• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Pioneer A35

folklore

folklore

New Member
I've been collecting some vinyl for about 10 years now because I always knew I'd get a turntable, but due to the cost, I never have. My mom has bought me some of those suitcase record players throughout the years, but I always told her to take them back. Finally, my dad has decided to give me his old record player (a Pioneer A35) and speakers for my birthday on April 12! (I do want to eventually get some Bluetooth speakers to hook up with cables to the record player, but that I can also use wirelessly for my phone. After all, I can't afford an LP for everything I like!)

Everything worked except that it wasn't spinning. It didn't have a belt, which I have already bought, and probably needs some oil, but I'm hoping that after my dad does that and puts the belt in, it will work. If not, there's a great record repair shop with all 5-star reviews on Yelp about an hour away from me. (Or maybe he can figure it out with YouTube videos!) I'm SO EXCITED! I've been looking forward to this since I moved into my own house in 2012, and as I said, I started collecting vinyl about a decade ago knowing I'd get a record player.

Is the Pioneer A35 good for a beginner? Do I need a new cartridge? I don't like how large it is, but that's my only complaint, and I'm honestly fine with that. It seems like a good record player. I just wanted the opinion of those who know a lot about this stuff.
 
Register to hide this ad
Pioneer's PL-A35 is a very fine vintage turntable to start with! These were built like tanks and if it's in good shape (and with a little TLC) it should serve you well for many years. The cartridge depends on type and condition. This turntable will NOT have a built in preamp, so you'll need one and a amplifier of some sort to get sound out of it. Powered speakers would solve the amp part, not the preamp though. Work with your dad to sort this out and come back if you both have questions. Good luck!

https://www.vinylengine.com/library/pioneer/pl-a35.shtml
 
jimreeves said:
This turntable will NOT have a built in preamp, so you'll need one and a amplifier of some sort to get sound out of it. Powered speakers would solve the amp part, not the preamp though.
Click to expand...

Thank you for letting me know! He probably has one, but I'll make sure!
 
jimreeves said:
This turntable will NOT have a built in preamp, so you'll need one
Click to expand...
Does it have to be an expensive one? Honestly, I'm on disability and I'm short on money, which is why I've never bought a turntable before. If it needs to be a midrange price, I can save up for it, but I definitely won't be able to afford an expensive one. But if a cheaper one will do, that would be ideal.
 
Thanks, Jim! I always appreciate it when knowledgable people take time out of their day to help newbies! It's so kind!
 
The PL 35 was a step up from the PL 12d, which was the turntable that made Japanese belt drive tables the standard purchase for the average audiophile, displacing idler driver changers. While it may not have been better in all ways than Duals and Miracords, it was cheaper, and it came with the base and dustcover (and hinged!) which the changers often only had as added costs.
So it should please you. But if it doesn't work after the belt is put on, let us know. Enjoy it.
 
He hasn't been working on it, so I have no updates. We replaced the belt, and oiled it up, but the motor still isn't working.

My dad wasn't going to repair the motor, so I was going to have to get a used Audio Technica AT-LP60BT from Shop Goodwill (it was all I could afford, and I would like the Bluetooth speaker capabilities... and with a turntable that poor, I was told I wouldn't hear any difference with Bluetooth speakers... which is not a good sign, but I didn't really want it. Luckily, my dad changed his mind!

The motor still doesn't work, but he's found some YouTube videos and other instructions, but and is going to do it himself, but is still a little intimidated.

We also found a pre-amp to buy (though I would LOVE some recommendations, but can't afford anything expensive) and will probably replace the cartridge. I found somebody on Reddit who gave me a recommendation -- Audio-Technica AT-VM95E Dual Moving Magnet Turntable Cartridge Green -- is this any good or do you have any better recommendations?

And I probably will end up getting the same speakers because I like them, but to plug into the turntable. And I can use my phone to connect to the speakers (I'll still stream music because I won't be able to have every LP I want, some of the albums I love aren't on vinyl, and I LOVE some of my mixes).

I preferred the smaller size of the Audio Technica, but knew my dad's Pioneer was better. I'm temporarily living with my parents and have a place to put it, but honestly, the only place to put it when I move home is the floor. Oh well, it's much better than the used Audio Technica I was going to have to get. And it will work for now until I figure out what to do.

Does anybody know by any chance know what the Pioneer A35 cost in the 1970s? A rough estimate would do. I've tried Googling to no avail, and my dad doesn't remember.
 
Last edited:
Actually, he got it spinning yesterday. And we don't need a pre-amp because we have an amp. So things are going well!

He took the belt off for some reason, but after he puts it back on and we attach the amp and speakers, I'll do a test and report back!

I would like to change the cartridge. He doesn't think we need to, that it hasn't been used enough. I found a cartridge that's cheaper, specifically for Pioneer models. But if it hasn't been used enough, then I suppose we don't need it!
 
Does the turntable have a cartridge already mounted? A new stylus might be all that is needed. If you or he can't identify it, post a picture.
 
Nat said:
Does the turntable have a cartridge already mounted? A new stylus might be all that is needed. If you or he can't identify it, post a picture.
Click to expand...

Yes, the cartridge is already mounted. Forgive me; I'm new. I thought to replace the needle that you had to replace the cartridge. I'll learn this stuff eventually. It will just take some time, and I'm more than willing to learn! The cartridge is a Pioneer, so probably the one that came with it, though I suppose it COULD have been replaced, but my dad doesn't remember ever doing so, so I'm guessing not. It seems like it's in perfect condition, so if I don't need to change the cartridge to change the stylus, I don't know why I would need to change it -- unless you know of a reason. He doesn't remember ever changing the stylus, either. I'm still posting the pictures because maybe you could be able to tell if I need a new stylus.

I really appreciate you helping me out with this!!!

IMG_8303.jpeg IMG_8304.jpeg
 
jimreeves said:
Ask your dad if he has a receiver or amplifier that has built in phono inputs to go with the speakers he's giving you, then you won't need a separate phono preamp. Otherwise there are several low priced phono preamps available online.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=phono+preamp&crid=24FZU2BZHAV8O&sprefix=phono+preamp,aps,185&ref=nb_sb_noss_1
Any of these should work, some sound better than others. Ask in the forum for opinions, I have no experience with them.
Click to expand...

I found out that he does have a receiver/amp. It also comes with a radio, which I'm very excited about because I haven't had a radio since high school. (Even though I never listen to it.)

I can also get a Bluetooth receiver (around $25) to plug into the receiver/amp and play my phone through his speakers, saving me a lot of money on new speakers. As I said in my original post, I can't afford to buy every LP I want, not all of the albums I want are on vinyl, and I have some awesome mixes that just can't be on vinyl. So now I'll have the best of records, Apple Music, and the radio (which I never choose to listen to, but now I have the option).

Things are really working out so much better than earlier this week when I thought I was going to have to get a used, out-of-date Audio Technica turntable because he just couldn't get the A35 to work! I'm so excited for this player!!!
 
That's a Stanton cartridge. In a rush right now so don't have time to identify the model - I think it is one of the 500 series. I would guess replacement styli should be available and affordable. Not the last word in detail or trackability, but nice bouncy sound. It is possible the stylus isn't worn, but for safety's sake it is probably worth buying a new stylus.
You can look up the owner's manual in the library at Vinyl Engine and it will tell you how to set tracking force and so on. Of course your father probably remembers, and he may even have the owner's manual.
 
That stylus looks 100% Stanton to me. Over a lot of years I have primarily used Stanton and Shure cartridges. More recently, some vintage Empire's, an Ortofon, B&O, and Pickerings (related to Stanton) were added to the mix. I have yet to own an Audio Technica. In the thirty + years spent in the HiFi business, I developed a prejudice against Audio Technica cartridges and have never been able to shake it. I have however, bought cheap Audio Technica's to install on turntables I have put up for sale, primarily because if needed, replacement styli were plentiful

A Stanton is worthy cartridge. One of those I own is a 500 variant called a 500V that came equipped with a D5100E stylus. I track it at 3 grams and could easily be happy if it were my only cartridge. It is a nice all rounder.

Image borrowed from a post on Vinyl Engine's forum.

The red "dot" would seem to make the depicted stylus a D5100E:

Stanton 500 stylus guide.jpg
 
Nat said:
That's a Stanton cartridge. In a rush right now so don't have time to identify the model - I think it is one of the 500 series. I would guess replacement styli should be available and affordable. Not the last word in detail or trackability, but nice bouncy sound. It is possible the stylus isn't worn, but for safety's sake it is probably worth buying a new stylus.
You can look up the owner's manual in the library at Vinyl Engine and it will tell you how to set tracking force and so on. Of course your father probably remembers, and he may even have the owner's manual.
Click to expand...

I just posted to say the cartridge said Pioneer on it, but I think I was mistaken about what the cartridge was. It's UNDERNEATH what says Pioneer. I got the owner's manual on Vinyl Engine. If I don't decide to just get a new stylus, do you have a recommendation for a new cartridge?
 
Last edited:
62vauxhall said:
That stylus looks 100% Stanton to me. Over a lot of years I have primarily used Stanton and Shure cartridges. More recently, some vintage Empire's, an Ortofon, B&O, and Pickerings (related to Stanton) were added to the mix. I have yet to own an Audio Technica. In the thirty + years spent in the HiFi business, I developed a prejudice against Audio Technica cartridges and have never been able to shake it. I have however, bought cheap Audio Technica's to install on turntables I have put up for sale, primarily because if needed, replacement styli were plentiful

A Stanton is worthy cartridge. One of those I own is a 500 variant called a 500V that came equipped with a D5100E stylus. I track it at 3 grams and could easily be happy if it were my only cartridge. It is a nice all rounder.

Image borrowed from a post on Vinyl Engine's forum.

The red "dot" would seem to make the depicted stylus a D5100E:

View attachment 2829868
Click to expand...
I don't know how to reply to two people at once so I have to post this twice. I'm so sorry. I just posted to say the cartridge said Pioneer on it, but I think I was mistaken about what the cartridge was. It's UNDERNEATH what says Pioneer. I got the owner's manual on Vinyl Engine. I don't think I can afford a new cartridge right now. Is the D5100E a good stylus?
 
62vauxhall said:
The red "dot" would seem to make the depicted stylus a D5100E:

View attachment 2829868
Click to expand...

I am learning as I go along. I'm realizing that if I want to keep that cartridge, I HAVE to use that kind of stylus. Sorry, I'm new to all of this and just figuring things out on the go. I found these online. I'm thinking it works with my cartridge, but I wanted to double-check.

ELLIPTICAL TURNTABLE NEEDLE STYLUS FOR STANTON 500 500E 500.v3 D5100E 820-DE

D5100E Stanton Type Replacement Stylus

The second is cheaper, but I assume the same thing.

However, I assume that there might be a better place to buy parts for my turntable, like a stylus. Where might one look for parts?
 
Last edited:
If I wanted to go ahead and get a new cartridge, what would you recommend?

Where is a good place to buy any parts for a turntable? I buy everything on Amazon, but it's probably not the best place.
 
Last edited:
If I were to get another D5100 stylus, I would buy this one. Primarily because it is a nude mounted elliptical. There are no specs contained within those two links so nothing mentioned about stylus shape. However, the photo shows the stylus tip is bonded not nude mounted.

https://mrstylus.com/en/product/stanton-d-5100-e_black-diamond/

Shipping is from Germany but I got the one I ordered for a Shure V15 III within three weeks. I am in Canada not Europe so there was no VAT added to the purchase price.

EDIT: Before ordering a new stylus, if that is the direction taken, the left and right channels should be tested with a digital multi-meter set for ohms. Both sides should display very close to the same reading. If one side is dead (display reads OL). then look at getting another cartridge.

Personally I have bought little through Amazon recently. What I have received has been disappointing. Except when I was knowingly ordering junk for cheap.

Product quality, vendor quality, was better in past years.
 
Last edited:
The two non black diamond styli appear the same, but the cheaper one is sold by Parts Express, which is a well known and reputable company and, I think is or was an AK sponsor. I know nothing about Myneedle, the seller of the more expensive one, but since they look exactly the same, I'd buy the cheaper one. It won't harm your records even though 3.5 grams is on the high side. Some of the reviewers claim it tracks perfectly well at 2 grams so it might be worth experimenting, but keep in mind that mistracking because of low tracking force can be more damaging than simply higher force.
Styli are consumables, so, to me, it makes sense to start with a good quality inexpensive one. You can always buy a better one later, or change cartridges when you have a better sense of what your system sounds like, and whether you'd like to improve it. And you won't have spent a lot of money to learn your options.
Changing cartridges will require disconnecting the old one and removing it, then connecting and attaching the new one, then aligning it (I forget whether the PLA 35 has the handy pop up gauge that the PL 12d had) - it is more work, with some risk of damage or incorrect connections, than simply replacing the stylus - gently pull the old one out, and gently push the new one in. I don't want to discourage you, but I also don't see any reason to switch cartridges until you know what you want.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom