Pioneer SE-50 (ca. 1969–1970)

Name: Pioneer SE-50
Brand: Pioneer

Not much is documented about the Pioneer SE-50 beyond period advertising and one equipment profile. It was a stereo headphone sold in the U.S. in the late 1960s. Pioneer's own 1969 advertising called it one of the fastest-selling headsets in America. The ads described miniaturized big-speaker-system sound in lightweight, vinyl-covered earcups with cone-type woofers. A 1970 ad touted balance and volume controls on the headset so each musical selection could be matched, and claimed freedom from distortion on both channels.

The one substantial outside look at the SE-50 was an equipment profile in Audio (February 1970, p.73). It found the sound smooth down to below 50 Hz, audible well past 12,000 Hz, and measurable to 21,000 Hz. The reviewer also noted that a "Y" cord was available as an accessory so two sets of phones could share one headphone jack, and that spring tension was adequate for good head contact.

Known from the record:

Stereo headphones
Cone-type woofers in vinyl-covered earcups
Balance and volume controls (per period advertising)
Y-cord accessory for a second pair of headphones
Measured response smooth below 50 Hz, extending past 12 kHz audibly and to 21 kHz measurable