Pioneer introduced today new high end speakers developed to suit the US market, that are aimed specifically at specialist retailers, under Pioneer’s “Limited” (limited distribution) program.
The new top end Z series components handle Hi-Res Audio up to 40kHz. Also new is a revamped D series.
The lines were revealed at the annual Summit in Denver of the Mobile Electronics Specialists of America (MESA) buying/marketing group.
Pioneer began the Limited program two years ago, marking its first return to limited distribution since the ending of its Premier program in 2008-2009.
The new Z speakers were 2-3 years in the making. Top buyers at Crutchfield, Car Toys and some MESA member stores were flown to the Pioneer factory in Japan and engineers came to the US to interview store owners and managers to create a line suited to US tastes and specialist retailer needs, said Pioneer Marketing VP Ted Cardenas.
The Z series uses a 29mm dome tweeter with a uniquely shaped aluminum alloy diaphragm. Its cones are made of Twaron (a synthetic fiber) that is strong and heat resistant and rigid when woven into a cloth material. The tweeters are ultra compact with a swivel mount for flush, surface or bracket mounting.
Z components include a TS-Z65CH, 6.5-inch, two-way at $400 built with an oversized magnet and “powerful motor assembly for accurate bass,” said Pioneer. Then there’s a step down 6.5-inch component, model TS-Z65C at $350. A two-way coaxial version is the TS-Z65F, at 6.5-inches, and at $300. All are due to ship in October.
The Z subwoofers are shallow mount, Hi-Res Audio capable drivers with an extended frequency response. They also use Twaron cones that are oversized (15 percent larger compared to a conventional 10-inch subwoofer). The motor structure includes a 67.7 ounce magnet.
The subwoofers will be available in December in single 2-and 4-ohm, 10-inch versions, the TS-Z10LS4 and TS-Z10LS2, each at $350.
A second new line is the D series, with an “open and smooth sound” and a wide sound stage, said Pioneer.
The D full range speakers use 26mm soft dome tweeters with extended high frequency capability. Their cones include aramid fibers blended into polypropylene resin during the injection molding process. The D component speakers use the same swivel mount as the Z series speakers.
They will ship in October in 6 x 9 and 6.5-inch two way component configurations at $250 and $240, respectively. They are joined by coaxials in 6 x9, 6.5-inch and 6 x 8 inch sizes ranging from $200 to $230.
D subwoofers come in 10 and 12-inch versions with either dual 2- or-4-ohm voice coils from $240 to $260.
No, its price is protected by tracking serial number and limited distribution.
2 Months, and they will all be on the internet at a 1/4 the price. Ho Hum!