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Onkyo 1055F or Pioneer PL-600

Andrei

Andrei

Active Member
Onkyo 1055F or Pioneer PL-600? 1057F!

Hi guys! I'm having a hard time choosing between a Pioneer PL-600 and an Onkyo 1055F. They're both in perfect shape, almost as new, functionally and aestethically, both were somewhere in the top of the line back in their day.
The Pioneer is around $200, while the Onkyo around $300.
Any advices, please?
 
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Andrei said:
Hi guys! I'm having a hard time choosing between a Pioneer PL-600 and an Onkyo 1055F. They're both in perfect shape, almost as new, functionally and aestethically, both were somewhere in the top of the line back in their day.
The Pioneer is around $200, while the Onkyo around $300.
Any advices, please?
Click to expand...

Are we talking about the black PL-600 or the silver PL-600? Big difference.

The silver (late 70's) PL-600 is a terrific turntable. I don't know anything about the Onkyo but the Pioneer is a sure thing.

Just my two cents.
 
The silver PL-600, with the S arm, of course. I know it's a highly regarded TT, but that Onkyo also looks very impressive...
 
Hi Andrei,

The Onkyo is a straight arm, and looks very impressive.
The specification would most likely be equal to if not surpass the Pioneer PL-600.

If it is for every day usage, the Pioneer may be more appropriate.
Parts may be easier to get.
Easier to set up too.
There is very little information on this model of Onkyo.:scratch2:
What cartridge do they come with?

It ( Onkyo) looks very much like the Sansui XP-99.
 
Hi Earl! Glad to hear from you again!
Well, the Onkyo comes with some entry level AT cartridge, while the Pioneer with the original cartridge, usage hours unknown with both, however I don't consider the cartridges as I will most certainly use one of mine.
I really don't know if it's for every day usage, I just decided to get some vintage Japanese high spec turntable.
I ponder over these two, together with another Onkyo, namely the Onkyo CP-1260F. Have to make a decision in a couple of hours...
 
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Based on my experience with a lesser Onkyo (the 1030F), I'd say the big difference would be the lighter arm in the 1055F, probably made of carbon fiber, like the 1030F's. But this is not necessarily an advantage-- it depends on which cartridge you intend to use. Keep in mind the difference in headshells.

Frankly, I like the looks and [apparent] heft of the Onkyo [here I was thinking of the later plastic PL-600, which is nothing if not hefty]. But it's 50% more money, so if it is in fact better, well, it should be better. If it doesn't bust your wallet, I'd go for the Onkyo. Either way, though, try 'em before you buy 'em.
 
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Well, the thing is that I can't try them, I just have to rely on what the sellers say.
Unfortunately, the info on the net about these Onkyos are almost zero, and I just can't decide which is the superior model, the 1055F one or the 1260F...
 
Well, let's attack the question from the cartridge angle. Is your intended cart high-compliance or, as the current fashion is, low-compliance?
 
I have a Onkyo Integra 1057F. It does use the standard ADC headshell type. Great table if all functions work as designed. The tonearm auto functions are controlled by a separate motor that may require a belt replacement.
That said I'd go for the 1260 at nearly half the cost.
 
I think the 1057F looks exactly like the 1055F, but with gold tonearm and platter instead of the 1055's silver, if I'm not wrong...
 
Yup.

Note that the 1055 (and 1057) use a sprung suspension for the platter & tonearm, separate from the plinth. I don't think the Pioneer or the 1260 do, although I have no personal experience with either.
 
jimreeves said:
Yup.

Note that the 1055 (and 1057) use a sprung suspension for the platter & tonearm, separate from the plinth. I don't think the Pioneer or the 1260 do, although I have no personal experience with either.
Click to expand...

Well, I guess the choice is quite obvious ;)
based on the info I could gather from the net, it seems that 1055F and 1057F are clear winners in the Onkyo league...
 
Andrei said:
Well, the thing is that I can't try them, I just have to rely on what the sellers say.
Click to expand...

That's pretty much your answer, IMO. Given that they're all going to be pigs in a poke, I think it makes sense to go with the better known pig. The Pioneer is that one. There's a lot of experience with that table here and I don't think I've ever heard anyone speak ill of it.

John
 
jimreeves said:
Yup.

Note that the 1055 (and 1057) use a sprung suspension for the platter & tonearm, separate from the plinth. I don't think the Pioneer or the 1260 do, although I have no personal experience with either.
Click to expand...

The Pioneer has a sprung chassis. The feet go through the bottom and attach to the "plinth" which is little more than a cover. Basically, everything is attached to the bottom pan and that's held in place and suspended by coils around each of the feet. Pretty much all the tables in that series, PL-100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 were suspended in this manner. Vinylengine has the SM and you can see the exploded view there.

John
 
I just set up a PL-600 that my brother gave me. I have never owned a smoother operating table. It goes about its automatic functions without making the slightest sound. Mine is a keeper. Don't let the appearance of the PL-600 fool you....it weighs 25lbs. I can't comment on the Onkyo.
 
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