Vintage Pioneer stereos — Lonesome Car-boy II and Centrate

Welcome back to class. If you missed out on our first class of the early Lonesome Car-boy series or our follow-up to that with installation instructions, be sure to check those out. Now we are on to advanced topics.

By 1983 the original Lonesome Car-boy line was beginning to look a little dated. Pioneer was looking to the future and created two new Lonesome Car-boy lines, Lonesome Car-boy II and Lonesome Car-boy Centrate. The Centrate line includes decks with multiple sources along with showcasing their high-end technology. LC II was a slight upgrade over the original LC line but offered newer LED displays. Lonesome Car-Boy’s original line was discontinued in 1984. LC II and Centrate would last until the Centrate line was renamed as “Carrozzeria” in 1986. The word “carrozzeria” is Italian for a car design workshop. The Lonesome Car-boy II connectors would still be supported under the Carrozzeria name for a while.

Pioneer also introduced a refreshed compact size in their head units. The E size is 150mm wide and 50mm high. Also offered in the Lonesome Car-boy II line and available in a new black color.

Japanese electronics catalog featuring various car audio systems including graphic equalizers, amplifiers, and speakers.
The “roadmap” to building a Lonesome Car-boy II and Centrate system.
Lonesome Car-boy Centrate car component logo emphasizing automotive parts branding and design.

CDX-1

Front view of Pioneer PD-X1 Compact Disc Player, showing display, play controls, and loading slot against a dark background.
Vintage Pioneer CDX-1 Compact Disc Player with digital display, advanced controls, and power loading feature.
Diagram showing the optical pathway in a CD reader, including the laser diode, lenses, beam splitter, and prisms.
Pioneer CD player display screen showing track number, elapsed time, remaining time, base time, repeat, and scan functions in Japanese.
Diagram of semiconductor laser reading compact disc pits with objective lens, beam spot, and plastic layers labeled in Japanese.

Phillips and Sony co-developed the Compact Disc (CD) and first released it in October of 1982. It took a few years for them to catch on and by 1985 sales started to pick up. While many of the features here on the CDX-1 were groundbreaking at the time, they have become the standard found on most CD players. The CDX-1 came in the full-sized “D” (DIN) that became standard on most cars found today.

Size: D
Frequency Response (+-1dB): 5Hz-20,000Hz
Signal to Noise Ratio: 90dB
Dynamic Range (1kHz): 90dB
Maximum output voltage: 280mV
Release Date: 1984
Retail price: ¥97,800

CDX-E1

Alt text: Pioneer CDX-E1 compact disc player with digital display and controls for track, scan, repeat, and eject functions.

The CDX-E1 was similar to the CDX-1, but offered in a black color and also the new smaller “E” size.

Diagram illustrating the connections for CDX-1 and CDX-E1(BK) car stereo systems, including CD players, amps, and speakers.

With both of these CD decks, they worked with the current line of Centrate products, like the CDX-1 and FX-K9. The CDX-E1 would be perfect for the LC II KP-E07.

Size: E
Frequency Response (+-1dB): 5Hz-20,000Hz
Signal to Noise Ratio: 90dB
Dynamic Range (1kHz): 90dB
Maximum output voltage: 280mV
Release Date: 1984
Retail price: ¥97,800

CDX-P1

Vintage Pioneer CDX-P1 car stereo, compact disc player with digital display and control buttons, showcasing track information.

The CDX-P1 is a slight step above the CDX-1, but for the Lonesome Car-boy II line. This deck offers a pre-amp to make different combinations work, hence the volume and trim knobs. This means you can add it to your existing component setup or alongside your stock car stereo (depending on the add-ons you use). The CD-405 adapts it to your existing Lonesome Car-boy set-up (specifically the KP-919G, 818G, 717G, 414G, 313G, 212G, GEX-91,61, GM-D8,4,2). The CD-404 adapts it into a Lonesome Car-boy II setup. And the RD-461, RD-460, and RD302 adapt it to your OEM stereo.

Size: D
Frequency Response (+-1dB): 10Hz-20,000Hz
Signal to Noise Ratio: 90dB
Dynamic Range (1kHz): 90dB
Maximum output voltage: 300mV
Release Date: 1985
Retail price: ¥109,000

Pioneer model CD-6340 car audio box with connector cable, labeled Stock CO ALM.
CD-404
Alt text: Electronic device with multiple black cables and connectors on a yellow background.
CD-405
Alt text: Small square metal box with Japanese text, labeled as 'Famicom.'Note: Only the most pertinent details are included to stay within 125 characters while maintaining SEO-friendly keywords.
RD-302
Pioneer vintage stereo system with amplifier, speakers, and tuner, showcasing classic design and old-school technology.
A full setup using the CDX-P1
Flowchart showing the sequence of modules: GEX-006 to CDX-P1, to EQ-505. EQ-505 connects to GM-008 (leading to GTS-X80) and GM-004 (to TS-1300).
The setup shown above

Graphic Equalizer Deck

Three Pioneer KPX-999 computer control EQ cassette decks with graphic equalizer and Spectrum Analyzer on black and blue background.

This was the next step forward for the Centrate line, a combination equalizer and tape deck. These models (KPX-9099, KPX-777, FX-K9) also include a super laminate head that can flip between each side for crisp sound quality. Switch between deck, graphic, and spectrum analyzer all in one unit. The face folds down for access to the tape insertion slot but is not visible under normal use. The buttons are feather-touch and illuminated. Quick skipping between songs that looks for a blank spot between songs. You can even turn on repeat for songs on cassette. Automatic tape reversal and endless playback options. The graphic equalizer allows you to tune the sound of your system The spectrum analyzer is for displaying the characteristics of the music. With the dual output, you can connect two amplifiers for front and rear channels and balance adjustment.

Close-up of a precision metal cutting tool, with the visible Japanese characters 精密 (precision) etched on the surface.
Close-up of a mechanical component with Japanese text '上下' (up and down) on a metal part in an industrial setting.

KPX-999

Pioneer KPX-999 car stereo with cassette deck, graphic equalizer, and Dolby NR, featuring digital display and control buttons.
Front panel of a Pioneer KPX-893 cassette deck with graphic equalizer and spectrum analyzer displaying audio levels.
Vintage Pioneer KPX-999 cassette player with computer control equalizer and balance adjustments for superior audio quality.
Close-up of Pioneer KPX-898 Computer Control EQ Deck with graphic equalizer and spectrum analyzer display.

Size: D
Frequency Response (+-3dB): 30~20,000Hz (metal), 30~17,000Hz (normal)
Wow flutter: 0.09% (WRMS)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 55dB (Dolby off), 63dB (Dolby B on), 70dB (Dolby C on)
Maximum output voltage: 200mV
Output impedance: 1kohm 
Stereo separation: 45dB 
Cord length: 30cm 
Display: DL 
Equalizer bands: 7
Adjustment width: +/- 12dB
Dimensions: 180mm x 50mm x 168m
Weight: 1.6kg
Release Date: 1985
Retail price: ¥99,800

KPX-777

Vintage Pioneer car stereo, model KPX-777, with computer control, EQ deck, cassette player, and graphic equalizer.

Size: D
Frequency Response (+-3dB): 30~20,000Hz (metal), 30~17,000Hz (normal)
Wow flutter: 0.09% (WRMS)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 55dB (Dolby off), 63dB (Dolby B on)
Maximum output voltage: 200mV
Output impedance: 1kohm 
Stereo separation: 45dB 
Cord length: 30cm 
Display: DL 
Equalizer bands: 7
Adjustment width: +/- 12dB
Dimensions: 180mm x 50mm x 168mm
Weight: 1.6kg
Release Date: 1985
Retail price: ¥79,800

Tuner Control Deck

Similar to the Graphic Equalizer Deck, the Tuner Control Decks had a flip-down face with feather touch buttons but lacked the graphic equalizer in place of the built-in AM/FM tuner controls. The FX-K9 has an RDD-3M direct drive motor for improved tape stability and Dolby C. The biggest difference between the FX-K5 and FX-K7 is the K7 has an attenuator, clock, and mute button. The FX-EK6 is mostly the same as the FX-K5 but in the E size.

FX-K9

Close-up of an electronic device with Japanese text and digital display, possibly a stereo or audio equipment.
Vintage Pioneer FX-K9 car stereo system featuring digital display, manual tuning, and volume controls, green and black design.
Old-school dot matrix printer with paper feed drawer extended, buttons, and LED display on the right side.
Vintage Pioneer FX-K9 Computer Control Tuner Deck with Japanese labels for high-end audio cassette playback and tuning.
Pioneer computer control tuner deck with various buttons and Japanese labels for volume, muting, scan, memory, clock, and more.
Vintage Pioneer FX-K9 computer control tuner deck with digital display and control buttons on a gray casing.
Pioneer computer control tuner deck display showing 5 channels, time at 10:43 AM, and volume level indicator.

Size: D
Frequency Response (+-3dB): 30~20,000Hz (metal), 30~17,000Hz (normal)
Wow flutter: 0.07% (WRMS)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 55dB (Dolby off), 63dB (Dolby B on), 70dB (Dolby C on)
Maximum output voltage: 200mV
Output impedance: 1kohm 
Stereo separation: 45dB 
Cord length: 30cm (external input), 70cm (tuner input), 30cm (deck input), 40cm (remote controller)
Display: DL 
Tone control: +/-10dB (100Hz bass), +/-10dB (10kHz treble)
Dimensions: 180mm x 50mm x 165mm
Weight: 2.3kg
Release Date: 1983
Retail price: ¥119,000

FX-K7

Vintage Pioneer FX-K7 car stereo tuner deck, featuring computer control and various operation buttons in Japanese.
Vintage Pioneer computer control tuner deck with illuminated buttons and digital display for 80s car audio system.
Vintage Pioneer FX-K7 tuner deck with digital display, volume control, and multiple buttons for functions like rewind, scan, and memory.

Size: D
Frequency Response (+-3dB): 30~18,000Hz (metal), 30~15,000Hz (normal)
Wow flutter: 0.07% (WRMS)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 55dB (Dolby off), 63dB (Dolby B on)Maximum output voltage: 200mV
Output impedance: 1kohm
Stereo separation: 45dB
Cord length: 30cm (external input), 30cm (tuner input), 30cm (deck input)
Display: DL
Tone control: +/-10dB (100Hz bass), +/-10dB (10kHz treble)
Dimensions: 180mm x 50mm x 165mm
Weight: 2.0kg
Release Date: 1983
Retail price: ¥79,800

FX-K5

Vintage Pioneer FX-K5 computerized control tuner deck with cassette player featuring various controls and LED display.

Size: D
Frequency Response (+-3dB): 30~20,000Hz (metal), 30~17,000Hz (normal)
Wow flutter: 0.07% (WRMS)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 55dB (Dolby off), 63dB (Dolby B on)
Maximum output voltage: 200mV
Output impedance: 1kohm
Stereo separation: 45dB
Cord length: terminal (external input), terminal (tuner input), 30cm (deck input)
Display: DL
Tone control: +/-10dB (100Hz bass), +/-10dB (10kHz treble)
Dimensions: 180mm x 50mm x 168mm
Weight: 1a.4kg
Release Date: 1984
Retail price: ¥59,800

FX-EK6

Vintage Pioneer FX-EK6 computer control tuner deck with digital display, buttons for rewind, fast forward, scan, and more.

Size: E
Frequency Response (+-3dB): 30~20,000Hz (metal), 30~17,000Hz (normal)
Wow flutter: 0.07% (WRMS)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 55dB (Dolby off), 63dB (Dolby B on)
Maximum output voltage: 200mV
Output impedance: 1kohm
Stereo separation: 45dB
Cord length: 30cm (external input), 30cm (tuner input), 30cm (deck input)
Display: EL
Tone control: +/-10dB (100Hz bass), +/-10dB (10kHz treble)
Dimensions: 150mm x 50mm x 163mm
Weight: 1.4kg
Release Date: 1985
Retail price: ¥69,800

Hide-away Tuner

With these updated head units, you could now control scanning radio stations with the main head unit. Unfortunately, the actual tuner for the FM and AM frequencies was pushed out into a separate device. ARC allows the tuner to detect the strongest signal while scanning stations automatically. Both tuners allow for 18 preset memory stations, 12 FM and 6 AM.

FX-T8

Pioneer Car Component FX-T8 AM/FM Hide-Away Tuner

Reception frequency: FM 76.1~89.9 MHz, AM 522~1,629kHz
Sensitivity: FM (1.1uV/75ohms) IHF 12dBf, AM (S/N 20dB) 18uV (25dB)
Frequency Response (+-3dB): 30~15,000Hz
Stereo separation: 40dB
Harmonic Distortion Rate (1kHz Stereo): FM 0.5%
Tuner output length: 65cm
Tone control: +/-10dB (100Hz bass), +/-10dB (10kHz treble)
Diversity Antenna compatible: Yes
New ARC: FM/AM
Dimensions: 150mm x 25mm x 150mm
Weight: 600g
Compatible with FX-K9, FX-K7, FX-K5, FX-EK6
Release Date: 1983
Retail price: ¥34,800

FX-T6

Two Pioneer FX-T6 car AM/FM hide-away tuner components stacked on a black surface

Reception frequency: FM 76.1~89.9 MHz, AM 522~1,629kHz
Sensitivity: FM (1.1uV/75ohms) IHF 12dBf, AM (S/N 20dB) 25uV (28dB)
Frequency Response (+-3dB): 30~15,000Hz
Stereo separation: 40dB
Harmonic Distortion Rate (1kHz Stereo): FM 0.5%
Tuner output length: 65cm
Tone control: +/-10dB (100Hz bass), +/-10dB (10kHz treble)
Diversity Antenna compatible: No
New ARC: FM
Dimensions: 150mm x 25mm x 150mm
Weight: 600g
Compatible with FX-K9, FX-K7, FX-K5, FX-EK6
Release Date: 1985
Retail price: ¥29,800

Lonesome Car-boy II logo in black font against a white background, with a stylized design for the word 'Lonesome'.

While the Centrate line of Pioneer was the top of the line at this time, Lonesome Car-boy II was now the mid-tier line. Lonesome Car-boy walked, Lonesome Car-boy II jogged just so that Centrate could run. Lonesome Car-boy II had a lot of similarities to the original Lonesome Car-boy line, but one of the biggest differences is the connector used to communicate between everything. The original Lonesome Car-boy line had a large connector that screwed together. The Lonesome Car-boy II line switched to a smaller DIN-style connector that clicked together. This was later adapted into the Centrate line as well. While there are things that will adapt between the two generations, they are often hard to find now and confusing on which gear will work with each other. I would recommend picking a generation and sticking with it.

Close-up of a black 6-pin DIN cable connector on wooden surface with blue background, green tag with Japanese writing.
Lonesome Car-Boy II & Centrate on the left, Lonesome Car-boy on the right
Close-up of a vintage Pioneer auto-reverse cassette deck with graphic equalizer and various controls, KP-007 model.
Typical install of a KP-007, GEX-006, and EQ-001
Vintage Pioneer stereo graphic equalizer with digital display and controls, featuring Japanese text and green LED indicators.
Illumination
Close-up view of a vintage electronic device display with volume levels, 5 milliseconds delay, and 70 microseconds indicators.
New LCD display
Vintage Pioneer auto-reverse cassette deck KP-007 and radio tuner GEX-006 with digital display and control buttons.
New measurements to show off the smaller height items.
Pioneer auto-reverse cassette deck with labeled buttons in Japanese for functions like volume, balance, and cassette insertion.
Close-up of a vintage stereo cassette player's control panel, showing release, rewind, repeat, and volume buttons.
Recessed buttons
Close-up of a vintage audio cassette player featuring control buttons labeled release, repeat, and volume knobs.
Pop out when pressed
Vintage Pioneer car audio system with TS-1660 speakers, stereo amplifiers, and a classic head unit on a black background.
Vintage Pioneer stereo equipment, including amplifiers, equalizers, and speakers, displayed against a black background.
Examples of Lonesome Car-boy II configurations

KP-007

Vintage Pioneer KP-007 auto-reverse cassette deck, sleek silver design for car audio systems, featuring Dolby NR and digital display.

Size: D
Head Material: ribbon sendust
Frequency Response (+-3dB): 30~20,000Hz (metal), 30~16,000Hz (normal)
Wow Flutter: 0.09% (WRMS)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 55dB (Dolby off), 63dB (Dolby B on)
Maximum output voltage: 200mV
Output Impedance: 1kohm
Stereo Separation: 45dB
Cord Length: 30cm (external input), 30cm (deck output), 40cm (remote control)
Display: DM
Tone Control: +/-10dB (100Hz bass), +/-10dB (10kHz treble)
Auto Reverse: yes
Music Search: 5 songs
Music Scan: no
Blank Skip: yes
Music Repeat: 5 times
Dolby NR: B
Loudness: no
Attenuator: yes
Dimensions: 180mm x 50mm x 150mm
Weight: 1.2kg
Power Supply: DC 14.4V (10.8V-15.6V)
Release Date: 1983
Retail Price: ¥72,800

KP-005

Vintage Pioneer KP-005 auto reverse cassette deck with Dolby NR and music search functions, featuring green-lit controls.
Vintage Pioneer KP-D05 auto reverse cassette deck with Dolby NR and volume control knobs. Retro car audio device.

Size: D
Head Material: hard permalloy
Frequency Response (+-3dB): 30~18,000Hz (metal), 30~15,000Hz (normal)
Wow Flutter: 0.09% (WRMS)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 55dB (Dolby off), 63dB (Dolby B on)
Maximum output voltage: 200mV
Output Impedance: 1kohm
Stereo Separation: 45dB
Cord Length: 30cm (external input), 30cm (deck output)
Display: DM
Tone Control: +/-10dB (100Hz bass), +/-10dB (10kHz treble)
Auto Reverse: yes
Music Search: yes
Music Scan: no
Blank Skip: no
Music Repeat: yes
Dolby NR: B
Loudness: yes
Attenuator: yes
Dimensions: 180mm x 50mm x 150mm
Weight: 1.2kg
Power Supply: DC 14.4V (10.8V-15.6V)
Release Date: 1983
Retail Price: ¥49,800

GEX-006

Pioneer GEX-006 AM/FM tuner with digital display and preset buttons.
Vintage Pioneer GEX-006 radio tuner display with Japanese text showing FM band, channel, and various control buttons.

Size: D/2
Reception Frequency: 76.1-89.9MHz (FM), 522-1.629kHz (AM)
Practical sensitivity: FM (1.1uV/75ohms monoaural): New IHF 12dBf, AM (S/N 20dB): 18uV (25dB)
Signal to Noise Ratio Sensitivity 50db (1.9uV/75ohms): New IHF 17dBf
SN Ratio IHF-A netowrk: 70dB
Frequency characteristics (+/-3dB): 30-15,000Hz
Stereo Separation (65dBf input 1kHz): 40dB
Effective Selectivity: FM(+/-400kHz): 70dB, AM(+/- 9kHz): 70dB
Harmonic Distortion Rate (65dBf input 1kHz stereo): FM 0.5%
Cord Length: 30cm ( output)
Display: DS/2
Dimensions: 180mm x 25mm x 135mm
Weight: 700g
Number of Presets: FM 6, AM6
Station Scan: yes
Manual Tuning: yes
New ARC: FM/AM
Clock display: yes
Illumination: yes
Remote Control Compatible: CD-S9
Works With: KP-007, KP-005, KP-E07, KP-E05, KX-E06, KX-E40, KPX-999, KPX-777, CDX-P1
Power Supply: DC 14.4V (10.8V-15.6V)
Release Date: 1983
Retail Price: ¥49,800

MP-008

Vintage Pioneer MP-008 Micro Cassette Deck with Dolby NR, featuring audio controls, rewind, fast forward, and display panel
Vintage stereo microcassette deck KT-66 with tape counter, volume control, and play/pause buttons, model by National Panasonic.
Pioneer MT-C8


Size: D/2
Tapes used: Microcassette tape
Speed: 2.4cm/sec
Playback Frequency Response (+-3dB): Metal: 30-12,000Hz, Normal: 30-10,000Hz
Signal to Noise Ratio: Dolby 63dB, Dolby off 55dB
Maximum output voltage: 200mV
Stereo Separation: 45dB
Power Supply: DC 14.4V (10.8V-15.6V)
Dimensions: 180mm x 25mm x 150mm
Release Date: 1983
Retail price: ¥74,800

E-Size

While the DIN size was just catching on at this point, Pioneer also made a new size, “E”. At 150mm wide and 50mm tall, it is the same size as their “B” size, but for some reason needed a new name. It might be due to the border on the edge of the decks for a new fitment standard. Normally I don’t include decks that already have built-in amplifiers, but a few of these E-sizes have them. They will be listed if they have an amplifier or not. I have looked at a few of the photos and example setups as well and they appear to have the Lonesome Car-boy II connector on them. This means you can add another set of speakers with an additional amp.

Vintage Pioneer cassette deck amplifier, model GEX-E06, auto-reverse, radio tuner with illuminated control keys.

KP-E07

Vintage Pioneer KP-E07 car cassette deck with auto-reverse functionality and advanced audio controls.

Size: E
Head Material: super laminate
Frequency Response (+-3dB): 30~20,000Hz (metal), 30~17,000Hz (normal)
Wow Flutter: 0.09% (WRMS)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 55dB (Dolby off), 63dB (Dolby B on)
Maximum output voltage: 200mV
Output Impedance: 1kohm
Stereo Separation: 45dB
Cord Length: 30cm (external input), 30cm (deck output)
Display: EL
Tone Control: +/-10dB (100Hz bass), +/-10dB (10kHz treble)
Auto Reverse: yes
Music Search: 5 songs
Music Scan: no
Blank Skip: yes
Music Repeat: 5 times
Dolby NR: B
Loudness: no
Attenuator: yes
Dimensions: 150mm x 50mm x 163mm
Weight: 1.2kg
Power Supply: DC 14.4V (10.8V-15.6V)
Release Date: 1985
Retail Price: ¥52,800

KP-E05

Vintage Pioneer KP-E05 auto-reverse cassette deck with Dolby NR, music search functionality, and user-friendly controls.

Size: E
Head Material: hard permalloy
Frequency Response (+-3dB): 30~18,000Hz (metal), 30~15,000Hz (normal)
Wow Flutter: 0.09% (WRMS)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 55dB (Dolby off), 63dB (Dolby B on)
Maximum output voltage: 200mV
Output Impedance: 1kohm
Stereo Separation: 45dB
Cord Length: 30cm (external input), 30cm (deck output)
Display: EL
Tone Control: +/-10dB (100Hz bass), +/-10dB (10kHz treble)
Auto Reverse: yes
Music Search: 5 songs
Music Scan: no
Blank Skip: no
Music Repeat: 5 times
Dolby NR: B
Loudness: yes
Attenuator: yes
Dimensions: 150mm x 50mm x 163mm
Weight: 1.2kg
Power Supply: DC 14.4V (10.8V-15.6V)
Release Date: 1985
Retail Price: ¥49,800

KX-E60

Vintage Pioneer KX-E60 cassette deck amplifier with auto-reverse, power loading, and Dolby B noise reduction.

Size: E
Internal Amplifier: yes
Head Material: super laminate
Frequency Response (+-3dB): 30~20,000Hz (metal), 30~17,000Hz (normal)
Wow Flutter: 0.09% (WRMS)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 55dB (Dolby off), 63dB (Dolby B on)
Cord Length: 30cm (external input), 30cm (amplifier input) 30cm (deck output)
Output: 22W+22W rated, 15W+15W (distortion rate 1% at 1kHz)
Load Impedance: 4ohms (4ohms-8ohms)
Display: EL
Tone Control: +/-10dB (100Hz bass), +/-10dB (10kHz treble)
Auto Reverse: yes
Music Search: yes
Blank Skip: yes
Dolby NR: B
Loudness: no
Attenuator: no
Dimensions: 150mm x 50mm x 168mm
Weight: 1.3kg
Power Supply: DC 14.4V (10.8V-15.6V)
Release Date: 1984
Retail Price: ¥54,800

KX-E40

Vintage Pioneer KX-E40 cassette deck amplifier with auto reverse and music search features.
Vintage Pioneer cassette deck amplifier with auto-reverse feature, loudness control, and music search buttons.

Size: E
Internal Amplifier: yes
Head Material: super laminate
Frequency Response (+-3dB): 30~18,000Hz (metal), 30~15,000Hz (normal)
Wow Flutter: 0.09% (WRMS)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 55dB (Dolby off)
Cord Length: 30cm (external input), 30cm (amplifier input) 30cm (deck output)
Output: 22W+22W rated, 15W+15W (distortion rate 1% at 1kHz)
Load Impedance: 4ohms (4ohms-8ohms)
Display: EL
Tone Control: +/-10dB (100Hz bass), +/-10dB (10kHz treble)
Auto Reverse: yes
Music Search: yes
Blank Skip: none
Dolby NR: none
Loudness: yes
Attenuator: no
Dimensions: 150mm x 50mm x 163mm
Weight: 1.5kg
Power Supply: DC 14.4V (10.8V-15.6V)
Release Date: 1984 (silver), 1985 (black)
Retail Price: ¥43,800

GEX-E06

Close-up of a Pioneer GEX-E06 car stereo display and control panel with buttons for tuning, scanning, and band selection.
Vintage Pioneer GEX-E06 car stereo AM/FM tuner with digital display, control buttons, and frequency indicator.

Size: E/2
Reception Frequency: 76.1-89.9MHz (FM), 522-1.629kHz (AM)
Practical sensitivity: FM (1.1uV/75ohms monoaural): New IHF 12dBf, AM (S/N 20dB): 18uV (25dB)
Signal to Noise Ratio Sensitivity 50db (1.9uV/75ohms): New IHF 17dBf
SN Ratio IHF-A netowrk: 70dB
Frequency characteristics (+/-3dB): 30-15,000Hz
Stereo Separation (65dBf input 1kHz): 40dB
Effective Selectivity: FM(+/-400kHz): 70dB, AM(+/- 9kHz): 70dB
Harmonic Distortion Rate (65dBf input 1kHz stereo): FM 0.5%
Cord Length: 30cm ( output)
Display: EL/2
Dimensions: 150mm x 25mm x 163mm
Weight: 700g
Number of Presets: FM 6, AM6
Station Scan: yes
Manual Tuning: yes
New ARC: FM/AM
Clock display: yes
Illumination: yes
Remote Control Compatible: CD-S9
Works With: KP-007, KP-005, KP-E07, KP-E05, KX-E06, KX-E40, KPX-999, KPX-777, CDX-P1
Power Supply: DC 14.4V (10.8V-15.6V)
Release Date: 1984
Retail Price: ¥49,800

Graphic Equalizer

EQ-505

Pioneer EQ-505 computer control graphic equalizer with digital display and control buttons for audio customization.
Pioneer computer control graphic equalizer display with frequency bands and level indicators for audio adjustments.
Pioneer computer control graphic equalizer displaying audio levels for frequencies 60 Hz to 16 kHz with ASL feature.
Alt text: Pioneer computer control graphic equalizer display showing frequency bands, labeled in Hertz, with adjustments.
Pioneer computer control graphic equalizer display with frequency bands, ASL, volume levels, and spectrum analyzer.
Pioneer Computer Control Graphic Equalizer display showing frequency bands from 60 Hz to 16K Hz with levels ranging from -12 to +12.
Pioneer computer control graphic equalizer display showing sound levels across various frequencies from 60 to 16K with ASL indicator.
Pioneer computer control graphic equalizer display showing equalizer settings with frequency and decibel adjustments.
Diagram of a 2-amp 4-speaker auto EQ system showing connections between components including speakers and amplifiers.
Alt text: Coiled lavalier microphone with attached clip and Japanese text translating to 'Included Microphone'.

This graphic equalizer combines the functions of the RD-170 and CD-5, giving the user the ability to view and adjust the levels. Similar to the RD-170 it also had a microphone sensor for “pink-noise” stereo tuning.

Size: D
Number of bands: 9
Adjustable Frequencies: 16k, 8k, 4k, 2k, 1k, 500, 250, 125, 60Hz
Adjustment Width: +/- 12dB
Interval: -2dB
Cord Length: 30cm (input), 30cm (front output), 30cm (rear output)
Display: Dm
Presets: 6 original, 6 user
Spectrum Analyzer: yes
Auto-Graphics Equalizer: yes
Front/Rear Selector Switch: yes
Microphone Mixing: no
Automatic Sound Leveler: yes
Illumination: yes
Touch tone: yes
Dimensions: 180mm x 50mm x 148mm
Weight: 1.2kg
Power Supply: DC 14.4V (10.8V-15.6V)
Release Date: 1985
Retail Price: ¥72,800

EQ-005

Pioneer graphic equalizer model GE-9000 with mixing and balance knobs, adjustable frequency sliders, and microphone input.
Vintage Pioneer EQ-005 equalizer with D.A.BAL, Mixing controls, and frequency sliders for precision sound adjustment. Mic input.

Did you ever want to karaoke with your favorite songs while driving? Well the EQ-005 has a microphone input so that you could do that. It also has an echo function to give some depth to your vocals. Oh yea, you can also adjust the frequencies for the dual output.

Size: D/2
Number of bands: 7
Adjustable Frequencies: 10k, 3.5k, 1k, 500, 250, 125, 60Hz
Adjustment Width: +/- 12dB
Interval: -2dB
Cord Length: 30cm (input), 30cm (front output), 30cm (rear output)
Microphone: yes
Display: Ds/2
Presets: none
Spectrum Analyzer: no
Front/Rear Selector Switch: yes
Microphone Mixing: yes
Automatic Sound Leveler: no
Illumination: yes
Touch tone: no
Dimensions: 180mm x 25mm x 135mm
Weight: 700g
Power Supply: DC 14.4V (10.8V-15.6V)
Release Date: 1983
Retail Price: ¥36,800

EQ-003

Vintage Pioneer EQ-005 stereo equalizer with frequency sliders for 60, 125, 250, 500, 1k, 3.5k, and 10k Hz, onboard controls.
Vintage Pioneer EQ-003 equalizer with frequency sliders (60 Hz to 10 kHz) and balance, intensity, and sensitivity controls.

The EQ-003 advertised the ability to adjust the volume based on the ambient levels inside the car. I believe this is similar to what some of the newer cars have called “adaptive volume control.” This also has the basic front and rear frequency adjustments and front and rear outputs.

Size: D/2
Number of bands: 7
Adjustable Frequencies: 10k, 3.5k, 1k, 500, 250, 125, 60Hz
Adjustment Width: +/- 12dB
Interval: -2dB
Cord Length: 30cm (input), 30cm (front output), 30cm (rear output)
Microphone: yes
Display: Ds/2
Presets: none
Spectrum Analyzer: no
Front/Rear Selector Switch: yes
Microphone Mixing: no
Automatic Sound Leveler: yes
Illumination: yes
Touch tone: no
Dimensions: 180mm x 25mm x 135mm
Weight: 700g
Power Supply: DC 14.4V (10.8V-15.6V)
Release Date: 1983
Retail Price: ¥36,800

EQ-001

Close-up of Pioneer graphic equalizers EQ-E01 with frequency adjustment sliders, front view on a reflective surface.
Pioneer EQ-001 Graphic Equalizer featuring adjustable frequency sliders (60, 125, 250, 500 Hz, 1k, 3.5k, 10k Hz)

This is the basic equalizer for Lonesome Car-boy II and Centrate. The basic front and rear frequencies and dual outputs is all you need.

Size: D/2
Number of bands: 7
Adjustable Frequencies: 10k, 3.5k, 1k, 500, 250, 125, 60Hz
Adjustment Width: +/- 12dB
Interval: -2dB
Cord Length: 30cm (input), 30cm (front output), 30cm (rear output)
Microphone: yes
Display: Ds/2
Presets: none
Spectrum Analyzer: no
Front/Rear Selector Switch: yes
Microphone Mixing: no
Automatic Sound Leveler: no
Illumination: yes
Touch tone: no
Dimensions: 180mm x 25mm x 135mm
Weight: 700g
Power Supply: DC 14.4V (10.8V-15.6V)
Release Date: 1983
Retail Price: ¥21,800

EQ-E303

Pioneer EQ-E303 audio equalizer with LED display showing frequency levels, buttons labeled 1, 2, 3, and various controls.
Audio spectrum analyzer display showing frequency bands: 60, 125, 250, 500, 1K, 3.5K, and 10K. Japanese text: スペアナ表示 (Spectrum analyzer display).

This was the most advanced equalizer offered in E size. Featuring three programable presets for frequencies, front/rear adjustments, and balance adjustment. All packaged into the smaller form E size.

Size: E/2
Number of bands: 7
Adjustable Frequencies: 10k, 3.5k, 1k, 500, 250, 125, 60Hz
Adjustment Width: +/- 12dB
Interval: -2dB
Cord Length: 30cm (input), 30cm (front output), 30cm (rear output)
Display: Em/2
Presets: 3 user
Spectrum Analyzer: yes
Front/Rear Selector Switch: yes
Microphone Mixing: no
Automatic Sound Leveler: no
Illumination: yes
Touch tone: yes
Dimensions: 150mm x 25mm x 148mm
Weight: 700g
Power Supply: DC 14.4V (10.8V-15.6V)
Release Date: 1985
Retail Price: ¥42,800

EQ-E01

Pioneer EQ-E01 audio equalizer with frequency sliders and balance control for precise audio customization.

The basic option for the E line. Standard front and rear frequency adjustments and balance.

Size: E/2
Number of bands: 7
Adjustable Frequencies: 10k, 3.5k, 1k, 500, 250, 125, 60Hz
Adjustment Width: +/- 12dB
Interval: -2dB
Cord Length: 30cm (input), 30cm (front output), 30cm (rear output)
Microphone: yes
Display: Em/2
Presets: none
Spectrum Analyzer: no
Front/Rear Selector Switch: yes
Microphone Mixing: no
Automatic Sound Leveler: no
Illumination: yes
Touch tone: no
Dimensions: 150mm x 25mm x 148mm
Weight: 600g
Power Supply: DC 14.4V (10.8V-15.6V)
Release Date: 1983
Retail Price: ¥21,800

GTS-X80

Pioneer GTS-X80 MFB subwoofer and controller with frequency settings in a sleek black design.
Vintage Pioneer car speakers, TS-X15 model, mounted on the rear deck of a vehicle.
Pioneer MF-5 cassette tape in a fabric pocket, with visible branding in Japanese next to English labels
Technical drawing of a rectangular ventilation component. Dimensions: 310mm width, 190mm height, 86.5mm depth.
Frequency response improvement chart for GTS-X80 and TS-X15II, 1984 Skyline 4-door sedan in-car characteristics.
Pioneer MFB Controller with labeled Gain, Phase Switch, Power Switch, Frequency Display; Japanese interface text in the image.

The first and only subwoofer option across all the Lonesome Car-Boy lines. While these all-in-one under-the-seat subwoofers are common to find now, this was a new technology for 1983. The controller is a D/2 fitting with the ability to adjust the gain, the high-pass frequency (50Hz, 75Hz, 90Hz), the phase, and a power button. Roughly a 6-inch woofer with 120W peak. It isn’t putting out an insane amount of bass, but something to help fill in the low end. This is installed in between the cassette deck and the equalizer, so the audio is processed through the equalizer.

Speaker: MFB super woofer (16cm diameter)
Frequency Range: 50-150Hz
Output Sound Pressure Levels: 90dB (75Hz 10W)
Rated Peak Wattage: 120W
Dimensions: 310mm x 86.5mm x 190mm (speaker), 180mm x 25mm x 100 (controller)
Weight (per speaker): 4.5kg
Features: MFB method super woofer, amplifier maximum output 80w
Release Date: 1983
Retail Price: ¥54,800

Amps

GM-004

Pioneer GM-004 stereo main amplifier, 25W+25W power, sleek silver and black design with power indicator light.

This is the basic amp of the Lonesome Car-boy II and Centrate line. Good for door speakers and underpowering the decklid speakers.

Size: D/2
Maximum Current Consumption: 4A
Maximum Output: 25W+25W
Rated Output (Distortion rate 1% at 1kHz): 16W+16W
Frequency Characteristics (+/- 3dB): 20-40,000Hz
Harmonic distortion rate (1kHz): 0.015% (at 5W output)
Signal to Noise Ratio (IHF-A network input 1k ohms termination): 90dB
Cord Length: 155cm (output)
Display: DM/2
Dimensions: 180mm x 25mm x 150mm
Weight: 1.0kg
Power Supply: DC 14.4V (10.8V-15.6V)
Release Date: 1983
Retail Price: ¥19,800

GM-008

Vintage Pioneer amplifier with a 70W + 70W power output, silver metal casing, showcasing the rugged design on a black surface.

Mid-range amp better suited for the rear decklid speakers. This is a pretty heavy amp coming in at 6 pounds.

Size: medium-ish
Maximum Current Consumption: 10A
Maximum Output: 70W+70W
Rated Output (Distortion rate 1% at 1kHz): 38W+38W
Frequency Characteristics (+/- 3dB): 30-30,000Hz
Harmonic distortion rate (1kHz): 0.03% (at 25W output)
Signal to Noise Ratio (IHF-A network input 1k ohms termination): 90dB
Cord Length: 155cm (output)
Display: none
Dimensions: 160mm x 60mm x 221mm
Weight: 2.8kg
Power Supply: DC 14.4V (10.8V-15.6V)
Release Date: 1983
Retail Price: ¥47,800

GM-012

Vintage GM-012 computer hardware component, showing unique angular design and cooling vents in a dark, moody background.

Top of the line for this generation. Better for the decklid speakers with high power requirements or ones with a lot of drivers.

Size: big
Maximum Current Consumption: 30A
Maximum Output: 150W+150W
Rated Output (Distortion rate 1% at 1kHz): 84W+84W
Frequency Characteristics (+/- 3dB): 12-50,000Hz
Harmonic distortion rate (1kHz): 0.02% (at 40W output)
Signal to Noise Ratio (IHF-A network input 1k ohms termination): 100dB
Cord Length: 400cm (output)
Display: none
Dimensions: 240mm x 70mm x 270mm
Weight: 5.3kg
Power Supply: DC 14.4V (10.8V-15.6V)
Release Date: 1984
Retail Price: ¥62,800

GM-E04

Vintage Pioneer stereo main amplifiers GM-E04 with 25W+25W output, shown in black and silver designs with power buttons.
Pioneer stereo main amplifier, 25W+25W power output, silver and black design, with power button.

A smaller version of the GM-004 for E-sized setups.

Size: D/2
Maximum Current Consumption: 4A
Maximum Output: 25W+25W
Rated Output (Distortion rate 1% at 1kHz): 16W+16W
Frequency Characteristics (+/- 3dB): 20-40,000Hz
Harmonic distortion rate (1kHz): 0.015% (at 5W output)
Signal to Noise Ratio (IHF-A network input 1k ohms termination): 90dB
Cord Length: 155cm (output)
Display: EL/2
Dimensions: 150mm x 25mm x 161mm
Weight: 1.0kg
Power Supply: DC 14.4V (10.8V-15.6V)
Release Date: 1983
Retail Price: ¥19,800

GM-41

Pioneer GM-41 Stereo Main Amplifier. Features 25+25 watt output.

Updated version of GM-E04.

Size: E-ish
Maximum Current Consumption: 4A
Maximum Output: 25W+25W
Rated Output (Distortion rate 1% at 1kHz): 17W+17W
Frequency Characteristics (+/- 3dB): 20-50,000Hz
Harmonic distortion rate (1kHz): 0.02% (at 10W output)
Signal to Noise Ratio (IHF-A network input 1k ohms termination): 93dB
Cord Length: 155cm (output)
Display: none
Dimensions: 150mm x 25mm x 150mm
Weight: 0.7kg
Power Supply: DC 14.4V (10.8V-15.6V)
Release Date: 1985
Retail Price: ¥16,800

CD-S9 Subcommander

Vintage Pioneer audio control system with CD remote (CCM-4) and subcommander unit. Cables attached and visible.

Wireless controller for the cassette and CD decks. Used infrared like any typical remote control. The deck has to have the grey DIN style cord attached to it to plug into it.

ASL-E30

Vintage Pioneer Auto Sound Leveliser with power level indicators for left and right channels. Japanese text not present.
Audio system diagram with ASL-E30 connected to a deck, amplifier, and speakers in Japanese (Deck, Amp, Speaker).

Speakers

While these speakers can be used with any stereo, they felt more fitting to include them with this updated line of Lonesome Car-boy and Centrate as they started to change their aesthetic with them. The older green illumination was changed with a more blue tone.

TS-VX700

Pioneer VX700 speakers with Motional Feedback System and 5 Mini Honeycomb Flat Woofers, offering superior sound quality.
Alt text: Vintage Japanese rear car audio system with illuminated display in the back window of a red vehicle.
Diagram of the MFB (Motion Feedback) speaker system, showing power source, input, 100W amp, and various speakers.
Technical diagram of a camera lens casing with dimensions 380mm x 198mm and a height of 149mm in Japanese and English.
Frequency response graph for Mark II HT.LG ('85) and anechoic chamber with input voltage 2V, ranging from 10 to 20000Hz.

This is the first decklid speaker from Pioneer with a built-in amplifier. The main reason behind it is most of the speakers available at the time didn’t offer good low-end bass without needing to add an amplifier to the mix. The knob on the top of the speaker allows you to control the crisp, deep bass. On top of that, it produces a nice green glow at night with its built-in illumination.

Speaker: 13cm square aluminum honeycomb flat woofer, 6.6cm square aluminum honeycomb flat midrange, 4.2cm square aluminum honeycomb flat tweeter, ribbon super tweeter
Frequency Range: 38-40,000Hz
Output Sound Pressure Levels: 90dB/W (1m)
Rated Peak Wattage: 150W
Impedance: 4 ohms
Dimensions: 380mm x 149mm x 198mm
Weight (per speaker): 7.0kg
Features: Woofer with built-in MFB amplifier, maximum current consumption 18A (both channels), all aluminum die-cast cabinet
Release Date: 1985
Retail Price: ¥150,000

TS-X90

Vintage Pioneer TS-X90 Electronic Bass Drive System with Rise-Axial 4-Way Speaker, featuring digital display.
Graph showing frequency response characteristics of sound pressure output, with input voltage of 2V and data from 1985.
Diagram explaining EBD woofer operation principles in Japanese. Components include network, low-range and full-range voice coil.

The TS-X90 uses EBD (Electronic Bass Drive) method to reproduce powerful bass. Pioneers proprietary technology that uses two voice coils to electrically expand the low range to reproduce ultra-low range frequencies. Many of these newer speakers have a higher frequency range to accommodate the CD audio quality.

Speaker: 13cm square aluminum honeycomb flat woofer, 3.5cm titanium dome midrange, 2.5cm titanium dome tweeter, horn super tweeter
Frequency Range: 40-25,000Hz
Output Sound Pressure Levels: 89dB/W (1m)
Rated Peak Wattage: 150W
Impedance: 4 ohms
Dimensions: 375mm x (146-186mm) x 200mm
Weight (per speaker): 6.1kg
Features: Rise axial method, EBD method woofer, all aluminum die-cast cabinet
Release Date: 1985
Retail Price: ¥110,000

TS-X66

Vintage Pioneer TS-X66 car speaker system on a black background.
Frequency response graph showing sound pressure level (dB) versus frequency (Hz) characteristics for a Mark II HT.LG from 1985.
Technical drawing of a rectangular dish with dimensions: 370mm x 215mm x 148mm. Includes compartments of different shapes.

This last speaker uses a rectangular honeycomb plate with a foam ring as the woofer. This makes it a bit harder to re-foam/repair now with the age of the speaker. Includes the illumination on the back as well.

Speaker: 13cm square aluminum honeycomb flat woofer, 3.5cm titanium dome midrange, 2.5cm titanium dome tweeter, horn super tweeter
Frequency Range: 46-25,000Hz
Output Sound Pressure Levels: 89dB/W (1m)
Rated Peak Wattage: 120W
Impedance: 4 ohms
Dimensions: 380mm x 149mm x 198mm
Weight (per speaker): 7.0kg
Features: Woofer with built-in MFB amplifier, maximum current consumption 18A (both channels), all aluminum die-cast cabinet
Release Date: 1985
Retail Price: ¥59,800

A person with blonde hair and blue eyes sitting in a vehicle, looking at the camera with a serious expression.

3 Comments

  1. Wolfgang
    on April 9, 2024 at 10:08 pm •Reply

    Hello Brian,
    Thank you for sharing this website and all the information about the Pioneer Centrate series. I own a setup myself consisting of FX T8 – FX K9 -EQ 505 – EM004, stylishly installed in a 1983 Celica Supra.
    Best regards
    wolfgang

  2. andy
    on June 25, 2024 at 2:55 am •Reply

    Hi Brin,

    I have a GM-008 as part of my system in my classic car, but I struggled to fine any details on it. Do you or anyone have the schematic or the service manual please?
    Thanks,
    Andy.

    • A person with blonde hair and blue eyes sitting in a vehicle, looking at the camera with a serious expression.
      Brian Baker
      on July 8, 2024 at 3:54 pm •Reply

      I dont have much info aside from what is listed in the brochure. If you are having issues with it like I did with my GM-D8, it might be cold solder joints. I had to crack mine open and replace or reflow some solder.

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