Pioneer PD-717 (1985)
The PD-717 was Pioneer's single-play compact disc player for 1985.
The measured numbers back that up. Stereo Review's lab work found frequency response of 5 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.4 dB, signal-to-noise ratio of 103 dB, dynamic range of 94 dB, channel separation of 92 dB, and total harmonic distortion of just 0.0036% at 1 kHz, 0 dB. Wow and flutter was unmeasurable. Output level at 0 dB was 2.01 volts through the fixed jacks, and the review notes the unit also had variable outputs. Inside, it used a three-beam laser pickup and a 16-bit linear D/A conversion system. The US list price was $649.00.
The record gets thinner after that. The unit is full-width with a tray-loading mechanism and a black chassis. hifiengine lists a 4-times oversampling digital filter, though the exact configuration is unclear. Power consumption is rated at 16 watts. Stereo Review gives the dimensions as 16-1/2 inches wide × 3-1/2 inches high × 11-1/8 inches deep, with weight at 8 pounds. hifiengine's metric figures (420 × 89 × 282 mm, 3.6 kg) are close, though they don't convert perfectly. In Germany, hifi-wiki puts the price at roughly 650 DM and suggests production ran from 1985 to 1987, but the exact end date isn't in the available record. No DAC chip number, remote control details, or service documentation have turned up in the sources reviewed.
Known specs at a glance:
- Frequency response: 5 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.4 dB
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 103 dB
- Dynamic range: 94 dB
- Total harmonic distortion: 0.0036% (1 kHz, 0 dB)
- Three-beam laser pickup, 16-bit linear D/A conversion
- Fixed and variable outputs
- List price: $649.00 (US)
Similar items on eBay
No exact Pioneer PD-717 listings are live right now — these searches show current Pioneer and similar vintage audio gear on eBay:
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.