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PL-514X (headshell? what to look for?)

T

Tiamat

Member
So, to make a long story short I researched just a little and in a rush found a turntable within 20 minutes of driving that fit my criteria: belt driven, and replaceable cartridge. I ended up with something I now know I really don't want, which is a Stanton meant for DJs.

I'm now looking at used turntables, and have found a local Pioneer PL-514X without a headshell or cartridge, a peeling surface in one corner (aesthetic only and minor), and a dust cover which, in addition to scratches, has what looks like a cigarette burn.

Opinions in general seem to be that this is an OK turntable, and I have an Ortofon OM10 super cartridge I'm planning to use. (Opinions welcomed on either front.)

For the headshell -- are they mostly interchangeable? I have an extra stanton headshell -- would that work, even if it were a temporary solution, or do I need to track down a specific kind of 1/2" headshell?

I plan to have them plug in in and power it up to be sure the motor works, see if I can look at the belt, etc.. I know i want to check the feet. Are there other specific things I need to look out for?

The first guy I talked to said $50. I'm hoping when I point out the missing headshell and flaws that they will go down.

Is $40-$50 for this TT in this condition a reasonable deal?

Thanks for putting up with my first post, and indulging my newbie questions!
 
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The Stanton headshell will work just fine with that Pioneer. $50 is slightly high, talk him down to $35. A very good turntable overall.
 
I agree with Kent.

The OM10 gets mixed reviews here, but it's certainly fine to use.

Expect it to need a belt, but that's business as usual.

The feet on this series do not hold up well. Recently someone here posted on using round doorstops from Lowes for feet, and there are other solutions, as well.

But, yes, take advantage of the flaws in getting the price down.
 
A late thank you for the help.

The staff at the used equipment place acted offended when I suggested that the table was worth less than $50, even after I insisted that they plug it in, and I showed them that it didn't have belt at all, or a headshell, explained how much I'd have to spend to get it working, etc..

Lately, I been looking up estate sales, and plan still to go to one tomorrow. I was about to give up on ebay when I saw:

Pioneer PL-514, in better condition, with 6 hours to go and only one bid for $1.01. I put in $5 for the heck of it and went to bed. Then next morning I learned I had won for $1.29.

So, for a buck and 29 cents, plus $15 shipping, I'm getting the deck I originally looked at. I ordered a $9 belt (free shipping), and have a headshell and cart waiting, so hopefully I'll be good to go. (I do realize it could have irreparable problems, but for now I'm optimistic that it's just a project.)

Thanks again!
 
Good luck! Ebay is a crap shoot when it comes to sellers knowing how to pack. Let's hope it arrives safely.
 
hakaplan said:
Good luck! Ebay is a crap shoot when it comes to sellers knowing how to pack. Let's hope it arrives safely.
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I've heard! I figured for under $20 I'd risk it. I also asked in my paypal note for them to specifically wrap and pack the platter separately in the box, secure tonearm, etc.. We'll see. If not, and it's ruined, I'll skip a few beers next week, or whatever! ;)
 
Tiamat said:
I also asked in my paypal note for them to specifically wrap and pack the platter separately in the box, secure tonearm, etc..
Click to expand...

IIRC the PL-514 has some form of platter retention plate/bolt that keeps it from coming out on its own. I modified the heck out of it a few years back so none of that stuff is still there. I bought mine new in 1978 and I used an OM-10 Super on it from about 1996-2006 and I certainly never had an issue with it. Actually during most of that time it never occurred to me that I should look for a better way to listen to records, it was only after stumbling across this board and a few others that I started to think I needed something better.

For $20 you can hardly go wrong.
 
Tiamat said:
I've heard! I figured for under $20 I'd risk it. I also asked in my paypal note for them to specifically wrap and pack the platter separately in the box, secure tonearm, etc.. We'll see. If not, and it's ruined, I'll skip a few beers next week, or whatever! ;)
Click to expand...

If the seller doesn't pack it rite please NEG him I still regret the time I didn't with a seller.
 
Scuzzer said:
IIRC the PL-514 has some form of platter retention plate/bolt that keeps it from coming out on its own.
Click to expand...
No, you must be thinking of another tt. The platter on the PL-514 (and all the other belt and direct drives in that series) just pulls right off.
 
hakaplan said:
No, you must be thinking of another tt. The platter on the PL-514 (and all the other belt and direct drives in that series) just pulls right off.
Click to expand...

I guess IIRC was IIRI (if I recall incorrectly). Must have confused it with another table I tore apart many years ago.
 
FYI:

I ordered a belt from the bay for my 514 a few years ago and my table was off speed (running fast). I suspected the motor was going bad because it had been sitting idle for about 15 years. I was about to give up on it but decided to try ordering a belt directly from Pioneer. Turns out it was the aftermarket belt that was throwing off the speed. It must have been thicker than the recommended belt. Now she sings just wonderfully.
 
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