Short answer: the Parts Express Copperhead Desktop Kit, if you are buying new, though neither ranks well in its class. The Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod) ranks higher than it (#122 vs #142 of 179 bookshelf speakers, 2.8/5 vs 2.5/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Parts Express Copperhead Desktop Kit is still sold new at $119.98. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 179 bookshelf speakers, and the Neumi BS5, ranked #38 at $139.99, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
The Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod) is the more accurate, deeper-bass 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 2.11 for the Parts Express Copperhead Desktop Kit. Its bass reaches about 78Hz before falling 3dB, against 98.1Hz for the Parts Express Copperhead Desktop Kit. The tradeoff: Some directivity error appears near the crossover frequency.
The case for the Parts Express Copperhead Desktop Kit: An inexpensive beginner flat-pack desktop kit with one full-range driver per side, made for near-field listening with a subwoofer. The catch: Despite the ‘full-range’ label, output rolls off around 120-150Hz and a subwoofer with an unusually high 100-200Hz crossover is effectively mandatory.
Buy the Parts Express Copperhead Desktop Kit if you want one new; the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod) is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod) reaches 60 Hz (10 dB down) against 69.3 Hz for the Parts Express Copperhead Desktop Kit, about half an octave deeper. You hear more of the lowest bass notes and kick drums.
- Efficiency: the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod) is rated at 83 dB sensitivity against 81 dB for the Parts Express Copperhead Desktop Kit, so it plays as loud with roughly two thirds of the amplifier power.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod) | Parts Express Copperhead Desktop Kit | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $168 per pair Discontinued | $119.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #122 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #142 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 98.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 69.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1x 4” curvilinear-cone woofer (stock Pioneer), 1x Peerless BC25TG15 1” silk dome tweeter (replacement) | 3.5” Dayton Audio PS95-8 full-range driver |
| Weight | 9 lbs (4.1 kg) | - |
| Sensitivity | 83dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Audio Science Review) | 81dB @ 1W/1m (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner and manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (approx. 5 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review) | 8 ohms (manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | 3000Hz | - |
| Dimensions | 12.6”H x 7.1”W x 8.5”D (320.0 x 180.0 x 215.0 mm) | 8”H x 5”W x 6.5”D (203 x 127 x 165 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, bottom |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.07 | 2.11 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.82 | 5.35 (spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | Yes | Yes |
| Frequency Response | - | 120Hz-20kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Power Handling | - | 10W RMS / 20W maximum; 25W RMS with 50Hz high-pass |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod): reviews by Audio Science Review.
- Parts Express Copperhead Desktop Kit: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
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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