Pioneer PL-7 vs. Technics SL-SD33

[EricF]

Pioneer PL-7 vs. Technics SL-QD33

Is one of these a clear-cut winner, or are they pretty much in the same ballpark?

EDIT: Should be SL-QD33

 

[Firby13]

PL-7 would have been the top of its respective line. I'm not sure about the SL-SD33.

 

[jimreeves]

Vinylengine.com lists a SL-D3, SL-D30, SL-DD33, SL-Q3, SL-Q30 and SL-Q33, but no SL-SD33? If you've seen the Technics, does it have a straight or "S" arm?

Anyway, if the SL-SD33 is a straight arm it can only use P-mount (T4P) plug in cartridges so you'd be limited with cartridge choices.

The PL-7 is straight armed but takes 1/2" mount carts with more choices, although the arm is medium/low mass so will work best with medium/high compliance carts.

If the Technics has a S shaped arm then it will take 1/2" mount carts and is medium mass so would work best with a variety of medium compliance carts.

The PL-7 is definately quartz lock and has good specs, depending on which model the Technics actually is, it may have similar specs.

 

[EricF]

The Technics is an SL-QD33 (not SD33, as initially posted). Sorry for the error. It's a P-mount, straight-arm, quartz lock, automatic.

 

[beej]

Not familiar with the SL-QD33 but in my opinion the PL-7 is a very nice unit.

Not a major deal, and I am a big fan of the PL-7, the PL-9 is actually the top of the PL-X line and there is quite a big difference between the two.

 

[hakaplan]

The SL-QD33 was top of its line. I'd say they are in the same ball park--both good. The Technics is limited to p-mount cartridges, although the current ones are pretty decent, and there are high end styli available. The only drawback to the Pioneer is that the headshell is proprietary, so additional ones may be hard to find or expensive, if that is an issue.

 

[beej]

The SL-QD33 was top of its line. I'd say they are in the same ball park--both good. The Technics is limited to p-mount cartridges, although the current ones are pretty decent, and there are high end styli available. The only drawback to the Pioneer is that the headshell is proprietary, so additional ones may be hard to find or expensive, if that is an issue.

As is the norm, Howard places it all in perspective. Spare headshells for the PL-X series run $45 (new at http://www.turntableneedles.com/Pioneer-Head-Shell-JP-513_p_781.html) and from $15 to $25 (used) on ebay. They do show up there from time to time.

 

[EricF]

Thanks for the info. I'm now the owner of both TTs!

The Pioneer I purchased for myself, and the Technics was a Christmas gift from a good friend (who is also responsible for sparking my interest in returning to vinyl, and has the same TT).

I've decided to keep both units. The Technics will be in our family room for enjoyment with family and friends (I'm currently looking for an early '80s receiver to compliment it. The Pioneer will find a home in my music room/man cave (formerly known as a "garage") and will be run through my 16-channel mixing board.

 

[hakaplan]

Congrats and happy listening!