This lattice creates a geometric, three-dimensional shadow effect. Collectors often call this the "Batman" speaker because the lattice pattern vaguely resembles the silhouette of gothic skyscrapers or cape wings. Underneath the grille, the drivers are arranged in a vertical line, giving it a clean, tower-like appearance.
The is more than a speaker; it is a historical artifact of when audio was trying to be grandiose . In an era where speakers are shrinking and becoming smart, the CS-787 remains gloriously dumb, heavy, and loud.
The Pioneer was built for , 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. pioneer cs-787
There are usually level controls (L-pads) for the midrange and tweeter on the back. These get scratchy. A spray of Deoxit contact cleaner will fix them.
floor speakers. They were massive, imposing towers of walnut veneer that smelled faintly of factory lacquer and promised a frequency response that could reach into the soul. The is more than a speaker; it is
This comprehensive guide explores the design, specifications, sound signature, and enduring legacy of the Pioneer CS-787 floor-standing speakers. Historical Context: The 1980s Speaker Boom
Prices fluctuate based on cosmetic condition and driver health, but they generally represent fantastic value compared to modern speakers of similar physical scale. They are enormous, inefficient with space, and colored
While collectors scramble over the HPM-150s and the elusive TAD drivers, the CS-787 remains an underground hero—a speaker that offers vintage Pioneer charm, robust build quality, and genuinely surprising sonics for a fraction of the cost.
Turning to the community for real-world impressions, one of the most valuable insights comes from a 2010 forum post on the Italian hi-fi forum T-Forum. A user named z3usone, who had inherited his father's pair of CS-787s, wondered whether they were considered "toys" or if they had any "qualitative relevance," stating he had "always appreciated their sound". This sentiment is echoed by other listeners on sites like HiFi-Preise, where the speakers are listed as "Vintage - Blaue Serie - Mahagoni" (Blue Series - Mahogany), indicating that consumers find them aesthetically pleasing as well. General feedback from online marketplaces also praises them as "crisp and clear," especially when paired with the right Pioneer equipment.
Many models feature a removable, vintage-style lattice grille cloth that protects the drivers and adds a touch of retro elegance. The cabinet likely has a wood-grain veneer finish, often in classic dark wood tones like black, walnut, or mahogany, with the black finish being a prominent variant.
The Pioneer CS-787 represents an exciting era in consumer audio, bridging the gap between the end of the "wood-grain" hi-fi era and the onset of modern digital audio. Their compact footprint, capable 3-way design, and classic aesthetic make them a fantastic choice for a vintage secondary system, an office setup, or a dedicated listening space for vinyl records. While they may not compete with massive, modern 2,000 audiophile floorstanders, they offer a tremendous "bang-for-your-buck" value on the used market and the undeniable charm of authentic vintage Japanese audio equipment.