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Do you own a pair of CS-787s? Are you running them with a Marantz or a Kenwood? Let me know in the comments below. #VintageAudio #Pioneer #CS787 #SpeakerReview #HiFi #VinylSetup
When audiophiles talk about the golden era of Pioneer (roughly 1974–1980), the conversation almost always centers on the legendary HPM series or the exclusive Exclusive (TAD) models. Sandwiched in the middle of that timeline is a speaker that often gets dismissed by purists but adored by those who actually listen to it: the .
The CS-787 uses a horn tweeter for the high frequencies. This means cymbals and vocals have a "live" presence that dome tweeters lack. However, if your amplifier is bright or your room is empty, the 787s can sound harsh. The trick? Turn the "Level Control" on the back of the speaker down by 2 clicks. Once tamed, the super tweeter adds an airiness that reveals tape hiss and studio reverb beautifully.
Just remember to lift with your knees. These beasts weigh nearly 60 pounds each.
The Overlooked Titan: Why the Pioneer CS-787 Deserves a Second Look
The 12-inch woofer is not trying to be a subwoofer. It doesn’t dig to 20Hz. Instead, it delivers a punchy, tight bass that lives in the 40Hz–60Hz range. This is rock-and-roll bass. Listen to Fleetwood Mac’s "The Chain" —the bass line doesn't shake your windows, but it punches you in the chest with perfect rhythm.
In a world of clinical studio monitors, the CS-787 sounds like a jukebox in a dive bar—in the best possible way. If you love classic rock, high-energy disco, or simply want a pair of speakers that look like they belong in a Stranger Things living room, don't sleep on these.
4.5/5 (Minus 0.5 for the finicky horn placement; Add 1.0 for the value-to-decibel ratio).
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Do you own a pair of CS-787s? Are you running them with a Marantz or a Kenwood? Let me know in the comments below. #VintageAudio #Pioneer #CS787 #SpeakerReview #HiFi #VinylSetup
When audiophiles talk about the golden era of Pioneer (roughly 1974–1980), the conversation almost always centers on the legendary HPM series or the exclusive Exclusive (TAD) models. Sandwiched in the middle of that timeline is a speaker that often gets dismissed by purists but adored by those who actually listen to it: the .
The CS-787 uses a horn tweeter for the high frequencies. This means cymbals and vocals have a "live" presence that dome tweeters lack. However, if your amplifier is bright or your room is empty, the 787s can sound harsh. The trick? Turn the "Level Control" on the back of the speaker down by 2 clicks. Once tamed, the super tweeter adds an airiness that reveals tape hiss and studio reverb beautifully.
Just remember to lift with your knees. These beasts weigh nearly 60 pounds each.
The Overlooked Titan: Why the Pioneer CS-787 Deserves a Second Look
The 12-inch woofer is not trying to be a subwoofer. It doesn’t dig to 20Hz. Instead, it delivers a punchy, tight bass that lives in the 40Hz–60Hz range. This is rock-and-roll bass. Listen to Fleetwood Mac’s "The Chain" —the bass line doesn't shake your windows, but it punches you in the chest with perfect rhythm.
In a world of clinical studio monitors, the CS-787 sounds like a jukebox in a dive bar—in the best possible way. If you love classic rock, high-energy disco, or simply want a pair of speakers that look like they belong in a Stranger Things living room, don't sleep on these.
4.5/5 (Minus 0.5 for the finicky horn placement; Add 1.0 for the value-to-decibel ratio).
