Pioneer PL 55X

[mrjbq]

If you have knowledge of this TT Pioneer PL 55X, could you please give me your opinion? Is it fully automatic? It is in excellent condition. Also, I need to know approximate value. Thanks for the help.

 

[hakaplan]

The manual for the PL-55DX, essentially the same tt, is over at vinylengine.com. It is direct drive and manual. You cannot ask the value here. You tell us what the seller is asking and we'll tell you if it's a good deal or not.

 

[Mark W.]

I have one it's a dandy table in a league right behind the 500 and 600 series tables. If yours is properly tuned up it would sound as good as any of the better mid level Japanese made tables from the mid 70's to early 80"

 

[ekmanning5]

Of all the tts I own or have owned the pl-55x is my longest running. I've had it for well over 20 years. I great workhorse of a table, it is fully automatic. The only problem I developed over the years was a tendancy for the tonearm to malfunction near the center of the record. It was not an easy fix, but when done it never caused a problem again. I only mention it as there have been silmilar problems mentioned here at AK with that table.

 

[outlawmws]

Of all the tts I own or have owned the pl-55x is my longest running. I've had it for well over 20 years. I great workhorse of a table, it is fully automatic. The only problem I developed over the years was a tendancy for the tonearm to malfunction near the center of the record. It was not an easy fix, but when done it never caused a problem again. I only mention it as there have been silmilar problems mentioned here at AK with that table.

What is your definition of fully auto?

AFAIK a fully auto TT will place the tone arm on the platter and self retract.

The PL-55x I have here seems to be Semi Auto (I haven't used it but to test, it has an issue with the hydraulic lift at the end being slow), Meaning you place the arm manually, (yes, it does have a cueing control) and it will auto retract at the eadnof the record.

And then manual would be the operator does it all.

 

[ekmanning5]

What is your definition of fully auto?

AFAIK a fully auto TT will place the tone arm on the platter and self retract.

The PL-55x I have here seems to be Semi Auto (I haven't used it but to test, it has an issue with the hydraulic lift at the end being slow), Meaning you place the arm manually, (yes, it does have a cueing control) and it will auto retract at the eadnof the record.

And then manual would be the operator does it all.

I am sorry, you appear to be correct. My table is an "Auto Return". So no, it is not fully automatic. My bad. You see, I've never in my adult life pulled a switch and had a tonearm go onto the record. I just assumed that was standard automatic procedure.

 

[mrjbq]

Well, I bought the TT today. It is in mint condition. I also picked up a Pioneer SX-737 and Pioneer CS 801A speakers, all 1 owner from the same gentleman.
It all sounds fantastic. Thank you for your replies.

 

[NewKidInTown]

I think you'll be really pleased wity your TT. I have the PL 55DX and really enjoy it.

 

[scottm015]

What is the difference between the 55X and 55DX?

 

[scottm015]

Please

 

[Ghog]

55DX came with a quad cartridge, and I believe the 55X was identical but set up for stereo. I have a 55DX, but lack a counterweight for it. If anyone has one they will let go of, PLEASE let me know.