Despite the chaotic layout, the construction is vintage Pioneer through and through. The cabinet is genuine wood veneer (usually walnut or elm) over dense particle board, braced just enough to keep cabinet resonance in check. The baffle is thick, and the removable grille frame is robust.

The enclosures are constructed from high-density particleboard, wrapped in a classic dark wood-grain vinyl veneer. While they lack the heavy, solid-timber bracing of high-end audiophile gear from the same era, the cabinets are surprisingly rigid, utilizing internal dampening materials to minimize unwanted resonance. The Baffle and Grille

in this series), these speakers do not require massive amounts of power to reach high volume levels. Market Value & Availability

The 200 mm woofer provides solid bass that, while not reaching the subterranean depths of 15-inch models like the Pioneer CS-99A , is more than sufficient for rock and jazz in average-sized rooms.

While top-tier flagship models now command premium prices at vintage audio auctions, the mid-range bookshelf and floorstanding models from that era, like the CS-787, remain largely underrated—and surprisingly affordable. According to user discussions on dedicated hi-fi forums like Audiokarma, it was widely believed that the CS series was initially engineered to suit "Japanese tastes," which favored a clean, articulate high end and a slightly leaner, more controlled low-frequency response when compared to the more bass-heavy American designs of the same period. For home listeners in Japan, where smaller rooms and acoustic considerations differ from large American living rooms, a speaker like the CS-787 would have been perfectly at home.

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In the second-hand market, they are often sought after for their "old school" sound signature and Japanese craftsmanship, typically priced around €180 for a pair in good condition.

The Pioneer CS-787 is built as a three-way, bass-reflex system housed in a substantial, simulated wood-grain vinyl-wrapped enclosure.

The Pioneer CS-787 was positioned near the top of Pioneer’s non-ES (Exclusive Series) speaker lineup. It was designed to mate with the era’s high-powered receivers (such as the SX-1250 or SX-1980) which required speakers capable of handling substantial wattage without distortion. The CS-787 is distinct for its incorporation of Pioneer’s "Granite" finish—a unique aesthetic choice that gave the speaker the appearance of hewn rock.

Whether you are building your first vintage listening station or are a seasoned audiophile rediscovering the analog warmth of 1980s sound, the Pioneer CS-787 warrants a closer look. Acoustic Design and Specifications

: Reviewers often describe the sound as "bright" and powerful, filling a room with clarity and depth without significant loss of quality.