I had a chance to listen to this pair of Pioneer CS-801 speakers, although I’m still a bit baffled as to their origin. A quick Web search brought up a wide range of possible production dates – from the late 1960’s to the early 1980’s, but no solid pedigree info or reviews. I welcome any information you may have on this model.This particular pair had seen better days, but the drivers were in decent shape, and the multiple drink can rings on the top could be sanded/buffed out with considerable elbow grease. In addition to the drink rings, there were several burn marks on the tops.
Overall fine. Like most Pioneer speakers I’ve listened to, I wasn’t bowled over by their bass response, but they were mellow enough and smooth through the mids and highs.
Have any stories or photos about your Pioneer CS-801 speakers? Please leave a comment or email me.
I have a set of these (4) that came with a quadraphonic system. That should pin down the date a little since quad lasted about 6 months.
ReplyDeletemade in 1974
ReplyDeletevery good speakers also model 20-801A same 22cm main speaker.
I bought 4 of these when stationed in Japan (Navy) in 1974. I still have them and they still sound great. They are very well made and very heavy because of real wood.
ReplyDeleteI got 2 from my Dad, he got them at PX around 1973-1974, made in japan, went through flood at my home, replaced the subs with MTX Thunders 4500 in 2011, had to dremel to fit and Caution could shake walls off fountation. Still Rocking 39 yrs later.
ReplyDeleteI have two, along with two CS-33A purchased 1974 in Germany. In storage for 35 years in the original boxes, excellent condition. Great sound with the QX-747 Receiver or QT-74 reel to reel tape deck. I just don't have the room the setup the equipment.
ReplyDeleteHI, THIS SPEAKER IS 97 dB SENSITIVE VERY GOOD SPEAKER,ARE THE 70s LIKE A KLIPSCH O ALTEC LANSING VINTAGE, VERY GOOD FOR A VALVULAR AMPLIFIER, CONGRATULATIONS, FRIEND.
ReplyDeleteI grew up with these after my dad bought them while he was stationed in Germany from 1970-1974. He brought them to the states (along with a reel-to-reel and some other equipment) and they were like furniture in our living room until 1980 when we moved. I inherited them in high school and used them along with a vintage pair of Sansui's to DJ dances. They were replaced in the late 80s by a pair of Polk Monitor 10s that I still have. The Pioneers were no match for the Polks. Somewhere along the line, they went missing. I'd love to get another pair since they remind me of my dad who loved audio.
ReplyDeleteI have a pair of these that I bought in 1978 from a guy that bought them in Japan while in the Air Force. He brought them home and they were part of a quad system he was breaking up. I love them.
ReplyDeleteI own a pair that I bought in 1975 At RAF Alconbury in England. They did and still sound awesome and still work, today. I push them with a Pioneer SX-939 that I bought at the same time. They don't make stuff like this any more. Almost 40 years old and still works great!
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteI have this pair this pair still working very good but since I found two pairs CS- 99A and couple pairs AR3s, I put the cs-801a $175 on Denver, CO Craigslist, still active (4/25/16) YUP Thanks for nice vintage HiFi collection...
Cheers
Hi!
ReplyDeleteI have this pair this pair still working very good but since I found two pairs CS- 99A and couple pairs AR3s, I put the cs-801a $175 on Denver, CO Craigslist, still active (4/25/16) YUP Thanks for nice vintage HiFi collection...
Cheers