• 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 PL-518 Tonearm Adjustments

Tracy Brink

Tracy Brink

Member
I just purchased a Pioneer PL-518 that needs some restoration, and I am trying to check out its operation capabilities right now.
The existing cartridge is an ADC XLM MKII Improved, and I checked the wiring which had the RG and RS wires backwards which I have corrected. I have not checked to see if the overhang is set proper.
Setting the tonearm level balance I find the counterweight needs to be almost completely forward on the shaft. The recommended tracking force is 0.9-1.5 grams, but I can only add 0.5 gram until I am completely forward on the shaft.
If I set the counterweight up like this and set the anti-skate to 0.5 my tonearm will not track across my test record.
I am not experienced with this type of work so what should I be doing at this point?
 
Register to hide this ad
You need a bit more mass on the cartridge end of the tonearm. Could you provide some photos of the headshell and cartridge setup and also of the counterweight on the end of the tonearm so some knowledgeable people could identify whether some component has been changed resulting in your problem?

Do I understand correctly that, even with counterweight fully forward, closest to the tonearm, there is insufficient tracking force to play a record?

Do watch Balifly's suggested video, just to be sure that you are adjusting it correctly.
 
Last edited:
four images of my setup: tonearm from above, tonearm from side, headshell side, headshell front.
The "headshell side" shows the tonearm in "balance" as I followed the instructions in the owners manual.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_4347.JPG
    IMG_4347.JPG
    46.3 KB · Views: 106
  • IMG_4348.JPG
    IMG_4348.JPG
    117.7 KB · Views: 99
  • IMG_4349.JPG
    IMG_4349.JPG
    44.3 KB · Views: 98
  • IMG_4350.JPG
    IMG_4350.JPG
    64.7 KB · Views: 94
boreas said:
That's the wrong counterweight and likely heavier than the correct one. On the other hand, the headshell is the original.

John
Click to expand...

There's the answer I was looking for. I knew someone here would be able to see what was happening.
 
You could try to mod the one you have to work by taking weight off if it. My pl518 counter weight weighs 119.95 grams. Little scales like this one are nice when checking things on turntables.
1485651868763-831915014.jpg
 
You might also try a lighter headshell - I don't remember how much lighter the Pioneer slotted aluminum headshell is than the one you have, but that may be an option. See this one:
index.php
 
I found a matching one on the Bay that is under completed items and it says it's off of a pl-52xd table and I have yet to find a picture of one.
 
abpeep said:
You might also try a lighter headshell - I don't remember how much lighter the Pioneer slotted aluminum headshell is than the one you have, but that may be an option. See this one:
index.php
Click to expand...

OK, I brain-locked last night so disregard that post. You would have to go with a heavier headshell than the one you have to be able to back the counterweight off. Your headshell weighs in at about 10.8g w/o cartridge so it seems like it's already pretty heavy already.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom