1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1




                  [CALFEE, HALTER & GRISWOLD LLP LETTERHEAD]


                                   May 8, 1997



Pioneer-Standard Electronics, Inc.
4800 East 131st Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44105

         In connection with the filing by Pioneer-Standard Electronics, Inc., an
Ohio corporation (the "Company"), with the Securities and Exchange Commission
under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of a
Registration Statement on Form S-3 with respect to up to 220,000 of the
Company's Common Shares, without par value (the "Common Shares"), to be sold by
Wachovia Bank of North Carolina, N.A. as trustee (the "Trustee") of The Pioneer
Stock Benefit Trust (the "Trust") established by the Share Subscription
Agreement and Trust, dated July 2, 1996, between the Company and the Trustee
(the "Agreement"), we have examined the following:

         (i)      the Amended Articles of Incorporation and the Amended Code of
                  Regulations of the Company, each as currently in effect;

         (ii)     the form of Registration Statement on Form S-3 (including
                  Exhibits thereto) referred to above and to be filed with the
                  Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Registration
                  Statement");

         (iii)    the Agreement; and

         (iv)     such other documents as we deemed it necessary to examine as a
                  basis for the opinions hereinafter expressed.

         Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Common Shares
to be sold by the Trustee are duly authorized and validly issued and, when
payment for such shares is received as provided in the Agreement, will be fully
paid and nonassessable.

         We are attorneys licensed to practice law in the State of Ohio. The
opinions expressed herein are limited solely to the federal law of the United
States of America and the laws of the State of Ohio. We express no opinion as to
the effect or applicability of the laws of any other jurisdiction.

         This opinion is delivered to you solely in connection with the filing
of the Registration Statement with respect to the Common Shares, and this letter
and the opinions stated herein may not be relied upon for any other purpose or
by any persons other than the Directors and executive officers of the Company.

         We consent to the filing of this opinion with the Registration
Statement and to the use of our name therein under the caption "Validity of
Shares."

                                        Respectfully submitted,



                                        CALFEE, HALTER & GRISWOLD LLP