Fry's Email Exclusive: Pioneer SP-BS22-LR 4" Bookshelf Speakers (Pair) Expired

This is one of the worst posts I've ever seen on SD.

Congrats?

A bit of an odd opinion there (being polite).

I'm curious, do you feel bookshelves should never be used upfront, regardless of model, or specifically just the Pioneers?

If you argued they are too warm for many people for HT use, so not ideal as fronts, that's fine. Personally they are too warm for me, but everyone has different tastes.

Or if you argued that towers provide a fuller sound, so if money isn't an issue, you like those better upfront... again, that's fine and at least some logic behind that opinion.

But if someone is on a strict budget and likes warmer speakers, sure, the Pioneers upfront are fine. I think many would rather have Cores upfront (if they own a sub), but again, this stuff is all subjective so doesn't apply to everyone.

I've heard quite a number of sound bars, and none of them do it better than these, with, or without the center for HT. They also do 2 channel music better than any sound bar I've heard. I read your assessment of these Pioneers. You brought up the crossover, etc. I got a good laugh out of that. Do you honestly think a soundbar has a better crossover. Do soundbars even have a real crossover because I don't hear much range on them. Maybe if you like Bose then sound bars sound great to you, and that's the problem. You don't like the way the Pioneers sound. That doesn't mean others will feel the same. Definitely doesn't make soundbars better.
The main issue with your multiple comments is that you totally miss the obvious with these Pioneers. They are budget speakers, but unlike a sound bar, they are actual speakers with a proper cabinet, crossover, and drivers. They have far more range than any sound bar which is gimped by the shape alone. Soundbars don't do stereo well, have no range, and come with puny subs.
These get a lot praise due to price, and that fact they are pretty unoffensive. They aren't too bright. They don't excel at much, but they aren't junk either. 4 of these, and a center is under $200 on sale. Add a $200 sub, and $150 receiver, and you have a proper 5.1 home theater for under $550. No soundbar can compare to that. Now if you don't like the way they sound. That is your opinion, and you're welcome to it. But to state that soundbars are better doesn't sound right to me.