Pioneer Cs787 Extra Quality

If you are buying a used pair of Pioneer CS787 Extra Quality speakers (expect to pay $300–$600 depending on condition), here is your restoration checklist:

In the golden era of high-fidelity audio (roughly the mid-1970s to early 1980s), the name Pioneer was synonymous with innovation, reliability, and sonic excellence. While audiophiles often wax lyrical about the legendary HPM series or the exclusive TAD monitors, there exists a sleeper hit in the vintage market that offers an astonishing price-to-performance ratio: the Pioneer CS787 Extra Quality.

If you have stumbled upon this keyword, you are likely a collector, a budget-conscious audiophile, or someone who remembers the warm, rich sound of a silver-face receiver. You want to know if the “Extra Quality” moniker is marketing hype or sonic truth. This article will dissect every aspect of the Pioneer CS787—from build quality and driver technology to sonic signature and restoration tips.

The original foam surrounds are almost certainly rotted. Do not play them until refoamed. Buy a specific 12-inch foam kit. The process takes 2 hours per speaker. Replace the dust caps if they are brittle.

If you buy a pair, here is a weekend restoration plan:

Open the box, and the first thing you notice is the heft. The CS787 uses dense particle board with genuine wood veneer (usually American Walnut or Teak). The front baffle is covered in a dark, felt-like material that reduces diffraction—a high-end touch often missing in this price bracket.

The grille is removable, held in place by four plastic pegs. Behind the grille, you find the driver array arranged vertically. Pioneer paid attention to internal bracing; knock on the side panel, and you hear a dull thud, not a hollow echo. This damping reduces cabinet coloration, allowing the "Extra Quality" drivers to perform accurately.