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Cs787 Extra Quality Updated — Pioneer

Pioneer CS-787 Extra Quality: A Deep Dive into a Vintage Giant

When discussing the golden era of hi-fi (roughly the mid-1970s to early 1980s), few names command as much respect—and sometimes confusion—as Pioneer. While the famous HPM series often steals the spotlight, the Pioneer CS-787 "Extra Quality" stands as a fascinating, powerful, and often overlooked alternative for the vintage audio enthusiast.

Part 2: Technical Specifications & Design Philosophy

Let’s examine the hardware. The Pioneer CS787 Extra Quality is a 4-way, 4-speaker bass reflex floorstanding loudspeaker. Here are the core specs:

Part 3: Sound Signature – The "Vintage Warmth" vs. Modern Clarity

How does the Pioneer CS787 Extra Quality actually sound? If you are used to analytical studio monitors (like Genelec or Yamaha NS-10s), these speakers will feel like a warm embrace. pioneer cs787 extra quality

Part 8: Is "Extra Quality" Just Hype? The Verdict

After living with a restored pair of Pioneer CS787 Extra Quality speakers for six months, the verdict is nuanced.

Yes, it matters if: You listen to classic rock, jazz, funk, or acoustic music at moderate volumes in a medium-to-large room. You appreciate a musical, forgiving speaker that makes poor recordings sound pleasant. You are willing to refoam and recap. Pioneer CS-787 Extra Quality: A Deep Dive into

No, skip it if: 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.

The "Extra Quality" designation is not hype. These speakers genuinely offer tighter tolerances, better components, and longer-lasting materials than the standard CS787. In a world where a pair of “audiophile” bookshelf speakers now costs $2,000, the Pioneer CS787 Extra Quality remains a steal—provided you are willing to get your hands dirty with restoration. Configuration: 4-way, bass reflex Woofers: 12-inch cone type

4. Cabinet Care

The vinyl veneer is thin. Use a gentle wood cleaner. For deep scratches, a vinyl repair compound works wonders. Avoid sanding—the veneer is too thin.

Restoration Tips for Buyers

If you find a pair of CS-787s on Craigslist or Yahoo Auctions Japan, keep these things in mind:

2. Technical Specifications

The "Extra Quality" Difference

So, what makes them "Extra Quality" compared to the CS-77 or CS-88?

  1. The Crossover: Standard Pioneer speakers of this era often had simple crossovers that left the big woofers running wild. The CS-787 features a more sophisticated 4-way network. This tames the 15-inch woofer significantly, resulting in tighter, less boomy bass than its smaller siblings.
  2. The Tweeter Array: The combination of the horn (for presence) and the super tweeter (for air) gives these speakers a high-end extension that rarely rolls off, even by modern standards.
  3. Build Mass: These cabinets are heavy. The extra bracing inside reduces cabinet coloration, meaning you hear the music, not the box vibrating.

Restoration Notes (Crucial)

If you find a pair of CS-787s in the wild:

  1. Check the woofer surrounds: Unlike foam, these are treated cloth. They rarely rot, but the sealant may have hardened. A re-doping with specialized sealant (e.g., Vintage-AR) restores bass tightness.
  2. L-pads: The treble/midrange level controls on the back will likely be scratchy. Clean them with Deoxit D5.
  3. Recap: Replace the crossover capacitors with polypropylene film caps (e.g., Dayton or Jantzen). This transforms the speaker from "old" to "vintage masterpiece."