The Pioneer S-DJ08 speakers for DJ / producers but also suitable for home audio use.
If you’re looking to step up the sound quality and power of your home studio speakers, but you have a busy audio life with lots of listening sources, then a pair of “pure” studio reference monitors, while desirable, might not be the most practical solution for you.
Enter the Pioneer S-DJ08 Active Reference Speakers
We like clever thinking like this because one of the benefits of digital DJing is that you can have a DJ set-up comprising smart kit that can do an immense amount. This is great for people juggling busy lives in often less-than-ideal environments, which I suspect describes most of us. We can’t all have our own lock-up studios, eh?
Unboxing and first impressions
These are the bigger of two models in this range, the smaller ones being the S-DJ05s
They will likely get hot with extended use at decent volume, so squashing them into a small space is not advisable.
Pioneer suggests 12″ (30cm) behind and to the sides of the speakers so they remain cool in use. While this is probably playing it safe, they will get hot with extended use at decent volume, so squashing them into a small space is not advisable. (Our studio is small here at Digital DJ Tips, so for the purpose of this review we had them in what was really too small an area.)
They’re a modern-looking, trendy design. They have thinly scored bold gun-metal surrounds around the eight-inch woofer speakers, which match some Pioneer headphones. They’re front-ported, meaning they have a gap in the front (it’s a wide slit below the woofer) to assist the bass response. The front is an attractive, rubberised material, slightly curved which removes some of the boxiness from their looks. It features eight deep-inset Allen key bolts, a subtly inlaid tweeter, a big silver Pioneer logo, and a few small LEDs for function display. The cabinets themselves are black veneered wood.
Round the back is where you realise how flexible the design is.
Round the back, though, is where the flexibility and forward-thinking show. Of course there’s a big mains power socket and an on/off switch, but then each speaker has four inputs (two RCAs, a balanced TRS 1/4″, and a balanced XLR); bass and treble EQ, with an EQ on/off switch, an overall volume, an input selector, and a power-saving standby on/off.
There’s also a pair of control cable sockets which is where things get clever. These allow you to link two speakers together in order to control major functions using a supplied wired remote (think Mackie Big Knob).
It allows you to control on/off, mute, EQ on/off, volume and crucially the input selector for both speakers simultaneously – meaning you can cycle through your attached inputs without reaching round the back or unplugging and replugging devices.
You can cycle through your attached inputs without reaching round the back.
It’s worth mentioning at this point two characteristics of these speakers. Firstly, they’re independently powered, meaning each has its own main connector and amplification circuitry. Thus you connect the left-hand mono cable to the left speaker, and the right-hand cable to the right speaker. This is standard for studio monitors, but if you’re moving up from “posh” computer speakers where there’s a slave and a master, or you’re replacing a set-up where you have a separate amplifier and speakers, you may not immediately realise that this is how active monitors at this level work.
Secondly, these are “bi-amped”. That means there is separate circuitry to power the tweeter and the woofer in each speaker. All very professional, and in theory this should give better sound. Let’s find out…
In use
Pioneer says that these speakers are magnetically shielded so they shouldn’t pick up hum or buzz. I had them by necessity far too close for comfort to a 27″ iMac monitor, and there was no buzz at all discernible through them, so top marks there – I’ve heard bad results from other brands of speaker when put in the same position. However, my iPhone caused the usual mobile phone cackle intermittently when it was too close to them.
I decided to test them with a Traktor Kontrol S4, and with a streamed Mixcloud radio show from my computer. That way I figured I’d be using a consumer audio source and a professional source.
The Pioneer S-DJ08 remote control - looks great, and controls some of the major functions in an elegant way.
So with the Traktor Kontrol S4, the sound was really very good. It helped that the speaker were perfectly at ear level (having tweeters level with your ears is the optimum way to experience any speaker), but nonetheless with 320kbps MP3s the sound was refined, warm and satisfying. The treble was clear and in no way harsh, the midrange was defined, and the bass punchy and full – as you’d hope from a speaker of this size.
Despite the fact that I had them somewhat squashed on our workbench, the sound wasn’t boomy or bass-heavy as can be the case with speakers not given enough room around them.
We’re in a busy block, and I can only push music so-loud, but they were pretty ear-splitting with reams of volume left on the controls. Pioneer says they’re 70W (HF) and 170W (LF) “dynamic power” which I take to mean “peak power” and which is a more generous specification than the better RMS method of specifying power, and frankly means little to me.
Switching to Mixcloud streamed over the web is where I was basically blown away.
Nonetheless, for home, home studio or booth monitoring, I don’t think you’ll reach an issue with volume. And while we never recommend using your studio speakers for parties, these would fare better than most (Pioneer says they have an auto cut-out, which should protect you from “up to 11″ syndrome should you be bold / silly enough to use these as party speakers).
Switching to Mixcloud streamed over the web is where I was basically blown away. I have no idea what bitrate Mixcloud streams at and frankly I don’t care, as I use it to listen to curated radio shows in order to discover new music that I then go and buy as high-quality MP3s, so it has never really bothered me what quality they’re delivering.
Nonetheless, Chris Coco’s “Melodica” show sounded amazing over these speakers. I tweaked the EQ to my liking to remove a tiny bit of treble harshness, but I could quality happily listen all day without any tiredness or ear strain. Really, top marks here.
Conclusion
So first things first – these are large, heavy, well-made, attractive, good-sounding speakers that for the serious hobbyist, “prosumer”, and indeed the professional looking for some input flexibility in a compact studio, would be great. They’re not an ideal choice for a very small room as obviously with eight-inch drivers and ported cabinets, they’re substantial, but the trade-off for their size is that you get decent bass response and reams of volume.
They're styled to match other Pioneer gear, and undeniably they look the part.
Having switchable EQ is a smart option. This means that for sources where you want to compensate for input imperfections you can turn the EQ on, and the adjust bass ands treble to suit.
But for situations where a true representation of the input signal is most important (such as for production work), you can completely switch the EQ out of the equation, so you can be sure you’re getting a flat response, but also so you can probably improve the sound quality slightly by removing the EQ from the signal patch entirely.
Being able to wire them together and them control major functions vial a desktop remote is the crowning function, though: If you’re a digital DJ / producer, this means you can quickly turn EQ on and off, cycle thorough your sources, adjust volume and power up etc. without ever reaching around the back, or indeed leaving your studio chair.
Throw in the convenience factor of their smart workflow, and you’re onto a winner.
They’re not exactly cheap, but go and price up the separate for bi-amped stereo studio monitors plus suitable amplification and you’ll see that actually, they represent good value. Throw in the convenience factor of their smart workflow, and you’re onto a winner. Overall, for the money, they’re a great set of semi-pro all-rounders.
They would even make good booth monitors for “real” DJ boxes, although I don’t think that is Pioneer’s primary intention for them. For sheer practicality, they get top marks – and as the sound quality doesn’t let them down either, there’s really little to fault here.
Video
Summary
We like:
- Really practical design
- Great looking
- Excellent sound quality
- Convenient remote control
We don’t like:
- Too big and heavy for small rooms
- Not much else!
Star ratings:
|
Features: |
|
|
Build quality: |
|
|
Sound quality: |
|
|
Ease of use: |
|
|
Value: |
|
|
OVERALL: |
Product details:
Size & weight: 9.8 x 15.3 x 14.5″ (250 x 390 x 369mm), 30lb (13.5kg)
Freq response: 43Hz to 26kHz
Buy from: Amazon.com
What do you think?
Do you own these speakers? Would you consider upgrading to them? Do you like the idea of flexible DJ / studio monitors that can be used for other purposes too? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Now go to:
Review: Reloop ADM-5 Active DJ Monitor Speakers
Why Do Rubbish-Looking Speakers Sometimes Sound So Good?
What Speakers Do I Need for House Parties?
Want to escape the bedroom and play in public - fast?
Our 1000s-selling How To Digital DJ Fast video course shows you how.
Learn to DJ Free - email course plus bonus PDF book
Sign up for our weekly email course for beginners now...
Trouble choosing a controller? Visit the web's #1 guide!
DJ Controllers: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide 2013.
Tags: pioneer, s-dj08, speakers, studio monitors
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
They’re a nice looking monitor and being able to switch sources without having to fiddle with cables is definitely convenient. I did consider these when they first came out but could not justify the price (which has since come down by nearly $400 !!) I’m not a Pioneer hater at all, but in this instance if we are talking purely in terms of sound quality, then there are better monitors out there for a lot cheaper. I do like the fact that Pioneer have entered the field though because it creates competition which gives us more choice and (usually) lowers prices !
[ link ]I agree at $400 more they wouldn’t represent such good value.
[ link ]then there are better monitors out there for a lot cheaper—
would you suggest some of them? maybe 2 or 3
[ link ]I only listen to music (mostly techno) en i dj at home, for now i have the KRK VXT6, but they are more for producers so i have been told, would it be a good switch to go to these S-DJ08′S? a lot of audio shops tell me that its not worse sounding then the VXT6′s but just different and more suitable for my situation, please help!!!
[ link ]Speakers that are “for producers” will be just as good for DJing too, there’s no need to change.
[ link ]Hi Phil,
[ link ]I come from the netherlands, and i have this question placed via mail with some wellknown dj shops, and most off them say that its better to have these S-DJ08′s for my purposes then the VXT6 that i have right now, because the vxt6 is a flat sounding monitor, and the S-DJ08 is much nicer to dj with, and listen to for longer periods of time, i hope you can really help me with this, because i am so close to selling my vxt6′s right now, and i can by the S-DJ08 for 500 euro’s with a receit and its only being used for 3 months. Love your video reviews by the way!!!
They want to sell you monitors. Flat does not equal fatiguing; it equals true to what was recorded. If you want to make the change then do it, but don’t do it for sound reasons if you’re happy with the sound of your existing speakers. At least listen to the S-DJ08s first if you still want to and make your mind up for yourself.
[ link ]Thx Phil! i will listen to them, what will be your next review??
[ link ]Hi Phil,
You also tested the rokit rp8 g2′s right? how are the sdj08′s compared to them in sound quality? the shops here in holland say that the build qulity and materials far exceeds the rokits rp8, and therefor the sound quality is far better, is that true?
[ link ]We tested the Rokit 10.3s, not tested the rp8 g2s.
[ link ]But can u say something about them compared to the rp8g2 from KRK? i now have the VXT6, but most shops tell me that the sdj08 is better for my dj’ing at home because there not as accurate and honest as the VXT6 and therefor more suitable, and also that there bass extionsion is more powerful.
[ link ]We haven’t reviewed the rp8g2 so I can’t comment, but to me what the shop tells you doesn’t make sense. What’s wrong with having accurate and honest sound?
[ link ]Hi Phil,
I am really in a struggle right now, i have the vxt6, but a good well known dj shop told me today that the SDJ08 can be put in the same range as the VXT8 if you look at the specifications, they sound different because of the metal woofer, but its definately not less good then the performance of the VXT6 and 8, what do you think? your my last adviser, because tomorrow i can sell my VXT6, remember that i use it only for dj purpose at home and to liste to music, they also say that you can listen to the SDJ08′s for a longer period of time, because the frequency range wont go as far as the VXT6.
[ link ]I really hope that you can give me an answer to my last message, thats the last i will ask you about these monitors
[ link ]Features such as an input selector and a cabled remote provide for some flexibility indeed. However, you can also get these things even if you have monitors without remote and with nothing but XLR inputs. You simply add a monitor controller or DAC/audio interface to your setup (various interfaces exist that allow for volume control and input switching even when they aren’t hooked up to a computer). Even a small mixer might work (it might be a particularly good options for small budgets).
Just pointing this out in case some blog readers aren’t aware of those devices. IMO, what ultimately matters is how the monitors sound/how accurately they reproduce. I mean, one feature I wouldn’t wanna miss in a monitor is EQs (so that you’re able to adjust for the condition of your listening room). But most other needs can be met by adding an appropriate “box.”
[ link ]Very true. Indeed, we think every DJ should own a mixer anyway, because you never know when it’ll come in useful. However, it’s one more thing to worry about if you’re going for a minimal set-up!
[ link ]I am setting up a little “for fun” studio and I want to keep it simple, affordable, but flexible and open for extensions, I was asking if you can propose any mixer which is of a good quality, but not too expensive ?
My set up consists of a Noavation twitch controller(used for mixing), an Akai APC20 (ableton live), two studio monitors and maybe an extra studio woofer.
Thank you in advance.
[ link ]Look at the smaller Xone mixers as a starting point.
[ link ]Phil,
You said these aren’t suitable for parties etc.
what setup would you recommended for home listening AND for running parties off?
Would really appreciate some recommendations. Thanks!
[ link ]I wouldn’t. I’d say get some speakers made for parties, or take your life into your hands. Speakers get turned up too loud, drinks spilt on them, knocked, and basically abused at parties. Home speakers will get broken. Buy a cheap PA for parties instead, or a good PA if you can afford it!
[ link ]Thanks for the speedy reply. Yeah my mates said to get speakers / amp for parties..being a student I am on a tight budget of course…are there any websites for PA’s you recommend? Thanks again.
[ link ]How do these compare to the AudioEngine A5′s?
Im really liking the ability to choose between the production & pure listening modes! Could be the thing that drags me away from AE
[ link ]Not reviewed the A5s, but you’re right about that mode – great for DJ/producers.
[ link ]G’day Phil, nice review thanks, very informative.
Two questions, firstly, I intend to use these for the occasional party, you mentioned something about a safe mode that prevents these from being turned up too loud, what other care/maintenance issues should I be aware of with quality speakers? Secondly, you mentioned breaking up your stereo input into two mono outputs, could you please explain this a little further?
Thanks!
[ link ]Firstly, there’s no safe mode and you should never, ever use studio monitors for parties. Hire or borrow a cheap PA instead.
The reason you have to split your stereo input into two mono inputs is because these are mono speakers. Each one amplifies one of your channels. So you feed the left output to the left speaker and the right output to the right speaker – and thus you need two mono cables.
[ link ]Thanks for the reply! Can’t wait to get my hands on these badboys, so good.
[ link ]I love the dj S08. I also use mine for parties.obvz depends who you invite and wehre you put them. the safe mode is very usefull and prevents the speakers from blowing. i can highly recommend them, especially if you own a traktor s4.
[ link ]I’ve got cdj 1000mk3′s and a djm500 and I usually just have a couple mates over for a mix and some drinks, but we have rules about drinks near the equipment etc. I cannot wait to add these to my setup, they are f@#$ing dope!
[ link ]Hello Benji,
I am on the verge of buying the S-DJ08′s but how is the bess response if you are a techno dj at home (myself) my space is like 6×6 meters, i the sdj-08 sufficient enough to throw in a nice partie on my birthday?
[ link ]I am about to purchase a pair monitors and money is not a big concern right know. My options are: Mackie MR8MK2, Pioneer S-DJ08, or KRK RPG8G2 Rockit. Those are my three options. I use kontrol s4, medium room with all concrete walls floor. Techno and progressive house are my genres. Please help, im from Nicaragua and we do not have any instrument shop to test these. Thanks.
[ link ]We haven’t tested the Mackies, the other two are both great, the KRKs being the bigger of the two and the Pioneers having a useful desktop wired remote control.
[ link ]Please test the mackies!
[ link ]i have the same question but i will probably go with the krks since they are the cheapest
[ link ]Is the volume and base difference from the sdjo8 and 05 huge? Is it overkill to get the 08 if you are not set up in a huge room?
[ link ]Yes, the ’08s are overkill unless you’re in a big room. the ’05s will be fine in most cases.
[ link ]Hello, how are you?
I’m in doubt: Yamaha HS80 or Pioneer S-DJ08?
Which do you prefer?
Will be used for general audio production, music production and radio production.
I await anxiously opnion some of you.
.’. Lucianno Person .’. Brazil
[ link ]Not reviewed the Yamahas so can’t say unfortunately
[ link ]Hello Phil and Everyone Else,
Do you have recommendations for specific stands that will work with these?
Best,
[ link ]Elliot
No, we haven’t actually – it’s something we’ve yet to look into.
[ link ]Thank you, please update me if you ever do. I just picked up a set and they’re incredible.
-Elliot
[ link ]Hi Phil,
great review, as always. You mention both these and the KRK Rokit 10-3 are big speakers. Which would go for sound accuracy/transparency? Wondering if the 10-3s are better since having 3 different speakers. I plan on using both for near-field monitors.
Thanks once again!
Best Regards,
[ link ]Dan
I don’t have either to do a comparison any more, and you ought to really try and hear them both.
[ link ]sdj 05 or sdj 08 best for drum and bass mixing,producing in a small bedroom strudio?
[ link ]