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Add powered sub or HPM-100

C

Combustive

New Member
Hello all, I’m new to the forum and this is my first post. Just recently got into the vintage audio stuff. Found my dads old pioneer SX-1000TW and PL-518 turntable in my shed in mint condition, turntable has a bit of wear but repairable. I bought some mint CS-99A pioneers to go with the system and personally think they sound excellent. I got these because this is the series my dad had when I remember growing up. I can see how a lot of people see how the bass is muddy though and the enclosure not being large enough for the woofer. Overall though I think they’re very nice speakers. I am looking for some extra low end bass though to fill in the lack of it on the CS-99A. I had looked into the HPM-100 when deciding on speakers , but got a good deal on the CS-99A’s. So my question is should I add a set of HPM-100s as I’ve heard they have great bass or should I add a powered sub and use that? My current receiver is a Pioneer SX-750 that I got with the CS-99A’s for $25. Cleaned the pots and it’s works perfectly, very clean also but does need a to be re-veneered in areas. I’ve always enjoyed listening to music with good equipment as we all know it’s not as enjoyable without it, so my ears have some experience in the audio world but am by no means a professional, just a dude that likes to jam and other times relax while listening to their system. Thanks in advanced and be easy on me I’m new, but give me the truth.
 
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Go with the powered sub. or subs. The Bass on the HPM-100's is not much better than the 99a's.
 
twin Dayton Audio Sub 1200's from Parts Express will add 25hz capability. this will also allow positioning for better imaging without worrying about bass loss.
 
the OP is stating he's happy with the mids /Highs on the Cs99a's. The Perceived Muddy Bass, can be fixed by an adjustable electronic Xover.
plenty of nice vintage- Rane, Ashly EV, Crown units available for 100$+ give or take.
a pair of Subs crossed over at between 70-160 CPS will clear up the lower mids as well.
For even more detail or better voicing on the 99a's a good recap of the 50 year originals plenty of threads on that
 
If you can tolerate the sound of the CS-99a's, then maybe add a sealed sub or two to cover the low end that those won't. I've owned both the CS-99a's and HPM-100's over the last 15 years...neither of which I kept. But they were fun for a short while.
 
Yes I am happy with the highs and mids on the CS-99A. Just wanna add some extra low end. Does a recap really make that much of a difference in the sound?
 
avguytx said:
If you can tolerate the sound of the CS-99a's, then maybe add a sealed sub or two to cover the low end that those won't. I've owned both the CS-99a's and HPM-100's over the last 15 years...neither of which I kept. But they were fun for a short while.
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Was trying to figure out how to quote. I got it now. Last reply was to Bob. If these speakers suck what speaker are y’all listening to? Some high end stuff or what? I’m new to this whole home audio vintage scene. More familiar with car audio but really is different. A lot more detail can go into the home side. At least it seems that way. Thank for all the input so far gentlemen!
 
The fact that you are here, on AK, asking how to improve what you have is proof you want more. All of the opinions are helpful to you hopefully with out confusing you. Everything you do makes a difference. Do you really think a near 50 Year Budget Amp performs the same as it did when New???
Same for the Caps in the speakers. Will you hear a difference after a recap on the xovers with your old Amp? Maybe not. Just do a search on AK on Recapping speaker xovers. same goes for Subwoofers.
Good luck.
BTW I have all Old Equipment nothing newer than 35 yrs old. The Amps have all been totally rebuilt
 
Nyjblbob said:
The fact that you are here, on AK, asking how to improve what you have is proof you want more. All of the opinions are helpful to you hopefully with out confusing you. Everything you do makes a difference. Do you really think a near 50 Year Budget Amp performs the same as it did when New???
Same for the Caps in the speakers. Will you hear a difference after a recap on the xovers with your old Amp? Maybe not. Just do a search on AK on Recapping speaker xovers. same goes for Subwoofers.
Good luck.
BTW I have all Old Equipment nothing newer than 35 yrs old. The Amps have all been totally rebuilt
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I will look into it for sure. You’re correct I am here to improve what I have and also learn from the veterans. It’s old stuff so I would only assume it would make it sound better than what it is now. Thanks for the great input Bob.
 
I believe you do have to Start with the Speakers, But don't be surprised if you do recap your speakers, add a pair of Subs, and you hate the results.
It could be you are then exposing poor performing Receivers and amps. Welcome to the rabbit hole of Hi Fi
 
If you like the sound of what you have, but just want more low end, a subwoofer is probably your best option. Good ones, though, tend to cost some money. Given your equipment (either the SX-750 or the SX-100TW), you will want a subwoofer with speaker level inputs. Something like the SVS PB-1000 may be a good option for you, if you have $500 to spend. You could also look for used subwoofers; SVS has only made good ones, though they do not all have speaker level inputs. There are other good brands, too, which I will leave for others to recommend.
 
Combustive said:
Yes I am happy with the highs and mids on the CS-99A. Just wanna add some extra low end. Does a recap really make that much of a difference in the sound?
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A recap is mostly going to affect midrange and treble. And that is assuming that there is something wrong with the capacitors that are presently in the speakers.
 
Pyrrho said:
If you like the sound of what you have, but just want more low end, a subwoofer is probably your best option. Good ones, though, tend to cost some money. Given your equipment (either the SX-750 or the SX-100TW), you will want a subwoofer with speaker level inputs. Something like the SVS PB-1000 may be a good option for you, if you have $500 to spend. You could also look for used subwoofers; SVS has only made good ones, though they do not all have speaker level inputs. There are other good brands, too, which I will leave for others to recommend.
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I picked up a SVS SB-2000 PRO yesterday. Got it home and need a line level converter. I have one in the garage but it’s on my Focal 10”. Got one off Crutchfield that is supposed to work well with vintage receivers. It’ll be here Thursday. Should do the job. We will see.
 
Combustive said:
I picked up a SVS SB-2000 PRO yesterday. Got it home and need a line level converter. I have one in the garage but it’s on my Focal 10”. Got one off Crutchfield that is supposed to work well with vintage receivers. It’ll be here Thursday. Should do the job. We will see.
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This?

upload_2020-9-1_11-6-42.png

I have one, kinda pricey, but works well.

Nice sub. :)
 
Audiokingman said:
Greetings and welcome.
I'm willing to bet the HPM-100's sound considerably better across the whole frequency spectrum than the 99a's so I would be happier owning the HPM-100's without a subwoofer over having 99a's with a subwoofer.
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I agree with this. Although I must admit I'm not all that fond of Pioneer HPM's either. However, to me the HP's sound a lot better than the Pioneers.

Combustive said:
Was trying to figure out how to quote. I got it now. Last reply was to Bob. If these speakers suck what speaker are y’all listening to? Some high end stuff or what? I’m new to this whole home audio vintage scene. More familiar with car audio but really is different. A lot more detail can go into the home side. At least it seems that way. Thank for all the input so far gentlemen!
Click to expand...

IME those who think highly of Pioneer CS series speakers simply haven't heard many "good" speakers. Yes, the HPM's are much better. However, IMO they sound like something JBL was selling (L-100's). That's not a compliment in my book as I'm not a big JBL fan. As for what I use, just check my signature.
 
opnly bafld said:
This?

View attachment 1968815

I have one, kinda pricey, but works well.

Nice sub. :)
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Yes the russound. Reviews are good so should work well.

JoeESP9 said:
I agree with this. Although I must admit I'm not all that fond of Pioneer HPM's either. However, to me the HP's sound a lot better than the Pioneers.



IME those who think highly of Pioneer CS series speakers simply haven't heard many "good" speakers. Yes, the HPM's are much better. However, IMO they sound like something JBL was selling (L-100's). That's not a compliment in my book as I'm not a big JBL fan. As for what I use, just check my signature.
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I know the CS-99A isn’t the best but it’s what I got to work with right now. I will upgrade eventually. I got em for a good price so will sell them eventually probably. They are mint. Really good condition. Best I’ve seen.
 
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