Here's a detailed breakdown of the key differences between the Pioneer BDR‑S13E‑X and the BDR‑S13EBK specifications.
Official Features & Specs
BDR‑S13E‑X Overview
Positioned as Pioneer’s premium internal BD writer for "computer videophiles" with enhanced audio and build quality.
Features audio CD quality‑checking, which rates playback quality (A–D) and provides remediation tips if low quality is detected.
Built with all‑black vibration‑dampening coating, copper‑plated screws, disc resonance stabiliser, low‑noise capacitors, and anti‑vibration cushions for quieter, more accurate writing.
In addition to Cyberlink Media Suite, the package includes a downloadable bonus of the PowerDirector 19 video editing suite.
BDR‑S13EBK Overview
Marketed as a high‑performance drive that improves writing speed, accuracy, dust resistance, and quietness over earlier models with PureRead 4+, RealTime PureRead, and Custom Eco mode.
It supports M‑DISC BD writing up to 6× and BD‑R up to 16×, similar to the E‑X model.
Emphasises enhanced durability with honeycomb construction and quiet operation, but does not include the exclusive audio CD playback checker of the BDR-S13E‑X.
The BDR‑S13E‑X model has more premium internal components and additional sound and vibration dampening; along with the BDR-X13E-X , they are probably the finest 4K UHD Blu-ray Writer Drives in the world today.
In other words, both drives use the same core laser/firmware stack—S13E‑X adds more premium mechanical dampening and durability features.
Side-by-Side ComparisonTarget User
BDR‑S13E‑X: Designed for audiophiles and videophiles who want the best possible build quality, noise reduction, and CD playback fidelity.
BDR‑S13EBK: Aimed at general high-performance users who need a reliable Blu-ray burner for backups, archiving, or UHD ripping.
Audio CD Quality Checking
BDR‑S13E‑X: Yes — includes a unique CD audio quality checker that rates playback quality (Grades A–D) and offers improvement suggestions.
BDR‑S13EBK: No — this feature is not included.
Build Quality and Vibration Dampening
BDR‑S13E‑X: Enhanced premium construction with anti-vibration cushions, copper-plated screws, disc stabiliser, and black dampening coating for quieter and more stable performance.
BDR‑S13EBK: Good internal design with honeycomb structure for rigidity and noise control, but lacks the additional dampening and premium materials found in the BDR-S13E‑X model.
Software Package
BDR‑S13E‑X: Includes CyberLink Media Suite plus PowerDirector 19 LE video editing software.
BDR‑S13EBK: Includes CyberLink Media Suite only.
PureRead 4+ and RealTime PureRead
BDR‑S13E‑X: Yes — fully supported.
BDR‑S13EBK: Yes — fully supported.
Custom Eco Mode
BDR‑S13E‑X: Yes — available.
BDR‑S13EBK: Yes — available.
BD-R Writing Speed
BDR‑S13E‑X: Up to 16×.
BDR‑S13EBK: Up to 16×.
M-DISC Support
BDR‑S13E‑X: Yes — supports M-DISC BD (up to 6×) and DVD (up to 6×).
BDR‑S13EBK: Yes — supports M-DISC BD (up to 6×) and DVD (up to 6×).
UHD Compatibility
BDR‑S13E‑X: Supports Ultra HD Blu-ray playback (requires Intel SGX-compatible system).
BDR‑S13EBK: Also supports Ultra HD Blu-ray playback (same system requirements).
Pricing / Market Position
BDR‑S13E‑X: Premium-tier pricing due to enhanced materials and unique features.
BDR‑S13EBK: More affordable, but still very capable for nearly all use cases.
Additional Note on Current Market Value:
Both of these drives, especially the BDR‑S13E‑X, have seen a significant increase in price over recent times. This is primarily because Pioneer has officially ceased manufacturing high-end internal & external Blu-ray optical drives, which were widely regarded as the best Blu-ray writers ever manufactured. Pioneer was widely regarded as the gold standard in optical drive engineering, and now that production has stopped, remaining units have transitioned from being just functional components to sought-after collector’s items. As a result, these models are no longer available through official distribution channels and have become rare, collectable items among enthusiasts and professional archivists.
As suppliers, we have had to pay substantially more to acquire these drives, often purchasing them in bulk at progressively higher costs. Each batch we sourced cost more than the previous, reflecting the increasing difficulty in securing genuine, unused units. Unfortunately, this escalating cost is reflected in our current retail prices. We sincerely apologise that the drives have become so expensive, but the pricing directly reflects what we have paid to continue offering these exceptional models while limited stock remains.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for the absolute best in mechanical dampening, noise reduction, and built‑in audio CD quality analysis, the BDR‑S13E‑X would have been the top choice. However, it is now sold out. We do still have 7 units of the BDR‑S13EBK in stock, professionally fitted into Vantec DX2 enclosures, offering excellent performance and reliability while supplies last.
But for most users—especially those focused on ripping UHD, burning BD/DVD, or general archiving; the BDR‑S13EBK offers nearly identical functionality and performance at a more reasonable price.
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Kind Regards
Asmcom
UHD Friendly Drive Team