Pioneer CT 93A (1990–1993)
A 3-head cassette deck with Dolby S, built for reference-grade tape performance.
Overview
The Pioneer CT 93A is a top-tier stereo cassette deck, produced from 1990 to 1993. It's widely regarded as one of the finest consumer models of its era. It's a revised and upgraded CT-91, and it shares the Reference Master Mechanism and motor configuration of the legendary CT-A9. Pioneer sold it in the elite Urushi series and designed it to compete with the world's best cassette decks. It has advanced noise reduction, ultra-low wow and flutter, and a rigid, resonance-resistant build.
Specifications
| Track type | 4 channel / 2 track stereophonic |
| Recording head | 1x Laser Amorphous |
| Playback head | 1x Laser Amorphous |
| Erasing head | 1x double-gap ferrite + sendust guard |
| Motors | 1x BSL DC servo (capstan), 1x DC (reels), 1x DC (loading) |
| FF/REW time | 75s. |
| Wow & flutter | 0.022% (WRMS) |
| Rec Response | 15 Hz - 23 kHz (Metal), 15 Hz - 21 kHz (CrO2), 15 Hz - 21 kHz (Normal) |
| S/N ratio | 61 dB (Dolby off) |
| THD | < 0.6% (0 dB) |
| Inputs | 2x line (60 mV / 47 kOhm) |
| Outputs | 2x line (316 mV / 1.8 kOhm), 1x headphone (2.3mW / 8 Ohm) |
| Power consumption | 27W |
| Dimensions | 45.7 x 13.6 x 37 cm |
| Weight | 10.8 kg |
Design
The CT 93A has a cast-iron transformer, a honeycomb copper-plated chassis and honeycomb feet for rigidity and vibration damping. The wiring is single-crystal oxygen-free copper. A three-piece honeycomb cassette stabilizer keeps the tape steady. Pioneer upgraded the electronics from the CT-91 to include Super Auto BLE and Dolby S noise reduction. The erase head is improved too, with a double-gap ferrite plus Sendust guard.
Context
Dolby S was a key feature of the CT 93A. When it launched in the early 1990s, only high-end recorders had it, and it put the deck at the top of Pioneer's lineup. The CT 93A belonged to the Urushi series and was considered a flagship model, designed to rival the best cassette decks globally. It followed the CT-A9 and CT-91, and it paired their reference-grade mechanics with enhanced electronics.
Market
The CT 93A had an original retail price of 2,100 DM and was listed at $3,187 new in later references. Refurbished units have sold for around €1,250. Common maintenance includes belt replacement, cleaning the pinch rollers, and replacing capacitors that have failed with age. Speed issues have been reported as a recurring problem.
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