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FYI #1: The CT-Fxx50

Dr. Strangelove

Dr. Strangelove

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Pioneer - "For Your Information"

Part of the Dr. Strangelove "For Your Information" series, here is "FYI #1:

FYI #1: The CT-Fxx50

Introduced in 1979, the Pioneer CT-F650, F750, F850, F950, and F1250 were the first Pioneer cassette decks that were "metal tape" capable, and were so designated by having the "Fxx50" in their model number.

Doc
 
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Dr. Strangelove said:
The SG-9 and SG-9800 are the same unit, only different in color.

Doc
Click to expand...

When I got my SG-9 I asked this question here and not one person responded to my inquery. Thanks for clearing this issue up for me.

I would like to add Doc that there was another floroscan tape deck that was before the CT-F650. I believe it was the CT-F500 IIRC. I had this unit for quite awhile before the heads went on it. It had the setting for metal tape.
I still have it in the basement at my mom and dads. I will check the model number to make sure.
 
Posts: 600

CT-F500 and CT-F506 are the same, but the frontplate from CT-F506 is wider, to fit to the "normal" Pioneer units.
CT-F500 was available with white or black VU-Meters. CT-F506 just with black. CT-F500 with black VU-Meters was called CT-505

CT-F1000, CT-F700, CT-F900, CT-F950, CT-F1250 had the same hight, so you could use JAR-102 for 19" rack mounting.

CT-F stands for Frontloading.
 
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Dr. Strangelove said:
hmmm... I had a CT-F500 for a number of years and did not a metal setting. When you check, let me know.

Thanks,
Doc
Click to expand...

Geez, now you got me second guessing myself. :scratch2: I am gonna stop at my parents tonight after work and make sure. You could be right.
But damn, I have all these metal tapes at home that I was sure I made on the 500. My memory is really starting to fade. I'll update this tonight.

I just looked over Siamac's post again. Is it possible that I have the wrong model number? According to him the CT-F500 had VU meters. The one I have is a floroscan model. Maybe the CT-F550??

Time to google.........
 
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Sorry, but they all have VU-Meters. Maybe you mean CT-F600?

CT-F500 yellow :

CTF500.jpg


CT-F500 black :

f2_1_b.JPG


CT-F550 :

4c_1.JPG
 
Doc you were right. siamac you were also right. The deck that I have is the CT-F600 and it does not have the metal switch.

I will never question either of you again...lol, I know when I am beat.

I :ntwrthy: to the :king:
 
WELL now boys I have right here in front of me a CT-F500 yellow meters and Std., FeCr, & CrO2 tape settings it does have Dolby but I don't see no Metal setting.

On a side note I just picked up a second Radio Shack STA-21 Cassette deck off ebay for a wopping .99 cents (buyer didn't seam to happy but is going through with the sale so far) I bought it mostly for the manual and as parts (although he says it works great) as mine has had most of the lettering rubbed off and the play key broken. So it my end up the parts unit to the new one.

OH OH OK It has Metal so you can buy a metal tape recorder for a Buck +$15.00 shipping LOL
 
FYI #3: F-28 and F-007

If you are building a Series-20 system, the F-28 and F-007, except for the differences in FM band range and voltage, are the same unit.

Doc
 
Here's a fun fact:

Pioneer spelled backwards is Reenoip!

:)


Nice to know about the CT-F bit. True, the F stands for Front Load. I checked the older top load models and they just have CT, as in CT-4141. I'd guess C stands for cassette, T for tape? Any insight as to what SX or PL stand for? SA, I'm guessing, is Stereo Amp.
 
Sansui Louie said:
Here's a fun fact:

Pioneer spelled backwards is Reenoip!

:)


Nice to know about the CT-F bit. True, the F stands for Front Load. I checked the older top load models and they just have CT, as in CT-4141. I'd guess C stands for cassette, T for tape? Any insight as to what SX or PL stand for? SA, I'm guessing, is Stereo Amp.
Click to expand...

An anagram of Pioneer is "I, Opener".

Pioneer, in addition to the Year/Month convention on serial numbers, also employed a somewhat significant model prefix convention. For example:

A - Amplifier, Integrated
SA - Amplifier, Integrated
CT - Cassette Deck
CT-F - Cassette Deck, Front loading
C - Preamplifier
D - Electronic Crossover
F - Tuner
MA - Mixing amplifier
PL - Turntable
CS - Speaker system
SX - Stereo Receiver
RT - Reel to Reel Deck

and so on.

In the Pioneer Spec Bible, there are about 300 different combinations of prefix letters assigned to various Pioneer components, families, and sub-families.

Doc
 
TX was also used for tuners, so I always thought that SX was a blend of SA and TX.

I'm guessing that the F in my PD-F970 CD changer also signifies that it is a frontloader.

Here's my question: I have both a DT-500 and DT-510 (DT for digital timer) and cannot see any difference in them. Are they the same thing with different model numbers, or am I missing something?
 
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Dr. Strangelove said:
If you are building a Series-20 system, the F-28 and F-007, except for the differences in FM band range and voltage, are the same unit.

Doc
Click to expand...
Most of the Pionner 100Volt versions had their own name.
My 100Volt Version of SD-1000 is named SD-100.
A-27 Amp is called A-0012 ..

but my 100Volt M-25 Power Amp is called M-25 ?? :scratch2:
 
foetusized said:
TX was also used for tuners, so I always thought that SX was a blend of SA and TX.

I'm guessing that the F in my PD-F970 CD changer also signifies that it is a frontloader.

Here's my question: I have both a DT-500 and DT-510 (DT for digital timer) and cannot see any difference in them. Are they the same thing with different model numbers, or am I missing something?
Click to expand...


Hey Foe,

Remove the knob on the right side of each one. Feel the difference?

Doc
 
Never noticed that the knobs (and the faceplate behind) were different. Thanks for the tip.
 
FYI #5: The SE-205 Headphones

Pioneer’s most popular, and longest running, headphones were the SE-205 (1973 to 1989 (and perhaps later)).

Doc
 
FYI #6: Reused Model Numbers

Pioneer reused model numbers. Keep this in mind when purchasing components. For example, PL-600, and SA-9800 (just picking two at random).

In the case of the SA-9800, marketed in Japan from 1976 to 1978, is the same as the SA-9500 that was marketed in the USA. The SA-9800 available to the US market in 1979 to 1981 is a different unit.

Doc
 
FYI #7: The 'best' tuners/receivers

Pioneer’s best tuners, in terms of Image Rejection or Image Response Ratio, are the F-26, F-28, SX-1980, TX-9500 II, and the TX-9800, selected from tuners and receivers that were available from 1970 to 1985.

Doc
 
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