Pioneer Cs 646 ((better)) -

The CS-646's overall sound signature is often described as warm, rich, and engaging, with a wide soundstage and excellent imaging. These speakers are capable of producing high sound pressure levels, making them suitable for large rooms and critical listening applications.

Because the speaker has two tweeters, the high end is generous. The standard tweeter handles the lower highs (violins, guitars), while the super tweeter handles the "sparkle." Some users find the high end a bit "splashy" or harsh at high volumes. This is due to the crossover design, which was cost-engineered. A common modification (discussed below) is to recap the crossover to smooth out this harshness.

, the CS-646 has a mixed reputation:

How do these stack up against similar speakers of the era?

Standing approximately 26 inches tall, 15 inches wide, and 12 inches deep, the CS-646 is a bookshelf/floor speaker that commands attention. It features a finished in genuine wood veneer (typically walnut or oak), with a removable grille cloth that often hides a strikingly busy driver array. pioneer cs 646

To understand the CS 646, you must understand Pioneer’s strategy in the late 1970s. The famous HPM (High Polymer Molecular) series was the flagship, designed to compete with JBL’s L100. Below that was the "CS" (Cabinet Speaker) line.

The 1.5-inch super tweeter is delicate. If someone cranked a 200-watt amp into these (they are rated for maybe 60-80 watts RMS), the super tweeter coils fry. The CS-646's overall sound signature is often described

However, they work best with vintage solid-state receivers. Ideal pairings include:

If you find a dusty pair in a garage, do not walk past them. Buy them, refoam the woofers, recap the crossovers, and hook them up to a silver-faced receiver. You will not hear the most detailed soundstage in the world—but you will hear the soul of the 1970s. And that, for many, is worth every penny. The standard tweeter handles the lower highs (violins,

Because the has a high sensitivity (91 dB), they do not need much power to get loud. A 15-watt tube amp will drive them to room-filling levels.