The HPM100's were for tin eared suckfish. I sold both back in the day and many HPM100 owners blew them up and came back to buy JBL L100's. Several years later the big bass of ported cabinets was WAY improved upon by the likes of EPI/EPICURE/Infinity, etc. Funny most of these "influencers" weren't even alive during this time.
I am an audio engineer. The reason a audio device has a frequency range beyond the human ear is not a gimmick. It's to prevent Total Harmonic Distortion which occurs at and around the 3db down point is not audible to the human ear. Example of this is with the Gamble EX56 Live Sound Console, it's frequency range is up to 35khz.
Correct. The function is not to act as a driver audible to human hearing but to deal with the harmonics from the other units. Tracing the whole range of what comes from such as a string quartet demonstrates this well and the musicians can seldom believe that so much energy is present at frequencies they will never hear. The pure physics is actually very simple.
I'm an audio engineer also. Your logic is possibly not going to fit with a loudspeaker with a passive crossover network and with a super tweeter that only starts to come into effect at those supersonic frequencies. So with this speaker, we are no longer talking about neutral extension without the distortion that can come into effect, but we are introducing an additional loudspeaker with phase distortion throughout the range where more than one driver is outputting the same frequencies (so through the crossover points), phase issues introduced by the passive crossover network (there must, at least, be a HPF on both tweeters unless the supertweeter is piezoelectric, in which case the distortion it will introduce is going to be rather high anyway), and also we are still hearing the main tweeter reduce in output at the top of it's range while doubling that with the super tweeter SEVERAL INCHES AWAY simultaneously outputting the same signal, causing huge distortion, particularly as you move your ears around. Horrible design, this speaker, and while the supertweeter might be a clever design, it's use in this speaker is NOT reducing distortion but, if audible at all, then it is increasing it due to the bizarrely terrible drive placement on the face of the speaker, side by side, and with both speakers not even being mirror images for consistent stereo imaging.
Great video! Just picked up a set of HPM-100’s a few weeks ago from a family friend, who was was the original owner. They are in near mint shape and he even saved the original boxes! They pair AMAZINGLY with my Technics SA-800 that Just Audio brought back to life for me last year. Hope to get down to pick up some Model-5 Stands from you guys soon.
@@russellking9762 $400, however I did have to travel 2+ hours each way and the price was agreed to without seeing or hearing them. I definitely got lucky as they are pretty much perfect.
In my youth, I used to sell the HPM-100 speakers at a stereo shop in upstate NY. Those speakers could kick the ass of anything else we sold, and do it with style.
I received a Pioneer component system for Christmas in 1979 (Proof of🎅🏼and that he ROCKS🤘🏼. Hard👊🏼) A few years back I relieved? myself of the whole system, including 400+ albums.. on a worthy trade. Sadly, however, I’ve NEVER been able to get that pure clarity and full range from any speaker since. Until last weekend when I semi reluctantly helped an old friend combine 2 warehouses of personal items. I spied something familiar seeming under a sheet in the corner…yep… a pair of showroom quality HPM~100s Annnnd a period Poineer receiver larger than my 1st. He said “Hey man, you know anybody that might want those things? I’ll make’em a deal.” The sprained wrist I got pulling $200 from my pocket has almost healed🤘🏼
The Pioneer HPM-100 speakers were my favorite from 1978 through 1986. I enhanced the sound quality by replacing the 22-gauge speaker wire with 18-gauge wire. I had the Pioneer SA-9500II, the TX-9500II, PL-550 direct drive turntable, the PL-5000 direct drive turntable, CTF-1000 three-headed cassette tape deck, and the RT-707. This components system sounded nice. That was the time when audio became a new hobby. Since then, I wanted to see the inside of a radio station and a recording studio. I acquired an interest sound reproduction by the view of an audiophile.
I tried not to reply...I really did. Switching from 22 gauge to 18 gauge wire did not improve the sound quality of your speakers. What actually happened is that you wanted to believe it would and your mind went along with it. A mind is a terrible thing my bro.
I still have my original pair of HPM100's just like the ones you show here with the silver port ring and the updated woofer surrounds that dont rot way in time - I knew way back then when I saw the construction of these speakers they were something out of the ordinary and bought a pair, I still love them as much as the day I first go them.
I’ve got two pair of vintage speakers. 1. Large Advent 2 way with 10” sealed woofer and “scrambled eggs tweeter. Love the deeper bass from the large woofer. They are cousins to KLH and AR as they were all designed by Henry Kloss. I also have ADS L710. These are fantastic 3 ways sealed two 7” woofers and domed mid and tweeter. They were premium speakers in the late 70s.
@@LennyFlorentine Lively speakers with lots of snap and dynamics but... no front to back depth, image focus or sound staging. No subtlety at all. Too much ringing and stored energy from paper cones run into their breakup zones (thanks to crude minimalist crossovers). I had a pair and gave them every chance but their problems produced too much listening fatigue so I had to get rid of them.
@@a.bloke2.0alwayslearning.23 if you are calling speaker design primitive, you are without any speaket design knowledge. Unless you were signing off as PrimAtive...
Among "Audiophiles" (or "Equipment Enthusiasts"), one sure way to stsrt a polarizing speaker discussion is to mention the HPM-100, or anything by Bose....people who have never owned them usually don`t have a clue as to what they`re really like. I am currently running 2 pairs of HPM-100s, stacked and wired in parallel, powered by either a restored SX-1250, or a Carver M-500t amp. With either setup, the soundstage is absolutely HUGE, and sounds great for everything from quiet, near-field listening to "melt your face, Led Zeppelin concert" type volume levels. Yes, I do like these speakers....
I owned a pair of HPM-200’s for about 20 years. They were so amazing and regret letting them go but the were the size of a Marshall 4x12” cab but even deeper and heavier.
My hope is to get my hands on some 200’s. I really want to know how amazing they are. I’ve tried 40’s-150’s, and 200 is my end goal. Would love to see how well it holds up to my 4333’s.
FYI: among all the super tweeter comments below, it should also be noted that it reproduces the harmonics you can't hear, these harmonics affect what you DO hear and help to create more realistic sound. The harmonics you can't hear because they are outside your range of human hearing make things sound the way you hear them, Exampe: you hear a Sax compared to what an acoustic guitar sounds like. The harmonics you can't hear make things sound the way they are.
My dad had a set when I was a kid in the 80s, I have a picture with me as a toddler sitting in front of one with big goofy ear protection on. I have a set of my own now and couldn't be more stoked
My wife and I are planning a road trip to visit your store. Don't know when but not during the winter. It is a haul from Maine but I believe it will be worth it We don't have any vintage audio stores in this part of the country.
I made the trip to Just Audio on one of my trips between CT and GA and it is well worth it. The folks there are the same in real life as in the videos. They're not acting in the the videos. They're genuine folks. Trying to get back there for a set of speakers. I'm a tech so had fun talking with Mikey about biasing transistors :-) There's an awesome surf and turf restaurant a block away called Michael's. Be prepared for the $30 in tolls through NY and Jersey.
Had one of those! Absolutely brilliant. At that time my dad could not afford HPM-150 so we had to settle for the 100. Part of my teenage youth! After 30 years... I got hold of HPM-1500 (another version of the 150s).... such a piece of art. Great living room speakers, wonderful sound and wonderful furniture!
I have a pair of Klipsch KG-4's. Dual 8" woofers 12" drone rear driver. Sound spectrum from these is amazing, and the bass produced by the rear drone is impressive. Overlooked by many but loved by those who have them. Materials are second to none, i have a pair from 1985 all drivers, cones, foam still mint and i use them every day.
As an ex US Pioneer tech I will say oin 80-81 the sales of HPM-100s were phenomenal. People would buy them over many others because of their ruggedness. Many had 660 or 880 receivers as they handled the power well. Many audiophiles in DFW at that time. Still wish I had my 4. Also my 880 and RT-707 and 909. Wow I miss the depth my old equipment gave me. They were really what made Rock come alive....
You were a Pioneer technician and would like to ask you a question. What is the sticky compound that is impregnated on the edges of the woofers? I bought all three Pioneer models (HPM-40, HPM-60 and HPM-100) in 1980 and would like to put that sticky compound back on the edges. I thank you for your response. Cheers.-
The HPM series was designed for High Power at a continuous level. The 'sticky' was an elastomer compound to keep the cones from destroying themselves as the transients actually did. Ergo, some speakers needed replacing when the elastomer broke down; mostly because of high humidity and heat. The sticky also kept most of the power isolated from the box so kept harmonic distortion down. It was also an less expensive way of doing all that. Wish I still had my originals!
@@dgibson1430 Thank you very much for your reply Mr. D Gibson, that is very kind of you. I wanted to replace the elastomer in my HPM speakers and I need to know the name of the product. Thanks again for your help. Cheers.-
@@The_Boss. I cannot say which product is now being used in place of it. Maybe Pioneer could give possibilities. Even just googling about speaker adhesives or the like. Have an educational journey!
The super tweeter technology in this Pioneer speaker would later form the basis of Anthony Gallo Acoustics CDT tweeter found in many highly regarded models, but his tweeter played much lower than the Pioneer tweeter, extending from the lower range of high frequencies into the ultra sonic territory. Truly a remarkable tweeter.
My Dad bought these in 1978. Best speakers ever until kid brother used foot to kick in bass speakers. Sat in basement for years after that. Tried to save them but to far gone. Saved the Sansui G7000 though and had professionally restored. Breaks my heart I could not save speakers. Great video!
I was stationed on Okinawa, in the Air Force, in the late 70s through the early 80s. I saw and heard most of the gear that you discuss. I personally had a pair of JBL L100s and my roommate had a pair of HPM-100s. We did notice a tiny bit of difference in the sound characteristics of each...but I liked them both and would have been happy to own either speaker. I have settled on a pair of JBL L300s, which I've had for many years now.
I was Air Force 76 -80. On Crete the first year and a half SPs. I had the Pioneer 1050 receiver and Pioneer speakers. Don’t remember the model but they were great. The stereo wars in the dorm was crazy. JBL KENWOOD. SANSUI Try getting some sleep every one on different shifts.
I had a pair of the HPM-40s in the 70s, and then lost them somehow. I picked up another mint pair 2 years ago, they have the same cone material as the 100s. I also just got a pair of HPM-100Bs perfect shape sound wonderful. I think they made different versions of the 40s,
I had pair of Pioneer HPM 100's speakers that were paired with a vintage Pioneer Receiver, amp, equalizer and vintage Technics turntable. I LOVED these speakers because they made my favorite music era (70's Classic Rock) that rocked my childhood sound so '70's!!! High quality vinyl was warm, rich, had depth and so much clarity! I've paired other speakers to my vintage components, including top line Energy Speakers and Klipsch. While they are good speakers, they don't hand a candle to the HPM's! In November, we moved from the Midwest to Florida. Unfortunately, my HPM 100's didn't make the trip. I saw them go into the moving truck, but they didn't end up at our home in FL. So either they got lost, but considering the quality of our movers, I have no doubt they stole them. I bought my speakers from a man in Wichita, KS for $450 total! They weren't mint but in exceptional condition and barely used. I've checked on Ebay what these are going for now, $ 1,000 - $2,000/pair. This just makes me sick to my stomach how these have gone up so much in value and now I can't afford to buy another pair. Add to that shipping costs and any damage they may get in the process. I'm so pissed I no longer own a pair to no fault of my own. I listen to a lot of vinyl and every time, I feel that uneasy sensation in the pit of my stomach knowing I was blessed to own a pair of these and enjoy how remarkable they were and probably will never had the chance to find another pair that I can afford.
Great video, I love to see info about the HPM series. As a owner of 40, 60, 150, 1100 I have a bit of knowledge on them. One mistake is that the 150, 1100 have vinyl veneer. This is untrue, they both have furniture grade walnut veneer. Also yes the foam surrounds deteriorate over time but once replaced, the 150's continue to sound better than the 100. The sound is deeper and more full.
HPM 100s are great! I have 2 sets that I have recapped with exact value Sonicap capacitors and Mills resistors. Also swapped the midrange with HPM700/900 mids. Which I highly suggest trying. Being powered by a Sansui AU-717.
Great coverage and story, and love the extensive history you have of the HPM speaker series. I’d learned of them and the history with Mr Locanthi’s role of their development a little over 10 years ago when I’d scored a pair of the HPM 60 yes I enjoyed them they were great speakers and still kinda sleepers at the time. But they sounded still full and clear used them with a pioneer Sa 9500 integrated amp , TX 9500 tuner and 707 reel 2 reel, JVC QF series DD turntable with grado red cartridge, denon dcd 3000 disc player. They formed a very respectable combo!!
These are amazing speakers! I wish you could see the Hitachi HS-430 or those Audiosphere Research that I just can't find the model but they were among the biggest most incredible ever made with their 18-inch woofer, two midranges, and 4 BT-2 tweeters for each speaker! Those two types of speakers were on another level!!!
I was a sales consultant in the 70s at The World Of Sound in West Palm Bch. Pioneer was our best selling line, and my favorite to this day. I still have the CTF900 cassette deck, PL 115 turntable, and my SX 1980. HPM stands for High Polymer Molecular btw.
Yes. 2 vintage speaker sets. In front room, Bang & Olfusen (1971 tower speakers) and in rear, JBL T80's. Both are amazing. B&O's have a East Coast sound, very bright and defined. Where as the JBL's rock the house with big booms and ports that put the sound stage front and center. Had them since, well, before the earth was brought into existence. Running 300 watts through them with my NAD power amp and occasionally enjoy vinyl on my Dual table.
I had a pair of JBL L-65s and a pair of Bang & Olfusen 5700S and this setup blew me away !! Someone broke into our house while we were working 3rd shift and I have NEVER been able to duplicate that rocking sound ! I used 2 stand alone speaker antennuators to match output. Still sad 🥹
Bought mine 41 years ago just out of high school still have them and my SX780 receiver Need a little cabinet refinishing and recap but never parting with them Cheers from Canada love the channel
I sold Pioneer HPM 100's in a stereo shop in Canada in the 70's. The HPM 100 was a "star" and I think sounded better than the bigger HPM 150 model. The sound of the HPM 100 with Pioneer's Spec 1 and Spec 2 pre and power amps was fantastic.
@@LennyFlorentine I actually had the same demo switching unit. I remember having a Pioneer Reference RACK System hooked up by itself. HPM 100, Spec 1 Spec 2 power and pre, CTF-1000 cassette and the top turntable I think was a PL-600.....thanks for the memory. GREAT VIDEO...PS: The only models available in Canada were HPM 40-60-100-150. The other models were likely for Japan or Europe. CHEERS !
The curious thing about many old speakers, and this Pioneer HPM series is driver placement on the baffle. No company does it this way anymore. Vertical alignment and center spacing should cause alot of phase issues at the overlapping frequencies of the mid-woofer to lower tweeter and surely to the supertweeter. I doubt very much that they have a uniform 180 degree dispersion. All.of that aside, they sound surprisingly good.
Really enjoying these videos. Personally own a set of AR-5's, HPM-60's, BIC Venturi's, Pioneer SX 60 watt receiver but miss my Marantz 50 watt a bunch. For sound I like the BIC's best because of efficiency with a solid midrange and ample bass. I sold a lot of HPM-100's in the 70's wish I'd taken ownership of a pair though. Keep the good videos coming.
Nice informative video! I take small issue with the criticism of the super tweeter frequency. It's true the human ear can't discern 25KHz by itself, but what's more important is the overall harmonic envelope of the sounds like from wind instruments or cymbals. the high frequency driver can help recreate these overall sounds more accurately. That's why for example the newer modern JBL speakers like the S9900s have a 42KHz HF driver, and definitely sound better with modern 24-bit music. I just got a very mint pair 100Bs, and they sound excellent. BTW, try using a paper towel roll, and isolate the HPM super tweeter, you will definitely hear a weak hiss, like sssssssssss.
My system was Lafayette 55w receiver, 2001+ speakers. Those were the days of magic in audio. Yes, audio is awesome today…. but there was just something great about audio back then that made it something more than the utilitarian thing into which it has evolved.
Thanks for the HPM history. I have a pair of HPM 500s that I shoveled snow and rake leaves to buy when I was a kid. I refoam the woofs (with surgeon skills) and they still sound amazing. I never felt vibrating or hear sound from the super tweeter . Thanks for solving the mystery on them. SX 3700 still works great.
I owned a set of HPM 100s and loved them. The treble was pure and the bass would really thump. I had many parties and would get complimented on the sound of my speakers.
I own a pair of Infinity Qe's from 1978. It contains an 8" woofer that has a rubber surround. They will never deteriorate. It uses the EMIT tweeter that is a high frequency film that has an etched copper coil. Extremely sensitive to all highs. It is also fuse protected to prevent frying the tweeter. You need to be very careful that you don't drive your amp into clipping range,as that can destroy them. Luckily I have a couple of spare ones. Absolutely love their sound. I use a Marantz 2230 from about 1973 to drive them. Great 70's sound.
If you want to remove concern about destructive clipping consider a McIntosh solid state amplifier, integrated amplifier or MAC4100 or MAC4200 receiver which has their unique Power Guard circuitry that prevents clipping.
I have a set of Sansui floor speakers almost identical to these. Mine have a horn loaded compression tweeter with an L-pad though. And a dome tweeter. Two midrange drivers. 12 inch woofer. To this day, the best sounding speakers ( for music ), that I have ever had. Nothing comes close. Excellent for analog LP play back. Extremely efficient.
The Super Tweeter is active from approximately 12 kHz up. They do produce sound, but some fail to realize that Pioneer used a small transformer in the crossover and that is likely the problem. Had a pair of HPM-900s and they both had bad transformers. A TV repair guy fixed them, but the Super Tweeters didn't produce much that I could hear. For somebody in there 20s or 30s they would likely hear at least up to 16 kHz, so more benefit to more youthful ears.
Somebody in the 20s is able to hear up to 22-24KHz and 30 years old is generaly able to hear up to 20KHz. 16KHz is 40-50 years old person and the number is only going down with the age. We start with something like 25+ KHz when we are small kids and ending up with 6KHz when we are very old.
Thanks for sharing this information. I have a pair of HPM 100 speakers (200 Watt version) paired with a fully restored vintage Garrard 401 turntable and a modern Cambridge Audio EVO 150. Unbelievable sound!
I replace the tweeters in my HPM-100's a couple of years ago. When I would run a test tone, the tweeters made a sound like the voice coils were dragging on the magnet. I was surprised there was anyone that still had new ones for sale and they were exact replacements. Had my HPM's since the mid 70s.
Very cool! I had read this history online some years ago, but it wasn’t quite as detailed. Your SX1250 and HPM-100 videos make me happy because it’s the combo I lusted for at 15 and finally bought about 20+ years ago. I’ll use them ‘til I’m gone and make sure they’re passed on to a new caretaker. They’re just SO satisfying to listen to and look at and the cool history adds to the appeal. Also, big shout-out to Audio Specialties and Inner Sound Audio in Portland, Oregon for reviving my vintage gear when I’ve had problems.
Best job! Thank you for all the time and info on the Pioneer line up. My system back in the 70s consisted of the TX-1250, HPM-100s 200 watt version. I also had the famous Tecnics MLK turntable . I had the Pioneer cassette deck and the SG-9500 EQ. It sounded awesome! My friend's always said it sounded like in concert if you closed your eyes. What a great time in audio history. What a great company Pioneer.
I think there were some audio editing errors here. You point to the mid, and quote Pioneer about the tweeter. Then you point to the tweeter, and quote Pioneer about the woofer. And yes, the super-tweeter does have a moving part. The film itself is the moving part, using the piezoelectric principle. They do burn out, and yes, you can test them with a 10kHz test tone, which most people can hear. However, they contribute almost nothing to the sound, so if they're blown, just disconnect them and put them back in place.
Very informative video, I never knew the JBL designer was involved in the HPM-100 WOW, Back then I opted for a/d/s made in USA model 810's the a/d/s line featured all butyl rubber surrounds. I have never had a pair of a/d/s speakers fail even ones that are 40 years old. Mike Kelly from a/d/s now owns Aerial Acoustics and continues to make great loudspeakers.
Thanks for your great video. I got a pair of HMP-100 for free on Craigslist in 2006. One of midrange speaker was dead. Fortunately I got one on eBay to replace the bad one. I have being used it since then. It is great speaker. Love it!
Great video to watch. I still own a bought new in 1979 set of the HPM 40 speakers. Back in 2008 I picked up a clean pair of HPM 100's at a great price. I also found a decent pair of HPM 700's that I bought right away. Pioneer made some superb stuff back in the 1970's.
I had the HPM-40’s with a pioneer SX-780. Jr high thru High school. Gave the speakers to my dad. My nephew poked several holes thru the woofer with a screwdriver. I loved them. I later owned a two pairs of JBL 4312’s. They sounded ok. Sold them and purchased Focal 1027be and never have bought anything again. Sold on the Focals. But I definitely loved the HPM-40’s
Awesome and incredible review thank you for taking so much time out to show us and break down the specifics and everything about these speakers I see there are so many people around the world that either have had these in their house or room or have been somewhere and had a chance to hear them really sound great paired with some Sansui products thank you so much for your work!!!
I don't know if they would be considered vintage but I have a pair of Paradigm V1 Titans I bought about 32 years ago that are still going strong. I opened one up recently just to have a look and the woofers are in great shape, no issues with the surrounds. For their size they are decent speakers.
I have the HMP 40’s. Bought them new back in the day. Still use them today. I have a set of speakers that are not branded I bought them with a sansui 331 receiver in 1975 as a bundle. They sound great for book shelf speakers.
Just bought a pair of 40s off someone a month ago. First set of woofers not having foam surrounds. Don't understand why the accordion style surrounds aren't used more commonly
My system is a Sansui G-5000 driving a pair of Infinity Qb's. Great sound quality that never fails to impress. A Dual 502 completes the setup. All bought during my college years in the 70's.
When I was in Germany (West Germany back then) with the Army, I got into Pioneer stereo. My outfit had 4 of the massive HPM 1100 speakers, and I won every single barracks stereo war... lol. Still have 2 of them in the garage, but not with the original woofers... thanks to the stupid foam surrounds you were talking about. Mids, and highs are still phenomenal 40 years later, and the replacement woofers (Pioneer car audio ones) work great.
I bought a pair of Pioneer HPM 150’s brand new in 1979 great speakers! Just for the record, the cabinets were real wood veneer, not the vinyl wallpaper.
Got a Pionee SX-1010 for $199 on closeout in Okinawa in 1976. Paired up with Technics direct drive turntable, Sony TC-558 Reel to Reel, Pioneer SG-9500 EQ, Pioneer RG-1 Dynamic Expander and Pioneeer CS-99A speakers. Loud, sounded good but something just wasn't quite right. Then I picked up a pair of HPM-100's for $350 and everything and I mean EVERYTHING changed.Front row concert level no distortion ears ringing but hearing little things in the music I never heard before and It cerushed everybody. Sansui 9090DB, Kenwood, Marantz, JBL L100, Bose 901, JBL L65 Jubal, all fell before the power of the SX-1010 driven HPM-100's. I Wish I still had them.
It looks so much like the HMP-700 which I have that I got for free because the boxes are broken and the 10" woofers aren't original but the tweeters and mids and the crossover are still good and work and sound amazing
I'm running these in my home theater set up, paired with a new 10" Polk audio subwoofer. After watching Jurassic Park T-Rex scenes, I have to level the art on the walls because they are all crooked from the Boom. Love them.
If you can hear anything above 12,000Hz (the crossover frequency to the supertweeter) you should be able to hear that the supertweeter is working. I remember putting my ear against one (at low volume) when I used to sell these back in the day and they definitely contributed to the audible part of the spectrum! Even the discerning customers could hear their contribution when noting their very high crossover frequency.
Still have a a pair of these. Purchased in the late 70's. Still pound out the sound 5 decades later. Lost my Pioneer sx-780 receiver that drove it though.
UK here - only owned vintage - first speakers are first series Heybrook HB1s (matching pair). They were a true joy, and it was a real wrench to change up - first love and all. They were warm, had depth, INCREDIBLE midrange, had great frequency response, good power handling and we're a solid speaker. Plus closed cabinet so great even in smaller places. But they had a tendency to be a bit muddy in the deeper bass. Such a joy though. Wanted to hear something different though, so bought some Celestion SL12si speakers - 3 way and closed cabinet again - not too dear so it was an experiment really! But they've really impressed me - so much oomph - they're much tighter in the bass, a midrange and high frequency to die for, superb detail, centre imaging that is just stunning. They don't mind getting pushed either - I've not yet found them fatigued in the slightest. AND they're sleek and really beautiful speakers. (Heybrooks were black boxes essentially!). I guess I go vintage because all my gear is vintage, but I largely think my decision is made on my room (so ported doesn't really work for me), obviously, the midrange has to be killer, I like detail, but not outright neutrality, I like bass but don't have the luxury of a space where deep deep bass would work for me, they've got to be an all rounder too - I listen to everything!
I have the HPM-1500 (designed so they can come apart for easier shipping) sold in Navy Exchange catalog, this is like the HPM-150 but the cabinets have Walnut Veneer not vinyl, I still have mine from 1977, the Surrounds had be redone once but they still sound great. I also have the HPM60's that I use for my tv surround, & HPM40s for my garage (both of these have the Vinyl cabinets) .
My dad brought a pair of HPM 100’s and a sx1980 back from Korea along with other equipment. I blasted everything from those. I still have the speakers, but no clue where the receiver went. Need to go looking. My pair are used with a 1965 HH Scott Stereomaster 345 tube amp. They sound incredible.
I've been using Pioneer CSG-301W 12" 3-way speakers for probably 40 years now, and I love their clarity; I can hear distinction even between 2 guitars and 2 voices from the same person singing the same note at the same time. They are not heavy duty, but living in a condo unit, I don't turn them up really loud. I'm on my 4th receiver, a Sony 100 watt/channel. The other receivers died, but the speakers still sound good. Someday I may get subwoofers, but for the most part they sound good with my music at levels that don't get visits from the Police. When I got them, I was expecting to get smaller speakers, but these, even at only $80 each back then, were far clearer and crisper than anything else anywhere near their price. Recordings of birds and crickets sound to me like I m outside hearing the real thing. These are showing signs of external wear, but they still work fine. I use "milk carton" type stands. as they lift the tweeter and miss to the right height. and they're easy to adjust and move. They slao don't transfer bass to the floor. Yet are still very clear and clean, but I'd like a subwoofer. When I toe these in and listen to a BluRay Concert with my tVs back-mounted woofers and tweeters, give a really good image of sound stage. My current Pioneer woofers start rolling of at about 55 Hz. I tested my ears, and my hearing goes up to a little over 15k (Amazing cwhen I think of the values I ve put my ears through).
When I was in Germany, I bought the HPM 900's. A Pioneer rep at the PX in 1982 said my dog would appreciate the super-tweeter because it acts as sort of a higher frequency filter in order to eliminate distortion in the tweeter. My dogs have never been bothered by my music ( or maybe they were just deaf ). I still have those ,refoamed, and 3 sets of HPM 100's. I will part with them only in death.
I purchased my pair HPM 900's in 1982. Exceptional sound and quality to go with my Realistic STA-2080, also purchased in 1982. I also added an ADC Sound-Shaper Ten EQ. In 1993, I turned up the volume a little too high on the stereo and blew out the Styrofoam on the woofers on both speakers. I replaced the woofers with two Cerwin Vega's direct from the L.A. manufacturer. Unfortunately, the speakers did not line up with the mounting screws. However, they were heavy enough to sit in the hole without moving.
I bought a basic stereo in my early years in the USAF. They were like hot-rods, everyone trying to best the next guy. My system was a pair of HPM-100s, an SX-750 receiver and a PL-530 turntable. My only regret is not getting a larger model receiver such as the SX-1050. I think I purchased all this in 1977 and the speakers were about $330 if memory serves. No internet back then, but we would surf through all the audio magazines and try to find the best buy from mail order companies. Still have all these components BTW plus others from a few years later, to include an Akai GX-636 10.5" reel-to-reel tape deck.
To my ears at the time (back in the early 80's) I loved the Dalquist. I sold stereos and we had a big 'high end" room with lots of various brands. I kept coming back to the big, funny looking Dalquist. Never heard them compared to the Pioneer HPM-100's but a lot of others, even the full sized Klipsch corner speakers.
I had to look this up locally, and found a few sets locally for sale. Not bad priced for what they are. Great video. The crowd that would watch this Im sure would laugh, but the best set of speakers I have currently is a old set of Cerwin Vega VS-80s with a Technics SA-919 reciever. I set them on stands and at low to mid volume I cant believe how good these two way speakers sound. The foam surrounds are crusty, and I do have replacements for them, but dont want to disturb the sound coming out of them by refoaming! I'll have to do it at some point. In my shop I have a set of Cerwin Vega AT-15's (front) and VF-12Fs (rear). As a kid growing up I was amazed at the size and presentation of the Cerwin Vega AT-15s, my childhood dream, and I finally years later got a set.
I bought 4 Pioneer HPM-900’s overseas back in 1980 and brought them home. Loved them dearly, but sadly they were stored and neglected for many years. Brought them out of storage and the woofers surrounds were all disintegrated and cones torn. I’m not sure they could have been rebuilt, so I gave away the cabinets and components. I finally ended up getting my Sansui G-8700DB cleaned and tuned. I ended up finding some mint Sansui SP-5500 speakers and now have a set up I am totally happy with. I think I have a better set up the the Sansui speakers.
Hey! So did I ! I bought a pair of HPM-900s and HPM-1000s! (maybe HPM-1100?) I bought them when I was stationed in Keflavik, Iceland at the Navy Exchange back in 1981
I remember going into a huge audio store back in the 70's which was named University Stereo, and they had all of the latest equipment imaginable, including Pioneer !, I remember a salesman telling me that their name took the first letters of all the brands of audio equipment that they sold to make up the name University!!! Please reply back if you can recall all the audio equipment names using their store name University!! Thanks for sharing this video!! Great memories!!
Bought new and still have them although I'm sporting new-fangled Klipsch speakers at the moment. HPM-100s played well with my old Yamaha in class A, a Technics SA-5760, and a pair of mono blocked NAD 2200s. Oof.
I had a pair of these as a teenager. My first job was selling hifi and I replaced these quickly with a set of Polk RTAs. Interesting to hear the history
The first edition HPM-100 were my prime driver when I finally reached my audio goal in 1978. I had various receivers before I sold them off to afford my phase linear system. While the phase linear really over-drove my HPMs, I was careful not to overload them. I had those speakers for 30 years before they finally stopped working. I had owned jbl and bose speaker systems before I finally was happy with my HPMs. I considered them the very best speaker on the market for that time period. I lived on the third floor of a walk-up apartment back then, getting those speakers up the stairs is a nightmare I still have from time to time.
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The HPM100's were for tin eared suckfish. I sold both back in the day and many HPM100 owners blew them up and came back to buy JBL L100's. Several years later the big bass of ported cabinets was WAY improved upon by the likes of EPI/EPICURE/Infinity, etc. Funny most of these "influencers" weren't even alive during this time.
I am an audio engineer. The reason a audio device has a frequency range beyond the human ear is not a gimmick. It's to prevent Total Harmonic Distortion which occurs at and around the 3db down point is not audible to the human ear. Example of this is with the Gamble EX56 Live Sound Console, it's frequency range is up to 35khz.
Perfect description of the function of super twitter. Congratulations and thank you very much for the information.-
Correct. The function is not to act as a driver audible to human hearing but to deal with the harmonics from the other units. Tracing the whole range of what comes from such as a string quartet demonstrates this well and the musicians can seldom believe that so much energy is present at frequencies they will never hear. The pure physics is actually very simple.
Need. Someone who knows🎉🎉
I'm an audio engineer also. Your logic is possibly not going to fit with a loudspeaker with a passive crossover network and with a super tweeter that only starts to come into effect at those supersonic frequencies. So with this speaker, we are no longer talking about neutral extension without the distortion that can come into effect, but we are introducing an additional loudspeaker with phase distortion throughout the range where more than one driver is outputting the same frequencies (so through the crossover points), phase issues introduced by the passive crossover network (there must, at least, be a HPF on both tweeters unless the supertweeter is piezoelectric, in which case the distortion it will introduce is going to be rather high anyway), and also we are still hearing the main tweeter reduce in output at the top of it's range while doubling that with the super tweeter SEVERAL INCHES AWAY simultaneously outputting the same signal, causing huge distortion, particularly as you move your ears around.
Horrible design, this speaker, and while the supertweeter might be a clever design, it's use in this speaker is NOT reducing distortion but, if audible at all, then it is increasing it due to the bizarrely terrible drive placement on the face of the speaker, side by side, and with both speakers not even being mirror images for consistent stereo imaging.
Awesome info .
HPM 100 speakers and Lynyrd Skynyrd got me kicked out of an apartment in 1977.
Great video! Just picked up a set of HPM-100’s a few weeks ago from a family friend, who was was the original owner. They are in near mint shape and he even saved the original boxes! They pair AMAZINGLY with my Technics SA-800 that Just Audio brought back to life for me last year. Hope to get down to pick up some Model-5 Stands from you guys soon.
Dale, they pair great with the SA-800. Thats the sweet spot of the Technics line! See you soon!
I had the Technics SA-828.
That thing ROCKED my HPM-1100s and HPM-900s!!!
Very cool. Consider having the crossover rebuilt or do it yourself
i’m jealous dude…how much you pay??
@@russellking9762 $400, however I did have to travel 2+ hours each way and the price was agreed to without seeing or hearing them. I definitely got lucky as they are pretty much perfect.
In my youth, I used to sell the HPM-100 speakers at a stereo shop in upstate NY. Those speakers could kick the ass of anything else we sold, and do it with style.
Still using mine for about 46 years. Repaired a tear in the big cone flawlessly.
I received a Pioneer component system for Christmas in 1979 (Proof of🎅🏼and that he ROCKS🤘🏼. Hard👊🏼)
A few years back I relieved? myself of the whole system, including 400+ albums.. on a worthy trade. Sadly, however, I’ve NEVER been able to get that pure clarity and full range from any speaker since.
Until last weekend when I semi reluctantly helped an old friend combine 2 warehouses of personal items. I spied something familiar seeming under a sheet in the corner…yep… a pair of showroom quality HPM~100s Annnnd a period Poineer receiver larger than my 1st.
He said “Hey man, you know anybody that might want those things? I’ll make’em a deal.”
The sprained wrist I got pulling $200 from my pocket has almost healed🤘🏼
The Pioneer HPM-100 speakers were my favorite from 1978 through 1986. I enhanced the sound quality by replacing the 22-gauge speaker wire with 18-gauge wire. I had the Pioneer SA-9500II, the TX-9500II, PL-550 direct drive turntable, the PL-5000 direct drive turntable, CTF-1000 three-headed cassette tape deck, and the RT-707. This components system sounded nice. That was the time when audio became a new hobby. Since then, I wanted to see the inside of a radio station and a recording studio. I acquired an interest sound reproduction by the view of an audiophile.
I tried not to reply...I really did. Switching from 22 gauge to 18 gauge wire did not improve the sound quality of your speakers. What actually happened is that you wanted to believe it would and your mind went along with it. A mind is a terrible thing my bro.
@@brianholmes936 a terrible thing to taste.
I still have my original pair of HPM100's just like the ones you show here with the silver port ring and the updated woofer surrounds that dont rot way in time - I knew way back then when I saw the construction of these speakers they were something out of the ordinary and bought a pair, I still love them as much as the day I first go them.
I had a par of HPM-100 around 91-2000. Was handed down by a family friend. Had no idea how good I had it. Amazing. Thanks for making great videos.
I’ve got two pair of vintage speakers. 1. Large Advent 2 way with 10” sealed woofer and “scrambled eggs tweeter. Love the deeper bass from the large woofer. They are cousins to KLH and AR as they were all designed by Henry Kloss. I also have ADS L710. These are fantastic 3 ways sealed two 7” woofers and domed mid and tweeter. They were premium speakers in the late 70s.
I love the audio history lesson here, thanks for all the work put into this video. I really enjoy your content 🤙
Thank you!
But do it bump!
@@LennyFlorentine Lively speakers with lots of snap and dynamics but... no front to back depth, image focus or sound staging. No subtlety at all. Too much ringing and stored energy from paper cones run into their breakup zones (thanks to crude minimalist crossovers). I had a pair and gave them every chance but their problems produced too much listening fatigue so I had to get rid of them.
Big Deal.
They are still big wood shoe boxes with driver units screwed in and hope for the best.
Primative.
.
@@a.bloke2.0alwayslearning.23 if you are calling speaker design primitive, you are without any speaket design knowledge. Unless you were signing off as PrimAtive...
Among "Audiophiles" (or "Equipment Enthusiasts"), one sure way to stsrt a polarizing speaker discussion is to mention the HPM-100, or anything by Bose....people who have never owned them usually don`t have a clue as to what they`re really like.
I am currently running 2 pairs of HPM-100s, stacked and wired in parallel, powered by either a restored SX-1250, or a Carver M-500t amp. With either setup, the soundstage is absolutely HUGE, and sounds great for everything from quiet, near-field listening to "melt your face, Led Zeppelin concert" type volume levels.
Yes, I do like these speakers....
I have a set. Bought them at a garage sale for $50.00. I still use them and love them! What a great speaker!
I owned a pair of HPM-200’s for about 20 years. They were so amazing and regret letting them go but the were the size of a Marshall 4x12” cab but even deeper and heavier.
My hope is to get my hands on some 200’s. I really want to know how amazing they are. I’ve tried 40’s-150’s, and 200 is my end goal. Would love to see how well it holds up to my 4333’s.
I have both. Not the size of the Marshall.
FYI: among all the super tweeter comments below, it should also be noted that it reproduces the harmonics you can't hear, these harmonics affect what you DO hear and help to create more realistic sound. The harmonics you can't hear because they are outside your range of human hearing make things sound the way you hear them, Exampe: you hear a Sax compared to what an acoustic guitar sounds like. The harmonics you can't hear make things sound the way they are.
My dad had a set when I was a kid in the 80s, I have a picture with me as a toddler sitting in front of one with big goofy ear protection on. I have a set of my own now and couldn't be more stoked
My wife and I are planning a road trip to visit your store. Don't know when but not during the winter. It is a haul from Maine but I believe it will be worth it We don't have any vintage audio stores in this part of the country.
I don't have a set of those yet but have the a set of 99a which are great speakers as well I have a pair cs 907 a as well
Thats a great set! Very familiar!
That is a haul, I'm planning on getting up to Maine one of these days myself. Love traveling!
@@LennyFlorentine Maine is a beautiful state but I'm not biased at all.
I made the trip to Just Audio on one of my trips between CT and GA and it is well worth it. The folks there are the same in real life as in the videos. They're not acting in the the videos. They're genuine folks. Trying to get back there for a set of speakers. I'm a tech so had fun talking with Mikey about biasing transistors :-) There's an awesome surf and turf restaurant a block away called Michael's. Be prepared for the $30 in tolls through NY and Jersey.
Had one of those! Absolutely brilliant. At that time my dad could not afford HPM-150 so we had to settle for the 100. Part of my teenage youth! After 30 years... I got hold of HPM-1500 (another version of the 150s).... such a piece of art. Great living room speakers, wonderful sound and wonderful furniture!
Nice!!
I have a pair of Klipsch KG-4's. Dual 8" woofers 12" drone rear driver. Sound spectrum from these is amazing, and the bass produced by the rear drone is impressive. Overlooked by many but loved by those who have them. Materials are second to none, i have a pair from 1985 all drivers, cones, foam still mint and i use them every day.
KLIPSCH IS LOCAL TO ME.
I'LL PUT ACOUSTIC RESEARCH UP AGAINST ANYTHING.
KG-4s are awesome!
I have a pair of KG-4’s as well! Love them as much today as the day that I bought them.
Yes . Klipsch Forte
I purchased a pair of HPM 100's in 1977 and still have them. They are in great shape and sound as good as they did 45 years ago.
As an ex US Pioneer tech I will say oin 80-81 the sales of HPM-100s were phenomenal. People would buy them over many others because of their ruggedness. Many had 660 or 880 receivers as they handled the power well. Many audiophiles in DFW at that time. Still wish I had my 4. Also my 880 and RT-707 and 909. Wow I miss the depth my old equipment gave me. They were really what made Rock come alive....
You were a Pioneer technician and would like to ask you a question. What is the sticky compound that is impregnated on the edges of the woofers? I bought all three Pioneer models (HPM-40, HPM-60 and HPM-100) in 1980 and would like to put that sticky compound back on the edges. I thank you for your response. Cheers.-
The HPM series was designed for High Power at a continuous level. The 'sticky' was an elastomer compound to keep the cones from destroying themselves as the transients actually did. Ergo, some speakers needed replacing when the elastomer broke down; mostly because of high humidity and heat. The sticky also kept most of the power isolated from the box so kept harmonic distortion down. It was also an less expensive way of doing all that. Wish I still had my originals!
@@dgibson1430 Thank you very much for your reply Mr. D Gibson, that is very kind of you. I wanted to replace the elastomer in my HPM speakers and I need to know the name of the product. Thanks again for your help. Cheers.-
@@The_Boss. I cannot say which product is now being used in place of it. Maybe Pioneer could give possibilities. Even just googling about speaker adhesives or the like. Have an educational journey!
@@dgibson1430 Thank you very much again Mr. D Gibson. I will try to do what you recommend. I send you a hug from Argentina.-
The enclosure is "compromised" of dense particle board or is it comprised of dense particle board?
I still own these from new, still have the empty cardboard boxes and packaging for them too.
My older brother started with the HPM-40, then 60, and eventually HPM-100, absolutely amazing. I still get goose bumps looking at them.
The super tweeter technology in this Pioneer speaker would later form the basis of Anthony Gallo Acoustics CDT tweeter found in many highly regarded models, but his tweeter played much lower than the Pioneer tweeter, extending from the lower range of high frequencies into the ultra sonic territory. Truly a remarkable tweeter.
My Dad bought these in 1978. Best speakers ever until kid brother used foot to kick in bass speakers. Sat in basement for years after that. Tried to save them but to far gone. Saved the Sansui G7000 though and had professionally restored. Breaks my heart I could not save speakers. Great video!
I was stationed on Okinawa, in the Air Force, in the late 70s through the early 80s. I saw and heard most of the gear that you discuss. I personally had a pair of JBL L100s and my roommate had a pair of HPM-100s. We did notice a tiny bit of difference in the sound characteristics of each...but I liked them both and would have been happy to own either speaker. I have settled on a pair of JBL L300s, which I've had for many years now.
Never sell them as they are an icon
I was Air Force 76 -80. On Crete the first year and a half SPs. I had the Pioneer 1050 receiver and Pioneer speakers. Don’t remember the model but they were great. The stereo wars in the dorm was crazy. JBL KENWOOD. SANSUI Try getting some sleep every one on different shifts.
I remember listening to these in the stereo stores. The high polymer molecular film tweeters were crisp and clean and the bass was tight.
I love this history, thank you. I had the HPM-40's all through the 80's and my foam surrounds rotted quickly.
I had a pair of the HPM-40s in the 70s, and then lost them somehow. I picked up another mint pair 2 years ago, they have the same cone material as the 100s. I also just got a pair of HPM-100Bs perfect shape sound wonderful. I think they made different versions of the 40s,
i have the hpm 40s to with the sx780
@@tylerstoddard7197 Nice!
I had pair of Pioneer HPM 100's speakers that were paired with a vintage Pioneer Receiver, amp, equalizer and vintage Technics turntable.
I LOVED these speakers because they made my favorite music era (70's Classic Rock) that rocked my childhood sound so '70's!!!
High quality vinyl was warm, rich, had depth and so much clarity! I've paired other speakers to my vintage components, including top line Energy
Speakers and Klipsch. While they are good speakers, they don't hand a candle to the HPM's!
In November, we moved from the Midwest to Florida. Unfortunately, my HPM 100's didn't make the trip. I saw them go into the moving truck,
but they didn't end up at our home in FL. So either they got lost, but considering the quality of our movers, I have no doubt they stole them.
I bought my speakers from a man in Wichita, KS for $450 total! They weren't mint but in exceptional condition and barely used. I've checked
on Ebay what these are going for now, $ 1,000 - $2,000/pair. This just makes me sick to my stomach how these have gone up so much in
value and now I can't afford to buy another pair. Add to that shipping costs and any damage they may get in the process. I'm so pissed
I no longer own a pair to no fault of my own. I listen to a lot of vinyl and every time, I feel that uneasy sensation in the pit of my stomach
knowing I was blessed to own a pair of these and enjoy how remarkable they were and probably will never had the chance to find another pair
that I can afford.
Great video, I love to see info about the HPM series. As a owner of 40, 60, 150, 1100 I have a bit of knowledge on them. One mistake is that the 150, 1100 have vinyl veneer. This is untrue, they both have furniture grade walnut veneer. Also yes the foam surrounds deteriorate over time but once replaced, the 150's continue to sound better than the 100. The sound is deeper and more full.
Are they compromised ? @5:46
Can you tell me more about the 1100’s ? Found a pair for sale and I’m considering. Thanks !
@@jf4429first thing to check is the drivers. They are polygraphite and they are very brittle and are usually replaced.
Super video! My HPM 100 and HPM 60 (second generation) were powered by an SX 1250, and an SX 5590. Best sound I've ever heard.
I need to find another 5590
HPM 100s are great! I have 2 sets that I have recapped with exact value Sonicap capacitors and Mills resistors. Also swapped the midrange with HPM700/900 mids. Which I highly suggest trying. Being powered by a Sansui AU-717.
Very cool!
Most assembly line speakers use crap parts in the crossover. These are the first things I would redo when buying even brand new speakers.
I run a 717 (bad boy amp) it drives my 4 leak sandwich 600's speakers beautifully. Garrard 401 turntable. SME ARM.
Great coverage and story, and love the extensive history you have of the HPM speaker series. I’d learned of them and the history with Mr Locanthi’s role of their development a little over 10 years ago when I’d scored a pair of the HPM 60 yes I enjoyed them they were great speakers and still kinda sleepers at the time. But they sounded still full and clear used them with a pioneer Sa 9500 integrated amp , TX 9500 tuner and 707 reel 2 reel, JVC QF series DD turntable with grado red cartridge, denon dcd 3000 disc player. They formed a very respectable combo!!
These are amazing speakers! I wish you could see the Hitachi HS-430 or those Audiosphere Research that I just can't find the model but they were among the biggest most incredible ever made with their 18-inch woofer, two midranges, and 4 BT-2 tweeters for each speaker! Those two types of speakers were on another level!!!
audiosphere 18L model
I was a sales consultant in the 70s at The World Of Sound in West Palm Bch. Pioneer was our best selling line, and my favorite to this day. I still have the CTF900 cassette deck, PL 115 turntable, and my SX 1980.
HPM stands for High Polymer Molecular btw.
World of Sound sounds like a great place!
@@LennyFlorentine It was my friend it closed down years ago but it was a staple of the entire county for many years. Have a blessed weekend.
Yes. 2 vintage speaker sets. In front room, Bang & Olfusen (1971 tower speakers) and in rear, JBL T80's. Both are amazing. B&O's have a East Coast sound, very bright and defined. Where as the JBL's rock the house with big booms and ports that put the sound stage front and center. Had them since, well, before the earth was brought into existence. Running 300 watts through them with my NAD power amp and occasionally enjoy vinyl on my Dual table.
I had a pair of JBL L-65s and a pair of Bang & Olfusen 5700S and this setup blew me away !! Someone broke into our house while we were working 3rd shift and I have NEVER been able to duplicate that rocking sound ! I used 2 stand alone speaker antennuators to match output. Still sad 🥹
Bought mine 41 years ago just out of high school still have them and my SX780 receiver Need a little cabinet refinishing and recap but never parting with them Cheers from Canada love the channel
Great receiver! Thanks so much!
I sold Pioneer HPM 100's in a stereo shop in Canada in the 70's. The HPM 100 was a "star" and I think sounded better than the bigger HPM 150 model. The sound of the HPM 100 with Pioneer's Spec 1 and Spec 2 pre and power amps was fantastic.
Always appreciate the feedback from someone who worked in a HiFi store. Any chance you had one of those switch boxes like I have behind me...
@@LennyFlorentine I actually had the same demo switching unit. I remember having a Pioneer Reference RACK System hooked up by itself. HPM 100, Spec 1 Spec 2 power and pre, CTF-1000 cassette and the top turntable I think was a PL-600.....thanks for the memory. GREAT VIDEO...PS: The only models available in Canada were HPM 40-60-100-150. The other models were likely for Japan or Europe. CHEERS !
The curious thing about many old speakers, and this Pioneer HPM series is driver placement on the baffle. No company does it this way anymore. Vertical alignment and center spacing should cause alot of phase issues at the overlapping frequencies of the mid-woofer to lower tweeter and surely to the supertweeter. I doubt very much that they have a uniform 180 degree dispersion. All.of that aside, they sound surprisingly good.
They sounded considerably better than 150's.
I'VE ALWAYS LIKED THE BASS FROM AN EIGHT OR TEN INCH.
USE MORE SPEAKERS.
My favorite speaker is NHT VS1.4 I’ve had them for awhile. They sound fantastic and I’ve never seen another pair of these. Rare!
Really enjoying these videos. Personally own a set of AR-5's, HPM-60's, BIC Venturi's, Pioneer SX 60 watt receiver but miss my Marantz 50 watt a bunch. For sound I like the BIC's best because of efficiency with a solid midrange and ample bass. I sold a lot of HPM-100's in the 70's wish I'd taken ownership of a pair though. Keep the good videos coming.
I bought my HPM-100 speakers in 1977 and still use them today with my home entertainment system, They are phenomenal!!!!!!!!
Nice informative video! I take small issue with the criticism of the super tweeter frequency. It's true the human ear can't discern 25KHz by itself, but what's more important is the overall harmonic envelope of the sounds like from wind instruments or cymbals. the high frequency driver can help recreate these overall sounds more accurately. That's why for example the newer modern JBL speakers like the S9900s have a 42KHz HF driver, and definitely sound better with modern 24-bit music. I just got a very mint pair 100Bs, and they sound excellent. BTW, try using a paper towel roll, and isolate the HPM super tweeter, you will definitely hear a weak hiss, like sssssssssss.
My system was Lafayette 55w receiver, 2001+ speakers. Those were the days of magic in audio. Yes, audio is awesome today…. but there was just something great about audio back then that made it something more than the utilitarian thing into which it has evolved.
Thanks for the HPM history. I have a pair of HPM 500s that I shoveled snow and rake leaves to buy when I was a kid. I refoam the woofs (with surgeon skills) and they still sound amazing. I never felt vibrating or hear sound from the super tweeter . Thanks for solving the mystery on them. SX 3700 still works great.
The beach receiver as I call it, that ones on my personal list. Thanks for watching!
I owned a set of HPM 100s and loved them. The treble was pure and the bass would really thump. I had many parties and would get complimented on the sound of my speakers.
I own a pair of Infinity Qe's from 1978. It contains an 8" woofer that has a rubber surround. They will never deteriorate. It uses the EMIT tweeter that is a high frequency film that has an etched copper coil. Extremely sensitive to all highs. It is also fuse protected to prevent frying the tweeter. You need to be very careful that you don't drive your amp into clipping range,as that can destroy them. Luckily I have a couple of spare ones. Absolutely love their sound.
I use a Marantz 2230 from about 1973 to drive them. Great 70's sound.
Very familiar with them. Great system you have!
70’s sound???? A and AB amps have been around since the 60’s or earlier till this day!!!
If you want to remove concern about destructive clipping consider a McIntosh solid state amplifier, integrated amplifier or MAC4100 or MAC4200 receiver which has their unique Power Guard circuitry that prevents clipping.
I have a set of Sansui floor speakers almost identical to these. Mine have a horn loaded compression tweeter with an L-pad though. And a dome tweeter.
Two midrange drivers. 12 inch woofer.
To this day, the best sounding speakers
( for music ), that I have ever had. Nothing comes close. Excellent for analog LP play back. Extremely efficient.
The Super Tweeter is active from approximately 12 kHz up. They do produce sound, but some fail to realize that Pioneer used a small transformer in the crossover and that is likely the problem. Had a pair of HPM-900s and they both had bad transformers. A TV repair guy fixed them, but the Super Tweeters didn't produce much that I could hear. For somebody in there 20s or 30s they would likely hear at least up to 16 kHz, so more benefit to more youthful ears.
Somebody in the 20s is able to hear up to 22-24KHz and 30 years old is generaly able to hear up to 20KHz. 16KHz is 40-50 years old person and the number is only going down with the age. We start with something like 25+ KHz when we are small kids and ending up with 6KHz when we are very old.
At 20 you could hear 18khz at 30 you could hear 15khz at 40 you could hear 14khz at 50 you could hear 12khz but there is almost no music over 13khz so
Thanks for sharing this information. I have a pair of HPM 100 speakers (200 Watt version) paired with a fully restored vintage Garrard 401 turntable and a modern Cambridge Audio EVO 150. Unbelievable sound!
I replace the tweeters in my HPM-100's a couple of years ago. When I would run a test tone, the tweeters made a sound like the voice coils were dragging on the magnet. I was surprised there was anyone that still had new ones for sale and they were exact replacements. Had my HPM's since the mid 70s.
Awesome!
Have you recapped the x-overs yet?
Not just amps/recievers need fresh ones..... when they fall out of value bass energy can sneak past....
Very cool! I had read this history online some years ago, but it wasn’t quite as detailed. Your SX1250 and HPM-100 videos make me happy because it’s the combo I lusted for at 15 and finally bought about 20+ years ago. I’ll use them ‘til I’m gone and make sure they’re passed on to a new caretaker. They’re just SO satisfying to listen to and look at and the cool history adds to the appeal.
Also, big shout-out to Audio Specialties and Inner Sound Audio in Portland, Oregon for reviving my vintage gear when I’ve had problems.
*how is it possible if the story is "untold" if you just told the story?*
Raise a good question...
@@LennyFlorentine haha yep, I sure did didn't I!?
@@BrokenOcktive2 HAHA love your question and your response!
@@treebranch128 as was already acknowledged that I raised a good question; I still wait for a GOOD answer.
Best job! Thank you for all the time and info on the Pioneer line up. My system back in the 70s consisted of the TX-1250, HPM-100s 200 watt version. I also had the famous Tecnics MLK turntable . I had the Pioneer cassette deck and the SG-9500 EQ. It sounded awesome! My friend's always said it sounded like in concert if you closed your eyes. What a great time in audio history. What a great company Pioneer.
I think there were some audio editing errors here. You point to the mid, and quote Pioneer about the tweeter. Then you point to the tweeter, and quote Pioneer about the woofer. And yes, the super-tweeter does have a moving part. The film itself is the moving part, using the piezoelectric principle. They do burn out, and yes, you can test them with a 10kHz test tone, which most people can hear. However, they contribute almost nothing to the sound, so if they're blown, just disconnect them and put them back in place.
Haha thanks! It's been a rough week. Hope you enjoyed otherwise!
I love my HPM 100 I bought in Nagoya Japan in 1975. I still have it till now
I still have my HPM100s I purchased new in 78’. They still sound great 45 years later.
I still have mine, I also had that CTF900 you have sitting on the shelf behind you in the background, it's since been sold.
Love your info on pioneer speakers and audio equipment I have some from 1970s and will send the info when I get a chance. Rick Australia
Very informative video, I never knew the JBL designer was involved in the HPM-100 WOW, Back then I opted for a/d/s made in USA model 810's the a/d/s line featured all butyl rubber surrounds. I have never had a pair of a/d/s speakers fail even ones that are 40 years old. Mike Kelly from a/d/s now owns Aerial Acoustics and continues to make great loudspeakers.
810s were excellent! Thanks for sharing your speakers!!
Thanks for your great video. I got a pair of HMP-100 for free on Craigslist in 2006. One of midrange speaker was dead. Fortunately I got one on eBay to replace the bad one. I have being used it since then. It is great speaker. Love it!
Great video to watch. I still own a bought new in 1979 set of the HPM 40 speakers. Back in 2008 I picked up a clean pair of HPM 100's at a great price. I also found a decent pair of HPM 700's that I bought right away. Pioneer made some superb stuff back in the 1970's.
Outstanding performance, I got mine when I was in the navy.
I had the HPM-40’s with a pioneer SX-780. Jr high thru High school. Gave the speakers to my dad. My nephew poked several holes thru the woofer with a screwdriver. I loved them. I later owned a two pairs of JBL 4312’s. They sounded ok. Sold them and purchased Focal 1027be and never have bought anything again. Sold on the Focals. But I definitely loved the HPM-40’s
Awesome, thanks for sharing! Gotta watch those screwdrivers.
Awesome and incredible review thank you for taking so much time out to show us and break down the specifics and everything about these speakers I see there are so many people around the world that either have had these in their house or room or have been somewhere and had a chance to hear them really sound great paired with some Sansui
products thank you so much for your work!!!
Had a pair growing up in the mid/late 90s. I recognized how good they were even then.
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I don't know if they would be considered vintage but I have a pair of Paradigm V1 Titans I bought about 32 years ago that are still going strong. I opened one up recently just to have a look and the woofers are in great shape, no issues with the surrounds. For their size they are decent speakers.
I have the HMP 40’s. Bought them new back in the day. Still use them today. I have a set of speakers that are not branded I bought them with a sansui 331 receiver in 1975 as a bundle. They sound great for book shelf speakers.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing about the HPM 40s!
I also have pair of the 40's, coupled with a Marantz 2245. Very nice combination!
Just bought a pair of 40s off someone a month ago. First set of woofers not having foam surrounds. Don't understand why the accordion style surrounds aren't used more commonly
My system is a Sansui G-5000 driving a pair of Infinity Qb's. Great sound quality that never fails to impress. A Dual 502 completes the setup. All bought during my college years in the 70's.
Greg! Great system, thanks for sharing!
When I was in Germany (West Germany back then) with the Army, I got into Pioneer stereo. My outfit had 4 of the massive HPM 1100 speakers, and I won every single barracks stereo war... lol. Still have 2 of them in the garage, but not with the original woofers... thanks to the stupid foam surrounds you were talking about. Mids, and highs are still phenomenal 40 years later, and the replacement woofers (Pioneer car audio ones) work great.
I had a set of HPM's and loved them. If Pioneer made them again, I'd buy them again.
I bought a pair of HPM 100 speakers around 76-77. Still use them today. They still sound great
Are the woofer surrounds still original?
I bought a pair of Pioneer HPM 150’s brand new in 1979 great speakers! Just for the record, the cabinets were real wood veneer, not the vinyl wallpaper.
Bought 2 Pioneer CS99A SPEAKERS In 72 while stationed in Thiland. Still have them they STILL kick Ass!
Got a Pionee SX-1010 for $199 on closeout in Okinawa in 1976. Paired up with Technics direct drive turntable, Sony TC-558 Reel to Reel, Pioneer SG-9500 EQ, Pioneer RG-1 Dynamic Expander and Pioneeer CS-99A speakers. Loud, sounded good but something just wasn't quite right. Then I picked up a pair of HPM-100's for $350 and everything and I mean EVERYTHING changed.Front row concert level no distortion ears ringing but hearing little things in the music I never heard before and It cerushed everybody. Sansui 9090DB, Kenwood, Marantz, JBL L100, Bose 901, JBL L65 Jubal, all fell before the power of the SX-1010 driven HPM-100's. I Wish I still had them.
It looks so much like the HMP-700 which I have that I got for free because the boxes are broken and the 10" woofers aren't original but the tweeters and mids and the crossover are still good and work and sound amazing
3 years ago I had the HPM100 AND THIS IS MAGICAL SOUND!!! So beautiful!!
Not just great speakers but VERY efficient. A good 45-watt amp was all you needed to rock the neighborhood.
This is very true!
My Local Vintage Stereo store had Pioneer HPM-100 year's ago.
I'm running these in my home theater set up, paired with a new 10" Polk audio subwoofer. After watching Jurassic Park T-Rex scenes, I have to level the art on the walls because they are all crooked from the Boom. Love them.
If you can hear anything above 12,000Hz (the crossover frequency to the supertweeter) you should be able to hear that the supertweeter is working. I remember putting my ear against one (at low volume) when I used to sell these back in the day and they definitely contributed to the audible part of the spectrum! Even the discerning customers could hear their contribution when noting their very high crossover frequency.
Still have a a pair of these. Purchased in the late 70's. Still pound out the sound 5 decades later. Lost my Pioneer sx-780 receiver that drove it though.
UK here - only owned vintage - first speakers are first series Heybrook HB1s (matching pair). They were a true joy, and it was a real wrench to change up - first love and all. They were warm, had depth, INCREDIBLE midrange, had great frequency response, good power handling and we're a solid speaker. Plus closed cabinet so great even in smaller places. But they had a tendency to be a bit muddy in the deeper bass. Such a joy though.
Wanted to hear something different though, so bought some Celestion SL12si speakers - 3 way and closed cabinet again - not too dear so it was an experiment really! But they've really impressed me - so much oomph - they're much tighter in the bass, a midrange and high frequency to die for, superb detail, centre imaging that is just stunning. They don't mind getting pushed either - I've not yet found them fatigued in the slightest. AND they're sleek and really beautiful speakers. (Heybrooks were black boxes essentially!). I guess I go vintage because all my gear is vintage, but I largely think my decision is made on my room (so ported doesn't really work for me), obviously, the midrange has to be killer, I like detail, but not outright neutrality, I like bass but don't have the luxury of a space where deep deep bass would work for me, they've got to be an all rounder too - I listen to everything!
Thanks for sharing your system and story! All the way from the UK!
I have the HPM-1500 (designed so they can come apart for easier shipping) sold in Navy Exchange catalog, this is like the HPM-150 but the cabinets have Walnut Veneer not vinyl, I still have mine from 1977, the Surrounds had be redone once but they still sound great. I also have the HPM60's that I use for my tv surround, & HPM40s for my garage (both of these have the Vinyl cabinets) .
My dad brought a pair of HPM 100’s and a sx1980 back from Korea along with other equipment. I blasted everything from those. I still have the speakers, but no clue where the receiver went. Need to go looking. My pair are used with a 1965 HH Scott Stereomaster 345 tube amp. They sound incredible.
My set up back in the day. Pioneer HPM 100, HK 730 twin power receiver and a rega planar turntable with Orion styles. Life is good.
Owned a pair for over 20 years. Wish I still had them. They could could do any type of music; Jazz, Rock, Classical. Bass response was awesome.
I've been using Pioneer CSG-301W 12" 3-way speakers for probably 40 years now, and I love their clarity; I can hear distinction even between 2 guitars and 2 voices from the same person singing the same note at the same time. They are not heavy duty, but living in a condo unit, I don't turn them up really loud. I'm on my 4th receiver, a Sony 100 watt/channel. The other receivers died, but the speakers still sound good. Someday I may get subwoofers, but for the most part they sound good with my music at levels that don't get visits from the Police. When I got them, I was expecting to get smaller speakers, but these, even at only $80 each back then, were far clearer and crisper than anything else anywhere near their price. Recordings of birds and crickets sound to me like I m outside hearing the real thing. These are showing signs of external wear, but they still work fine. I use "milk carton" type stands. as they lift the tweeter and miss to the right height. and they're easy to adjust and move. They slao don't transfer bass to the floor. Yet are still very clear and clean, but I'd like a subwoofer. When I toe these in and listen to a BluRay Concert with my tVs back-mounted woofers and tweeters, give a really good image of sound stage. My current Pioneer woofers start rolling of at about 55 Hz. I tested my ears, and my hearing goes up to a little over 15k (Amazing cwhen I think of the values I
ve put my ears through).
When I was in Germany, I bought the HPM 900's. A Pioneer rep at the PX in 1982 said my dog would appreciate the super-tweeter because it acts as sort of a higher frequency filter in order to eliminate distortion in the tweeter. My dogs have never been bothered by my music ( or maybe they were just deaf ). I still have those ,refoamed, and 3 sets of HPM 100's. I will part with them only in death.
I purchased my pair HPM 900's in 1982. Exceptional sound and quality to go with my Realistic STA-2080, also purchased in 1982. I also added an ADC Sound-Shaper Ten EQ. In 1993, I turned up the volume a little too high on the stereo and blew out the Styrofoam on the woofers on both speakers. I replaced the woofers with two Cerwin Vega's direct from the L.A. manufacturer. Unfortunately, the speakers did not line up with the mounting screws. However, they were heavy enough to sit in the hole without moving.
I bought a basic stereo in my early years in the USAF. They were like hot-rods, everyone trying to best the next guy. My system was a pair of HPM-100s, an SX-750 receiver and a PL-530 turntable. My only regret is not getting a larger model receiver such as the SX-1050. I think I purchased all this in 1977 and the speakers were about $330 if memory serves. No internet back then, but we would surf through all the audio magazines and try to find the best buy from mail order companies. Still have all these components BTW plus others from a few years later, to include an Akai GX-636 10.5" reel-to-reel tape deck.
To my ears at the time (back in the early 80's) I loved the Dalquist. I sold stereos and we had a big 'high end" room with lots of various brands. I kept coming back to the big, funny looking Dalquist. Never heard them compared to the Pioneer HPM-100's but a lot of others, even the full sized Klipsch corner speakers.
I had to look this up locally, and found a few sets locally for sale. Not bad priced for what they are. Great video. The crowd that would watch this Im sure would laugh, but the best set of speakers I have currently is a old set of Cerwin Vega VS-80s with a Technics SA-919 reciever. I set them on stands and at low to mid volume I cant believe how good these two way speakers sound. The foam surrounds are crusty, and I do have replacements for them, but dont want to disturb the sound coming out of them by refoaming! I'll have to do it at some point. In my shop I have a set of Cerwin Vega AT-15's (front) and VF-12Fs (rear). As a kid growing up I was amazed at the size and presentation of the Cerwin Vega AT-15s, my childhood dream, and I finally years later got a set.
I bought 4 Pioneer HPM-900’s overseas back in 1980 and brought them home. Loved them dearly, but sadly they were stored and neglected for many years. Brought them out of storage and the woofers surrounds were all disintegrated and cones torn. I’m not sure they could have been rebuilt, so I gave away the cabinets and components. I finally ended up getting my Sansui G-8700DB cleaned and tuned. I ended up finding some mint Sansui SP-5500 speakers and now have a set up I am totally happy with. I think I have a better set up the the Sansui speakers.
Oh man Fish! The 8700 and 5500 must sound great, familiar with both!
Hey! So did I !
I bought a pair of HPM-900s and HPM-1000s! (maybe HPM-1100?)
I bought them when I was stationed in Keflavik, Iceland at the Navy Exchange back in 1981
I remember going into a huge audio store back in the 70's which was named University Stereo, and they had all of the latest equipment imaginable, including Pioneer !, I remember a salesman telling me that their name took the first letters of all the brands of audio equipment that they sold to make up the name University!!! Please reply back if you can recall all the audio equipment names using their store name University!! Thanks for sharing this video!! Great memories!!
I'm more curious of which brands spell out UNIVERSITY
I have a set, can not remember when and how I bought them. Wonderful sound, beautiful cabinet. I power it with a HK discreet amp.
Bought new and still have them although I'm sporting new-fangled Klipsch speakers at the moment. HPM-100s played well with my old Yamaha in class A, a Technics SA-5760, and a pair of mono blocked NAD 2200s. Oof.
Thanks for sharing!
I had a pair of these as a teenager. My first job was selling hifi and I replaced these quickly with a set of Polk RTAs. Interesting to hear the history
The first edition HPM-100 were my prime driver when I finally reached my audio goal in 1978. I had various receivers before I sold them off to afford my phase linear system. While the phase linear really over-drove my HPMs, I was careful not to overload them. I had those speakers for 30 years before they finally stopped working. I had owned jbl and bose speaker systems before I finally was happy with my HPMs. I considered them the very best speaker on the market for that time period.
I lived on the third floor of a walk-up apartment back then, getting those speakers up the stairs is a nightmare I still have from time to time.