Pioneer Subwoofer Speaker Mods Pioneer SW-8MK2 Modification to Pioneer Speakers and Subwoofers

We became interested in modifying these Andrew Jones designed subwoofers / speakers, as we saw they were highly reviewed and quite inexpensive. The speakers (SP-BS22-LR) were so exceptional sounding that we were very curious to try out the subwoofer.

Reviews can be found in "The Absolute Sound "and "Stereophile" for these speakers (SP-BS22-LR). The subwoofer (SW-8MK2) was just recently reviewed by "Home Theater Review," a very reputable online review site.

As we tested out the speakers, we found them to be quite good for the price and very balanced. When we opened up the speakers, we found them to be well designed with better than average cabinet engineering. For the price point, they were exceptional and sounded better than many other much more expensive speakers on the market. The sub is almost more exceptional.

Upon initial modification, we were able to get a decent amount of improvement out of them, but were not totally satisfied. We ended up shelving them for a while. Recently, we developed some new modification techniques and the difference between the stock speakers and our modified ones is now is quite astounding.

The speakers were quite clear and articulate, capturing fine details without being harsh. Upon modification, they also had a certain bloom and mid range sweetness and even a surprising amount of bass depth for their size. They played music and movies quite well, without the brightness of typical bookshelf speakers.

While they don't have quite the amount of "slam" or impact of other higher priced speakers, they are quite amazing with the 8 inch subwoofer SW-8MK2 pioneer manufactures from the same series, which is sold separatley (priced at $156 stock with free shipping). The Pioneer SW-8MK2 Andrew Jones Designed 100-Watt Powered Subwoofer. When modified, the suwbwoofer gave the sound heft and richness. A recent customer was quite taken aback by now impressive they were and how they sounded. Admittedly, it does not have the very bottem octave of bass depth that our reference system has, but it does have slam, impact and other audiophile qualities. The modified subwoofer was also a surprisingly good LFE sub; much more so than we anticipated. We tested it out on "Star Trek: Into the Darkness' opening scene. The room was less than ideal, with a number of hallways, and the sub being placed a far distance away from the main av system. We were quite taken aback by the powerfull, deep slamming bass it produced for the LFE channel, especially for the size. As this was playing, the customer's were both shocked at how much bass came out of the small modified 8 inch subwoofer. When modified, it is about 80 percent of our reference system. For the price, they really are quite a find when they are modified. These speakers would be great for a second system, surrounds, home theater system. Our Modified Pioneer SP-BS22-LR speakers sell for $276 a pair modified (priced at $126 on Amazon currently) , and the Modified Pioneer SW-8MK2 Subwoofer sells for $356 modified (Unmodified unit sells for $156 each on Amazon currently). Both items include free shipping and handling in that price when we ship the item back to you in the continental USA. If you have a pair of these speakers or the subwoofer feel free to ship them to us to have them modified as well. The modification price on the speakers, if they are shipped to us, is $150, which includes free shipping and handling back to you. The modification price on the subwoofer, if it is shipped to us, is $200, which includes free shipping and handling back to you. There is a new Andrew Jones designed subwoofer that is 10 inches (Pioneer Elite SW-E10), that we modify as well. The modification provides the same benefit to the 10 inch subwoofer as it does to the 8 inch, only more so, as it is a larger driver with a more power amplifier. We also modify all makes and models of receivers, players and other pieces.

Here are a few excerpts of the new review online on Home Theater Review by Terry London:

"Excited to contact Sean Scoggin of Stereo Dave's Audio Alternative, I called him to discuss what his modifications were to the Pioneer SW-8MK2 and discovered that they use a proprietary method to influence and speed up the electron flow of the subwoofer's amplifier. Modifying the driver allows the subwoofer to move faster and have better freedom in its excursions for accuracy and speed in its ability to track the low frequencies it is replicating. All the modifications successfully work to quicken the subwoofer and increase its bandwidth/frequency range, making the subwoofer sound faster, more powerful, and deeper while still maintaining bass texture and detail.

When I got the pair of modified SW-8MK2 subwoofers from Sean, I set them up exactly as the stock pair had been set up in my system. To my amazement, I heard the sonic improvements in the first few moments of auditioning the modified pair. The modified SW-8MK2 subwoofers truly were much faster and more dynamic, they created deeper/flatter bass extension, and they had more accurate tonality in a natural way, making their integration with my Mandolins even more seamless. With this modification, the SW-8MK2 significantly outperformed my T-7.

...The modified version of the Pioneer SW-8MK2 subwoofer takes this already excellent performing unit to another sonic level across the board in speed, power, bass extension, and accurate bass tonality.

...if you choose to have the SW-8MK2 modification done by Sean Scoggin's company for an additional $150 (plus shipping and handling costs), you have a subwoofer that performs at a sonic level that normally would cost you at least a couple thousand dollars. "

Stereo Dave's Audio Alternative

Customer Feedback

Every once in a while, we get emails back from customers that take the time to let us know how they liked their modified units. Below is one of the recent ones referring to a Modified Pioneer Player:

"Hi Sean

I had a chance to do some listening to the modified Oppo (103) player and was not prepared for the difference in sound I heard compared to the stock unit. Most noticeably, the sound stage has hugely expanded, which, upon first hearing, made me shake my head in disbelief. The location of the instruments is more precise and the low end frequency much more palpable. There is just "more" of everything in the presentation of the music. I have had many mods done to my audio equipment over the years and your mod ranks near the top of the list for the degree for sonic improvement for the investment. You mod is a huge improvement over the already fine stock unit. Thanks a million!" Mark from California

Sean,

I love the sound of the modified player. I have it hooked up using the analog inputs. I didn’t change anything in my set up except to swap players. It sounds way different than the Denon 2900: better in every way. The biggest difference for me was how the player made the speakers disappear. Does that make sense? Music sounded ok with the Denon, but it was just a source to play cd’s, nothing special.

I listen to all types of music: swing music from the 30’s and 40’s, Latin or Salsa music for dancing, smooth jazz for night time listening, 70’s soft rock and classic rock. I’m all over the board. The player did make a difference in the presentation of the music. One example is the bass: the Denon’s bass was rather bloated. I didn’t notice this until i had the chance to listen to the Pioneer. The Pioneer’s bass was more natural. The bass blended better with the music and didn’t sound like it was “in your face”.

The vocals sound great as well. Even my 14 year old commented on how the voices sounded smoother and more natural. He even mentioned that it sounded like there was a center channel speaker hidden somewhere for the voices to come out of and “float in the air”. Nope, just my Tekton Lore speakers.

The Pioneer has taken my listening enjoyment to a new level. Kudos to whoever designed the mod because it does sound awesome!

Thank you,
Javier

Here is feedback from one of our modified HK 990 units from a customer:

Sean,

Forgive the late feedback, but just to say I absolutely love the amp. This is just the sound I was looking for.

Thank you,

Andrew