Pioneer PL-25

[Sandpaper7]

I've recently had a few technical issues with my Luxman PD375 turntable (which has been really great up to now). While I'm waiting to locate some parts to repair it, I picked up a reasonably cheap Pioneer PL-25. Wow. There's not much out there about this particular turntable from the 60s, but it pairs so well with my amp, which is also pioneer (sx-1080). I'm really impressed.

Anyone know something about this turntable?

 

[mythless]

Must be the idler PL-25 vs the later PL-A25 the belt drive.

 

[Sandpaper7]

Must be the idler PL-25 vs the later PL-A25 the belt drive.

Yeah, just the standard PL-25. Not the A or D or anything like that. It doesn't have any bells or whistles but (aside from a small amount of rumble due to the idler wheel) it plays really well.

PL-25

• Sandpaper7
• Mar 3, 2023

Pioneer PL-25 in good condition.

 

[doctor fuse]

I’ve been hoping to score one of those early Pioneer idler drives, but they never show up in my neck of the woods.

 

[Sandpaper7]

I’ve been hoping to score one of those early Pioneer idler drives, but they never show up in my neck of the woods.

There seem to be quite a few of them come up here in Australia, but no one really talks about them much. I know they aren't one of the better-loved turntables, but IMO the one I snagged is very nice for the price. I really don't see how anyone could be disappointed by this player. It has a laterally adjusted counterweight, which I've never seen before (although I not claiming to be an expert or anything).

 

[doctor fuse]

I like those lateral balance weights. By the time Technics was starting to control the DD market, they had balanced the S arms internally so the weight was no longer needed. But the ability to adjust it, although more complicated, appeals to fidgety tweakers like me.