Pioneer Cs787 Extra Quality -
This is the "magic" that attracts collectors to vintage gear. The CS-787's tweeter represents a design philosophy that prioritized musicality and long-term listening enjoyment over transient, eye-catching brightness.
Are you experiencing any (like weak bass or quiet tweeters)?
8.5/10 (Deducting points for the recessed mids and heavy weight). Best for: The listener who has a big living room, a big amplifier, and a love for the golden age of hi-fi.
In the vintage market, the CS-787 occupies an interesting space. It is not as legendary as some of Pioneer's top-tier models (like the HPM series) but is widely considered to be a sleeper hit. An Italian user on a hi-fi forum, who inherited a pair from his father, asked, "do they have any qualitative relevance? Or are they just simple little toys?" The fact that he had been using them for years is the answer. This is not a toy; it is a serious piece of hi-fi equipment that, while perhaps not the absolute flagship of its day, embodies the "Extra Quality" that Pioneer was known for.
If possible, place them on short, heavy speaker stands (2 to 4 inches off the floor) angled slightly upward to bring the tweeters closer to ear level. Maintenance, Restoration, and Buying Guide pioneer cs787 extra quality
Verify the backplate or front grille badge to ensure you are buying the authentic upgraded variant. Simple Restoration Steps
Let’s get the negatives out of the way first: These are not "studio monitor" flat. They have a distinct . The bass is deep and punchy (think 70s funk or classic rock kick drums), and the highs are crisp and sparkly. The midrange is slightly recessed, which is great for reducing listener fatigue but not ideal for acoustic jazz vocals.
, examining its design philosophy, technical specifications, and the lasting appeal of its sonic signature in the modern vintage audio market. 1. Design and Build Philosophy The Pioneer CS-787 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
You are a bass head (add a subwoofer), you need analytical monitoring for mixing, or you cannot lift 55-pound speakers. Also, if you only stream low-bitrate MP3s, these speakers will mercilessly reveal compression artifacts. This is the "magic" that attracts collectors to vintage gear
The : The 200 mm woofer in a bass-reflex cabinet is the star of the show. Expect tight, punchy bass that provides a solid foundation for the music. While it may not compete with a dedicated subwoofer for the absolute lowest sub-bass frequencies in EDM or hip-hop, it excels at delivering a natural, musical low end that is perfect for rock, jazz, classical, and folk.
Highly recommended for vintage enthusiasts and budget-conscious audiophiles willing to restore.
Lin laughed—a nervous, relieved sound. “So what do we do when it finally breaks?”
The 200mm woofer in a bass reflex cabinet offers good, warm bass. While it may not reach the extreme sub-bass frequencies of modern subwoofers, it delivers a "punchy" and engaging low-end suitable for rock and electronic music. It is not as legendary as some of
The golden era of high-fidelity audio produced some of the most enduring acoustic designs in history. Among these legacy products, the Pioneer CS-787 "Extra Quality" loudspeaker system stands out as a remarkable example of vintage Japanese audio engineering. Built during a time when cabinet volume and raw driver quality dictated sound reproduction, the CS-787 remains a highly sought-after model for audiophiles who appreciate warm, dynamic, and powerful analog sound.
. Because they are relatively efficient, they do not require massive power to reach satisfying listening levels. or tips for restoring the wood cabinets of these speakers?
These speakers are highly sensitive, meaning they don't require a massive modern amplifier to reach high volumes. Even a modest 30-watt vintage receiver can drive them effectively.
With a wide frequency response of 40Hz to 20kHz, they handle most musical genres comfortably.
Check the rear panel for air leaks. Resealing the joints with wood glue or silicone can tighten the bass response.