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PL-518 Cartridge Alignment

fastrodger

fastrodger

New Member
I just picked up a PL-518 from a vintage gear shop with a Ortofon X1-MC. The
518 works great and the Ortofon X1-MCP sounds very good. I have a PL-514 that I set up with an AT-120E and the manual put the distance from the edge of the shell to the stylus at 47MM. The manual for the 518 indicates the same but the Ortofon X1-MC was set up a little over 48MM by the shop. Any feedback from those who have set up a 514 or 518 would be appreciated. I am running the 518 through a SA-8500 and some Athena LS500B.
 
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I set all my PIONEER "S" arms to 49mm. Square up the cartridge, and tighten.
Note that this is for the straight headshell, not the angled headshell.

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Thanks for the diagram. I set up both cartridges at 49MM and Quadraphenia
never sounded so good. I am looking for a second 518 so I can use two different cartridges for good and not so good albums.
 
I also have a PL-518 and I really like it. Replaced the feet. Working on cleaning the dust cover (using some strong auto scratch remover to polish it up). But mechanically/electrically it is in good shape and runs fine. Looks like I need to clean the dust on the stylus. LOL!

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I am looking for a 518X so I can set up a good cop bad cop system for my good vinyl and the stuff I pull out of thrift stores for some memory jogs. I spy a dbx unit in the photo of your system. Are you using that box in your system?
 
These decks are very reliable. I have three (one is a 518x) and have had no issues. The first I bought new as a teenager! The others are "back ups?". Enjoy.
 
If you're lazy like me, there's someone on the auction site selling 52mm Technics overhang gauges with a plastic washer so that they work for 49mm.
 
I saw the Pickering cartridge but what other cartridges are you all using? I have a AT 120 and an Ortofon X1-MC that came with the 518 but the AT 120 sounds better with my SA-8500.
 
larryderouin said:
cplschd: What did you use to replace the feet? Mine are shot.

Larry
Click to expand...

Hi Larry... I found another PL-518 locally on CL... the unit was not functioning and not in very good condition. But the feet seemed good. So I bought it for 25 bucks. Three of the feet were fine. Two of mine were rotted. I carefully R&R'd the all feet and soaked the good ones in an Armor-All bath for a day, then replaced. Hopefully that will give them a slightly longer lease on life. I have one spare.
 
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