PL-560 - Two Versions.

[62caddy]

My brother was consulting me on turntables to which I suggested the PL-518 or PL-540. He then tells me he found a PL-560 offered by a used hi fi equipment dealer about an hour from his location in Raleigh NC. I said that the PL-560 ranks with the two other models I suggested but the fully automatic functions may not be working properly which is why I felt it preferable to stick with one of the semi-automatic models since there's less chance of there being a problem now and into the future.

What I found puzzling was the price, which seemed too good to be true for a PL-560 - especially considering it was being offered by a knowledgeable seller.

The reason became apparent once he got there: It was not the PL-560 that I was familiar with for years but a flimsy, cheaply made model with '80s BPC written all over it. I said this cannot be a PL-560 but sure enough the lettering right on it clearly read "PL-560" which I have since verified online.

In all my years I have never come across a situation were the exact same model number was used for two completely different models - not even distinguished by something like "Series II, III, Mk II. -II, -2" etc. which I found stunning.

Has anyone else ever seen or heard of such a thing in any other Pioneer or other manufacturers?

 

[Schanz]

I know that Pioneer reused some model numbers. The PL-570 being one of them.

 

[xlbee]

https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/pioneer-re-used-model-numbers.113627/

 

[nbarber]

I had one of the 560 BPC's, same story. When I Googled it I was surprised to find it had the same moniker as the much higher end table. I figured it had to do with Pioneer having been sold and the new corporation did not care or was cashing in on Pioneer's legacy.

Ended up giving it to a buddy of mine as a starter table. With a decent P-Mount it was an adequate introduction piece. He's still using it a few years later and seems content but then again the bug has not bit him

 

[WayneHunter]

Not uncommon at all. I got shafted a few times before I realized what was happening. The Japanese and/or European versions of the same equipment is totally different than the American versions. I bought a Pioneer SA8800 and being a newbie I was going through listings later on that I found out that my amplifier doesn't look nothing like the photos I was seeing. Pioneer was the worst at doing this, as I guess they knew they would make some decent money by confusing everyone regarding model numbers and what market they were actually made for. So always, always, always do your research before purchasing or other wise you could end up on the wrong end of the stick, just as many did when purchasing what the thought to be the early version of the PL 560 to only find out it was the later plastic piece of garbage that they used the same model number. All companies have their SCAMS but Pioneer took it to an entirely different level at times.