Great Match for Pioneer SX-780?

[wayoutwest]

From what I've seen, this thread has been done many times, so apologies right out the gate to beat a dead horse with so much information already out there. I recently bought a serviced SX-780 and am really pleased with it. I've been looking for proper speakers to pair with it, as I feel it should do everything I need it to for quite a long time, so long as it's in working order and I love the sound. I am not an audiophile in the truest sense that many are here on AK or similar forums, but I have a large record collection and love to listen to my favorite music in a manner that does it justice and brings feeling. I am not overly concerned with exact "precision" but I do take notice of things like soundstage, detail, warmth, balance, etc. I listen to jazz, rock, soul, funk and folk/country (lots of twangy strings and vocals). If possible, I'd also like to keep to the same era as the 780 is from.

Today I went and looked at some HPM 100s off Craigslist; I demo'd them in a large shop/warehouse which was not reflective of my listening space (downstairs basement-style rec room, apprx. 900sq ft, 8' ceiling) so I was keeping in mind the differences that may arise. I was impressed with their sound, but was not so infatuated that I felt the need to buy them straight away without some further speaker demos to compare them to. He wanted $650, and while that price point isn't an issue for me, I did pass for now as I want to take the time to explore all my options. I'm aware that the 45wpc of the 780 may not size up well with the 100s, but I've read lots of back-and-forth on the wattage issue in regards to beefier speakers such as those. One thing I noticed was the in-your-face presence, which is awesome for heavy loud rock, but maybe not what I always need for my listening habits, or at least, not a deal-breaker on its own. I usually enjoy listening at medium levels, so that combined with the 45wpc rating is leading me towards something very efficient. Again, really liked the HPM 100s, but I've learned that if something doesn't immediately give me that "It" factor, best to pass unless it's a crazy steal. Maybe he'll get back to me on lowering that price even more...

I'm also aware that going this route, I put the cart before the horse so to speak; but I'm really happy with the 780, at least for the foreseeable future. For some seasoned vets, it may not put out enough juice, but I love it so far. So with the factors I've mentioned, what would you pick if price wasn't a huge issue? Realistically, I don't want to break past one grand, but I'm just interested in hearing what you think would be a killer match with this particular receiver (or a similar model). Cartridge/TT upgrade comes next, but in the meantime I'd like to get the most out of the 780, without pushing past its limitations. A nearby shop has some Klipsch Heresys for a fair price, but I've read that some folks have serious reservations about the lack of low-end on these, without some kind of sub setup. Have also read they have awesome detail otherwise. JBL, Advent, Klipsch, Wharfedale, ADS are all on my radar/research list. Hope this post length isn't too fatiguing, and I appreciate you reading and hopefully giving some suggestions.

 

[wmgwizard]

Sadly, only YOU can decide what speakers will work best for YOU in your space with your music. We all hear, and listen differently; what I think sounds great, you may not. That doesn't mean either of us is wrong, just different.

Any of the speakers you have mentioned will do a fine job making sound but you have to decide which sound you like.

 

[swechsler]

IMO, the HPM-100s are overhyped and overpriced. They, and the related JBL L100 (both were designed by the same person) tend to demand a premium relative to their performance.

If I were you, I'd check my local listings for all speakers for sale in your price range. Don't get hung up on a particular model or manufacturer when buying used, unless you're buying from eBay, since you may end up waiting a long time for something to come along. If something looks interesting, do a little web searching to see if it's worth a look. If pictures of the drivers are available, compare with pics online to make sure nothing has been changed. Read up on what's involved in refoaming and recapping (both likely to be needed with vintage speakers). Come back and ask here if you need more info.

$650 can get you a great set of speakers, even if buying new. And the 45 watts from your receiver should be sufficient for most of them.

 

[Pjunkm]

I recently acquired an SX780 from my parents attic. It was probably sitting for 30 years. After I verified it was in working order I dug out my Kenwood KL-777z speakers. I think I bought those in 84. They are 4 way speakers with a 16” woofer. Sound is incredible. Always liked speakers that don’t require a separate sub. I will be recapping this receiver to prevent any issues in the near future.

 

[4300]

There's probably not a whole lot of speakers that wouldn't sound great with the 780, as long as they're not power hungry monsters. I have a set of Canton Karat 930s paired with mine and like the pairing.

I also think the HPMs are overhyped. I demo'd a pair at Just Audio in Baltimore a while back and after listening to them sing their praises for a good 20 minutes, felt pretty underwhelmed after hearing them.

 

[Brent Justin]

Cerwin Vega D-3 mate well with those old Pioneer receivers.

 

[wayoutwest]

Appreciate all the replies; I am still on the lookout for the right speakers. If need be, I'll hold out until the weather warms up and the yard/estate sales start back up again, and buy some at a discount that need work, pay afterwards to have them brought back to life. There are a pair of Advents that popped up near me that I'll have a chance to look at next week, don't know any details other than they're early Advent Loudspeakers, not sure of the price. FWIW, I have been using a pair of bookshelf-sized "3D Acoustics" speakers that my parents got me as a gift, for several years now. Not a refined listen, but they have done me well, and when the upgrade comes along the difference should be far more than noticeable.

 

[allmanbros]

FWIW.....KLH 6, 17, or 23.....EPI 100 or 150.....Epicure 10 (hard to find)......unless already restored, all are likely to need some updating but simple to do unless you come across an early pair of KLH 6 with epoxied drivers....doable, but later 6's with screwed in drivers are easier to work on and more readily available.