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Friday, February 27, 2015

Pioneer HPM-60 Speakers first generation

I picked up these first generation Pioneer HPM-60 about a month ago and finally got around to sourcing the proper surrounds of Ebay and re foaming the one woofer. The other woofer already had been done.


This pair was in better condition than the second generation HPM-60's that I had earlier.

The build quality of these speakers seems to be better with superior bracing on the inside and a cross over that uses polyester film caps than the second generation HPM-60's. The second gen used electrolytic capacitors.


I added more filling to the internals of the speakers as there was sparse material there to start.



For some reason the fake vinyl veneer seems to peel off this generation of HPM's as I have seen other images of the speakers in the same beige colour. Otherwise these speakers are in pretty mint shape and still have their spec sheets attached to the rear of the speaker.


So how do they sound?

Typical HPM rock sound with tight deep bass, very smooth lower to mid mid range and a sound that puts you in front and center in a concert, a rock concert.

These speakers were designed to to compete against the likes of JBL and Altec Lansing in the mid 70's

How do I like them compared to the second generation HPM's? Aesthetically, I think they look way better than the 2nd gen's. The sound is the same, this pair is starting to grow on me.

2 comments:

  1. Cool review!
    Great to hear Pioneer HPM early and late series sound the same, myth debunked

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  2. I own both sets since 1978 -1979the only difference is your rite early cabinets are heavy duty and crossovers.
    overs then hpm 60 cabinets made lighter speakers all same sound comes from boxes and crossovers and good speakers want test put on doors I love good powerful speaker there great if get the you love set back listen to hope that helped I love hpm 60 early didn't have spend a lot keep them sounding good thanks for listening

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