Thoughts on a Pioneer PL-41?

[Montycat]

Nice looking turntable, but still seems a bit rich. Is it a decent deck?

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/ele/2519015505.html

(not mine of course)

 

[Balifly]

Nice looking turntable, but still seems a bit rich. Is it a decent deck?

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/ele/2519015505.html

(not mine of course)

There was one on CAM a short while ago for $80.00.

Can't comment on the performance, no direct experience with one.

Pioneer made good turntables during that time period.:thmbsp:

 

[nickrobotron]

Pass.

Nice table, but it will need work. Spindle housing has a plastic piece that will likely be rotted. Plus, no cartridge. You can do better for 200.

 

[Montycat]

Thanks guys. I would not jump at that price. It's not like I need it.

At $80 I might though. I just checked CAM, but could not find the one you mention, just one for $220 which I think is also on CL. If you see that listing can you send it to me, Balifly?

 

[nickrobotron]

Some of the prices I see on CL are outrageous! That should be listed for 50 bucks tops, if they expect it to sell.

 

[Balifly]

Here it is: http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/648952367-pioneer_pl41_turntable/

I wasn't hallucinating.

 

[nickrobotron]

The cartridge included was an AT P-Mount. Doesn't sound right to me.

If someone says everything is in PERFECT condition, I wonder if they're qualified to say so. If the platter is rotating at 33 1/3 RPMs and there is a stylus, that doesn't mean everything is perfect. Anyone selling one of these in "perfect working order" will likely explain the necessary repairs that they had to make. One, being that they replaced the thrust plate.

 

[zman]

Here it is: http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/648952367-pioneer_pl41_turntable/

I wasn't hallucinating.

Thats more like it. I sold one recently for that price without the cracked dust cover. It was a decent rig with a shure cartrige and needle. It looked great with the old tube gear, fit right in.
The P mount audio tecnica comes with an adaptor that allows you to do it P mount or headshell style. The cartrige sounds pretty nice...There are better and worse.

 

[DCinDC]

That's WAY too high. With no mention of the thrust bearing, it hasn't been addressed. Check the clearance between the platter and the plinth, that's how you 'see' the rotted thrust washer bearing thingy.

I have one, I think they are SWEET looking, but you gotta spend some time on them to make em right.

 

[Montycat]

Here it is: http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/648952367-pioneer_pl41_turntable/

I wasn't hallucinating.

Yes but it has sold. So it goes...

The one I linked to is listed as OBO so I could try to get it for less.

On the thrust bearing, how hard is it to acquire or fabricate? I'll try to get the service manual later and have a look.

 

[Balifly]

Yes but it has sold. So it goes...

The one I linked to is listed as OBO so I could try to get it for less.

On the thrust bearing, how hard is it to acquire or fabricate? I'll try to get the service manual later and have a look.

There are several threads on the Pioneer PL-41 repairs.

This is the latest and may offer some insight as to what you may need.
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=385720

My Pioneer PL-A35 is even older but in just as good shape!

The performance may not be as good though, still very acceptable with the AT 95HE.

 

[Montycat]

Thanks for the link. I was at work earlier and did not have the time to search that out. The thrust plate issue seems to me to be not a big issue at all as I have pretty good DIY aptitude and tools, plus friends with machine shops.

I'm still considering making an offer. If I were to buy it it might just take centre stage instead of my Rega and give me more incentive to get rid of 2 or 3 lesser tables.

 

[Balifly]

Keep us posted !:thmbsp:

 

[Montycat]

Email sent:

I’m interested in the turntable. I am really NOT in need of a new one as I already have a couple (!) but I do like the looks of yours. As such I would like to offer $100. Please don’t take it as an insult as this has been suggested by some folks-in-the-know on this model as they warned me of some bearing issues that it might have, being as old as it is. I’m available Friday to come take a look.

Thanks for listening,

Andrew

 

[Naptown Rob]

Good turntables. The prices on them are all over the place. They regularly sell for anywhere from $75 to $300+ (ouch. that's too much) on ebay.
Don't let "the bearing issue" scare you. It's not a bearing. It's a thrust plate - a simple plastic disc accessed by unscrewing a knob-like cap. A moron can do it, and I have proof: I've done it! Several times.
Now, if you do end up going to look at it, unscrew that cap underneath & show the seller - that oughta get him to drop the price...

 

[Montycat]

Thanks Rob.

Yes, having done more research it does not scare this idiot either but my wording might just scare them a little. They did say OBO after all and I might be the ONLY offer!

 

[superdog]

There is some yahoo on ebay that has a $550 tag on one that "works great"Needs a belt".I have a nice one that I picked up for $15 at a thrift.It needed a belt and a shim under the platter.Maybe that's the thrust plate issue.

 

[audiojones]

^ Yep, I usually see those for no more than $50 around here and they used to show up fairly often (though not as much any more). I've had a couple over the years but they're too noisy for me. Very nice looking table, though.