Pioneer Versions (Country Codes) Chart

As with most electronics manufacturers, Pioneer has designed models with (usually) minor differences due to requirements of a particular target market. They may be different simply because of marketing decisions made by Pioneer for units intended for different marketing areas of the world.

These different versions of the same model are designated by the addition of a suffix letter(s) to the model number. The country version code of any particular unit is not always easy for an end-user to determine. Knowledge of which retail market the unit was originally sold or an examination of the unit would usually suffice for a technician to properly identify it. A little common sense along with the information in our charts may help you identify it.

The usual differences designated by Version Codes

The most common design changes have to do with the electrical standards in the target market such as AC Voltage of 110 /117 /120 /130 /220 /230 /240 (or selectable combinations) and 50 /60 Cycle (Hz) operation. Additionally, version codes may denote variations in Cosmetics (e.g., knobs or switches color or style), Cabinet Finish (e.g., color, metal, vinyl, wood), FM de-emphasis circuit time constraint (e.g., 25 /75 micro-seconds), FM/AM frequency range (or additional shortwave ranges), Feature Differences (e.g., phono synchronization), Included Accessories (e.g., cartridge, dust cover, rack mount adaptor) and other factors. All of these differences would be considered as minor regarding the units overall design and operation.

Bearing in mind that Pioneer is based in Japan, many version codes refer to "General Export" models.  These are usually identified easily by a Voltage /Cycle (Hz) selector on the rear of the unit with a wide range of settings. These are commonly referred to as "World Voltage" models.

• In addition to specifying power requirements, versions denote variations in cabinet finish (e.g., color, metal, vinyl, wood), de-emphasis circuit time constraint, FM and AM frequency range, antenna connectors, fuse size, and the provision of features (e.g., phono synchronization, AC outlets) and accessories (e.g., cartridge, dust cover, motor pulley, rack mount adaptor).

• Some versions denote more than one destination area, or combination of voltage and cycle.

• All U.S. Military models have the characters E•P within a horizontal diamond on the back of the unit <E•P> (some other models, e.g., general export models, also have this label).

• Oceania is the islands of the Pacific and adjacent seas.

• Approvals: Canada - CSA; Denmark - DEMKO; Finland - EI; Norway - NEMKO; South Africa - SABS; Sweden - SEMKO; UK - BSI; USA - UL; West Germany - FTZ.

• N/A = not applicable.

• The Pioneer book "Circuit Diagrams Vol. 4" states: "Each model comes in a few versions equipped with slightly different circuits distinguished as follows: For identification, see round label on real panel."

• The Pioneer books "Circuit Diagrams Vol 6 and Vol 7 state: "Each line voltage and standard (i.e., UL, CSA, SEV, SABS, etc) of each model is partially altered to conform to the requirements of a destination to which model is shipped. See a space available on supplied circuit diagram. Each symbol (KU, KC, FV, NB, etc.), which shows a destination for which necessary standard has been acquired, is easily identifiable with the round label on the rear panel of each model."

• These round labels were affixed to the rear of Pioneer models marketed during the period 1970 to 1976. The labels comprised a colored inner circle, within an outer ring of a different color (e.g., a blue, orange, purple, red, white, or yellow inner circle, within a green outer ring; or a blue, purple, or yellow inner circle, within a red outer ring). The version letters were printed in black in the outer ring.

• Pioneer also printed versions in black ink both within and without a black horizontal rectangle directly on the rear of their 'Centrex by Pioneer' models.