Pioneer | Cs-787

The speakers are generally found in a , though listings have also referenced a "Vintage - Blaue Serie - Mahagoni" (Mahogany) version, suggesting possible finish variations depending on the market. The compact dimensions (56 x 32 x 23 cm) made them far more versatile than their larger floor-standing siblings, allowing them to be easily placed on sturdy bookshelves, dedicated speaker stands, or integrated into a custom entertainment center. This combination of functional size and classic, understated styling makes the CS-787 a visually pleasing component in any vintage hi-fi setup.

The selection of drivers reveals a thoughtful approach to sound reproduction. The is designed to handle low frequencies. The 77mm cone midrange is responsible for the critical vocal and instrument fundamentals, and the 66mm cone tweeter handles the highest frequencies, providing air and detail. The 50-watt nominal power handling (with 80-watt peaks) means the CS-787 can be comfortably driven by a wide range of vintage and modern amplifiers, from modestly powered receivers to more robust integrated amps. The 40Hz to 20kHz frequency response indicates a very respectable low-end extension for a bookshelf speaker of its era, aiming to reproduce the full range of human hearing.

If you have stumbled upon a pair of these at a garage sale, an estate auction, or buried in your uncle’s basement, you are looking at a piece of Pioneer history that is unlike anything else they produced. But is the CS-787 a hidden gem or a heavy relic best left in the past?

For many, the CS-787 represents a bridge between high-end Hi-Fi and affordable home entertainment. They were often the standout component in mid-range Pioneer stack systems of the mid-80s. The "Big Box" Sound: pioneer cs-787

The CS-787 sounds less like a Pioneer and more like a less-expensive AR-3a. It is an analytical, neutral speaker in a sea of boomy, smiley-face EQ speakers.

While high-end audiophiles might categorize the CS-series as "mid-level" compared to Pioneer’s legendary HPM line, the CS-787 holds a respected place among vintage enthusiasts.

Unlike the "shouty" midrange of some JBLs, the CS-787’s dedicated cone midrange is surprisingly polite. Vocals sit slightly forward but remain smooth. Electric guitars (think David Gilmour) have that creamy, saturated distortion that fills the room without piercing your ears. This is where the speaker punches above its weight class. The speakers are generally found in a ,

is a classic originally introduced by Pioneer Japan in 1984 . Designed as an affordable, high-volume consumer audio option during the peak of mid-1980s rack system popularity, these vintage speakers combine retro design elements with an easy-to-drive, punchy sound signature. Today, they occupy an interesting niche in the secondhand market, serving as an accessible entry point for vinyl newcomers and vintage audio enthusiasts seeking the "1980s look" without the premium price tag of high-end audiophile gear. Technical Specifications Overview Understanding the baseline engineering profile of the Pioneer CS-787 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. helps place its capabilities into context: Enclosure Type: 3-Way, Bass Reflex (ported design) Impedance: Officially rated between 6.3 Ohms to 8 Ohms

The is a standout feature, frequently praised for its detailed yet non-fatiguing character. It’s often described as "sweet, precise, and both gentle and accurate," outperforming many modern soft-dome tweeters, which can be too smooth, and metal-dome tweeters, which can be overly bright. This high-quality tweeter is key to the speaker's engaging, long-term listenability.

Based on official documentation, here are the detailed specifications of the CS-787: The selection of drivers reveals a thoughtful approach

Whether you should pick these up depends on your goals. On forums like Reddit's r/vintageaudio , users often debate their value. Buy them if: You want a nostalgic setup for a turntable or cassette deck.

Unlike the scattergun approach of its siblings, the CS-787 uses a carefully curated trio of drivers:

7.5/10 (Highly Recommended for Vintage Rock/Jazz systems) Best Pairing: Pioneer SX-780, SX-980, or a 100-watt class A/B integrated amp. Pro-Tip: Pull them 12 inches from the wall. That 15" woofer needs room to breathe.

The 16" woofer uses a foam surround that will have rotted away by now. Do not play a speaker with rotten foam. You will destroy the voice coil. Re-foaming these speakers is a rite of passage. Kits are available online (around $40-$60 per pair), but it is a fiddly job due to the heavy cone. Pay a professional if you aren't handy.

: Encased in hand-finished genuine walnut with a pleated saran grille, the