Pioneer S-H810V review

The tall and imposing Pioneer speakers deliver an arresting scale of sound, which is also smooth and inoffensive Tested at £700.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

In all peripheral respects, these are worthwhile speakers. Where the fundamentals are concerned, though, they’re also-rans

Pros

  • +

    Build and finish belie the price…

Cons

  • -

    …as does the sound, unfortunately

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

The tall and imposing Pioneer speakers deliver an arresting scale of sound, which is also smooth and inoffensive. However, despite the Undertones' Teenage Kicks being launched with a degree of drive and attack, and the rhythm timed adequately and without fuss, the S-H810Vs demonstrate some significant sonic imperfections.

The ribbon tweeter is distressingly pronounced and poorly integrated with the rest of the frequency range. The plentiful low frequencies are solid enough in the centre, but soft and blurred around the edges. Voices in the midrange are isolated and unnatural.

These Pioneer speakers aren't able to integrate information as coherently as their rivals, and signficantly lack dynamic reach.

If you're anxious to fill a large area with sound at a budget, these offer the sort of widescreen presentation that can reach every corner of the listening room, and you won't find a better-finished speaker at the money – yet there are far more complete designs on the market for the same money.

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


Read more about how we test