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What should I buy?

chfphoto

chfphoto

Active Member
Hi
I'm new to all this and want to get a good solid turntable. I love the look of the Pioneer PL-570 and PL-530. Are these good or is there something better with the same aesthetics? I also like the PL-71 is this similar/newer? If someone would be so kind as to shed some light on all this.
Thanks so much.
 
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They are all good. I like the 71 better, but that's just me. Most Pioneer tables from back in the day will play very well assuming they are up to spec and not broken. They sold a lot of them for a reason - they sound good and work.

What's your budget like? Do you have lots of yard sales &/or thrifts around your area? Does Craiglist have much in your area? If buying off the 'Bay try to get stuff you can drive to and pick up. Most tables are trashed in shipping :(
 
chfphoto said:
Hi
I'm new to all this and want to get a good solid turntable. I love the look of the Pioneer PL-570 and PL-530. Are these good or is there something better with the same aesthetics? I also like the PL-71 is this similar/newer? If someone would be so kind as to shed some light on all this.
Thanks so much.
Click to expand...

The PL-570 was TOTL in its series, from '76 to '79. The PL-530 was 2 rungs down in the same series, after the PL-550. They're all very good tables and, just my opinion, the prettiest Pioneer ever made (if only the plinths were real veneer).

The PL-71 was (I think) TOTL from the previous series, from '74 to '76.

They're all direct drive. The PL-530, 550 & 570 are fully automatic and the PL-71 is manual. The PL-550 & 570 are quartz controlled while the PL-71 & PL-530 are servo controlled.

All of these are good tables, worth owning. Of course, as you can see, these are 30 + years old so condition will mean EVERYTHING.

A WARNING: Pioneer reused model numbers from the '70s and early '80s for some decidedly dodgy tables in the late '80s and '90s. Avoiding the later ones is easy, though, since they're much different in appearance, obviously cheaper and usually if not always black.

John

John
 
Thanks

My budget is around $200. Yard sales are slim and Craigslist is showing nothing for awhile. So Ebay is my strongest option and I've seen a couple that look in good condition. Is $200 for a 530, 550, 570 a good price?
thanks
 
chfphoto said:
My budget is around $200. Yard sales are slim and Craigslist is showing nothing for awhile. So Ebay is my strongest option and I've seen a couple that look in good condition. Is $200 for a 530, 550, 570 a good price?
thanks
Click to expand...

Yeah but when they are really in good condition they go for more like 280 or so.
 
$200 is currently hovering around average to low, depending on model.

Getting a 550 or 570 for that price in this current market might require a touch of luck or patience.
 
chfphoto said:
My budget is around $200. Yard sales are slim and Craigslist is showing nothing for awhile. So Ebay is my strongest option and I've seen a couple that look in good condition. Is $200 for a 530, 550, 570 a good price?
thanks
Click to expand...

I just checked Completed Listings on the auction site. PL-530s have been going anywhere from $100 to $200. The other models in comparable condition would fetch more.

Just so you know, Audiokarma is riddled with storied of shipping disasters on turntables won on eBay.

John
 
If your only choice seems to be a shipped TT be very careful on ebay, one suggestion that I would give would be to spring the $25 to become a subscriber to AudioKarma and get on the Barter Town thread and do some looking, asking as these things show up and will be well packed from an AK member.:thmbsp:
 
I really like the Pioneer tables! Look into Marantz and Kenwood tables too! I am seeing a lot of Yamaha tables going at a decent price these days. Don't look down your nose at the Realistic Lab series either! Those are some good ones and usually come with a nice Shure Cartridge.
 
Flammaster said:
I really like the Pioneer tables! Look into Marantz and Kenwood tables too! I am seeing a lot of Yamaha tables going at a decent price these days. Don't look down your nose at the Realistic Lab series either! Those are some good ones and usually come with a nice Shure Cartridge.
Click to expand...

What he said too...
 
I really like the PL-570. Both in form and function. The only detractor is the vinyl veneer, which can be replaced.

If you're buying off eBay... make EXTRA sure the seller knows HOW to pack a turntable properly. To many TTs have been wrecked.
 
I think it's going to be tough to get either a PL-530 or PL-570 for $200 that are in really good condition. Good 530's go for $225-$250. Good 570's for $300+

Shipping will run at least $40 to have it packed properly for shipping. Anyone offering shipping for less you should stay away from. If you are going to buy on Ebay ask questions about the buyers experience in shipping TT's. Do some research about what it takes to pack properly and make sure the seller meets those standards. If they come back with an answer like "I ship all the time and never have a problem" and offer no other specifics, then move on. You can offer to pay a little extra to have it properly packed. If they say that they will let the shipper "professionally" pack, then move on. Shippers have no clue how to pack a TT. I wouldn't buy anything from a seller with a feedback rating of less than 99%. Read feedback of sellers to see what problems they have had. Buy shipping insurance, but if it is not properly packed the shipper will not cover it even if insured. I have bought many TTs on Ebay and have had mostly good luck, but you must demand proper packing.

You might consider something Like a JVC QL-A7 or similar type JVC (look at the models on Vinyl Engine). They are very good and typically go for less than the Pioneers or Marantz.

Other TT's that are bargains are the Realistic Lab series. You can often get them for around $100.

Some other less popular brands can be bargains as well.

Do your homework and watch Ebay for awhile to see what's available.

I watch the turntable sections of Ebay daily looking for bargains. They are out there if you know what to look for.


Good Luck

Jon
 
Forgot to mention some of the Fisher TT's. They look very similar to the Pioneers, are good and sometimes go for much less than Pioneer or Marantz.

Jon
 
boreas said:
Just so you know, Audiokarma is riddled with storied of shipping disasters on turntables won on eBay.
Click to expand...

I've purchase 3 tables from ebay and all were packaged to survive the trip. You just have to communicate in advance with the buyer that you have high expectations and are willing to pay for a proper packing job.
 
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