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.

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

Pictures

Cts550s.jpg

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".


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