Pioneer CT-F650 Stereo Cassette Deck Metal Tape Made in Japan

Pioneer CT-F650 Stereo Cassette Deck Metal Tape Made in Japan

A clean, capable, and well-specified front-loading cassette deck from Pioneer’s respected CT-F series, the CT-F650 offers metal tape compatibility, Dolby B noise reduction, and Pioneer’s PMS track search system in a solid, attractive silver chassis — made in Japan, level one serviced with new belts, in very good condition.

The Pioneer CT-F650 sits in the middle of Pioneer’s late-1970s CT-F lineup and represents an excellent combination of features and build quality for its era. Full compatibility with all four tape formulations — Type I (normal), CrO2 (chrome), FeCr (ferro-chrome), and Metal — means it handles the full range of vintage and new-old-stock cassettes with appropriate bias and equalization settings for each, extracting the best possible performance from any tape you put in it. The 0.05% wow and flutter rating is excellent for its class, ensuring pitch-stable, smooth playback that holds up well to critical listening. Dolby B noise reduction delivers a meaningful 10 dB improvement in high-frequency signal-to-noise ratio, bringing the effective SNR up to 69 dB — respectable performance for analogue tape at any era. The Pioneer Music Select System (PMS) provides convenient automatic track search, allowing you to skip forward or backward through recorded tracks without manual fast-forward and rewind.

The front-loading cassette well positions the tape horizontally on the left side of the faceplate, giving the CT-F650 its distinctive asymmetric layout with transport controls and level meters arranged on the right. Two-colour peak-reading meters provide clear, intuitive recording and playback level monitoring. The solid, all-metal chassis construction and DC servo-controlled capstan motor reflect Pioneer’s commitment to build quality in this era, contributing directly to the deck’s stable transport and consistent tape handling.

This example has undergone our Level One service and testing which should ensure many more years of reliable performance ahead. New drive belts have been installed, and all transport functions — play, record, fast-forward, rewind, and pause — have been verified operating correctly. The deck is performing exactly as it should and is ready for immediate use.

Key Specifications

Type: 2-head, single compact cassette deck

Track system: 4-track, 2-channel stereo

Tape speed: 4.75 cm/s

Heads: 1 × record/playback, 1 × erase

Motor: 1 × DC servo

Tape compatibility: Type I, CrO2, FeCr, Metal

Noise reduction: Dolby B

Frequency response: 25 – 14,000 Hz (Type I); 25 – 16,000 Hz (CrO2/FeCr); 25 – 17,000 Hz (Metal)

Signal-to-noise ratio: 59 dB (Dolby off); 69 dB (Dolby B on)

Wow and flutter: 0.05% WRMS

THD: 1.3% (0 dB)

Special features: Pioneer Music Select System (PMS) auto track search, two-colour peak level meters, manual/auto tape type selection

Service: Level One serviced, new drive belts installed, all transport functions verified

Years of manufacture: 1979 – 1981

Country of manufacture: Japan

Finish: Silver

Condition: Very good cosmetic condition, fully tested and working

Dimensions: (Width x Height x Depth) 420 x 150 x 335 mm (16.5 x 5.9 x 13.2 inches)

Weight: 7.1 kg (15.6 lbs)

Made in Japan, this Pioneer CT-F650 is a solid, well-specified cassette deck from one of the golden era’s most respected manufacturers — metal tape capable, Dolby B equipped, freshly serviced with new belts, and built to a standard that makes it a pleasure to use for both playback of vintage tape collections and recording on quality cassette stock.

Backed by Radique Audio’s 90-day warranty and our perpetual trade-back policy, you can purchase with confidence; asking $595.