The CT-400 is a two-head cassette deck built around a single high-torque DC servo motor driving a soft-touch transport mechanism. The record/playback and erase functions are handled by two heads — a single combined record/playback head and a separate erase head — with quick winding completing a C-60 cassette in 90 seconds or less. It is worth noting that, as a two-head deck, off-tape monitoring during recording is not available; the single record/playback head handles both functions, and recording levels are set via the front-panel Fluorscan meter.
The deck supports all major cassette formulations of the period: normal ferric (Type I), chrome (Type II), ferrochrome, and metal (Type IV) tapes, with a dedicated metal bias adjustment to optimise recording performance on metal cassettes. Dolby B noise reduction is fitted to improve signal-to-noise performance during both recording and playback. Frequency response extends to 17kHz with chrome tape and 18kHz with metal tape, with a quoted signal-to-noise ratio of 68dB and wow and flutter measured at 0.05% — respectable figures for a deck of this class and era.
The front panel features Pioneer’s characteristic Fluorscan level meter, displaying a range from -20dB to +8dB to assist with accurate recording level setting. Transport controls are of the soft-touch type, and the deck is not fitted with auto-reverse.
Technical Specifications (Source: HiFi Engine / HiFi Wiki / Audio Database)
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Type: 2-head stereo cassette deck
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Track System: 4-track, 2-channel stereo
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Tape Speed: 4.75 cm/s
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Heads: 1 x record/playback, 1 x erase
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Motor: High-torque DC servo motor
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Wow and Flutter: 0.05%
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Frequency Response: 20Hz – 17kHz (Chrome); 20Hz – 18kHz (Metal)
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Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 68dB
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Noise Reduction: Dolby B
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Tape Types Supported: Normal (Type I), Chrome (Type II), Ferrochrome, Metal (Type IV)
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Quick Winding Time: 90 seconds or less (C-60)
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Meter: Fluorscan (-20dB to +8dB)
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Dimensions (W x H x D): 420 x 98 x 328 mm
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Weight: 6.6 kg
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Year of Production: 1980 – 1981
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Country of Origin: Japan
Why Buy From Us
With over 40 years of experience in the Hi-Fi industry, we are well placed to assess and test equipment of this type. Every item we list is fully inspected and tested before sale — this unit was checked by Andrew in our workshop.
When you buy from us you can expect:
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Full inspection and testing prior to listing — not simply a visual check
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A 3-month guarantee on every item we sell
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Transparent descriptions with no omissions
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Professional packaging to ensure safe delivery
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After-sales support available by phone or email should you have any questions
Summary
The Pioneer CT-400 is a capable and well-regarded cassette deck from the early 1980s, offering metal tape compatibility, Dolby B noise reduction, and a smooth, reliable transport in a classic silver Pioneer chassis. This example is in great condition and represents a solid choice for anyone building a period-appropriate system or returning to analogue tape. This is a single-unit listing. Please feel free to get in touch with any questions prior to purchase.
