Pioneer CT-S 550 S

Data

General

• Manufacturer: Pioneer
• Model: CT-S 550 S
• Type: Single
• Years of manufacture: 1996-2000
• Made in: Japan
• Color: Black and silver
• Remote control: in the system Pioneer SR)
• Power consumption: 22W
• Dimensions: 420 X 125 x 280 mm
• Weight: 4.1 kg
• Original price approx.: 500 DM (black), 550 DM (silver)

Connections

• Number of inputs: 2

RCA

• • Pioneer system jack 3.5 mm
• Number of outputs: 3
  • Cinch
  • Headphones 6.3 mm (not adjustable)
  • CD Synchro 2.5 mm

Technical Data

• Audio heads: 3, recording / playback: hard permalloy

Motors: 3, 2 for the drive, 1 servo (cassette compartment etc.)

• Synchronisation fluctuations: 0.05% (WRMS), 0.14% DIN. 0.11% DIN (measurement in Stereo 8/96, p.23)
• Band types: all commercially available
• Frequency response:
  • Normal: 20 - 19000 Hz

Chrome: 20 - 19000 Hz Metal: 20 - 25000 Hz

• Distortion factor: 0.6% (at -4 dB, 160 nwb/m )
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 59 dB
  • with Dolby B > 10 dB at 5 kHz,
  • with Dolby C > 19 dB at 5 kHz
  • with Dolby S > 22 dB at 5 kHz
• High-frequency dynamics:
  • Chrome - with Dolby C: 74.5 dB, with Dolby S: 78.5 dB,
  • Metal - with Dolby C: 78.5 dB, with Dolby S: 83 dB (for all data see Stereo 8/96, p.23).
• Auto-Reverse: No
• Title search: Yes
• Dolby: B, C, S, HX Pro
• MPX Filter: Yes
• Fader: No
• Pitch control: No
• CD Synchro Recording: Yes

Special Features

• Super Auto BLE XD - improved calibration computer with 4 measuring points - Pioneer's best.
• F.L.E.X.: Treble boost for older, dull bands via button.
• Dolby B / C noise reduction
• Dolby S noise reduction
• Dolby HX Pro

Timer pre-equipment (recording, playback)

• 4-digit electr. counter, linear/ real time,
• Display can be switched off

Meter Range" - spreadable display, which is very helpful for recording

• Title search - up to 15 titles adjustable
• Motorized cassette compartment, for which the 3rd motor has been installed in contrast to the CT-S540 S.

Remote control: via Pioneer SR system (controllable with system remote controls and connecting cable). CD Synchro - easy synchronisation with Pioneer CD players of the 90s.

Remarks

• With the recording monitoring function over headphones (rear band control) the recording is played back with Dolby S with the related Dolby B. The equipment has here 2 Dolby S chips less than the Pioneer CT-S 640 S.

Largely identical to the Pioneer CT-S 640 S, which has 2 Dolby S chips more and cost 150 DM more. With this it also shares the manual from 1996. Pioneer used with the CT-S 550 S and 640 S / 630 S an ALPS drive, which was also used in some models of other manufacturers.

• Other models in the same series:
  • Pioneer CT-S 250
  • Pioneer CT-S 450 S
  • Pioneer CT-S 640 S (built at the same time for another 2 years, almost identical in construction, same BDA),
  • Pioneer CT-S 740 S (still built until 1998)

• Predecessor model: Pioneer CT-S 540 S (one engine less, few changes)
• Successor model: none.

Pictures

Reviews

• Stereo 8/96, very good, 2 stars. "Discoloration-free sound with considerable dynamics - perhaps a touch too harsh. The simple drive with servo flap parries surprisingly promptly, presciently and smoothly." (S.24)

Audio 4/97, good, 70 points, 3 ears, Stereoplay 11/96: good, top class II, price-performance ratio good to very good. Stereoplay had changed its rating for all units twice. In 1997 the unit had 16 points, in 1998 the CT-S550 had 32 points. Stereoplay's verdict: "Top equipped Dolby S recorder with sophisticated calibration computer and natural, neutral reproduction".