Pioneer Elite S-W1EX User manual

EX Speaker Series
S-1EX
S-2EX
S-7EX
S-W1EX

1937
1975
2000
2003
2004
2005
In the year of our foundation,
Pioneer brings the A-8 dynamic
speaker to the market. The clear
vision we had then — to bring
a new level of sound quality to
a wider public — is still true
today as we continue to aim ever
higher.
TAD (Pioneer’s Technical Audio
Device department) develops the
TAD Pro Audio monitoring drivers.
They are acknowledged as ‘‘best of
the best’’ in the professional audio
industry.
Pioneer’s SDC (Speaker Design Center) is established in Paris in
order to stay up-to-date with European trends and new technologies.
A cosmopolitan team designs and develops Pioneer speakers based on
the results of market research.
Derived from the legacy technology of TAD Pro
Audio speakers, the TAD-M1 takes home audio
reproduction to new levels. Considered to be one of
the best speaker systems in the world, this speaker
is recognized by audio purists for its remarkable
clarity, detail, imaging and dynamics.
Pioneer initiates the EX project: to create a new
high-end speaker system for worldwide markets.
The EX Series is born. A flagship model for
Pioneer’s speaker systems around the world, this
speaker collection uses many of the technical
specifications of the highly acclaimed TAD-M1.
The EX Series showcases Pioneer’s knowledge
and ability to create a premium speaker system
with incredible design and astonishing sound
quality.
The Evolution of Sublime Sound
1997 Pioneer Electronics
Technology established
its speaker design group
in California to create
advanced speaker
designs for the North
America market.
2

Pioneer has been breaking the boundaries of first-class entertainment for decades. Through the years,
we have grown, flourished and changed with our customers and their aspirations, earning ourselves a
top-ranked spot among the classics. It all began with the design and production of dynamic speakers.
For this unique speaker collection, Pioneer has returned to its origins. The experience and expertise
built up through the years culminates in the creation of our masterpiece, the EX Speaker Series. The
superb, natural sound and accuracy of these premium speakers ensures that they are the absolute
pinnacle of true sound quality. Designed by the world’s leading experts, skillfully crafted from the
highest quality materials and passing rigorous sound testing with ease, the EX Series provides a
superlative sound experience. Every step of the design process has been meticulously undertaken to
ensure that the prestigious EX Series really does deserve its status. Turn the page, and embark on a
journey to discover how this exquisite speaker collection came into existence.
Speaking of Excellence
3
Eight Steps to Excellence
Tweeter/Midrange Driver
Bass Driver
Perfect Time Alignment Design
Enclosure
Acoustic Balance Drive
Credentials
AIR Studios
Line-Up
4
6
8
10
11
12
13
14

4

TAD driver: CST-6001
*TAD (Technical Audio Devices)
5
Only the very best speaker components
were considered for Pioneer’s new
audio masterpiece: the EX Series. So
it’s no surprise that TAD (Technical Audio Devices) speaker
engineering is incorporated into these reference-class drivers.
They were crafted with extreme precision by TAD experts,
and adhere to their rigorous standards. TAD professional
studio monitoring loudspeakers are the first choice in
recording studios across the globe. They have set a standard
for audio excellence and reliability, as recognized by many
world-famous performers and professional sound engineers.
The legacy began 30 years ago, and now TAD speakers can be
found wherever the highest sound quality is required: studio
monitors, concert hall speakers, cinema audio systems and
more.
To ensure that all sound — direct and
reflected — arrives at the listening
position with identical timbre, the EX
Series employs TAD’s exclusive CST
(Coherent Source Transducer) driver
technology. The Beryllium tweeter is
mounted in the center of the magnesium
midrange driver, allowing the sound directivity to be
precisely controlled at all frequencies. The resulting aligned
sound delivery is extremely smooth and coherent. Unlike
conventional drivers, the problems with phase and off-axis
frequency response have been totally eradicated.
The tweeter diaphragm is composed of
Beryllium metal, which is extremely light
and rigid. This has resulted in an ultra-
strong tweeter diaphragm with perfectly
solid piston performance. It precisely
reproduces the audio signal; limited
distortion or resonance is added to the
audio performance. This pure and solid
performing diaphragm makes Beryllium
tweeters ideal for reproducing the high frequencies of DVD-
Audio and SACD, up to 100 kHz. These revolutionary audio
formats recreate sound as it actually exists in the real world,
with all its original artistic qualities intact.
TAD Speaker Design Coherent Source TransducerBeryllium Tweeter Diaphragm
The first step in the painstaking development of Pioneer’s premium speaker series is the creation of an outstanding concentric tweeter/midrange speaker driver. Cutting-edge TAD technologies allow
the driver to reproduce exceptionally accurate audio. Every element has been crafted using only the highest-quality materials, ensuring that all frequencies of this wide-range driver are always precise
and laser-sharp, boasting extraordinary liveliness and delicacy. Add in the Neodymium magnet’s tremendous strength and the result is fluent and consistent sound at a superior level of true-to-life
detail, ideal for DVD-Audio and SACD reproduction. Sit back, close your eyes and be swept up in a world of sonic perfection. Open your eyes and you’ll see that ideal sound is so much more than
just a dream — it can be your reality.
Witness the Creation of Superior Audio

TAD driver: TL-0701
*TAD (Technical Audio Devices)
6
Typical bass drivers have
relatively small voice
coils, which at high power
levels, mean reduced
power handling ability
and loss of efficiency. At
a huge 65 mm, the voice
coil of the EX Series has
considerably greater power handling capability, producing
outstanding dynamics, even at high sound levels.
65 mm Voice Coil
Conventional speaker cones have a
separate center cap, to make it easier
to attach the cone to the voice coil.
However, this design weakens the
cone’s mechanical integrity. The unique
one-piece construction of the cone and
center cap that was created for the EX
Series’ bass driver, combined with the improved rigidity of
the aramid fiber structure, produces a much stiffer and more
rigid construction. Unwanted cone resonances are pushed
beyond the bass driver’s operating range, allowing the
cone to accurately pass the coil movement on to the air and
significantly improve the accuracy of sound reproduction.
One-piece Cone and Center Cap
The tweeter/midrange and bass
drivers of the EX Series feature
novel “air-flow designed” basket
frames and magnetic circuits that
allow for unrestricted airflow
behind the cone and around the
voice coil. Even at very high
power levels, it prevents sound
distortion, offering simply pure
and accurate sonic pleasure.
“Air-flow Designed” Basket Frame
The next element to be developed is the EX Series’ meticulously designed bass driver. Also packed with TAD technology and first-class components, it guarantees superior sound performance, even at
very low frequencies. The extremely rigid and solid cone structure creates more stable and uniform cone movement, as well as enhanced damping properties. Unnecessary reaction and resonance are
significantly reduced by the specially designed basket frame. The ultra-strong Neodymium magnet and large voice coil let you effortlessly achieve a smooth response and a fluid in line transition
to the higher frequency drivers. But a perfect listening experience is about more than the highest quality materials and technologies. It involves your own passions and beliefs, your reactions to the sounds
that surround you. Pioneer’s EX Series amplifies those passions and provides the most exquisite platform from which to create a new world of special moments.
Give Deeper Meaning to Sound

7

8

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IN
M
0RECISIONCURVE
9
In our eternal quest to offer you unrivalled sound perfection, we have taken innovative design further than ever before. In sound
perception, every element must be considered. Even the slightest detail can make a world of difference. With an ideal system, all sounds
produced by the loudspeakers arrive at the listeners’ ears simultaneously. If that doesn’t happen, the feeling of truly aligned performance
is lost. The effect is even worse in multi-channel systems, where the impression of being immersed in the performance space disappears.
Pioneer has developed the perfect answer: Perfect Time Alignment Design. This revolutionary 5-channel solution takes you as close to
the sensation of sound perfection as you will ever get.
The Science of Sensation
When tweeters and midrange speaker drivers are
mounted on a traditional flat baffle, the acoustic
centers of the drivers are not aligned. The center
of the midrange driver is positioned behind the
baffle and the center of the tweeter is placed in the
baffle’s plane. Some manufacturers try to resolve
this problem with a stepped baffle, however this
results in unacceptable diffraction and coloring of
the sound. TAD cleverly opted to mount the tweeter
in the center of the midrange cone, which not only
optimizes sound propagation in all directions, but
also guarantees time alignment of the drivers.
Coherent Source Transducer
In traditional speaker systems, several speaker drivers are aligned on a flat front
baffle. Because the sounds from each driver reach the listener from different
distances, this composition inevitably leads to a small degree of confusion in the
overall sound. With Pioneer’s EX Series, a revolutionary baffle with a precise
curved surface has been realized to solve this problem. This is the “precision
curve.” By positioning the speaker drivers on a three-meter radius sphere centered
on the listener, the time it takes for the sound to reach the listener’s ears from each
of the drivers is precisely adjusted.
Precision Curve
Enclosures have a backwards slant of eight degrees.
This brings the speaker’s center gravity of the
speaker directly over the center of the base of the
speaker. This positioning ensures stability of the
cabinet and freedom from the effects of speaker
vibrations. In combination with the Precisions
Curves, perfect time alignments of the drivers and
at the listening position is guaranteed.
Slant Layout Enclosure

With the tweeter/midrange and bass drivers perfected, an equally ingenious enclosure must be created to provide them with a stable base. The EX Series’ cabinets are crafted from multiple
layers of laminated MDF, ranging from a minimum of 30 mm up to a generous 100 mm, to ensure that they remain inert. Along with the curved baffle and radius edges, these enclosures help create
an amazingly realistic stage with exceptional clarity and focus.
For a striking appearance, these audiophile-quality speaker systems deserve a fitting finish. The beautiful, trendy, dark wood gives a high-quality finish to the EX Series, which is befittingly called the
“highest echelon.”
Solid, Strong, Superb
10

Vertical standing waves are a phenomenon that occurs in
nearly all speaker enclosures. Responsible for uneven,
boomy or sucked out bass response, vertical standing
waves generated inside tall floor-standing cabinets are
extremely difficult to control. But not for Pioneer. We
have developed unique acoustic simulation technology,
ABD (Acoustic Balance Drive), which allows us
to calculate the influence of the cabinet’s vertical
standing waves on the speaker frequency response,
taking into account bass drivers and port locations.
Using this software, the port and bass drivers of
the EX Series are placed in the best position
to cut this influence to a minimum. This new
technology allows the first vertical standing
wave to be totally canceled and the influence
of the second one to be significantly reduced.
The result is precise and dynamic bass with
no low midrange coloration.
ABD
Acoustic Balance Drive (ABD)
General Floor-Standing Speaker Floor-Standing Speaker with ABD Technology
10 100 1000 10000 10 100 1000 10000
100
95
90
85
80
75
70
65
60
100
95
90
85
80
75
70
65
60
Axis Frequency Response
Canceled Standing Wave
HzHz
dB SPLdB SPL
11
Acoustic Balance Drive (ABD)
General Floor-Standing Speaker Floor-Standing Speaker with ABD Technology
10 100 1000 10000 10 100 1000 10000
100
95
90
85
80
75
70
65
60
100
95
90
85
80
75
70
65
60
Axis Frequency Response
Canceled Standing Wave
HzHz
dB SPLdB SPL

12
Solid Credentials
The flagship EX Series has been created by a
talented network of high-end audio specialists
consisting of only the very best TAD and
Pioneer engineers from around the world.
They have each added their individual expertise to
co-create this first-class model of audio excellence.
In addition, Andrew Jones, chief engineer of the
TAD-M1, acted as sound advisor to ensure the
success of this ambitious project.
Pioneer’s EX Series was conceived with the aim of
creating true sound perfection to fulfill the desires of
audiophiles with the most discerning of taste. That’s why
these premium speakers call not only on the expertise of
TAD engineers but comprise many of the technical elements
used in the renowned TAD-M1 — widely considered to be one of the premier speaker systems
available.
You will certainly hear the difference when you listen to SACD and DVD-Audio discs. This
superlative speaker collection reproduces today’s advanced reproduction formats with flawless
precision.
Andrew Jones and the TAD-M1

Not only has the latest technology that we have explained above been used in the design of the EX Series, but
the latest results of Pioneer’s unique research into audio sound reproduction are also being actively used. This
is the revolutionary “phase control” technology.
“Phase control” technology is the concept of managing the time and phase response of the speakers, amplifiers
and software to realize the dramatic high-quality sound during multi-channel sound reproduction. The most advanced
concepts of phase control have been introduced to the EX Series. All the systems use the same CST and woofer drivers,
which along with the crossover allows for perfect matching of the phase characteristics of all the speakers. Additionally S-
W1EX subwoofer has a low pass filter (LPF) bypass function installed. In combination with the appropriate receiver, the phase
response of the complete multi-channel system can be optimized for uncompromising surround sound reproduction.
This “phase control” trademark is attached to products designed for phase characteristic matching recording to reproduction, based on the phase control
technology concept developed by the Pioneer Corporation.
Revolutionary Phase Control
13
The EX Series has undergone rigorous acoustic testing
at AIR Studios in London, one of the world’s leading
recording studios, and therefore meets its strict studio
replay standards. Some of the most talented AIR Studios
sound engineers contributed an unquestionable amount of
know-how to fine-tune the EX Series. So they can replicate
a professional studio sound environment in your home,
with ideally controlled acoustics.
Sir George Martin, the legendary Beatles producer and
an Academy Award-nominated composer, founded AIR
Studios in 1969. AIR Studios is now a state-of-the-art
recording complex with matchless facilities for film scoring,
rock, pop, classical and orchestral work, video game sound
design, post-production and live events.
The Mark of Excellence
AIR Studios and the AIR Studios
logo are registered trademarks of
AIR Studios, Inc.

S-1EX
(Speakers are sold separately)
Features
• 1-3/8 in. (3.5 cm) Beryllium tweeter /
5-1/2 in. (14 cm) Magnesium midrange
• CST driver
• 7-1/16 in. (18 cm) Aramid / Carbon
composite shell woofer
• Large Neodymium magnet
• Magnetically shielded-design
• Aerodynamic frame and magnetic circuits
• Perfect time-alignment design
• Precision curve
• Round enclosure
• Slant-layout enclosure
• ABD technology
• Phase-control design
• Unleaded solder
• 3-way speaker system
Specifications
Frequency Range: 28 - 100,000 Hz
Nominal Impedance: 6 Ω
Maximum Power (Input): 200 W
Dimensions (W x H x D):
16-5/8 x 50-1/2 x 24 in.
422 x 1283 x 609 mm
Weight: 145 lbs. 8oz.
66.0 kg
Accessory: Grille, 4 Spikes
S-2EX
(Speakers are sold separately)
Features
• 1-3/8 in. (3.5 cm) Beryllium tweeter /
5-1/2 in. (14 cm) Magnesium midrange
• CST driver
• 7-1/16 in. (18 cm) Aramid / Carbon
composite shell woofer
• Large Neodymium magnet
• Magnetically shielded-design
• Aerodynamic frame and magnetic circuits
• Perfect time-alignment design
• Precision curve
• Round enclosure
• Phase-control design
• Unleaded solder
• 3-way speaker system
Specifications
Frequency Range: 34 - 100,000 Hz
Nominal Impedance: 6 Ω
Maximum Power (Input): 200 W
Dimensions (W x H x D):
11-7/16 x 22-1/4 x 16-3/4 in.
291 x 565 x 425 mm
Weight: 61 lbs. 12oz.
28.0 kg
Accessory: Grille, 4 Spikes
S-1EX Floorstander S-2EX Compact Monitor
Angle view Front view Angle view Front view
(Shown with option speaker stand CP-2EX)
1414

S-7EX
Features
• 1-3/8 in. (3.5 cm) Beryllium tweeter /
5-1/2 in. (14 cm) Magnesium midrange
• CST driver
• 7-1/16 in. (18 cm) Aramid / Carbon
composite shell woofer
• Large Neodymium magnet
• Magnetically shielded-design
• Aerodynamic frame and magnetic circuits
• Perfect time-alignment design
• Precision curve
• Round enclosure
• Vertical twin method
• Phase-control design
• Unleaded solder
• 3-way speaker system
Specifications
Frequency Range: 34 - 100,000 Hz
Nominal Impedance: 6 Ω
Maximum Power (Input): 200 W
Dimensions (W x H x D):
32-5/16 x 11-7/16 x 16-3/4 in.
820 x 291 x 425 mm
Weight: 86 lbs.
39.0 kg
Accessory: Grille, 4 Spikes,
Base for Center Speaker
S-W1EX
Features
• Silent mount technology structure,
to prevent unnecessary vibrations.
• Large 12 in. (30 cm) diametre woofer driver
• Large 12 in. (30 cm) diametre passive
radiator
• Phase-control design
• Solid round enclosure
• Unleaded solder
Specifications
Frequency Range: 24 - 4,000 Hz
(Set to BYPASS)
Power output (RMS):
250 W / 4 Ω(100Hz)
Dimensions (W x H x D):
16-15/16 x 18-14/16 x 16-15/16 in.
430 x 480 x 430 mm
Weight: 75 lbs. 14 oz.
34.5 kg
Accessory: 4 Bases, 4 Spikes,
Power Supply cord,
Ground cord
S-W1EX Powered Subwoofer
S-7EX Center Channel
(Shown with option speaker stand CP-7EX)
1515

Disclaimer:
Features and specifications of the products described or illustrated in this catalogue are
correct at the time of printing but could change as production changes might occur. This
catalogue may contain typographical errors and the colors of the depicted products may
deviate slightly from reality. Consult your Pioneer dealer to ensure that actual features and
specifications match your requirements. This catalogue may contain references to products
that may or will not be available in your country.
Published by Pioneer Corporation.
Copyright © 2005 Pioneer Corporation.
All rights reserved.
Note: Specifications and design are subject to modification without notice.
Printed on Recycled Paper.
For more information, call or write to:
2139E 06 EX SPEAKER SERIES 20,000-SOHBI 12-05 Printed in Japan
Technical Specifications
Specifications S-1EX
3-way vented box system
S-2EX
3-way vented box system
S-7EX
3-way vented box system
S-W1EX
Powered subwoofer
CP-2EX
Speaker stand for S-2EX
CP-7EX
Speaker stand for S-7EX
Enclosure: Front-vented bass reflex
Floor-standing type
Front-vented bass reflex
Bookshelf type
Front-vented bass reflex
Center speaker type
Passive radiator
Floor-standing type ——
Speakers (Tweeter):
Speakers (Midrange):
Speakers (Bass):
Concentric driver:
1-3/8 in. (3.5 cm) Beryllium dome
Concentric driver:
5-1/2 in. (14 cm) Magnesium cone
7-1/16 in. (18 cm) Aramid cone (x2)
Concentric driver:
1-3/8 in. (3.5 cm) Beryllium dome
Concentric driver:
5-1/2 in. (14 cm) Magnesium cone
7-1/16 in. (18 cm) Aramid cone
Concentric driver:
1-3/8 in. (3.5 cm) Beryllium dome
Concentric driver:
5-1/2 in. (14 cm) Magnesium cone
7-1/16 in. (18 cm) Aramid cone (x2)
12 in. (30 cm) Aramid cone +
12 in. (30 cm) Aramid cone
passive radiator
—
—
—
—
—
—
Frequency Range: 28 — 100,000 Hz 34 — 100,000 Hz 34 — 100,000 Hz 25 — 4,000 Hz
(Set to BYPASS) ——
Sensitivity (2.83 V/1 m): 89.5 dB SPL 86.5 dB SPL 89.5 dB SPL — — —
Nominal Impedance: 6 Ω6 Ω6 Ω———
Maximum Power (Input) : 200 W 200 W 200 W — — —
Power output (RMS) : — — — 250W / 4 Ω(100 Hz) — —
Cross-over Frequencies : 400 Hz
2 kHz
400 Hz
2 kHz
400 Hz
2 kHz
50 — 150 Hz
(Continuously variable) ——
Dimensions (W x H x D):
16-5/8 x 50-1/2 x 24 in.
422 x 1283 x 609 mm
11-7/16 x 22-1/4 x 16-3/4 in.
291 x 565 x 425 mm
32-5/16 x 11-7/16 x 16-3/4 in.
820 x 291 x 425 mm
16-15/16 x 18-14/16 x 16-15/16 in.
430 x 480 x 430 mm
15-3/4 x 23-3/4 x 20-3/16 in.
400 x 604 x 513 mm
(without decoupling spikes)
19-5/8 x 12-3/16 x 16-1/4 in.
498 x 310 x 412 mm
(without decoupling spikes)
Weight: 145 lbs. 8 oz.
66.0 kg
61 lbs. 12 oz.
28.0 kg
86 lbs.
39.0 kg
75 lbs. 14 oz.
34.5 kg
39 lbs. 4 oz.
17.8 kg
30 lbs. 14 oz.
14.0 kg
Power Requirements /
Consumption — — — 120 V, 60 Hz / 56 W, 90 VA — —
Finishes:
Grille:
Cabinet: Real wood veneer
Dark Teak wood
(satin finish)
Black cloth
Cabinet: Real wood veneer
Dark Teak wood
(satin finish)
Black cloth
Cabinet: Real wood veneer
Dark Teak wood
(satin finish)
Black cloth
Cabinet: MDF with Real
wood veneer
Dark Teak wood
(satin finish)
Black cloth
Stand: Black Plywood
(satin finish)
Decoupling Spikes: Silver
Stand: Black Plywood
(satin finish)
Decoupling Spikes: Silver
PIONEER ELECTRONICS (USA) INC.
P.O. Box 1540, Long Beach, California 90810
TO CONTACT US:
For Dealer Referrals or Product Information
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Phone: [phone]
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