Underrated turntables....Share Your Knowledge !!!!!

[4-2-7]

Did Pioneer really offer nothing better on the US market at that time? Over here you could get the PL-707, PL-505 and the PL-L800.

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini

It was their flagship fully auto model that's all I know, but really you should read about it, before saying nothing better, it's a solid peace of equipment with good specs and computer technology at that time.

Description
The Pioneer PL-88F features include auto lead in, auto return, auto cut, repeat, arm elevation, program search play, index play, manual play, manual location, skip, auto disc size selector, deck synchro, record detection and built in anti-skating.

Specifications
Type: direct drive

Motor: quartz PLL Hall motor

Platter: 280mm aluminium alloy diecast

Speeds: 33 and 45rpm

Wow and flutter: 0.025%

Rumble: 78dB

Tonearm: static-balanced type, straight pipe arm

Effective length: 208mm

Overhang: 20.2mm

Dimensions: 420 x 98 x 335mm

Weight: 10.3kg

Review
Auditioned as a complete unit with the platter both out and retracted, the sound of the PL-88F was undoubtedly the best of Pioneers tested this year. The mid was fairly transparent with clean transients and some stereo depth, and the bass was acceptedly even, if lacking in real detail - £300 HiFi Choice 1984

 

[lini]

427: I'm not claiming it wouldn't be a good model - I'd just be surprised, if it would actually have been marketed as their flagship model in 1984 (even if limited to fully automatic models)..

Can't comment on the quote from Hifi Choice, as I don't know which other Pioneer tables they tested that year...

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini

 

[4-2-7]

427: I'm not claiming it wouldn't be a good model - I'd just be surprised, if it would actually have been marketed as their flagship model in 1984 (even if limited to fully automatic models)..

Can't comment on the quote from Hifi Choice, as I don't know which other Pioneer tables they tested that year...

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini

I was actually thinking, it really fits this thread as underrated, we today don't look at this type of table as desirable because it's a bit out of the norm. Using it is more like a CDP than a turntable but it was the trend at that time. I forgot what the last TT I bought back then but it was similar, however the quality wasn't as good as this one, it was around a $160 table in 1985 when I got it.

 

[WolfgangBenz]

That is the Philips model that the Erres posted at the beginning of this thread and it is a mighty fine table ....mine too had the warp problem but I just put a few shims in the gap where the try meets the top section and used longer screws ...it looks as if the Philips even has the neat stylus balance in it too .

This is a great sleeper table, I own one. It has a plastic casing but is very well built. It has plenty of heft to it. This TT was close to 500 dollars in the 70's, it will do any high end moving magnet cartridge justice. This line of Phillips is a steal and well worth anyone's time. The plastic fantastic.

 

[Rygen]

MCS 6601, used to have one. Wish I kept it.

 

[eb2jim]

I have run into a handful of Magnavox branded turntables that are really rebadged Philips turntables. These seem to be early 80s or late 70s decks. They are a surprise in that most would not associated Magnavox with modern decent build vs their early 60s consoles which typically had rumbly changers. They got better as they got older.

 

[theophile]

There are lots of underrated turntables simply because in individual instances, so few ever owned them or they weren't available in all markets. As with all threads which ask about components, the quality spread which gets proffered reflects the standard against which the assessment is being measured. A person who has driven nothing better than the Beverly Hillbillies truck will be awed by a 1980 Toyota Corolla, whereas someone who has driven a current model Ferrari will be less effusive of the same. Both are correct. The difference in their testimony reflects not biases but the standard against which they are measuring.

 

[ggregg]

Indeed. And also the SL-D2.

Having just picked up a mint SLD2, I would have to agree. Very no frills table but weighs more than you would think and performs well. Build quality is excellent.

 

[sfrost]

The older Revolver Rebel tables with the split plinths were very good sounding tables especially with an upgraded arm.

 

[Falstaff]

I have to nominate the Technics SL-QD33, quartz direct drive, sure it is a p-mount but there are a bunch of decent carts available. Also cheap because it is full auto, even thought they cost more new now they sell at a discount to manuals and semi-autos, go figure.
Grab one for less than $100.

The Technics SL-QD33 is a fantastic turntable. Had one and traded it to someone else who also appreciated it, straight up for a working Teac A-4300SX rtr. Would like to find another for what I paid…$9.99 at thrift.

 

[jon56]

How about the Realistic Lab 440 T/T ??

Jon

 

[Van_Isle]

I think there would be a number of Realistic turntables that fit the bill. The Lab 400 was mentioned previously. How about the Lab 500 ... and for that matter the 'parent' Mitsubishi model (DP-84DA) and others from them.

I've always felt Akai to be under-rated. I had an AP-Q41 from new (1984) until about 4 years ago. All that automation and it only needed one repair (sticky solenoid) in all that time. The AP-103 I had a while ago impressed me. I'm cleaning up an AP-001 right now ... I'll let you know.

I also think the Pioneer PL-512, 514, etc. are under-rated.

 

[rmoreau61]

ADC 1600DD. It has an LMF2 style tonearm. When other turntables can't handle a record with an "imperfection" this player "keeps on trackin'" (and I've had a couple LP's with epic speed bumps). Suffers from the plasticky look and feel but is a solid performer.

 

[Van_Isle]

Hah ... there's one of those for sale right now local to me. Unfortunately, the seller has an odd (and annoying) method ... he keeps posting up ads with various combinations of the same pool of equipment .... his prices vary from ad to ad ... and he doesn't take the old one down. I guess he thinks no one will notice??? I've had 3 people who came to buy items from me mention this guy. He also keeps claiming he is downsizing for a move but I know he is still buying stuff (he beat me to a couple items recently). Oddest part is he also has some business course textbooks for sale (mind you I guess he dropped the course!). Sorry .... that's completely off topic.

Perhaps it should be in the category of 'rare' rather than 'underrated' but speaking of LMF2-style tonearms ... how about a Panta? .... like the RPH-220 or RPH-340. I can't say I have heard one as the only one I ran into was inoperable. It did appear to be fairly well built.

 

[marcmorin]

Hah ... there's one of those for sale right now local to me. Unfortunately, the seller has an odd (and annoying) method ... he keeps posting up ads with various combinations of the same pool of equipment .... his prices vary from ad to ad ... and he doesn't take the old one down. I guess he thinks no one will notice??? I've had 3 people who came to buy items from me mention this guy. He also keeps claiming he is downsizing for a move but I know he is still buying stuff (he beat me to a couple items recently). Oddest part is he also has some business course textbooks for sale (mind you I guess he dropped the course!). Sorry .... that's completely off topic.

Perhaps it should be in the category of 'rare' rather than 'underrated' but speaking of LMF2-style tonearms ... how about a Panta? .... like the RPH-220 or RPH-340. I can't say I have heard one as the only one I ran into was inoperable. It did appear to be fairly well built.

The LMF2 tonearm is different from the Linn LVV in tube shape. Straight vs S. AK'r Big Bill addressed the arm bearings in his LVV with the "sapphire" treatment to the vertical bearings and sealed ball race to replace the tube through white metal for the horizontal bearing, and created a superlative arm.

 

[Van_Isle]

Sorry I don't get the significance of quoting my post. I was just referencing (poorly perhaps) the Panta tonearm's resemblance to the ADC.

 

[marcmorin]

Sorry I don't get the significance of quoting my post. I was just referencing (poorly perhaps) the Panta tonearm's resemblance to the ADC.

it's quite possible the arm was the same manufacturer (acos denki) as the LMF and Linn LVV. And what possibilities can be had with it.
An already "under the radar" arm, and the simplicity of taking it to upper crust level of performance.

 

[Hitachiht550]

This may be a surprise coming from me ... How about almost anything in the Hitachi HT or PS line. A Hitachi HT-550 sounded so much better than than the other TTs I had been goofing around with that it started me practically collecting these TTs. Some of these were also sold under the ProjectOne brand.

 

[Laughter]

I have to vote for the kenwood KP-5022. Direct drive and suspended fully automatic turntable with repeat side function. Strobe light is s neat looking nixie lamp.

I really thought this table sounded and looked great. I regret selling this one.

The image is from the web.

 

[mjw21a]

Certainly not underrated elsewhere! I remember first hearing one in a magnificent system with an SME arm and Ortofon MC cartridge. I replaced a Technics SL110 with a very similar Hamish Robertson design, the Ariston RD-11s, in '76 and have it to this day.

Well and truly out of my price range though. I have however picked up a lovely old Ariston RD110 SL turntable and Fidelity Research FR-24 Mk2 tonearm. About $1000 for that in Australia.... A Linn LP12 goes for about $5k in good nick. I would like to hear one someday though.

Hitachi's PS line are some excellent turntables, and can be found for around $100. Very tough to beat for price and sound.

Just picked up a lovely Hitachi PS-8 belt drive for a mate (beginners table) in mint condition for $150. Will likely be a nice pairing with his vintage Rotel reciever and little bookshelf speakers. Going to set up a Empire EXL20 cart on there. I've plenty of spare EVG styli for the 2000 series will fit on there for when he inevitably breaks them

It really is a stunning table.

I've found that here in Australia, direct droves tend to go for silly prices unless they're plastic. Belt drives are much better value. My preference is to keep 1x direct drive and 1x suspended subchassis belt drive. I would like to get a quality idler as a third table though the little lady would kill me. We've agreed to two systems max.

Oh, one more to add to the list:

Orpheous Silex. A transcription grade table made in Australia for radio stations back in the 60's. Its a suspended table with a large belt driven idler wheel. They're beginning to get rarer and go up in price though.