Pioneer U-24 Program Selector

Photo: courtesy William Jahn

When Pioneer designed the Series 20 line, the C-21 pre-amp had one input for phone and tape, plus two auxiliary inputs. Pioneer saw the need for a program source selector for those audiophiles--or Pioneer dealers--that required more inputs for multiple sources. The U-24 Program Selector was the result.  

This detail of the front panel of this U-24 shows no Series 20 identification like all the other components in the Series 20 line. This may have been an early production unit or simply a unit used by Pioneer dealers. Later production units did have Series 20 on the front panel. (See Photo below.)

The U-24 had two AUX inputs, three phono inputs, four tape inputs and outputs different tape decks (cassette or reel to reel) with tape to tape dubbing facilities, and three power amplifier outputs. It measured 16.53 inches wide, 3.18 inches high and 12.97 inches deep. It weighed 9 lbs., 8 oz.

The entire back of the unit was taken up by the input and output jacks. It appears there were also coax connectors in order to use equipment requiring this type of connector.

The photo below was sent to me by George Passmore Jr. who had purchased a U-24 still new in the box not too long ago. Note the U-24's original shipping box and the Series 20 identification on the right front panel.

Photo: courtesy George Passmore Jr.

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