Pioneer PL-530 v.s Realistic LAB 400

[scribby31]

Anyone have an opinion as to which is the better turntable? I own a Realistic LAB 400, and it works flawlessly.

Would the Pioneer PL-530 be a step up, or a lateral move? On a side note.....what should a PL-530 be selling for in good condition? If need be, I can ask this portion within the dollars & cents forum.

 

[tcss]

I have a Pioneer 112D, Realistic Lab 400, Technics SL230 and I had a Marantz 6100. I tested with the same cartridge, a Shure V15 and they all sounded different. Better is up to you and your other components.

With the Pioneer and Marantz, the bright sounding Jico stylus was needed. On the Realistic and Technics, the non bright original stylus is best. So you can change the sound you need/like with cartridge/stylus changes.

Also, what wear is on the bearings and especially the small pins on the tonearm assembly is important. I unscrewed the small pins on one of my Lab 400's and I could feel a wear groove from the bearings. I think how freely the tonearm moves up and down, and sideways has an effect on sound.

I would not go by specs as who is to say they are measured the same or if you can hear the difference.