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Is it still worth pick up a Pioneer PL-12D, an entry level turntable (Picture)

S

spn_ai

Active Member
Hi,

Is it still worth pick up a Pioneer PL-12D, an entry level turntable? I can pick it up locally, it needs cartridge replacement other than that it's in good condition said the owner. Nerver owed a Pioneer before but as an entry-level turntable, maybe I should pass, what do you think?


Pioneer PL-12D

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That's a decent tt and can be made a lot better with a few tweaks. I wouldn't hesitate from the picture as it looks like whoever has it takes care of their equipment.
 
That was my first real TT. I bought it mail order back in '75, for something like $78. Good basic table - I'd buy it if I had a use for it.
 
I was given one by the original owner. Works great, very little that can go wrong (slap on a new belt, perhaps). I use mine with an all vintage Pioneer set-up in my workout room. If cheap, can't go wrong. John
 
I would say that's a good price for such a clean table. I wouldn't hesitate to buy it if I was looking for a table. It's a very good entry table with very little to go wrong or have problems with. It's a belt drive if you are wondering.
 
If that is a picture of the table, and all it needs is a cart, and there isn't a gaping hole punched in the back! Jump on it, not an awesome price but but fair price, it is very clean and as such likely been well maintained. Definately looks like a nice example.
 
What? You don't like the looks of it? 45 dollars is reasonable...minty looking dust cover too...maybe someone could point out an entry level cartridge for it? Good luck with what you decide.
 
(Actually it looks like there's an M97xE on it in the picture.) I agree, if that's the actual turntable for sale in the picture, it's worth $45. Remember, with Japanese consumer turntables, "entry level" usually just meant belt drive and manual. This shared the same tonearm with the higher models in that line.
 
A friend of mine had one of those, although not that clean looking. I changed the belt, lubed the thing, put in a Grado Silver I had lying around and was very surprised (and impressed) with the sound that combination was making. 45 bucks for a clean looking table as on the picture seems like a fair price to me.
 
i had one of these also..as well as a pl112d which i gave to a friend...its worth the asking price if it is really as clean as it looks..
these can sound very good indeed and mate very well with the at95e cartridge if you need a replacement...
the suspended top plate although simple in design is actually quite effective at isolating the deck from footfall and acoustic feedback...so its not as fussy about placement as most new entry level decks today which are rigidly constructed...and the arm is more than capable of running a good cartridge with careful setup and alignment

i wouldn't hesitate to buy another pl12d in good/near mint condition...

in real terms.. they are extremely good sonic value per buck..and i'd take one of these over a new Project Debut anyday.. and put the money saved towards a good budget cartridge or even a cambridge 540p or nad pp1 phono stage :scratch2:
 
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bobschneider said:
That was my first real TT. I bought it mail order back in '75, for something like $78. Good basic table -
Click to expand...

Mine too; bought a slightly used one in 1976 and still have it. Solid performer, easy to set up and maintain. The only drawback, for me, is the fact it's fully manual. I went to auto direct-drive a few years later, but the PL-12D remains a sentimental fave.
 
Do you need a table? Is it priced where you can buy a good cartridge and afford it?

Other than that the seller is a Bottlehead, a Foreplay 2 and a pair of Paramours in the background.
 
I have the PL-10, and earlier version of the PL-12 with even less features (if possible) and it is a surprising workhorse with good sound. Easy to set up and maintain. I'm looking forward to tweaking it a bit after my Thorens project is through.

Definitely a fair price. I'd pay up to $50 for mine again.

I have a Grado black on mine that came with it, and although it sounds great when playing music there is a light hum when idle.
 
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