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Pioneer PL-71 or PL-530?

fazman

fazman

Active Member
Hey guys,

I have an opportunity to purchase one of these two vintage tt's
PIoneer PL-530 or a Pioneer PL-71
They would be about the same price... (maybe about $30 difference or so between them) not a big deal.

I know the 530 is newer but it wasn't top of the line like the 71 was.
The PL-71 has a real walnut veneer base but I'm not sure the 530 does :scratch2: can anyone confirm this?

I was looking for some opinions from some of you as to which would be the better table to get.
... and no I don't want to buy both! :no: :D

Thanks in advance gents!
 
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You're going to get a ton of info about both of these tables from members. So I'll start it off...I don't have experience with the PL-530. Somebody else can fill you in on that one. I know one major difference between the two is the PL-71 is fully manual, while the PL-530 is automatic. But, I love my PL-71. The all wood plinth is stunning. It really is a great looking table.

It's DC Servo controlled with speed adjustment, but don't let the lack of quartz lock scare you. I cleaned the speed control pots on my PL-71 and have never had an issue with it holding speed. At some point, I'll need to re-cap it, but it's working fine for now.

The PL-71 has a heavy-ish arm, but I've run a couple of different carts on it with good results. The Stanton 681EEE sounds great on this table. I have to run it with the brush down for some help with damping, but it seems to match just fine with the arm. That said, my favorite cart on this table is a stock DL-103. Mass up the headshell just a bit (or find a heavier headshell than the stock one) and the 103 really sings on the PL-71's arm.

My only nit to pick with the PL-71 is the sprung feet, but I guess they do their job fine. I've not had any issues with speaker feedback. Overall, the PL-71 is a great vintage table.
 
I have the PL-530 which I picked up from another AKer and just love it. Nice wood venieer plynth, automatic or manual operation, direct drive etc. I am running an Ortophone 2M red on it an also have a grado Black that sounds nice on it as well. I don't have experience with the PL-71 so can't say anything about it. Whatever you choose you will have a great looking and sounding TT. Enjoy.
 
Don't know about the 71, but my problem with the 530 is the cheap, vinyl veneer. As it ages, it tends to pull away at the corners.
 
Thanks guys...

I'm pulling the trigger on the 71. If for any other reason.. the real wood plinth is nicer IMO.
I'm sure they're both nice sounding it will boil down to looks for me. Hence the 71 option.
 
I always liked the looks of the '71.It lacks Quartz Lock and it will drift somewhat over time. On looks alone, I'd settle for the '71.
 
I wouldn't worry that it doesn't have quartz lock. The little bit it "might" drift is minuscule. You can still fine tune the speed if it does change any.
 
I agree with you DENNYDOG.
I had the PL 55X. It too would drift. I never coiuld hear a difference. Having a Strobe offers more information than needed.
 
I have owned the PL-71 and sold it recently and currently have a Pioneer PL-570 big bro to the PL-530 and have owned PL-550.This is a tough call but but I would go with the PL-71.I really liked the fact you can choose your own quality RCA cables with the PL-71.Get a cartridge that tracks over 2 grams such as this gem below.The PL-71 sounds great with the right cart and it looks exceptionally cool.

http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/mer...&Product_Code=LPGAT95SA&Category_Code=LPGCART
 
fazman said:
Thanks guys...

I'm pulling the trigger on the 71. If for any other reason.. the real wood plinth is nicer IMO.
I'm sure they're both nice sounding it will boil down to looks for me. Hence the 71 option.
Click to expand...

Also,

PL-71 has a historically better resale value than 530.Please post a pic after you got it set-up.Love the Pl-71.Goodluck.
 
Thanks guys.

I will get some pics up when I get it. It won't be for a week or two I imagine.

scottyh777... thanks for the link on the cart too!
 
Good choice, I'm very happy with mine, both in the performance and looks departments.

100_1379.JPG
 
An update... got the PL-71 and she's beautiful!
I'll get pics up later...
Just need to get a replacement stylus for my Stanton 681eee and I'll be all set to go with it.
It's certainly an impressive looking table that's for sure. Seems much more substantial then my belt driven Revolver TT. It will be interesting which one sounds better when I get the Pioneer up and going. I'm hoping the Pioneer will sound better that way I can off the Revolver... :scratch2:

I'm glad I went with the 71 instead of the 530...
It seems to keep speed perfectly (at least that's what the strobe is telling me anyway)

Thanks guys!

Pics up soon...
 
Cangratulations fazman! The PL-71 is a great table and you should get a lot of enjoyment out of it. Funny thing about this table is I've tried tweaking it with some different stuff like a new headshell and mat and different feet, but I think it sounds better with everything original. Maybe I'm just hearing things.

What replacement stylus are you getting for the 681EEE?
 
MyComa13 said:
Cangratulations fazman! The PL-71 is a great table and you should get a lot of enjoyment out of it. Funny thing about this table is I've tried tweaking it with some different stuff like a new headshell and mat and different feet, but I think it sounds better with everything original. Maybe I'm just hearing things.

What replacement stylus are you getting for the 681EEE?
Click to expand...

I don't know... :scratch2: I'm aware of some non original versions of the stylus but I think I want to stay with an original. I have to look at some options I guess, but I am leaning with maybe one of the original offerings at the Needle Doctor or something like that. We'll see.

I have an option right now of using a Grado Prestige Gold but that is being used on my Revolver TT right now. It's nice but I find it just a tad bit "uninvolving". Maybe a little too forgiving? Could be the table I don't know but I am eager to get the original Stanton going. I think this was the original cart that came with this table back in 76' so in the spirit of keeping things original...
 
fazman said:
Could be the table I don't know but I am eager to get the original Stanton going. I think this was the original cart that came with this table back in 76' so in the spirit of keeping things original...
Click to expand...

That's what I went with, so I have to say, "Good call!" They carry the original D6800EEE stylus at stereoneedles.com. And I mean "original" as in NOS. A bit expensive, but it sure makes for a great-sounding cart. I run it with the brush assembly on and track it at 2 to 2.25g. No problems with distortion or mistracking at all, and no issues with low freqs. The moving iron 681 has a nice warmth to it that makes it really easy to listen to. It sounds especially good on old LPs.

The D6800EEE replacement at LP Gear is quite a bit cheaper, and I assume it will give you the same sound.

JICO also carries a replacement for the D6800EEE with the elliptical stylus or the D6800EEE-S with the shibata stylus. They are more expensive, but they are quality styli. If you're really wanting to keep it original, go with the elliptical.

I'm excited for you to hear the set-up. I know when I got the PL-71/681EEE combination going, I was blown away by how good it sounded. Plus, the table just looks awesome. A real gem.
 
Update with pics...

Promised I'd post some pics of the Pioneer...
I just love the looks of this thing!
 
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