Pioneer CT-A1

preliminary

Among the top tape recorders in cassette format, the CT-A1 is, unfortunately... rare.

Closed-loop dual capstans, three S&F heads, Pioneer's staple Auto BLE system, high-torque coreless motors, PNP/NPN transistors for the audio stages, a 25dB higher than standard dynamic margin and more - the CT-A1 was a peak.

Auto BLE works with recording a 1Khz tone in sixty-four steps of bias variations, recording a 1Khz tone in sixty-four steps of level variations and recording a 1Khz tone in sixty-four steps of eq variations - then averaging.

At 18kg, the CT-A1 also was a load.
Most of these features would be carried onto the top deck of the "Communication" series (CT-9R) with large reductions in size, weight and... lavish-ness.

Produced as well but very briefly and outside Japan under the Phase Linear brand (Model 7000 Series Two) which Pioneer had briefly acquired at some point before selling it back to Jensen.

The Model 7000 is an exact replica of the CT-A1 but for the color scheme which is gold, bronze and clear.
In one word : shiny and a bit more inviting than the somewhat closed egg the black CT-A1 is.



These images come from the magnificent 8-page japanese may 1979 catalog ; many more from it soon (for Knobbers) !
Also soon online will be the Phase Linear version.