CT-W504R

[KatCassidy]

Features:
Dual auto reverse cassette deck (PB only on left deck)
Dolby B and C
Manual record level
Auto tape selector
High speed dubbing

Does it work?
Yes and in my opinion it works well. Playback and record are both fine. However, playback is slightly muffled on the left deck if playing reverse

QUESTION: Does anybody know if this can record Metal (Type IV) cassettes? I assume it can but I don't know how to find out for sure as it has an automatic type selector.

[Scorpion8]

Normally on machines with automatic tape-type selector the display window will show a "I", "II", or "IV" or something to discern which type of tape has been loaded. I'll check the one I have at home and see if it does anything like that. Have you checked the display on yours by popping a few different tape types into the REC well? I say "normally" because of course, not ever machine does. My Aiwa AD-R40 single well deck doesn't have any tape type display but is also an an auto-select. One of the main reasons I never liked that feature on any machine.

[KatCassidy]

Nope, no such display is present. I tried all three (not type III) types of tape just then to check for an indicator as well. Further research seems to be required. More soon.....

[Scorpion8]

Machines at the point of age of this Pioneer were getting to the point that they were simplifying things because the average consumer didn't know the difference, or need to know the difference between a Type-anything cassette, so they didn't bother displaying that information. I hate machines with auto-type selection, since it precludes you making your own adjustments such as playing back an old-Type-II as a Type-I to get better high frequency response. Gimme all-manual controls any day.

[faustus]

Kat, it's a mid-90's deck, so I would wager that it will support Types I, II, and IV. Of course, the proof's in the pudding -- give it a try w/ a Type IV.

The muffled playback you mention is possibly due to a partially dirty or slightly misaligned head.

[KatCassidy]

I've found and downloaded the User Manual for this model and it does take type IV tapes. Something I found interesting came to light:

The DOLBY HX PRO system controls the bias current during recording and maintains it at the optimal level based on the amount of the high-frequency components in the music signal. It therefore provides excellent recording quality even when recording signals from digital sources, which contain a large amount of high-frequency components. To guarantee optimal results the HX PRO system is activated automatically when recording begins. Since this system controls the quality of recording itself, the clarity of the sound will be maintained even when the tapes are played back on another cassette deck which does not contain the HX PRO Headroom Extension System.

Thanks to Jesse for dictating that to me as I typed it out manually!
So, HX PRO is always activated automatically. Is this a bad thing? It can't be, really, as (so far) every tape I've recorded has come out sounding good, if not great. Also, is there a thread about HX PRO?

Dolby B and C are switchable to either B, off, C

[graffias79]

HX Pro is definitely a good thing. It doesn't change the sound per-se it just changes the dynamic range capabilities of the cassette.

Three decks I have support this without manual override: Onkyo TA-R410, Onkyo TA-2600 and Pioneer CT-S607R.

[Nakdoc]

HX pro for dummies:
HX pro monitors audio treble during record. (record EQ boosts treble a significant amount). As the treble increases, record bias is decreased, so the sum of audio treble and record bias is constant.

HTH
tom

[Marc Hugo]

Kat, the CT-W504R is a good dual deck - it is a bit automated as Scorpion says, but otherwise it should give you steady sounding tapes that are animated sounding and lively, if a little bass-light. It will take metals, no worries, but modern Pioneer's forte is making silk purses out of type 1s. See what you think and give us a "fidelity" report. Treat it well and it will go the distance. With that slightly muffled sound you mention, very thoroughly and carefully clean the rubber pinch rollers in both wells. When they get a bit used and shiny, they lose traction against the capstan shafts. The first sign of this is a loss of resolution, instantly noticable in the HF.

Good luck,

MH

[Warped Bezel]

Kat: Having one that Scorpion8 sent recently, late as it is, I think you have an azimuth/alignment error in reverse.

I find it to be a glorious little beastie.