Offered for your consideration is a vintage PIONEER model PAX-30C 12 inch (30cm nominal) Alnico magnet coaxial full-range driver with compression horn tweeter, manufactured in Japan c.1962. As I’m sure you know, PIONEER was the brand name of Fukuin Electric, Limited which was founded in Pre-War Japan. They started to gain favor among audiophiles here in the States during the late 1950’s “golden age of HiFi” when U.S. military personnel stationed there started bringing home high quality, attractively-priced PIONEER audio equipment.

Please have a look at my large photos and read the remaining description to decide if this superb PIONEER full-range speaker should be yours.

This PIONEER PAX-30C has a sturdy paper cone that is structurally perfect. Plus, the cone suspension is cone-integral permanent and shows no separation from the frame (a common problem with many of these). Also, the golden-finish compression driver horn tweeter also looks great. And, the heavy cast metal basket is enameled in an attractive gray/green crinkle finish with red PIONEER logo emblem set into the large magnet cover bell. It looks amazing with just some tiny handling and installation marks from the years, as pictured, but did spend years in the original owner's smoking household.

What’s more, the +/- inputs are steel screw terminals, instead of the male spades typically encountered on lesser drivers, and they function perfectly holding input wire tight. Plus, the PAX-30C also features PIONEER’s AT-16 Level Control wired to the chassis which serves to balance the tweeter’s output relative to the woofer to account for varying listening room conditions, personal taste, etc. The attenuator’s original green plastic volume knob is present and the cable reaches some 36”, providing ample length for mounting in a large cabinet. Overall, this vintage PIONEER full-range driver is remarkably well-preserved.

Most importantly, this PAX-30C has been fully tested and sounds amazing with its solid low-end, fast, detailed midrange, and crisp, clear highs reaching the threshold of audibility. The attenuator functions correctly, increasing or decreasing the tweeter output as desired. Plus, this driver has the warm vintage tone that continues to keep Alnico magnet speakers still so desirable with audiophiles of today. And, since this platform was designed in the tube amp era, it’s very efficient—good listening volume is attained at fairly low input wattage—up to an impressive 102dB. And, I tested its net DC resistance at 11.9Ω, right in line with a nominal 16 ohm driver rating. Lastly, the basket measures 12¼” in diameter, it stands 6¼” tall, and the eight mounting holes are equally spaced 4½” apart, c-t-c.

So, if you’ve been looking for a high quality vintage Japanese 12” full-range driver for that special speaker project, you’ve found the right listing!

As pictured and described, this PIONEER PAX-30C Alnico magnet 12” coaxial driver is offered at a competitive price.

I encourage interested parties to ask any questions they may have about this listing before committing to purchase as there are no cancellations, returns, refunds, or claims considered.

Payment is due at checkout by PayPal or other accepted methods. U.S. mailing addresses will pay $34.95 for *very securely packed shipping via FedEx or UPS with tracking, delivery confirmation, and full insurance coverage. International purchases accepted only from those who are able to pay with PayPal, including shipping by insured U.S. Postal Service Global Priority Air Mail—fast but expensive—no exceptions.

For international buyers that use a U.S.-based shipping service—only if it’s been established as their confirmed eBay/PayPal address—the insurance coverage on the package ends when carrier tracking shows that it has been delivered to the U.S shipping agent. At that point, the package becomes their responsibility, so make sure they also provide insurance.

*The speaker will have a dense piece of cardboard secured over the cone with wire ties at four mounting holes. Then it’ll be wrapped with bubble sheets and placed in a sturdy box with additional protective materials. This will ensure the cone, surround, and terminals are fully protected, and that there are no disappointments!