Add powered sub or HPM-100
- Thread starter Combustive
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Combustive
New Member
Yes I agree. I’m just not sure what to get in all honesty lol. Could get nice Klipsch. Not sure what it takes to power those but anyways just an idea. Could probably sell these for 1000+ easily they are really nice. Amazing condition. Might recap them, give them some break in time and maybe sell. I just like the vintage look and neat to hear it how they heard it back in the 70s.
Pyrrho
Super Member
In olden times, the advice was to go to as many audio stores in your area that you could stand to visit, and listen to as many different speakers, and types of speakers (e.g., horns, domes, ribbons, whatever) as you could find, and then pick based on what you like that fit your budget and fit your space. But now that is harder to do than it was in the past. Still, if you can manage to do it, it would help you decide what you want in a speaker.
Of course, nothing these days looks like the old speakers, so if you want that look, one is left with looking at vintage speakers. There is, though, a model above the CS-99A, which most people forget about, because the number is smaller, and the speaker is bigger and heavier and therefore more trouble to ship: the CS-63DX. You can see various models in this brochure:
http://www.kallhovde.com/pioneer/1974-speaker-cat.pdf
Notice, they have three lines of speakers in the catalog; the CS-63DX was the top of the CS line, and was the most expensive speaker in the catalog, though they were promoting the new R series at that time, which is why they are listed first. (The third series in that catalog is their Project line.)
The CS-63DX is better than the CS-99A. But it is still a vintage speaker, and sounds like a vintage speaker. It is a very reliable speaker, without foam that "rots" and other such issues that plague many old speakers.
Pyrrho
Super Member
The market for old gear from the 1970's has gone crazy recently, not just for speakers, but for amplifiers and receivers as well. I like a lot of the old gear, but I would not have any of it if I had to pay current "fair market" value for it.
the skipper
Professional Curmudgeon
A sub will extend the low end of your system but not alter the rest of the audio spectrum.
There are, however, subs that will "strip out" the lows fro being sent to your main speaker. You may have to shop carefully because not all subs with a main out will do this. Many simply pass a full range signal to your mains,
There are, however, subs that will "strip out" the lows fro being sent to your main speaker. You may have to shop carefully because not all subs with a main out will do this. Many simply pass a full range signal to your mains,
I don't think I would agree that the low end frequency response of the 99a and the HPM100 are the same.
The 99a starts dropping off fairly sharply at 90Hz, and is 10dB down by the time it gets to 50Hz.
The HPM 100 doesn't start dropping off significantly until 50HZ or thereabouts, but is 10dB down by the time it gets to 35Hz.
The 99a is an excellent candidate for a good subwoofer (assuming you like its 100Hz and up performance), since the sweet spot for a sub is 25-100Hz. Ideally, you would use a sub that includes a high-pass filter (100-120Hz), taking out the 99a's funky low-end altogether.
The 99a starts dropping off fairly sharply at 90Hz, and is 10dB down by the time it gets to 50Hz.
The HPM 100 doesn't start dropping off significantly until 50HZ or thereabouts, but is 10dB down by the time it gets to 35Hz.
The 99a is an excellent candidate for a good subwoofer (assuming you like its 100Hz and up performance), since the sweet spot for a sub is 25-100Hz. Ideally, you would use a sub that includes a high-pass filter (100-120Hz), taking out the 99a's funky low-end altogether.
Combustive
New Member
It’s been a bit but wanted to update. I bought a SVS SB-2000 and it wasn’t enough for my liking and I had to run it pretty hard to get it where I liked it. So since the room was so large and opened up to multiple other rooms I had to upgrade. I went with the SB-4000. Got in on sale for Labor Day. Good deal if you ask me. Anyways it is a monster. More then I need but I always would rather have more than not enough. It really fills in the empty bottom end of the 99a. I used a line level converter from russound off crutchfield. It worked great into the SB-4000. Just wanted to give an update and not leave anyone hanging that might come and read this in a few years. I hate when I go to read a thread and it just ends with no answer. Would like to get some HPM-100 next and stack them on the 99a to compliment them. So far it’s a sweet setup! I appreciate all the help and guidance.
Combustive
New Member
As for the sound it’s is full bodied now. You can hear and feel the plucks of lower notes on the guitar, floor Toms and bass. It’s not overpowering either. It’s very tamed but can open up to a monster with the right songs. It’s very tight and accurate bass. Probably the cleanest bass I’ve ever heard and I’ve had multiple setups in several of my cars. I highly recommend this company to anyone looking for a sub. I uploaded my setup in an image. It’s small but getting there, just got it together so need to fill in the empty spaces on the walls. Have a brand new never opened SG-50 equalizer on the way. Should get here tomorrow. Going to put it in that empty spot on top of the console.
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rwartner
Super Member
As mentioned I have these speakers. If you want both CS-99a and HPM-100 together. You will find that the CS-99a is louder and can sort of overpower the HPM-100s. So room placement or adding second amp. If you add second amp you can individually control the volume and tone. In addition it is fun to have more than one amp. I keep my eyes open for speakers. I've been a little lucky and jumped on some.
Combustive
New Member
Good input on the volume. I am currently using the receiver for output. If you’re looking for me then appreciate it man! Lol. Why are my hobbies so expensive lol.
Glad you are enjoying it, what made you choose the 4000 over another 2000?
Combustive
New Member
Space on the floor in the room. The 2000 was okay honestly but glad I upgraded. Didn’t wanna be pushing it super hard every time I played it. The rooms just big has vaulted ceiling and like I said opens to three other decent sized rooms. It’s pretty badass during movies lol.
Curious because 2 (or 3-4) subs are better than one for overall performance.
Combustive
New Member
Yeah agreed. Two also cost $500 more than one SB-4000 on sale.
Combustive
New Member
Just wanted to update. Got a super clean pair of HPM-100s to go with the CS-99A’s. Also picked up a brand new never used SG-50(M) with box from overseas on eBay. This setup is bitchin. I’m loving it. The 100s fill in where the 99s don’t and vice verse. If I had to choose I’d pick the 100 easily. I can understand how people say the 99s are crap but I honestly still think it’s a great sounding speaker. I recaped the 99s this weekend with new Dayton’s. It was pretty easy. The bass on 99s after recap was sooo much better. Very noticeable, it was tighter, much less muddy and fuller with a bit more punch/boominess. I recaped one and played it next to the other fading left and right while listening, if I recaped both I probably wouldn’t have noticed. Going to recap the 100s next. I’ll add some pics of the setup and recap job. I wanted to stack the the 100s on top of the 99s, but the lady didn’t approve lol. I think it looks better this way actually. Sounds killer. Now just need to re-veneer the PL-518 with a walnut and get a new dust cover which is in the works with a custom laser etched pioneer logo in the middle that’s nice and faint but still noticeable.
MaxxVolume
Lunatic Member
Having owned both, I would agree with this evaluation as well....IMHO, the HPMs blow the 99s into the weeds, in every category from low-volume, late night nearfield listening, up to BLOW THE ROOF OFF "full party" volume. Mine are driven by either a Luxman R-117, or an SX-1250, and sound good with both.