Replacement Cartridge for my Pioneer pl-570

[Dothmar]

I have pl-570 turntable that was handed down to me a few years ago. I finally got around to setting back up after a few years of it being dormant. I think it would be wise to change the cartridge/stylus as it I don't know how old it is. The cart is a audio technica AT12Sa which sounds great but stylus replacements are a bit out of my price range as far as I can see. Would you have any recommendation on a cartridge that would be good entry level. Price range of $60-150. Also will I need to replace my head mount at all or will it be fine? I'm new to the hobby so I'm not entirely sure.

 

[L1A1Rocker]

Might be a bit out of your price range, but I"m looking for vintage Stanton or Pickering carts for mine. Good luck with that very fine turntable!!!

 

[Guido57]

There are replacement, though not genuine AT, stylus available a bit above your price range but still under two Franklins. Cannot vouch for their quality.
The AT-VM95EN cartridge, which can be found in your price range, has a nude elliptical stylus and should be fine for 90% or more of listeners/equipment. This information comes from people with much more knowledge of the subject than me.
You could also inquire from some sellers of replacement styli if there is an elliptical replacement at a lower price that would fit that cartridge. It's common for a line of cartridges to use a common body and use pricier styli in the more expensive models in the line.

 

[djwhy60]

This one....IMO....is the best bang for my buck improvement I made to my system. Can be had on Amazon within your budget. Can upgrade the stylus at a later day to the MP-200.

 

[Govany]

I'll second the AT-VM95EN recommendation..I run one on my PL-510a, seems the perfect match compliance wise

 

[mrwood200]

I have pl-570 turntable that was handed down to me a few years ago.... I think it would be wise to change the cartridge/stylus as it I don't know how old it is. The cart is a audio technica AT12Sa which sounds great but stylus replacements are a bit out of my price range as far as I can see. Would you have any recommendation on a cartridge that would be good entry level. Price range of $60-150. Also will I need to replace my head mount at all or will it be fine? I'm new to the hobby so I'm not entirely sure.

Welcome - nice turntable!
If it sounds great, you might want to run it a while & get some more experience with your new hobby.
fyi - changing a stylus is fairly easy, but may be difficult to select & $$.
fyi - changing a cartridge can be a challenge. Little wires, little screws, and you have to get it in the right position. Don't buy one unless you are ready to install (e.g., protractor or overhang gauge). Consider buying a cartridge where they install it, or solicit some friendly help. Your headshell will be fine.

I would probably run this odd cartridge until replacement required. Learn how to set up your table. Download owners & service manual. Reset tonearm (Lock tonearm; use stylus guard. Make sure it is TT is level. Turn anti-skate to zero, adjust counterweight so arm floats level, set counterweight dial to zero, then turn counterweight to 1.75. Turn anti-skate to 1. Adjust as necessary.) Consider spindle lubrication per manual.

 

[Dothmar]

There are replacement, though not genuine AT, stylus available a bit above your price range but still under two Franklins. Cannot vouch for their quality.
The AT-VM95EN cartridge, which can be found in your price range, has a nude elliptical stylus and should be fine for 90% or more of listeners/equipment. This information comes from people with much more knowledge of the subject than me.
You could also inquire from some sellers of replacement styli if there is an elliptical replacement at a lower price that would fit that cartridge. It's common for a line of cartridges to use a common body and use pricier styli in the more expensive models in the line.

I've heard good things about the VM95EN. Thanks for the information

 

[Dothmar]

Welcome - nice turntable!
If it sounds great, you might want to run it a while & get some more experience with your new hobby.
fyi - changing a stylus is fairly easy, but may be difficult to select & $$.
fyi - changing a cartridge can be a challenge. Little wires, little screws, and you have to get it in the right position. Don't buy one unless you are ready to install (e.g., protractor or overhang gauge). Consider buying a cartridge where they install it, or solicit some friendly help. Your headshell will be fine.

I would probably run this odd cartridge until replacement required. Learn how to set up your table. Download owners & service manual. Reset tonearm (Lock tonearm; use stylus guard. Make sure it is TT is level. Turn anti-skate to zero, adjust counterweight so arm floats level, set counterweight dial to zero, then turn counterweight to 1.75. Turn anti-skate to 1. Adjust as necessary.) Consider spindle lubrication per manual.

Welcome - nice turntable!
If it sounds great, you might want to run it a while & get some more experience with your new hobby.
fyi - changing a stylus is fairly easy, but may be difficult to select & $$.
fyi - changing a cartridge can be a challenge. Little wires, little screws, and you have to get it in the right position. Don't buy one unless you are ready to install (e.g., protractor or overhang gauge). Consider buying a cartridge where they install it, or solicit some friendly help. Your headshell will be fine.

I would probably run this odd cartridge until replacement required. Learn how to set up your table. Download owners & service manual. Reset tonearm (Lock tonearm; use stylus guard. Make sure it is TT is level. Turn anti-skate to zero, adjust counterweight so arm floats level, set counterweight dial to zero, then turn counterweight to 1.75. Turn anti-skate to 1. Adjust as necessary.) Consider spindle lubrication per manual.

Thanks for the info! I'm not worried about changing heads or anything. I do plenty of electronics work as it is. Just new to turntables. I already know how to balance and adjust the arm, Just the whole cartridge field is a bit overwhelming.

 

[Dothmar]

I'll second the AT-VM95EN recommendation..I run one on my PL-510a, seems the perfect match compliance wise

Awesome I'll probably get that.

 

[Old Guy8]

As mentioned above. If it has been sitting. Do check for oil lube level in the spindle bearings. Under the spindle is a 5 mm bearing ball. It sits on a plastic thrust plate. An o'ring on the thrust plate seals oil from leaking out bottom. O'ring can dry out.

My PL570 had a rotational platter rub from thrust plate wear, over the many years. I repaired that.

I had a tech replace a noisey "timing motor." Which moves the tone arm. He replaced six capacitors while in it. If you were to hear any grinding noises while tonearm is in automatic movement.

It's a nice table.

 

[dini]

Been using Grado cartridges. They have them in you price range. Go higher. The cartridge is more important than the table.

 

[Guido57]

The cartridge is more important than the table.

I'm not a TT expert but the general consensus, as far as I can tell from reading this forum, is probably the opposite. That being said, the minutia surrounding turntables can be overwhelming.

 

[sound hound]

The simplest solution would be to change the stylus. I believe you will find that any AT10, 11, or 12 stylus will fit. These are fairly common vintage cartridges with many replacement styli. It may not sound as refined as the AT12sa with original stylus, but it should sound decent. So, why not pick up a cheaper generic stylus if you are uneasy about using the present stylus? Just keep the present stylus just in case it has some hours left on it.

 

[koolkat62]

This one....IMO....is the best bang for my buck improvement I made to my system. Can be had on Amazon within your budget. Can upgrade the stylus at a later day to the MP-200.
View attachment 3510681

Have to 2nd this vote for the MP-110! This is one fine cartridge and stylus combo for the money. I'm using it on my Luxman PD-121 with a Stax arm and it sounds great!