For those who appreciate vintage hi-fi, the CT-3000M is more than just a cassette deck — it’s a statement of craftsmanship. You get the tactile pleasure of analog VU meters, the convenience of automatic tape type switching (including Metal), and the nostalgic charm of a physical 3-digit counter. Whether you’re replaying old tapes or making fresh recordings, the deck handles the job with warmth and character. Its build feels reassuringly solid, with a good-weight chassis and the kind of mechanical precision that makes you want to treat it gently. For collectors, audiophiles, or anyone who wants a beautiful analogue link to music’s past, the CT-3000M offers both artistry and utility.
Technical Description
| Specification | Detail |
| Model / Type | Pioneer CT-3000M — Front-loading stereo cassette tape deck |
| Production Date | Circa 1980-1981, made in Japan |
| Tape Types Supported | Type I (Normal), FeCr, CrOâ‚‚ (Metal)Â |
| Noise Reduction | Dolby BÂ |
| Tape Speed | 4.76 cm/s standard for compact cassette decks |
| Heads | One record/playback head + one erase head |
| Meters / Counters | Two analog VU meters; 3-digit analog tape counter; also “tape remaining†meter (on some versions) |
| Power Consumption | ~ 16 watts |
| Dimensions / Weight | Width: 382 mm × Height: 83 mm × Depth: 329 mm; Net weight ~ 6.4 kg |
| Distortion / Wow & Flutter / Signal-to-Noise | • Wow & Flutter: ~0.05 % WRMS (synchronous / weighted)  • Signal-to-Noise (Dolby off, Type I): ~ 54 dB; with Dolby on ~ 64 dB.  • Distortion factor around 1.3 % (0 dB) |
| Special / Notable Features | • Metal tape (CrO₂) handling and automatic or manual switching among tape types.  • Twin VU meters give you visual feedback of levels.  • Analog tape counter helps with recall. • Built with a relatively robust mechanical build typical of Pioneer decks of that era.  |
