LR sell for $200. Both will be available soon from select retailers and from Pioneer’s website.
