PIONEER CT-939 (1988) | The Reference Master Cassette Deck

What if you inserted a conventional compact cassette, pressed Play, and suddenly wondered if you were listening to digital audio? The answer is the Pioneer CT-939, a three-head flagship cassette deck engineered around extremely stable tape transport, short signal paths, low vibration, and precision recording and playback circuitry.

Pioneer CT-939 Main Specifications

Type: 4-Super/2-Channel Recording and Playback Stereo Cassette Deck

Head configuration: Three-head design

“Laser Amorphous” playback head × 1

Hard Permalloy recording head × 1 (combined)

Dual-Gap Ferrite erase head × 1

Motors:

DC servo motor for capstan drive × 1

DC motor for reel drive × 1

DC auxiliary motor × 1

Wow and flutter: 0.024% WRMS; ±0.06% DIN

Rewind time: 80 seconds with C-60 tape

Frequency response:

Normal tape: 20–21,000 Hz (-20 dB)

Chrome tape: 20–21,000 Hz (-20 dB)

Metal tape: 20–22,000 Hz (-20 dB)

Signal-to-noise ratio: 60 dB, Dolby off

Distortion: 0.6% at 0 dB

Inputs: MIC, 67 mV / 50 kΩ; LINE

Power supply: 220 V or 240 V, 50–60 Hz

Dimensions: 420 × 133.5 × 372 mm

Weight: 9.6 kg

The Pioneer CT-939 “Reference Master” Technology. The tape transport is at the heart of the CT-939. Pioneer designed the mechanism around a dual-capstan drive intended to optimize tape contact with the playback head. Two differently sized capstans, together with the guide rollers, help reduce resonances generated by moving parts. The enclosed tape path further contributes to the highly stable transport associated with the “Reference Master” drive. Precision playback starts at the head. The CT-939 uses a precision-machined amorphous playback head, while the three-head configuration separates the recording, playback, and erase functions. A cassette stabilizer holds the cassette securely in position while helping damp vibrations that could affect sound purity. Short Signal Paths. Pioneer also concentrated heavily on the signal circuitry. Signal paths between the input and recording head, and between the playback head and output, were kept extremely short. The recording and playback circuits for the two channels are completely separated to minimize interference and distortion. The playback amplifier uses non-inductive circuitry with direct head connection, designed to reduce magnetic distortion while improving linearity. Vibration Control and Chassis Construction. Mechanical stability extends beyond the tape transport. The CT-939 uses a robust copper-plated chassis, honeycomb-reinforced construction, cassette damping, honeycomb-structured dampers, and a cast-encased transformer. The specially damped transformer is made from solid cast iron and incorporates three separate OFC windings intended to prevent interference. The power supply is a low-impedance, servo-controlled, high-speed design, with separate supplies for the amplifier, control, and display stages. Recording and Noise-Reduction Features. The CT-939 combines its transport and circuit design with extensive recording controls. Dolby HX Pro extends dynamic range in the high frequencies, while Dolby B and C noise reduction provide additional noise reduction. The deck also includes fine adjustment of recording bias current, allowing the bias to be adjusted for the tape being used. An automatic tape-type selection system simplifies operation with different cassette formulations. Pioneer CT-939 User Features. Despite its ambitious engineering, the CT-939 was designed for straightforward operation: Automatic monitor switches from Source to Tape when recording begins, Switchable fluorescent level meter with peak hold, Narrower meter range for increased resolution, One-button recording start, Mute recording with automatic blank-space correction, Electronic tape counter with three display modes, Motorized cassette ejection, Headphone output with level control, Timer capability for recording and playback, MPX filter, Skip function for direct access to the beginning of the 15th track in either tape direction. The CT-939 was a AC220V, 240V model while the CT-800 was the AC120V model. Original sale price in Germany: 1200 DM.

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