Like many audio enthusiasts, I stumbled upon a pair of Pioneer CS-77A speakers in a Goodwill store, and the sight was indeed heart-stopping. Despite mixed reviews online, their classic look and solid build quality were undeniable, especially at the incredibly low price. For just $25, which quickly dropped to $15 after pointing out some minor tweeter issues, I figured they were worth a gamble. Even as decorative flower boxes for my wife, they seemed like a worthwhile purchase.
Bringing the Pioneer CS-77A speakers home, my initial impression was that they sounded decent. Basic maintenance followed: replacing the deteriorated tweeter surrounds and capacitors, and cleaning the switches with Deoxit. While these steps didn’t produce a dramatic sound improvement, raising them on stands did seem to make a positive difference.
The real turning point for these vintage Pioneer CS-77A speakers came unexpectedly. My brother gifted me a vintage Pioneer SX-770 receiver from around 1970. This receiver, a remarkable piece of equipment in its own right despite its modest 17 watts, had survived years of use and even storage in an unheated shed. After a thorough cleaning of the controls and a bulb replacement, it was back in near-perfect working condition.
The vintage SX-770 receiver proved to be an exceptional match for the Pioneer CS-77A speakers, largely due to its loudness feature. This simple button made a world of difference. It’s my belief that the mixed opinions on Pioneer CS-77A speakers may stem from them being designed for different sonic preferences than those common in the U.S. Engaging the loudness contour on the SX-770 added a crucial bass boost and overall richness that transformed the audio experience. In a way, the loudness button acts as an equalizer, similar to what’s needed to optimize Bose 901s.
My listening space is a relatively cozy den, and the Pioneer CS-77A speakers’ design versatility shines here. Advertised as suitable for horizontal placement, the Pioneer logos even rotate to accommodate this. Taking advantage of this feature, I built walnut-stained shelves to house them. Mounted on sturdy brackets about 4-5 feet above the floor, and positioned in a corner above tower speakers, these shelves allowed for some strategic angling of the Pioneer CS-77A speakers.
While audio purists might raise an eyebrow at the corner placement, the sound is undeniably impressive. Perhaps the unconventional setup somehow compensates for any potential acoustic drawbacks. The corner placement likely enhances the bass response. While pinpoint imaging isn’t a strong suit, it’s never been a primary concern for my listening enjoyment.
To further refine the audio, I incorporated a subwoofer – an affordable Dayton slim profile model with a 10-inch driver, positioned upright and facing the wall. With the crossover set at 80Hz and the gain adjusted to just under half, the subwoofer not only extends the low-end bass but also seems to ground the sound, bringing it down to ear level when seated. A valuable feature of the SX-770 receiver is its volume-controlled pre-out, which allows for a clean RCA cable connection to the subwoofer, eliminating the need for running speaker wires.
My aim was to create a unique and satisfying smart speaker system. An early generation Echo Dot, streaming Amazon Music Unlimited, serves as the primary source. The ability to verbally request virtually any song on vintage, resurrected equipment is another delightful aspect of this setup.
In my opinion, and I believe many would agree, the system sounds and looks fantastic. At almost 62, my preference is for a rich, warm sound that isn’t overpowering, allowing for conversation while music plays. This Pioneer CS-77A system delivers exactly that, ranking among the best I’ve experienced for this type of listening.
Beyond the sound quality, there’s a significant element of personal satisfaction. This system is a testament to resourcefulness and hands-on effort, transforming discarded equipment into a beautiful and high-performing audio setup. Most would likely overestimate its cost, adding to the satisfaction of achieving excellent sound on a budget with Pioneer CS-77A speakers and a vintage receiver.
Given the extensive discussions and varying opinions surrounding the Pioneer CS-77A, I wanted to share my positive experience. I deeply appreciate the wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm within the audio community and hope this story contributes to the ongoing conversation.
