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Pioneer PL-990 stylus removal and replacement

M

Movin Ed

New Member
My brother in law gave me a Pioneer PL-990 that he salvaged from a school dumpster where he works. Apparently is was from the school's library. The belt needed to be put back on but other than that it appears to be in really good condition. It has all its parts and cleaned up to like new condition.

I would like to use this on my home theater setup that doesn't have a phono input, but before doing so I would like to replace the stylus. First, how do I remove this existing stylus? I thought you had to pull down and out but it feels like I'm going to break the arm in the process. Second, what is a good replacement stylus for this table? From what I can tell this and all replacements are conical. Is this true?

Thanks,
Ed
 
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Well, it has a built in preamp so you CAN use it on your home theater system. The preamp cannot be turned off, so you cannot use a different preamp, but I'm assuming this isn't a concern.

The cartridge is the equivalent of an AT3600, in an of itself not all that bad for an entry level conical. I'm not sure if the cartridge is integrated in the arm or removable. If there are screws holding it in, it's removable, otherwise not.

Now as to the stylus itself, there is an elliptical upgrade that even I didn't know about. :D
http://www.turntableneedles.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=10540

To remove this stylus you pull down the front part from the top of the plastic on the front face of the cartridge-- that loosens it and then the "tongue" comes out of the cartridge opening. In reverse, you would insert the "tongue" into the hole in the cart, then push up the front and you'll feel it snap into place.
 
hakaplan said:
Now as to the stylus itself, there is an elliptical upgrade that even I didn't know about. :D
http://www.turntableneedles.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=10540
Click to expand...

It appears lpgear has an elliptical version as well. I can look around a little now that I know what to look for. I see Parts Express has a cheap replacement. Don't know how good it would be though.

The stylus was a little tough to get out. I had to use a tiny screwdriver to pop down the front of the stylus. Couldn't get it out by hand.

Thanks,
Ed
 
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