Pioneer RT 909
Pioneer
Japan
Tape Deck Details
Number of Motors
3
Number of Heads
4
Head Configuration
Stereo
Wow & Flutter
0.04%
Signal-to-Noise [dB]
60
Dimensions [mm]
480 × 340 × 318
Weight [kg]
21.5
Year built
1979 - 1984
Head Composition
Permalloy
Equalization
NAB
Frequency Response
20 Hz–28/30 kHz
Speed
3¾, 7½
Max Reel [inch]
10.5
Tracks
$900
1/4 Rec/PB
Price
Additional Information
The Pioneer RT-909 is a flagship 10.5-inch, 3-motor, 4-head, auto-reverse stereo reel-to-reel deck from 1979–1984, featuring a closed-loop dual-capstan transport for professional-grade home use.
Transport and format
Tape format: ¼-inch, 4-track, 2-channel stereo with full auto-reverse playback and recording.
Heads: 4 total – 1 ferrite erase, 1 hard permalloy record, 2 hard permalloy playback (forward/reverse).
Motors: 3 – FG-servo DC dual-capstan drive motor + 2 six-pole inner-rotor induction reel motors.
Speeds: 3¾ and 7½ ips (9.5/19 cm/s), NAB EQ both speeds.
Reels: up to 10.5-inch NAB (26.5 cm), rewind ~120 sec for 720 m tape.
Performance specs
Frequency response (±3 dB, LH tape):
7½ ips: 20 Hz–28/30 kHz.
3¾ ips: 20 Hz–18/20 kHz.Wow/flutter: ≤0.04% (7½ ips), ≤0.08% (3¾ ips) WRMS.
S/N ratio: >60 dB (7½ ips), >55 dB (3¾ ips).
THD: ≤1% (7½ ips); crosstalk/separation >50 dB; erase >60 dB; 125 kHz bias.
Electronics and I/O
Inputs: Mic (0.316 mV/80–100 mV, 27 kΩ, 6 mm jacks); Line (50 mV/25 V, 50 kΩ RCA).
Outputs: Line (450/900 mV, 2.6 kΩ RCA); Phones (50–100 mV, 8–250 Ω).
Semiconductors: 4 FETs, 43 ICs, 121–123 transistors, 111–125 diodes, 2 photo-interrupters.
Physical/production
Dimensions: 480 × 340 × 318 mm (19 × 13½ × 12½ in).
Weight: 21–21.5 kg (~47 lb).
Power: 110–120/220–240 V AC, 166 W max; solenoid/logic controls, rack-mountable.
Audiophile summary
Pioneer's ultimate consumer open-reel: dual-capstan stability, full auto-reverse, exceptional specs and reliability for 10.5-inch tapes at 7½ ips—rivaling semi-pro decks while staying user-friendly for hi-fi playback/recording.