PIONEER S-HE10 (1992) | High-Sensitivity Bookshelf Speakers

 

The Pioneer S-HE10 is a rare example of a high-efficiency bookshelf speaker engineered with the philosophy of professional monitor design. Built around advanced wavefront control and compression horn technology, it prioritizes realism, speed, and precise sound imaging over raw sound pressure. Rather than chasing volume, Pioneer focused on sensitivity and efficiency—key attributes of a true electro-acoustic transducer. The result is a speaker capable of reproducing the finest musical nuances, from a performer’s breathing to the natural decay of a concert hall, with remarkable clarity and presence. At the heart of the high-frequency system is a rear-type compression driver, the same principle used in TAD and EXCLUSIVE reference models. A precision titanium diaphragm works with an equal-length phase plug to ensure excellent phase coherence and extended high-frequency response. The newly developed oval wave horn, integrally molded with the front duct and angled at 10 degrees, directs sound inward toward the listening position. This design improves center image focus while offering wide horizontal dispersion, creating a stable soundstage and a generous listening area. The die-cast aluminum horn ensures exceptional rigidity and eliminates horn-induced coloration. The S-HE10 takes wavefront control to a higher level by optimizing: Time alignment between woofer and tweeter, Directivity matching across frequencies, Electrical phase coherence, Baffle geometry to reduce diffraction. By shaping the wavefront closer to a point source, the speaker achieves natural sound propagation, accurate image placement, and a convincing three-dimensional sound field. The woofer employs a newly developed ALCC (Alginate Composite Cone) diaphragm. Using alginate fiber derived from seaweed as a binder, Pioneer achieved superior bonding between high-strength polyarylate fibers and pulp. Compared to conventional paper cones, the ALCC diaphragm offers higher rigidity, greater internal damping, and lower mass. With an impressive sensitivity of 98 dB/W/m, the woofer delivers fast transients, excellent dynamics, and finely textured mid-bass reproduction. A magnetically shielded double-magnet circuit produces a high magnetic flux density of 14,300 gauss, ensuring strong diaphragm control and high efficiency. The T-shaped pole piece creates symmetrical magnetic flux, maintaining linearity even at high excursion levels. The S-HE10 features a generous 72-liter enclosure, enhancing low-frequency depth and authority. Its left/right symmetrical construction ensures precise stereo imaging, while rounded baffle edges minimize diffraction effects. The cabinet is built from high-density particle board and finished in an elegant dark reddish-brown quince tone, combining acoustic performance with understated luxury. Large, precision-machined speaker terminals support banana plug connections, ensuring reliable, low-resistance signal transfer. Specifications: Type: Phase-inverting bookshelf | Speaker type: Woofer: 25cm cone type x 2, Tweeter: 3cm compression driver + slant angle oval wave horn | Impedance: 6 ohm | Frequency response: 35-30,000Hz | Output SPL: 98 dB/W (1m) | Crossover frequency: 2,000 Hz | Maximum input: 120W (EIAJ) | Dimensions: 380 (W) x 680 (H) x 410 (D) mm | Weight: 28.1kg

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