Pioneer PL-4 Cartridge/needle Identification and suggestions

[Jeremiwvu]

I Just picked up a pioneer PL-4, stylus and cart are in decent condition and sound OK (tried on old record first). Sounds good enough that I'm sure there is nothing wrong with either.

Since that is the case I'd rather not take it apart to try to get model numbers if you guys can help me out.

I'd like to know what is on there, and if it's any good if possible without removing, I included pictures.

Then I'd like to know what I should consider for upgrades new cart, new stylus, or perhaps both.

I appreciate any info and suggestions. Thanks.

 

[Crab33]

That's an Audio Technica AT3600L and should be tracked at between 2.5 and 3.5g. It's a very cheap cartridge with a conical stylus but is also very well loved. Having said that, I don't think it's well-suited to your tonearm, which is probably low-mass and needs a cartridge with a high-compliance stylus (the AT has a stylus of lowish compliance). There are not many high-compliance cartridges available nowadays but the Ortofon OM range is an obvious choice - I would suggest the Ortofon Super-OM10 if you want a suitable cartridge on a modest budget.

 

[johnjhazel]

I wouldn't get rid of that cartridge just yet. Soon there will be an EVG nude elliptical available for it.

 

[Jeremiwvu]

Thanks for the info. I won't get rid of it, but will be looking for some options. I suspected it wasn't very nice, but wasn't sure.

I'll look into the Ortofon Super-OM10

I have a technics P28 cart and a standard mount adapter, I have a couple P mount stylus's, but I'm guessing that's not a worthwhile effort, seems like adding a clunky adapter to a likely low level cart that is not really designed for, particularly because of the low mass arm. It's a graphite polymer arm. that is one of the main reasons I decided on this table, I suspect that if setup with the right cart and stylus to take advantage of the low mass arm should produce favorable results.

Let me know about some other cart options. I'd like to aim for low budget options, for now... but if there is a really great option that I can aim for in the future I'll take notes.

Thanks

 

[johnjhazel]

Thanks for the info. I won't get rid of it, but will be looking for some options. I suspected it wasn't very nice, but wasn't sure.

I'll look into the Ortofon Super-OM10

I have a technics P28 cart and a standard mount adapter, I have a couple P mount stylus's, but I'm guessing that's not a worthwhile effort, seems like adding a clunky adapter to a likely low level cart that is not really designed for, particularly because of the low mass arm. It's a graphite polymer arm. that is one of the main reasons I decided on this table, I suspect that if setup with the right cart and stylus to take advantage of the low mass arm should produce favorable results.

Let me know about some other cart options. I'd like to aim for low budget options, for now... but if there is a really great option that I can aim for in the future I'll take notes.

Thanks

The EVG nude elliptical should track at 1.5 - 2.5 grams. I made a mistake. The AT ATN3651E – NUDE will be available shortly after the 15th. Check eBay for it. Easy search would be 'nude elliptical needle'. Your inexpensive A/T cartridge may surprise you with that needle.

 

[Jeremiwvu]

Thanks

I'm going to look for the EVG nude next week when it comes out.

Any other suggestions besides the Super OM10 and the EVG stylus on current cart???

 

[johnjhazel]

Thanks

I'm going to look for the EVG nude next week when it comes out.

Any other suggestions besides the Super OM10 and the EVG stylus on current cart???

Not from me. There are nude OM ellipticals too. The needles arrive on the 15th. It will take a couple of days for them to get mailed out to the resellers. Fortunately, EVG did not change model numbers so they can be relisted quickly. 'stereoneedleslady' on eBay will probably have the biggest selection.

 

[Crab33]

My feeling is that the AT3600L and spin-off styli may be too low in compliance for that arm. The combination may sound OK but not the best for that cartridge. If the Super-OM10 is over-budget, the Ortofon Omega is a cheaper alternative - it's also effectively an OM cartridge of relatively high compliance and seems to be very well liked.

 

[johnjhazel]

What is the effective mass for that tonearm ?

 

[Jeremiwvu]

The effective mass of the tonearm is 7.5g

so very low. I am by no means an expert but ultimately want to get a cart and stylus that can take advantage of the low mass design.

also I’m not in a huge rush to buy a cart, what’s on there works ok, although I highly suspect the table has a lot more to offer.

Bottom line is I’m not made of money and While I’m likely not ever goIng to spend $500 on a cart/stylus, I’d spend more than 70 bucks if it’s money well spent

 

[johnjhazel]

The effective mass of the tonearm is 7.5g

so very low. I am by no means an expert but ultimately want to get a cart and stylus that can take advantage of the low mass design.

also I’m not in a huge rush to buy a cart, what’s on there works ok, although I highly suspect the table has a lot more to offer.

Bottom line is I’m not made of money and While I’m likely not ever goOmg to spend $500 on a cart/stylus, I’d spend more than 70 bucks if it’s money well spent

The EVG nude elliptical should cost $30-40 depending on the seller. That is a great price for a nude elliptical. I think that you would be happy with it.