Stumbling upon a pair of Pioneer CS-77A speakers in a Goodwill store felt like striking gold for this vintage audio enthusiast. Despite mixed online reviews, their classic build and incredibly low price of $15 (after pointing out some tweeter issues that led to a price reduction from $25!) were too tempting to pass up. Initially, the thought of repurposing them as unique planters even crossed my mind if the sound quality didn’t pan out. However, after bringing these CS-77A Pioneer speakers home, my first listening session revealed a promising foundation. A little DIY love, including replacing the deteriorated tweeter surrounds and capacitor upgrades, alongside cleaning the switches, further refined their sonic profile, though the initial impact of these tweaks was subtle. Elevating them on stands noticeably improved the audio staging.
The real transformation for these Pioneer CS-77A speakers came with an unexpected pairing: a vintage Pioneer SX-770 receiver from the 1970s, gifted by my brother. This receiver, a modest 17-watt unit, is a remarkable piece of audio engineering in its own right. Having survived years of use in a non-climate-controlled workshop, a simple cleaning and bulb replacement brought this SX-770 back to life.
This vintage receiver proved to be the ideal partner for the CS-77A Pioneer speakers, primarily due to its loudness feature. This simple button made an astonishing difference. It’s my belief that the often-criticized sound of CS series speakers might stem from their design catering to a different auditory preference than typically found in the US market. Engaging the loudness contour on the SX-770 receiver injects a much-needed bass boost and overall richness, essentially acting as a built-in equalizer, similar in function to what’s essential for Bose 901 speakers.
Positioning these Pioneer CS-77A speakers in a smaller den presented another opportunity for optimization. One of the often-overlooked features of the CS-77A is their suitability for horizontal placement, a design element cleverly accommodated by rotatable Pioneer badges. Capitalizing on this, I constructed custom walnut-stained shelves to mount them horizontally. These shelves, secured with robust brackets about 4-5 feet above the floor (due to pre-existing tower speakers below), are nestled in a corner, allowing for subtle angling adjustments.
While audiophile purists might raise an eyebrow at corner placement, the resulting sound is undeniably impressive. Perhaps the acoustic quirks of corner placement somehow complement the speakers’ characteristics, especially in enhancing bass response. While pinpoint imaging might not be their strongest suit, it’s never been a critical aspect of my personal listening preferences.
To further enrich the lower frequencies, an affordable Dayton Audio slim profile subwoofer with a 10-inch driver was integrated into the system. Positioned upright and firing towards the wall, with a crossover set at 80Hz and gain adjusted to just under half, this subwoofer not only extends the bass but also seems to anchor the soundstage at a comfortable seated ear level. A particularly convenient feature of the SX-770 receiver is its volume-controlled pre-out, enabling a clean RCA cable connection to the subwoofer, eliminating the need for running speaker wires.
My aim was to create a high-quality, yet distinctive smart speaker setup. An early generation Amazon Echo Dot serves as the primary source, streaming Amazon Music Unlimited. The ability to verbally request virtually any song through voice commands adds a modern convenience to this vintage audio system – a delightful juxtaposition of old and new technology.
In my opinion, and likely that of many listeners, the system achieves both excellent sound and visual appeal. At almost 62 years old, my preference leans towards a rich, warm sound that facilitates conversation while listening, rather than overwhelming loudness. This Pioneer CS-77A system, in its current configuration, ranks among the best I’ve experienced for this balanced listening style.
Beyond sonic performance, there’s a deeper satisfaction in this setup. It’s a testament to personal initiative and resourcefulness, transforming discarded equipment into a beautiful and functional audio system. Its perceived value far exceeds its modest cost, a rewarding outcome in itself.
Given the extensive discussions and varied opinions surrounding the Pioneer CS-77A speakers, I felt compelled to share my positive experience. I deeply appreciate the wealth of knowledge and passion found within the online audio community, and I hope this story contributes to the ongoing conversation. Best regards to all fellow audio enthusiasts.
