Pioneer HPM 100 vs. Cerwin Vega vs120

[D.E.K]

Pioneer HPM 100................Cerwin Vega vs120

Which?:scratch2:

 

[jayczar]

Have you heard either one? That is the true test. But if it were me that would be an easy one, the Pioneers.

 

[D.E.K]

I own a pair of HPM's, in my humble personal opinion, one word...FANTASTIC. Never heard the Wega's but I am buying a pair today. New condition, not a scratch. $175. They're in $250-$600 range. It's not a steal, but I think it's an OK deal. All the same, I have a funny feeling, like you said the answer is simple, HPM's. I bought them last week for $40.

 

[Bigyank]

Just remember one simple thing here on AK:

:worthless



yank

 

[D.E.K]

Heheh gotcha. I'll just figure out how to post pics. I'm on it.

 

[D.E.K]

Here's the pics of both speakers...

 

[needforspeed]

Very nice, Let us know how a AB test goes. Are those 10" drivers in the CV's?

 

[D.E.K]

I will let you know. I'm getting them in a few hours. I will have them tested at buddy's house. By the way they are 12''.

 

[whoaru99]

I'd guess the Pioneers are going to sound better overall, but the Cerwins may play louder and with more bass.

 

[needforspeed]

I'd guess the Pioneers are going to sound better overall, but the Cerwins may play louder and with more bass.

Will be intrested in how they sound loud, The Pioneers just open up, As power is increased(With the proper amp), And have never had a distortion issue, I'm talking loud were you had to leave the room(playing around one day). It got to where they where cancelling each other out almost, But the sound was still clear, smooth, No effort. Most vintage drivers would have given up by then, We'll see how these CV's stack up. I've read good things about CV and we all know the pros and cons of the Pioneer's.

 

[kfa888]

I'm guessing it will be a close match.

 

[Mark W.]

I run 100's and 60's in my two systems and a buddy has a pair of the same CV's your buying in his. But his system and room is SOOOOO different then mine I've never even thought about how they compare based on listening to his.

BUT I will say that in his room and with his system a much more HT based system then either of my SA-9100 based systems they sound very nice with no bad habits. And I sure wouldn't turn down a pair in nice shape.

As other's have said be sure to let us know what you come up with.

 

[JJJimmy]

The HPM's are WAY better lookin':yes:

 

[lukiedog]

I used to have a pair of the VS120s but in the fake wood grain finish. I don't think the woodgrain finish was to blame, but I didn't think they were that great, somewhat mushy sounding, though they could play quite loud. I've never heard the HPM-100 (I do have an HPM-40, but no comparison probably), but I'm guessing side by side the HPM-100 would be obviously superior.

 

[D.E.K]

Hi all, got the Wegas. I am posting the pictures right now. As for the competition, it's no shocker, no surprise... I will get to that after I post the pics.

 

[jbrainey]

I have the 200 watt HPM-100's and the CV AT-12's. Its PIONEER HANDS DOWN !

 

[D.E.K]

I listened to them at the guy's house, they sounded good. Just as I expected, bassy (not like most CW fans exaggerated it to be) Cosmetically they are in excellent shape. No scratches or dents on the FAKE WOOD

As soon as I came home I hooked them up to my God awful crappy system (sometimes I am ashamed to call that a system, it's so pitiful it ain't even funny) They sure are bassy and hey the mids and higs are MUCH better than ppl made out of them. I couldn't notice much difference from the HPM 100's in mids and highs. Although HPM's are just as fun listening to in lower volumes, CW's tend to lose their integrity at low volumes. Now, let's turn a whole new page and call it the BASS COMPARISON. Ladies and germs, hands down, it is HPM's. I cranked up the Wega's and the HPM's to the same level with the same receiver to the same song. Sure CW's have decent bass, but it's more like you're being hit on the chest with balls made from cotton candy in a dodgeball game . Then I cranked the HPM's, it just felt like having an anxiety attack with heavy palpitations. My rib cage was vibrating in harmony with HPM's 12'' woofers. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew that anyway. But I must say that I am impressed with CW's more than I thought I would be. They will take their spots on each side of my 36'' Sony WEGA Trinitron. :thmbsp:

As for my babies, HPM's will always be my primary speakers for music.

 

[D.E.K]

For now I eliminated my doubt that any other speaker would be better than HPM's (for my taste and liking that is) and now it's the next step...A decent receiver. I am powering the HPM's with a Panasonic SA-HE75 home theater receiver, probably made in Indonesia or Malaysia or even Canary Islands, for goodness sakes someone go find some info on them and try to feel my shame and pain.

I am just wondering if a Pioneer SX-780 would be sufficient, they are rated at 45 watts per chan. I found one in good shape and good working order for $120 shipping and handling included. Or should I spend a few hundred more and get a more powerful receiver? Or should I go with a preamp and buy a separate tuner?:scratch2:

Or what should I do!?!?!???

 

[Cool_Manchu]

At 45WPC the SX-780 won't knock your socks off. I would suggest that you check your local CL and see what you can find. If you can find a Marantz 2270 or higher or a SX that is 70 or higher watts, you wouldn't be left feeling like you need to upgrade as soon as you would with the SX-780. Not saying it isn't a nice receiver, but given what you have said about your musical listening tastes, I am making an educated guess on what would make you happy in the long run...

If you keep an eye out, you should be able to get something decent for $200 or less, but you need to be patient.

 

[motorstereo]

Look for a vintage unit that has pre-outs. That way you can play the power amp game when you feel the need for some more power. The hpms can handle lots of power and sound good doing it. I still have a pair playing after all these years of speaker swapping.