Pioneer Cs-787 ❲Chrome Easy❳
Note: Do not pay "vintage hype" prices. The CS-787 is not a rare TOTL (Top Of The Line) model like the HPM-100. It is a solid, mid-tier consumer speaker. Over $400 is too much unless they are mint with original boxes.
The Pioneer CS-787 is not for the measurement-obsessed audiophile who demands flat frequency response and pinpoint imaging. It is for:
If you buy a pair of CS-787s, you are buying a specific vibe—not clinical accuracy.
The engineering inside the CS-787 reflects the "East Coast" sound influence—warm, rich, and room-filling—despite Pioneer being a Japanese firm.
The Pioneer CS-787 is not a party speaker. It is a listener's speaker.
It represents a fleeting moment when Pioneer stopped trying to win the "spec sheet war" (Watts, Hz, number of drivers) and tried to win the "ears war." It failed commercially because in 1977, buyers wanted chrome and lattice. They wanted the CS-99A. But time has a way of correcting mistakes.
Today, the CS-787 stands as a testament to proper acoustic engineering. It is heavy, inefficient, and requires a big amplifier. But plug one in, close your eyes, and listen to the decay of a piano note. You will understand why these forgotten giants are finally having their moment in the sun.
Recommendation: If you find a clean pair, buy them. Recap them. Feed them 100 watts. And then pour a drink, sit down, and enjoy the most un-Pioneer speaker Pioneer ever made.
Pioneer CS-787: A Legendary Speaker System from a Bygone Era
The Pioneer CS-787 is a iconic speaker system that was produced in the 1970s and has since become a highly sought-after collector's item among audiophiles and vintage electronics enthusiasts. This legendary speaker system is renowned for its exceptional sound quality, sleek design, and durability.
Design and Features
The Pioneer CS-787 is a three-way speaker system that consists of two main speakers and a separate bass reflex enclosure. The main speakers feature a two-way design with a 12-inch woofer and a 2-inch tweeter, while the bass reflex enclosure adds an additional 12-inch woofer to enhance low-frequency response. The speakers are housed in a sturdy wooden cabinet with a beautiful walnut finish.
The CS-787 also boasts an impressive array of features, including:
Sound Quality
The Pioneer CS-787 is widely regarded as one of the best speaker systems of its era, and for good reason. The speakers deliver a rich, detailed sound with deep bass, clear midrange, and crisp highs. The system's three-way design and carefully tuned crossover network ensure that each frequency range is handled by a dedicated driver, resulting in a remarkably coherent and engaging listening experience.
Collectibility and Legacy
The Pioneer CS-787 has become a highly sought-after collector's item among vintage electronics enthusiasts, with prices for mint-condition units reaching into the thousands of dollars. The speaker system's legendary status can be attributed to its exceptional sound quality, beautiful design, and the fact that it was produced during a time when Pioneer was at the forefront of audio innovation.
Specifications
Conclusion
The Pioneer CS-787 is a legendary speaker system that continues to captivate audiophiles and vintage electronics enthusiasts to this day. Its exceptional sound quality, beautiful design, and durable construction make it a true classic of the audio world. Whether you're a seasoned collector or simply a music lover looking for a unique listening experience, the Pioneer CS-787 is definitely worth investigating.
The Pioneer CS-787 is a vintage 3-way bass reflex loudspeaker system originally released between 1984 and 1985. Designed as part of Pioneer's accessible home audio line, it was often paired with mid-range hifi "rack" systems of the mid-80s to provide a full-room sound experience at a budget-friendly price point. Specifications & Design
The CS-787 follows a classic 3-way layout, meaning it uses three specialized drivers to handle different parts of the audio spectrum. Woofer: 200 mm (approx. 8-inch) cone. Midrange: 77 mm cone. Tweeter: 66 mm cone.
Power Handling: Rated for a nominal/music power of 50/80 Watts at 8 Ohms. Frequency Response: 40 Hz to 20,000 Hz.
Cabinet: A bass-reflex design typically constructed from chipboard or LDF, often featuring a black or wood-grain vinyl finish. Performance & Reputation In the vintage audio community, the
is generally viewed as a "entry-level" or "mid-low level" floorstanding speaker.
Sound Profile: While some users appreciate their "warm tone" and nostalgic feel, critics often point out that the cabinets can be thin, leading to resonance or a lack of deep bass response compared to higher-end "Kabuki" style Pioneer speakers like the CS-99A.
Nostalgia Value: For many owners, these speakers are a "thrift store find" or a childhood relic that provides a "fun" listening experience, especially when paired with a vintage receiver. They are often recommended for casual vinyl listening rather than critical audiophile setups. Where to Find Them As a vintage product, you can typically find the on secondary marketplaces. pioneer cs-787
eBay often lists various models from the CS series, with prices for this specific model usually remaining affordable.
Facebook Marketplace and local thrift shops are also common places to spot them, as they were widely distributed in the 80s.
The Pioneer CS-787 is a classic 3-way bass reflex loudspeaker system manufactured in Japan during the mid-1980s (approximately 1984–1985). It is known for its "bright" vintage sound signature and distinctive wood-veneer aesthetic, making it a popular choice for retro Hi-Fi enthusiasts. Key Features and Specifications
3-Way Speaker Configuration: Features dedicated drivers for different frequency ranges to provide clear audio across the spectrum. Woofer: 200 mm (8-inch) cone type for deep bass. Midrange: 77 mm cone type for clear vocals and presence. Tweeter: 66 mm cone type for shimmering high frequencies. Audio Performance:
Frequency Response: 40 Hz to 20,000 Hz, covering most audible sound ranges.
Power Handling: Rated at 50W (nominal) to 80W (music power).
Impedance: Typically listed as 8 ohms, though some variations or measurements cite 6.3 ohms. Build & Design:
Enclosure: Bass reflex design with a wood finish, often including removable front cloth grilles.
Dimensions: Approximately 56 cm (H) x 32 cm (W) x 23 cm (D). Weight: Roughly 7 kg per speaker (14 kg per pair). Expert and User Insights
Sound Quality: Reviewers often describe the sound as "bright" and powerful, filling a room with clarity and depth without significant loss of quality.
Availability: These are considered relatively rare on the second-hand market, particularly in mint condition with original grilles.
Maintenance Note: As vintage equipment from the 80s, units may require a "tune-up" or inspection of the driver surrounds to ensure they haven't deteriorated over time.
The Pioneer is a vintage floor-standing loudspeaker from the mid-to-late 1980s, typically recognized as part of a "rack system". While they offer a classic vintage aesthetic, they are generally viewed by audio enthusiasts as mid-to-low level entry-level speakers rather than high-fidelity components. Key Specifications & Design Configuration: 3-way loudspeaker system. Note: Do not pay "vintage hype" prices
Power Handling: Rated at approximately 80W with a 6.3 Ohm impedance.
Build: Cabinets are typically made of chipboard or low-density fiberboard (LDF) with a wood-grain vinyl finish, rather than solid wood.
Drivers: Usually features a large woofer (often 10-12 inches), a paper cone midrange, and a paper cone tweeter. Sound Performance
Strengths: They are capable of playing loudly and are well-suited for "party" environments or casual listening in a garage or large basement. They can provide a "fun" sound with decent bass if powered by a substantial vintage amplifier.
Weaknesses: Critical listeners often find the sound quality lacking in detail and accuracy. Common complaints include sibilant highs, a harsh midrange, and poor center imaging. The bass can sometimes feel "boomy" rather than tight or deep due to the lighter cabinet construction. Market Value & Advice
Pricing: On the secondary market, these typically sell for between $40 and $100 depending on condition. Some specialty vintage shops may list them higher (e.g., ~€315), but enthusiasts often consider anything over $100 to be overpriced.
Recommendation: They are great for nostalgia or a budget-friendly starter system. However, if you are looking for high-end "audiophile" sound, they may not meet your expectations compared to Pioneer's higher-tier lines like the HPM series.
Are you considering these for a primary listening setup or more for a casual/party space?
Let’s be brutally honest. For $1,500, you can buy a pair of modern bookshelf speakers (like the KEF LS50 Meta) that will out-resolve the CS-787 in clarity, imaging, and neutrality.
But here’s the catch: Those modern speakers require a $1,000 subwoofer and a $2,000 amplifier to match the visceral effortlessness of the CS-787.
The Pioneer was built for fun, not for a mixing desk. They are enormous, inefficient with space, and colored. But they are also holographic, warm, and capable of playing at party volumes with a 30-watt receiver.
Modern speakers often use two drivers. The CS-787 uses five. Why?
The result is a speaker that tries to do everything. Whether it succeeds is a matter of debate. Sound Quality The Pioneer CS-787 is widely regarded