Short answer: the Neumi BS5. It ranks #38 of 179 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.8/5) at $139.99 and is still sold new; the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod) ranks #122 (rated 2.8/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Neumi BS5 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. Budget bookshelf speakers with accurate, punchy sound that work with any ordinary receiver, an exceptional value. Its bass reaches about 64Hz before falling 3dB, against 78Hz for the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod). The tradeoff: Erin measured F3 at 64Hz, so kick-drum punch should not be mistaken for deep-bass extension.
The Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod) is the more accurate option. A DIY tweeter and crossover upgrade that turns a budget bookshelf speaker into a much flatter, more accurate small monitor. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.07 against 3.60 for the Neumi BS5. Watch for: Some directivity error appears near the crossover frequency.
Buy the Neumi BS5. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod) is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the Neumi BS5 reaches 41 Hz (10 dB down) against 60 Hz for the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod), about half an octave deeper. You hear more of the lowest bass notes and kick drums.
- Tonal accuracy above the bass: with a subwoofer taking the low end, the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod) scores 7.8 against 6.1 for the Neumi BS5 on the Spinorama preference scale. Its frequency response and off-axis sound are smoother, so voices and instruments sound closer to the recording.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Neumi BS5 | Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.99 per pair | $168 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #38 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #122 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 84dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 83dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 4.6 ohms minimum; approximately 6 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal (approx. 5 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 1” silk-dome tweeter; 5” fiberglass woofer | 1x 4” curvilinear-cone woofer (stock Pioneer), 1x Peerless BC25TG15 1” silk dome tweeter (replacement) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.60 | 5.07 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.12 | 7.82 |
| Dimensions | 10.6”H x 7.2”W x 8.5”D (269.2 x 182.9 x 215.9 mm) | 12.6”H x 7.1”W x 8.5”D (320.0 x 180.0 x 215.0 mm) |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each | 9 lbs (4.1 kg) |
| DIY Kit | No | Yes |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 3000Hz |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Neumi BS5: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
- Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod): reviews by Audio Science Review.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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