Short answer: the Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 for value, the Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR for Atmos flexibility, though neither ranks well in its class. The Pioneer packs a front 3-way plus an up-firing 2-way Dolby Atmos coaxial driver in one cabinet, but a wide dip between 3-10kHz makes it sound somewhat dull without EQ and its impedance dips below 4 ohms. The ProMonitor 1000 controls bass distortion but loses bass energy from 40-120Hz and resonates near 14kHz. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 90 bookshelf speakers, so if sound quality matters, consider the Philharmonic Ceramic Mini instead, ranked #2 at $900.
Buy the Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR is discontinued.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 | Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $498 per pair | $749 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #82 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #85 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 95Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 64.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 45.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 1” aluminum dome tweeter, 5.25” BDSS mid/woofer, 5.25” planar bass radiator | 5.25” aluminum-cone woofer, 2x 4” aluminum-cone midrange, 2x 1” silk dome tweeter (front 3-way + up-firing 2-way Atmos coaxial) |
| Dimensions | 10.88H x 6.25W x 6.5D in | 15.7H x 7.4W x 9.7D in |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.29 kg) each | 15.7 lbs (7.1 kg) each |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 30kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review - reviewer noted this vs. a manufacturer spec of 91dB) | 85dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | below 4 ohms minimum |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.2 (spinorama.org) | 3.22 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.58 (spinorama.org) | 5.53 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 compares with other leading options:
- Ascend Sierra 1 v2 vs Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000
- KEF LS50 Meta vs Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000
- Arendal 1961 Monitor vs Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000
- Klipsch RP-500M II vs Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000
- Wharfedale Super Denton vs Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000
Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000: $498 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Bass distortion is well controlled per the measurements, and the slow bass rolloff means it can be pushed fairly hard for its size. Ships with a footer that keeps the small cabinet planted despite its light weight. Measured bass extension of 95Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86dB.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows severely reduced bass energy between 40-120Hz, a directivity mismatch between the tweeter and woofer, and a severe resonance/interference issue around 14kHz. Distortion at 96dB SPL was so bad the reviewer limited testing to 86dB. Direct comparison to a $118/pair Pioneer SP-BS22-LR left the reviewer calling the $249/pair ProMonitor 1000 “a bad experiment that should be forgotten” and concluding “there is nothing Pro about it.”
Full Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 95Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 10.88H x 6.25W x 6.5D in |
| Drivers | 1” aluminum dome tweeter, 5.25” BDSS mid/woofer, 5.25” planar bass radiator |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 30kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review - reviewer noted this vs. a manufacturer spec of 91dB) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.2 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.58 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.29 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 vs Polk T15
- Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 vs Sehlin Helium
- Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 vs JBL Control 1 Pro
- Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 vs Fluance Signature HFS
- Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 vs JBL Stage A130
- Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 vs Klipsch R-41M
- Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 vs Q Acoustics 5020
- Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 vs Micca RB42
- See all 32 comparisons
Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR: $749 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: Unique dual-driver design combines a front-facing 3-way speaker with an up-firing 2-way Dolby Atmos coaxial driver in one cabinet, designed by Andrew Jones. With corrective EQ applied, the reviewer found “substantially more brilliance and detail,” and the up-firing Atmos driver produced “remarkable” spatial effects from a single box. Measured bass extension of 64.5Hz (-3dB).
Cons: A wide dip between 3-10kHz makes the front speaker sound “somewhat dull” without EQ, and impedance dips below 4 ohms demand a capable amplifier. Distortion is elevated at the crossover points, around 180Hz and 2600Hz. Amir concluded: “The hole in frequency response and high distortion around the crossover point rule out this speaker for any kind of hifi use, certainly at these prices.” Long discontinued.
Full Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 15.7H x 7.4W x 9.7D in |
| Drivers | 5.25” aluminum-cone woofer, 2x 4” aluminum-cone midrange, 2x 1” silk dome tweeter (front 3-way + up-firing 2-way Atmos coaxial) |
| Impedance | below 4 ohms minimum |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.22 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.53 |
| Weight | 15.7 lbs (7.1 kg) each |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR vs Ascend Sierra Luna
- Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR vs Klipsch R-41M
- Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR vs Polk T15
- Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR vs JBL Control 1 Pro
- Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR vs Fluance Signature HFS
- Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR vs JBL Stage A130
- Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR vs Q Acoustics 5020
- Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR vs Micca RB42
- See all 29 comparisons