QUESTION: Pioneer PL-518 Motor issues???
- Thread starter scorv
- Start date
Here is a post I made a year ago in answer to a question about the 560:
The 560 and 540 are pretty much the same table...same motor, same plinth, same feet, same tonearm, same specs. The 560 does have a separate tonearm motor, keeping the return mechanism physically isolated during play...its operational design is very similar to that of the later 630 series. And it has the cool pitch meter
The drive system amd circuitry of both tables are fairly complex, and could probably benefit from a rebuild by now.
The 518 uses a simpler motor than the 540/560, and shares the same tonearm, plinth and feet. Less to go wrong, and specs are very close to the other two. Same returm mechanism as the 540.
I have owned all 3 (still have a 540, recently overhauled)), and in my opinion you would be hard pressed to hear a difference between them. A new cartridge would have a much greater effect than making what is pretty much a lateral move to the 560.
But, if the Hall motor, and/or the separate tonearm motor and/or the pitch meter are features you want in your table, $400 seems fair. Not a deal, but fair (assuming it is in perfect working order, feet are in good shape, dustcover has not yellowed and has no significant scratching, and it can be safely delivered).
Alternatively, take a look at the PL 600 (the direct drive version). It and the 630 are a step up, in my opinion, and I would guess that the 600 goes for less than the 560.
The drive system amd circuitry of both tables are fairly complex, and could probably benefit from a rebuild by now.
The 518 uses a simpler motor than the 540/560, and shares the same tonearm, plinth and feet. Less to go wrong, and specs are very close to the other two. Same returm mechanism as the 540.
I have owned all 3 (still have a 540, recently overhauled)), and in my opinion you would be hard pressed to hear a difference between them. A new cartridge would have a much greater effect than making what is pretty much a lateral move to the 560.
But, if the Hall motor, and/or the separate tonearm motor and/or the pitch meter are features you want in your table, $400 seems fair. Not a deal, but fair (assuming it is in perfect working order, feet are in good shape, dustcover has not yellowed and has no significant scratching, and it can be safely delivered).
Alternatively, take a look at the PL 600 (the direct drive version). It and the 630 are a step up, in my opinion, and I would guess that the 600 goes for less than the 560.
