Pioneer PL-61 vs. PL-518

[DavidinNC]

Hello,

I have a friend who works on and restores nice turntables. He has restored a PL-518 and is in the process of restoring a PL-61. Which would be preferred? I’ve little knowledge of Pioneer turntables other than what I read, so thought I would seek some opinions.

 

[Thunderbox]

PL-61 but that is just me.

 

[stratokaster]

PL-61 is a much better turntable in my opinion. It's Pioneer's top of the line belt drive.

 

[efzauner]

The PL518 has better specs on paper, lower wow and flutter and rumble.. But the PL61 if it is with the wood base is like way nicer. I am wondering if the 55 vs 72 dB rumble difference is due to different measurement specs/weighing factor.

 

[spicer]

PL 61, beautiful and classy... elegant... for me it would be the only choice between the two. Also, forever serviceable.

 

[Thunderbox]

The PL518 has better specs on paper, lower wow and flutter and rumble.. But the PL61 if it is with the wood base is like way nicer. I am wondering if the 55 vs 72 dB rumble difference is due to different measurement specs/weighing factor.

I am thinking the listing for the PL-518 is listed as DIN B and I believe the spec for the PL-61 is DIN A

 

[Thorsten R.]

55 dB DIN B would be really good. As is 72 dB DIN A.

 

[Blue Shadow]

61 near totl but earlier
518 just over botl and later so that leads to better specs. I don't know how much of that spec difference is a change in the spec determination.

61 all day long, every day, period.