First, let's decode the nomenclature. In the late 70s, Pioneer used the "CS" (Creative Sound) prefix for their consumer speaker line. The "787" sits in a sweet spot—above the entry-level CS-500 series but below the flagship HPM-150. The suffix was not just a sticker; it indicated a design philosophy shift.

You listen to classic rock, jazz, funk, or acoustic music at moderate volumes in a medium-to-large room. You appreciate a musical, forgiving speaker that makes poor recordings sound pleasant. You are willing to refoam and recap.

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.