Pioneer CT-656 Mark II Stereo Cassette Deck

The Pioneer CT-656 Mark II is a stereo cassette deck with Dolby B/C and HX-Pro noise reduction, it was introduced by Pioneer in 1989 and discontinued a year later.

The main features of the Pioneer CT-656 Mark II are:, electronic tape counter with 4 digits, tape type selection with support for normal, chrome and metal tapes.

Typical front loading cassette deck with the cassette compartiment located on the left side of the deck. Tape eject is operated mechanically and the cassette needs to be placed with the side to be played facing forward in the cassette well.

Level meters used on the CT-656 Mark II are generic digital peak reading meters with peak hold for easy adjustment of optimum recording level. Full-logic transport controls used on the CT-656 Mark II let it respond to the slightest finger contact for fast and effortless transport function selection.

Dolby C-type used in the CT-656 Mark II provides 20 dB of noise reduction above about 1,000 Hz, fully doubling the amount given by B-type. The Dolby HX PRO system provides precise bias control during recording to reduce distortion and improve linearity in the high-frequency range, the result is recorded sound that is highly faithful to the original. To further maintain recording accuracy, the CT-656 Mark II incorporates a switchable multiplex filter. When you record FM stereo broadcasts, the MPX filter of the CT-656 Mark II can be swiched on to prevent the standard 19kHz FM pilot signal from interfering with the noise reduction system.

For undisturbed listening a jack connector for a pair of stereo headphones is supplied. Connection to other audio components for plaback can be achieved by a RCA cable and recording from a source by a RCA cable.