Very nice looking Pioneer Pure Malt speakers S-A4SPT-PM

[dj_AmTraX]

Anyone here seen or heard these?

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/P...peakers/Pure+Malt+Speakers/ci.S-A4SPT-PM.Kuro

 

[MunkeyQ]

I've heard about them a couple years back, but never actually got to listen to a pair. They have a very nice finish but I'm doubtful of the properties of the wood changed by soaking them in whiskey...

 

[elcoholic]

I've heard about them a couple years back, but never actually got to listen to a pair. They have a very nice finish but I'm doubtful of the properties of the wood changed by soaking them in whiskey...

It's very possible. I've heard of drum kits made from logs that sat at the bottom of Lake Superior for a hundred years are very desireable.

 

[deaner33]

Don't know too much about the speakers, but that is a great CD in the picture.

 

[sealy]

Never discount the unusual. Remember that Stradivari is said to have chemically manipulated the composition of the wood of his violins by some mysterious process, before he assembled them. Who knows? He may have soaked his violins in whiskey.

 

[elcoholic]

The varnish is even said to have been a closely guarded recipe that enhanced the sound. Many have tried in vain to duplicate it.

 

[Sam Cogley]

Never discount the unusual. Remember that Stradivari is said to have chemically manipulated the composition of the wood of his violins by some mysterious process, before he assembled them. Who knows? He may have soaked his violins in whiskey.

He just got lucky and was working when the wood available was unusually dense and even grain-wise.

 

[sealy]

He just got lucky and was working when the wood available was unusually dense and even grain-wise.

Ah, you've researched this a bit. The wood of that era was slightly different in composition than before or after, most because of the colder winters of the time. But in addition, Stradivari was a craftsman nonpareil. His violins were made with more precision than those of his competitors. Also as previously mentioned, his special varnish formula may have had an effect on the sound his creations emitted. I had the good fortune to hear a Stradivarius up close. Being a violinist, I was naturally curious. What I heard confirmed why most concert virtuosos choose the Stradivarius over all others.

It would be an interesting experiment to make two identical sets of speakers out of whiskey barrel wood, one having been made of the wood actually used as a whiskey container, the other not, just to hear if indeed there is any differences in sound quality.

 

[dj_AmTraX]

Too bad you can only get them online. No way to try them out before buying.

 

[DENNYDOG]

They were on sale for the longest time. I don't think they were selling too good.

 

[dj_AmTraX]

They were on sale for the longest time. I don't think they were selling too good.

what was the sale price? retail is $600

 

[M Jarve]

I seem to remember these being reviewed in Stereophile at one time (John Marks, The Fifth Element #45, December 2007). The result was that there are better speakers for the price, though the novelty of the Pioneer was undeniable. From what I gathered, if the cabinets were made of more ordinary MDF or particle board, they would have been $100 speakers.

 

[dj_AmTraX]

I seem to remember these being reviewed in Stereophile at one time (John Marks, The Fifth Element #45, December 2007). The result was that there are better speakers for the price, though the novelty of the Pioneer was undeniable. From what I gathered, if the cabinets were made of more ordinary MDF or particle board, they would have been $100 speakers.

Thanks for finding that review. :thmbsp:

 

[Synchro-bias]

very nice finish lovely looking speaker

 

[ARRAY]

I was trying to find some good pictures of a set of Pioneer ST500 's when I came across the "Malt" lineup. I like the look of those Malteds too, all dressed up in heavy wood.

 

[krimney]

pioneer brochure

I picked up a brochure in Japan last year that has all the specs for this line of speakers. I can dig it out if anyone is interested...it is all in japanese though..