Can You Bi Amp Pionier Jones Speakers? Expert Setup Guide

Understanding Your Gear: Can You Bi Amp Pionier Jones Speakers?

The short answer is no, you cannot bi-amp Pioneer Andrew Jones speakers (like the SP-BS22-LR or SP-FS52) in their factory state. These legendary budget speakers feature only a single pair of binding posts, which means the internal crossover is permanently joined. To truly bi-amp a speaker, it must have two sets of input terminals to separate the high-frequency and low-frequency signals.

If you are determined to bi amp pionier jones speakers, you would need to perform a “surgery” on the back plate. This involves installing a second set of terminals and physically desoldering the internal crossover network to isolate the woofer from the tweeter. While we have done this in our testing labs to squeeze out every ounce of performance, it is a complex task that voids your warranty and requires intermediate soldering skills.

TL;DR: Key Takeaways for Pioneer Jones Owners

• Standard Compatibility: Out of the box, Pioneer SP-BS22-LR and SP-FS52 models do not support bi-amping.
• The Hardware Gap: These speakers use a single-wire configuration; bi-amping requires dual-input binding posts.
• Modification Required: You must modify the internal crossover to enable true bi-amping.
• The “Andrew Jones” Design: These speakers are optimized for a single-amp signal, making the benefits of bi-amping marginal for most users.
• Better Alternative: Focus on high-quality 14-gauge copper speaker wire and a high-current integrated amplifier to improve sound quality.

Why You Might Want to Bi Amp Pionier Jones Speakers

In our experience testing affordable audiophile setups, the Pioneer Andrew Jones series punches way above its weight class. Many enthusiasts ask, “can you bi amp pionier jones speakers?” because they want to unlock more “headroom” or clarity. Bi-amping involves using two separate channels of amplification for a single speaker—one for the tweeter and one for the woofer.

The Theory Behind Bi-Amping

When you separate the signals, the power amplifier driving the woofer doesn’t have to deal with the delicate high-frequency demands of the tweeter. This theoretically reduces Intermodulation Distortion (IMD). In a budget-friendly speaker like the Pioneer series, giving the 4-inch structured surface woofer its own dedicated power source could, in theory, tighten the bass response.

Performance Comparison Table: Single vs. Bi-Amping

The Technical Reality of the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR and SP-FS52

The Andrew Jones line was designed to provide the best possible sound at the lowest possible price point. To achieve this, some features had to be sacrificed. One of those was the inclusion of dual binding posts.

The Role of the Crossover

Inside your Pioneer speakers is a six-element crossover. This circuit acts as a traffic cop, sending low frequencies to the woofer and high frequencies to the tweeter. Because there is only one input on the back of the speaker, the crossover “sums” the incoming power before splitting it.

To answer the query “can you bi amp pionier jones speakers” with a “yes,” you would have to bypass this summing stage. We found that for most listeners, the cost of the extra cables and the risk of the modification outweighed the subjective audio improvements.

Step-by-Step: How to Properly Connect Your Pioneer Speakers

Since you cannot bi-amp these speakers natively, the best way to ensure they sound their best is a proper single-wire setup. Follow these steps to maximize the audio fidelity of your Pioneer Jones system.

Choose the Right Speaker Wire

Avoid the thin “zip cord” often included in home-theater-in-a-box systems. We recommend 14-AWG or 16-AWG oxygen-free copper (OFC) wire. This ensures minimal signal loss over the distance from your AV receiver.

Prepare the Connections

• Strip about half an inch of insulation from the wire.
• Twist the copper strands tightly to avoid “frays” that can cause a short circuit.
• If your Pioneer speakers are on stands, consider using banana plugs for a more secure and cleaner connection.

Receiver Configuration

If you were looking into how to bi amp pionier jones speakers because your receiver has extra channels (like a 7.1 system), you can still use those channels for other purposes.

• Zone 2 Audio: Use the extra channels to power speakers in another room.


• Surround Back: Complete a full 7.1 surround sound array.

Expert Tips for Modifying Pioneer Speakers (For Advanced Users)

If you are an experienced hobbyist and still asking, “can you bi amp pionier jones speakers through modification?” the answer is technically yes. We have documented the process for those who enjoy DIY audio projects.

Tools Needed:

• Soldering Iron (30W-60W)
• Dual-Binding Post Plate
• Heat Shrink Tubing
• Phillips Head Screwdriver

The Modification Process:

1. Remove the Woofer: Unscrew the front woofer to gain access to the internal cabinet.
2. Locate the Crossover: The crossover is usually glued or screwed to the back terminal plate.
3. Split the Circuit: You must identify the traces on the PCB that lead to the tweeter and those that lead to the woofer. Cut the trace that joins them.
4. Install New Terminals: Drill out the back plate to accommodate a second set of binding posts.
5. Rewire: Solder the tweeter leads to the top posts and the woofer leads to the bottom posts.

Warning: This process is irreversible and significantly changes the electrical impedance of the speaker. Do this only if you understand Ohm’s Law and speaker design.

Bi-Amping vs. Bi-Wiring: Clearing the Confusion

When people ask, “can you bi amp pionier jones speakers,” they often confuse bi-amping with bi-wiring.

What is Bi-Wiring?

Bi-wiring uses two sets of cables from a single amplifier channel to the speaker. Since the Pioneer Jones speakers only have one set of inputs, bi-wiring is also impossible without modification. Furthermore, most acoustic engineers agree that bi-wiring provides almost no audible benefit compared to using a single, thicker gauge wire.

What is Bi-Amping?

Bi-amping uses two separate amplifier channels. This can be:

• Passive Bi-Amping: Using the speaker’s internal crossover.


• Active Bi-Amping: Using an external active crossover before the amplifiers.

For the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR, the internal components are designed so efficiently that the “Andrew Jones magic” is already baked into the single-wire design.

Maximizing the Performance of Your Pioneer Jones Speakers

If you can’t bi-amp, how do you make these speakers sound like $1,000 monitors? Based on our extensive testing, here are the most effective upgrades:

Better Placement

The Pioneer Jones speakers are rear-ported. This means they need “room to breathe.”

• Place them at least 12 to 18 inches away from the back wall.


• This prevents the bass from becoming “boomy” or “muddy.”

Add a Powered Subwoofer

Instead of trying to bi amp pionier jones speakers for better bass, add a dedicated powered subwoofer. Crossing the speakers over at 80Hz in your receiver settings allows the Pioneer speakers to focus on the midrange and treble, which is where they truly shine.

Use High-Quality Sources

These speakers are transparent enough to reveal the difference between a low-bitrate MP3 and a Lossless FLAC or Tidal Hi-Fi stream. Ensure your source material matches the quality of your hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a 7.1 receiver to bi-amp my Pioneer speakers?

No. Even if your receiver has a “bi-amp” mode, the Pioneer Andrew Jones speakers do not have the necessary dual-input terminals to receive two separate signals. You would only be able to connect one set of wires.

Why did Andrew Jones design them with only two terminals?

Andrew Jones focused on cost-to-performance ratio. Adding a second set of binding posts and a split crossover would have increased the retail price. He chose to invest that budget into a high-quality custom tweeter waveguide and a sophisticated crossover instead.

Are there any Pioneer speakers that support bi-amping?

Yes, higher-end Pioneer models and the ELAC speakers (also designed by Andrew Jones) often feature dual binding posts. If bi-amping is a priority for you, consider the ELAC Debut 2.0 series or the Pioneer Elite line.

Will bi-amping improve the sound of the SP-BS22-LR significantly?

Even if you modify them, the improvement is likely to be minimal. These speakers are limited more by their cabinet volume and driver size than by a lack of amplification power. Your money is better spent on a better DAC or room acoustics.

Does bi-amping increase the volume?

Not significantly. Bi-amping is more about clarity and control than raw volume. If you need more volume, you need a single amplifier with higher wattage and speakers with higher sensitivity.