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
The CS-787 also boasts an impressive array of features, including:
With their wood-grain finish and removable cloth grilles, they look exactly how a vintage speaker "should" look. Collectors often praise their "Made in Japan" build quality, which remains robust even decades later. Should You Buy a Pair Today?
This public link is valid for 7 days and shares a thread, including any personal information you added. This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted. If you share with third parties, their policies apply. Can’t copy the link right now. Try again later. pioneer cs-787
To understand the Pioneer CS-787, one must understand the era of the "kabuki speaker"—a term colloquially used by Western audiophiles to describe Japanese multi-driver speaker systems from the late 1970s and 1980s. These speakers were characterized by intricate, multi-way designs, high power handling, visual complexity, and high efficiency.
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.
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. Critical listeners often find the sound quality lacking
The tweeter provides plenty of sparkle. When paired with a vintage receiver, the highs are crisp without crossing over into harshness or causing listener fatigue.
Pairing the CS-787 with a vintage 1970s or 1980s receiver—such as a Pioneer SX series, a warm Marantz, or a muscular Sansui—creates a magical tonal balance. The inherent warmth of these older amplifiers tames the speaker's bright top end and rounds out the bass beautifully.
Despite being bookshelf or stand-mount speakers, they feature a solid build with thoughtful engineering. The cabinets measure a very manageable , making them versatile enough to fit into various room sizes and shelving configurations without overwhelming the space. Technical Specifications and Performance Market Value & Advice The CS-787 also boasts
When shopping on the secondhand market, inspect the drivers closely for pushed-in dust caps or ripped cones. Always request a listening demonstration if purchasing locally to ensure all three drivers in each cabinet are functioning. A fully functional pair provides exceptional value, delivering a rich analog listening experience that modern bluetooth speakers simply cannot replicate.
The CS-787 was part of the broader Pioneer CS Series, which included other notable models like the CS-607, CS-63DX, and CS-99a, with the CS-787 representing a solid middle-tier option in this family.