PIONEER CT-F1000 (1977) | UNI X'TAL Ferrrite

 

When Pioneer introduced the CT-F1000 (CT-F1000 worldwide) in 1977, it did so with one of the boldest advertising campaigns of the decade — something that would likely be impossible today. The campaign opened with this striking message: “For years, Nakamichi has enjoyed a reputation for building the world's finest cassette deck. Now Pioneer is introducing something Nakamichi won't enjoy at all: the Pioneer CT-F1000 — a cassette deck that offers all the features and performance of Nakamichi's best deck, at less than half the price.” At the time, the Nakamichi 1000II sold for around $1,650, while the Pioneer CT-F1000 retailed for roughly $600 USD (1978). This bold positioning made the CT-F1000 a serious contender in the world of high-end hi-fi cassette decks.

The CT-F1000 was a three-head cassette deck featuring Uni-Crystal record and playback heads, engineered for maximum durability and sound precision. Unlike most decks of its time, it included two separate Dolby noise reduction circuits — one for recording and one for playback. This innovative setup made it possible to monitor Dolby-decoded recordings in real time, a capability not available on decks with only one Dolby circuit. Pioneer equipped the CT-F1000 with a dual-capstan, two-motor transport system — one motor dedicated to fast-forward/rewind and another for capstan drive — ensuring smooth tape handling and excellent speed stability. The playback-only pitch control allowed users to fine-tune playback speed, correcting tapes recorded on machines with inaccurate speed calibration. It also supported Normal, Chrome, and Ferrochrome tape types, providing maximum flexibility for different recording needs. The CT-F1000 was packed with professional-level features that made it a favorite among audiophiles and studio users alike:

Dolby noise reduction calibration with front-panel test tone

Memory Stop / Memory Play functions

Large logarithmic VU meters for accurate level monitoring

Direct logical controls for responsive tape operation

MPX filter for clean FM radio recordings

Mic/Line mixing and timer recording capabilities

Tape-end warning and full auto-stop

The front panel was machined to EIA (Electronic Industries Association) rack-mount standards, making it suitable for professional installations. Optional Pioneer JA-R102 handle adaptors were also available, along with an optional wooden case for a more luxurious finish.

Specifications:

Wow & Flutter: 0.05% (WRMS)

Frequency Response:

Normal: 20 – 17,000 Hz

Chrome: 20 – 19,000 Hz

Ferrichrome: 20 – 19,000 Hz

Dimensions: 420 × 187 × 362 mm

Weight: 11.8 kg

The Pioneer CT-F1000 remains one of the most iconic vintage cassette decks of the 1970s. Combining exceptional engineering, innovative features, and timeless design, it represents the moment when Pioneer boldly challenged the dominance of Nakamichi — and won the hearts of countless audiophiles. “You can buy a Nakamichi 1000II and get an incredibly expensive cassette deck. Or you can buy a CT-F1000 — and get one that’s simply incredible.” — Pioneer Advertisement, 1977

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