I'm looking to buy my first turntable and I need some advice. I'm down to choosing between the Pioneer PL 115D for $180 and the Garrard Model 82 for $150. The Pioneer has some distortion, but the owner thinks it just needs a new cartridge. Otherwise, both TTs look like they're in good condition. Which is a better value?
Pioneer PL 115D vs. Garrard Model 82
- Thread starter rdwinal
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Balifly
Listening
Welcome to the AK turn table forum.
Here are a couple of links to some basic information on both turn tables.
Garrard 82
http://www.vinylengine.com/library/garrard/82.shtml
Pioneer PL-115D
http://www.vinylengine.com/library/pioneer/pl-115d.shtml
danj
modern primitive
Welcome to AK!
Assuming that the tonearm bearings on the Pioneer are undamaged and the cartridge was properly set up, it's virtually certain that the stylus on the Pioneer needs replaced.
Both turntables are pretty good ones. The Pioneer might be a bit quieter and it has a 12" platter, which is larger than the Garrard's. OTH, the Garrard is fully automatic and a real good looker. In the long run the Pioneer, having far fewer moving parts, might be more reliable.
From a listening standpoint, both are pretty good and I think you would like both. Personally I'd pick the Pioneer but would try to bargain a bit as the asking prices are a bit steep, at least for my part of the world. Maybe $125 for the Pioneer since it needs a new cartridge or stylus and maybe $100 for the Garrard. Of course, prices in your part of the world may be higher than they are here.
Are you able to audition them? That might make up your mind for you.
Assuming that the tonearm bearings on the Pioneer are undamaged and the cartridge was properly set up, it's virtually certain that the stylus on the Pioneer needs replaced.
Both turntables are pretty good ones. The Pioneer might be a bit quieter and it has a 12" platter, which is larger than the Garrard's. OTH, the Garrard is fully automatic and a real good looker. In the long run the Pioneer, having far fewer moving parts, might be more reliable.
From a listening standpoint, both are pretty good and I think you would like both. Personally I'd pick the Pioneer but would try to bargain a bit as the asking prices are a bit steep, at least for my part of the world. Maybe $125 for the Pioneer since it needs a new cartridge or stylus and maybe $100 for the Garrard. Of course, prices in your part of the world may be higher than they are here.
Are you able to audition them? That might make up your mind for you.