Pioneer CT-F850 vs. Marantz MCD 910

[steagl3]

Hello AK, first post here! I apologize if this is not the correct forum for this - I debated putting this in Dollars & Sense, but I figured it's so specific to cassette technology, that it would be better suited for those of you who have experience in this area.

I currently have a Technics M33 that gets the job done (very occasional listening of cassettes on a very modest audiophile system), but I'm looking to upgrade to a 3-head deck with a bit more polish. I found both a CT-F850 and MCD 910 through local sellers in my area and both are beautiful machines, in great cosmetic shape (and I've been promised they are mechanically, as well.) Does anyone here have any firsthand experience with either of these decks (ideally both!) or any input in general about what I assume is this sort of mid-range segment? At first glance, the Pioneer seems more advanced with its transport controls and dual capstan system, but I know that doesn't mean it automatically sounds better. Truth be told I like the aesthetic of the Marantz better but if it came down to it, I'd choose audio quality over looks between these two. And that's why I'm here.

Appreciate any input into what is already turning into a maddeningly hard decision for me. Thanks, and looking forward to sharing audio stories with you guys in the future! I've got a lot...

 

[BOUXY]

No problem posting here except maybe it's a Forum called "introductions" where you usually introduce yourself a bit so we can get to know you better and where you can tell us more about your System

 

[steagl3]

woops well i took the time to put most of that background info into my profile, but forgot to jump in the Introductions forum... sorry been a hectic day.

So as it relates to playing back tape, this is a super modest setup in a very tight space, which is why everything is micro sized:
Nobsound HJ1 tube preamp
Topping TP22 amp
Teac TN-300 w/ Nagaoka cart
Technics M33
Onkyo C-7030
Audioengine P4N's
Definitive ProSub 1000

Again nothing fancy here. Just want to have a nicer tape deck

 

[oldvinyldude]

Welcome to AK!

I can't responsibly comment on these two units, as I own neither. I can say, however, that given 2 decks within a similar performance potential, always choose the one that is in better mechanical condition-belts, idlers, pinch rollers. Cosmetic condition-well I have rarely seen one that looks 'worn' on the outside-it's what's inside that matters (although a pristine deck certainly looks nice). Remember that "great mechanical shape" statement can mean different things to different people.

There are many threads here that will help you. Hope you can test the deck before purchase. If it plays and records well, and transport is strong, either will give good service.

If you would need someone to work on the deck you choose, or if you choose to do the work yourself, you might want to consider how easy it is to service (each) for the above wear items. Generally, belts are easy to find, idlers, less so, and pinch rollers, are difficult. There is someone who rebuilds pinch rollers-highly recommended-Google Terry's rubber rollers. (no affiliation)

 

[steagl3]

Thanks for the reply! Definitely, as I mentioned in my first post I will choose the quality/condition over the cosmetic so we're on the same page there.

The guy with the Pioneer told me he's the original owner, bought it in '79 and has never serviced it. Makes me a little leery - even if he barely ever used it, belts and other components can degrade with time. Still waiting to get a more detailed background from the Marantz owner.

Still looking forward to feedback from anyone that owns or has owned either of these units before!

 

[visman]

If you are mechanically inclined at all you can change belts and rollers and clean and lubricate. You may find a deck where someone has already done this work but it’s not impossible to do. There are plenty of folks here to help you along the way.

My cassette deck is a Pioneer CT-F1000 which is excellent. I did change all belts and rollers when I got it about 10 years ago. It’s been bullet proof ever since.

Technics made some great stuff but I am not familiar with that deck.

Welcome to AK!

 

[Taketheflame]

Belts/rubber parts aren't really a big deal - you can get ahold of kits for most tape deck models fairly easily, and they aren't too terrible to change yourself if you have some basic mechanical aptitude.

The MCD-910 is actually a 2-head machine (you mentioned wanting a 3-head) but it's also a dual-speed model, which is a cool, uncommon feature on cassette decks. The faster speed mode will allow you to achieve increased performance (better audio quality) with any type of tape, albeit at the expense of less play time per side of tape, as well as increased headwear - which is something you may want to consider if the machine has a lot of hours on it, or if you think you will want to use the machine a lot yourself. But no doubt that the Marantz is a classy-looking machine w/the analog VU meters.

The CT-F-850 is the little sibling of the more well known CT-F-950 and CT-F-1250 models. While not quite the beast that those two models are, it's still a solid performer with many of the same features as it's bigger brothers. A nice machine overall. As a plus, vintage Pioneer cassette decks are fairly popular (many sold back in the day), with lots of units still in circulation. This can make it easier to get a hold of certain harder to find parts if they're needed.

I'd go with whichever machine is in better condition/working order, and can get the best deal on. The Marantz is a cool, less common model. The Pioneer is a good, all around workhorse.

 

[Tiver]

I have a CTF-850 that I bought about 12 or so years ago for little money. It needed some refreshing and I don't recall it providing any big challenges and did not have any electronic issues.

I like it for the metal tape capability, the transports and and the solenoid controls. The flouroscan meters are not my preference as I prefer needles, but they have their place.

I did not record anything with the deck. I had/have many tapes made by me on another machine and the playback on the Pioneer was not disappointing at all.

I am not familiar with the Marantz, but my inclination would be toward the Pioneer so long as it's fully functional.

 

[steagl3]

Thanks everyone for the feedback! Unfortunately the owner of the Marantz MCD-910 pulled his listing and said he couldn't sell it anymore (I wonder why...) and the owner of the Pioneer CT-F850 said no service has been done since he bought it 30 years ago, which made me feel like I'd have to be doing my own maintenance very soon, pushing the overall cost up considerably.

I ended up purchasing an Onkyo TA-2060 today that was 1/3 the price of both the other units, I tested it in person with a variety of tapes, and every function was flawless. While it too will likely need some amount of work in the future, it absolutely works perfectly right now (even the old VU meter bulbs) and my tapes sounded great. A 3-head machine with advanced transport controls and VU meters - score! It's basically everything I wanted in a "new" deck and I saved a bundle too.

Will post some thoughts (likely in a new thread) when I've had enough time to put this Onkyo through its paces. Thanks again to all who gave some insight into this convo.