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Pioneer PL-540 upgrade to smth newer?

D

dedero

Member
Hey There!

I own a Pioneer PL-540 since almost 10 years and just for the sake of having different experiences (audio wise) I would like to upgrade to something newer, my budget is around 1000eur/usd, or if you guys consider it worth it, a Technics SL-1200GR.

I'm really open to listen any suggestions, I've been considering in that price range Pro-Ject, Rega, Technics and even an old Thorens TD125 MKII with SME 3009 arm but not sure how much it worth the latter, I like doing DYI upgrades or repairs, like I did with my Sansui AU-717 full restoration (which I'm using with my PL-540 btw) so for me is also a possibility buying a TD125 in good shape and the SME 3009 arm separated and install it myself, what I don't like much about the Thorens, Pro-Ject's and Rega is the belt system.. I prefer more direct drive, mainly to avoid taking care of the belt from time to time.. but if you guys consider there's a great upgrade in the belt system direction, I will consider it too..

Another thing I would like to have is simplicity, I would rather go for the less sophisticated experience, I love my PL-540 but the auto return sometimes fails and doesn't return and I'm not that experienced in that matter to fix it by my own if brakes at some point.. I was also considering doing a full restoration and upgrade, mainly to a 220v transformer because now mine is 110v but in almost 10 years I couldn't find a 220v transformer for replacement.. and seeing how much options are available for Thorens or Technics and not for Pioneer is a bit disappointing DYI wise..

Any suggestions are welcome!

Cheers
 
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If you like dd, you could look for a Kenwood Rock. (They have a dd one and a belt drive one. Forgot the model numbers) Some even came with exotic low mass tone arms, so check for cartridge compliance when researching them.
 
Well, the 1200GR has a great motor and a pretty good arm. I'd look there TBH.

I couldn't go back to belt drive after 7 yrs of my SL1210 mk2. Too much faff.
You could always service your Pioneer afterwards.
 
Thanks for the hints!

@Coolhandjjl I've been searching for that turntable but it comes up the model Kenwood KD-2055 and it seems to be more into the budget territory, at least compared to the pioneer I have it seems to be lower quality, or am I missing the model?

@lazycat yes, I'm tempted by the GR.. it seems to be pretty good actually.. I found online a lot of comparisons between the 1210 mk2 and mk7 but no that much with the GR.. maybe getting a mk2 in good shape could be an option? mainly related to build quality compared to the GR?
 
dedero said:
Thanks for the hints!

@Coolhandjjl I've been searching for that turntable but it comes up the model Kenwood KD-2055 and it seems to be more into the budget territory, at least compared to the pioneer I have it seems to be lower quality, or am I missing the model?

@lazycat yes, I'm tempted by the GR.. it seems to be pretty good actually.. I found online a lot of comparisons between the 1210 mk2 and mk7 but no that much with the GR.. maybe getting a mk2 in good shape could be an option? mainly related to build quality compared to the GR?
Click to expand...

I'm sure the build quality of the new Technics is fine. However if you want to mod a mk2 I ca also recommend this, it is incredibly well supported, as I'm sure you know.

I've modded mine over the years and it's, IMHO, much better than stock. Arm, bearing thrust plate, mat and finally a new power supply. All of these made a fair difference to the performance and I'm very happy with it.

That said, if I was starting again, I'd probably buy a new SL1210, it has a better motor apparently. But I renovated an old DJ abused deck to something special, and it has been fun to do. Hard to call TBH.

The recommendation of a KD500 is also a good one, a lovely deck.
 
Thanks for the hints!
I didn't know the KD500 and it looks like a very good turntable.. now I'm tempted for that one.. I like doing refurbish of good old stuff and for the KD500 there's a lot of info out there but even though I like my PL-540, there's not much info..

I will have a deeper look and I'll see what I do

Cheers!
 
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