Grrr.... thoughts on this TT

EndersShadow
EndersShadow Posts: 17,590
edited November 2012 in Electronics
The harder I try to fight it, the more I am intrigued by vinly and TT's, especially vintage ones on CL.

I ran across a listing for a Pioneer PL-514 TT that looks to be in mint condition (minus not having a stylus) for 75 bucks. I think his price is a bit steep, but dont know enough to be sure.

Thoughts on this TT from the experts.
"....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
Post edited by EndersShadow on
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  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited October 2012
    By the time you fuss with anything wrong with it, try to find a replacement belt if it's belt driven, buy a cart and get it setup correctly, you might consider an entry level Pro-ject or Music Hall TT.
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
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  • TNHNDYMAN
    TNHNDYMAN Posts: 2,145
    edited October 2012
    replied to your pm with my thoughts on it. Decent, offer $80 w/ cart and go from there....
    2-ch System: Parasound P/LD 2000 pre, Parasound HCA-1000 amp, Parasound T/DQ Tuner, Phase Technology PC-100 Tower speakers, Technics SL-1600 Turntable, Denon 2910 SACD/CD player, Peachtree DAC iT and X1asynchorus USB converter, HSU VTF-3 subwoofer.

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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,590
    edited October 2012
    I think I am gonna let it set for a bit longer to see if I can lower the price any. It looks nice but I dont need a TT by any means. My integra doesnt even have a phono input so I would probably need to buy a phono pre to get it to work no?
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,806
    edited October 2012
    yes (not that this is a bad problem to have; there are good MM phono preamps at all price points, and the cheapest option is often a repurposed vintaged integrated amp, preamp, or receiver with a good phono section!).

    The Pioneer PL-512/514/516/518 line are decent enough but not as nicely made as earlier Pioneer tts. By the late 1970s the economy was having pretty dire issues, the value of the yen relative to the dollar was up, and the era of really well crafted massmarket Japanese hifi was waning.
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,590
    edited October 2012
    mhardy6647 wrote: »
    yes (not that this is a bad problem to have; there are good MM phono preamps at all price points, and the cheapest option is often a repurposed vintaged integrated amp, preamp, or receiver with a good phono section!).

    The Pioneer PL-512/514/516/518 line are decent enough but not as nicely made as earlier Pioneer tts. By the late 1970s the economy was having pretty dire issues, the value of the yen relative to the dollar was up, and the era of really well crafted massmarket Japanese hifi was waning.

    I agree, however more parts require more money, so I am going to see how low I can possibly get it for. If it gets sold to someone else, no loss here, TT's come up every now and again and maybe next time it will be mine. I am not really looking for one, but if one comes along at a very good price thats worth the money, I may be tempted to get it for use later.

    Also as I have no vinyl at all its not like I am missing out on playing a bunch of stuff, and its also really hard to find cheap vinyl here in Indy as all the local guys will tell you. Goodwill never has any nor do most of the other used stores.
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,806
    edited October 2012
    Let me know if you need a care package - I am nothing if not an enabler :-)
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  • hochpt21
    hochpt21 Posts: 5,423
    edited October 2012
    Not as fun as picking, but you can find almost anything you want (usually at pretty good prices) on amazon or eBay. Some risk depending on the sellers description of condition, but I've had pretty good luck.
    2 ChannelTurntable - VPI Classic 2/Ortofon 2M BlueAmplification - Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II, Parks Audio Budgie PhonoSpeakers - GoldenEar Triton 17.2 Home TheaterDenon AVR-X3300W; Rotel RMB-1066; Klipsch RP-280F's, Klipsch RP-450C, Polk FXi3's, Polk RC60i; Dual SVS PB 2000's; BenQ HT2050; Elite Screens 120"Man CaveTurntable - Pro-Ject 2.9 Wood/Grado GoldAmplification - Dared SL2000a, McCormack DNA 0.5 DeluxeCD: Cambridge AudioSpeakers - Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary; LSiM 703; SDA 2A
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,806
    edited October 2012
    The big risk on eBay, when it comes to buying a turntable is that very few sellers know how to pack a turntable to survive shipping.
    One is far better off to buy locally if at all possible.
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  • trav0810
    trav0810 Posts: 1,056
    edited October 2012
    First, I know even less about TT's than I do about Amps! lol, but this TT has been for sale for quite a while. Feature wise, it looks like a nice unit and it has a new needle. But again, I have no knowledge of this unit.

    http://muncie.craigslist.org/ele/3286515381.html
    The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its limits.” -Albert Einstein

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  • TNHNDYMAN
    TNHNDYMAN Posts: 2,145
    edited October 2012
    Most ebay sellers have no clue as to how to pack. I've bought a few and it's a 50/50 game as to whether it will survive the trip. I like the TT trav posted better than the 514 you saw Dan. Wait till Thanksgiving and we can meet in Knoxville I could bring you something to try out. Last count I had 24 TT's in the house (some have obvious issues and need a better tech than me to work on) but I'm sure I could find something to get you started in the black hole of vinyl.

    Have Mr H send you something with tubes in it and then you will be well on your way to audio bankrupcy before the new year lol.
    2-ch System: Parasound P/LD 2000 pre, Parasound HCA-1000 amp, Parasound T/DQ Tuner, Phase Technology PC-100 Tower speakers, Technics SL-1600 Turntable, Denon 2910 SACD/CD player, Peachtree DAC iT and X1asynchorus USB converter, HSU VTF-3 subwoofer.

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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,451
    edited October 2012
    EndersShadow wrote: »
    I am not really looking for one, but if one comes along at a very good price thats worth the money, I may be tempted to get it for use later.

    Also as I have no vinyl at all its not like I am missing out on playing a bunch of stuff, and its also really hard to find cheap vinyl here in Indy as all the local guys will tell you. Goodwill never has any.


    That's me the abridged edition:lol:,while we do have some decent 2nd hand vinyl stores they want top dollar for most records now that folks are getting back into it. Just a few years ago they were all practically giving that stuff away. I went by a few the other day and they had several TT while no where near top or middle of the line for that matter they were asking FAR more than they sold for new.
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  • codyc1ark
    codyc1ark Posts: 2,532
    edited October 2012
    Hmmm... Funny that you bring this up Dan, I just stoped at a small (shack) record store yesterday and picked up an album. I've got two TT's in the basement, I'm thinking I can get one going. I may work on that tonight, but I'm in a better boat than you with the SC having phono input. One of my TT's is not wired for 110v US, maybe you'll want that one as a project? I'll call you tonight as I was tied up when you called yesterday and forgot all about it.
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  • dromunds
    dromunds Posts: 10,009
    edited October 2012
    I wouldn't buy a TT on ebay, but you can find reputable dealers selling used vinyl on Amazon at reasonable prices if you cannot find it locally.
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,590
    edited October 2012
    TNHNDYMAN wrote: »
    Most ebay sellers have no clue as to how to pack. I've bought a few and it's a 50/50 game as to whether it will survive the trip. I like the TT trav posted better than the 514 you saw Dan. Wait till Thanksgiving and we can meet in Knoxville I could bring you something to try out. Last count I had 24 TT's in the house (some have obvious issues and need a better tech than me to work on) but I'm sure I could find something to get you started in the black hole of vinyl.

    Have Mr H send you something with tubes in it and then you will be well on your way to audio bankrupcy before the new year lol.

    LOL, very very true, audio bankruptcy has already happened, this computer build is starting to annoy the wife lol...... I might just take you up on the offer of a loaner sir.
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    That's me the abridged edition:lol:,while we do have some decent 2nd hand vinyl stores they want top dollar for most records now that folks are getting back into it. Just a few years ago they were all practically giving that stuff away. I went by a few the other day and they had several TT while no where near top or middle of the line for that matter they were asking FAR more than they sold for new.

    Yeah, if I find some stuff for decent that I like I might be into it more, but as I starting getting into music around the time CD's and CD players were all the rage (I am a youngin here), I dont know a ton of bands that are even still ON vinyl and finding newer stuff thats actually recorded properly on it is pretty hard as well.

    That paired with my prefered music (electronic/techno) makes it VERY hard to find stuff lol. I do listen to a bunch of hard rock and alternative stuff, but as I said most of the bands I grew up with were all on CD.
    codyc1ark wrote: »
    Hmmm... Funny that you bring this up Dan, I just stoped at a small (shack) record store yesterday and picked up an album. I've got two TT's in the basement, I'm thinking I can get one going. I may work on that tonight, but I'm in a better boat than you with the SC having phono input. One of my TT's is not wired for 110v US, maybe you'll want that one as a project? I'll call you tonight as I was tied up when you called yesterday and forgot all about it.

    No worries, I wanted to run something by you so we will chat for sure. I think you might like my idea :smile:
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • hochpt21
    hochpt21 Posts: 5,423
    edited October 2012
    The big risk on eBay, when it comes to buying a turntable is that very few sellers know how to pack a turntable to survive shipping.
    One is far better off to buy locally if at all possible.
    Most ebay sellers have no clue as to how to pack. I've bought a few and it's a 50/50 game as to whether it will survive the trip.
    I wouldn't buy a TT on ebay, but you can find reputable dealers selling used vinyl on Amazon at reasonable prices if you cannot find it locally.

    Hey, sorry all. I didn't qualify my statement:redface:. I was just responding to the part about Enders not being able to find cheap vinyl in Indy. I agree with all of you about not purchasing a table without auditioning.
    2 ChannelTurntable - VPI Classic 2/Ortofon 2M BlueAmplification - Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II, Parks Audio Budgie PhonoSpeakers - GoldenEar Triton 17.2 Home TheaterDenon AVR-X3300W; Rotel RMB-1066; Klipsch RP-280F's, Klipsch RP-450C, Polk FXi3's, Polk RC60i; Dual SVS PB 2000's; BenQ HT2050; Elite Screens 120"Man CaveTurntable - Pro-Ject 2.9 Wood/Grado GoldAmplification - Dared SL2000a, McCormack DNA 0.5 DeluxeCD: Cambridge AudioSpeakers - Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary; LSiM 703; SDA 2A
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  • dromunds
    dromunds Posts: 10,009
    edited October 2012
    EndersShadow, I think you might be very surprised at how many new bands are issuing quality vinyl. And new releases by old bands.
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,590
    edited October 2012
    dromunds wrote: »
    EndersShadow, I think you might be very surprised at how many new bands are issuing quality vinyl. And new releases by old bands.

    Perhaps, but until I get a TT and the ability to connect it to my setup and the desire/want to do so, I dont have a reason to seek them out :smile:.
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • Msabot1
    Msabot1 Posts: 2,098
    edited October 2012
    Hey dude,my dad was an audiophile,and from a very early age taught me to get the best table I could afford. My collection goes pre Beatles and every one is in very good shape! Vinyl is making a comeback,if you get into lp's you want to make sure you don't dig out the grooves with a lousy tone arm. If you take care of em,they will last a lifetime.
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited October 2012
    dromunds wrote: »
    EndersShadow, I think you might be very surprised at how many new bands are issuing quality vinyl. And new releases by old bands.

    That may be true but the pricing is a tad "high" for an LP, IMHO! Those vinyl issues are almost like a boutique market price.

    To OP, TTs can be had for less than a 100 (and decent tables at that) on your local CL. Just have to keep an eye on the list. As far as shipping, I've had two shipped by ebayers, however, one was shipped by an Audio Refurber so they had no problems packing it (speed adjusted, with new belts).

    It goes without saying that TTs are a giant sinkhole that "I", personally, am not willing to throw massive amounts of cash into. As mhardy points out, I use an old receiver (although I do have a couple of pre-amps with decent phono sections--I'm too lazy to reconfigure) HK 430 with an old Lab 270 belt TT, and Dynaco A25s. And it really does sound like I'm back in 1975. Definitely not high end, just HiFi! lol

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,590
    edited October 2012
    Yup, like I said I look on some of the local CL every now and again just to see whats there, normally using searches for "Speakers" "vintage" "stereo" and that normally gets most things I would find interesting.

    I have no "need" for a TT so I will just keep perusing the ads till one pops up thats really either a good price or a really good piece worth paying for. I agree they are a sinkhole hence why I am not down for dropping tons of cash on a TT. 100 is probably even pushing it in my case since as stated I would then need to invest in the physical medium.

    I am heavily invested in both CD and digital (FLAC copies of said CD's) so I tend to be more willing to drop cash there than on analog Vinyl stuff.
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,590
    edited October 2012
    New cheaper TT: Vintage Collaro Turntable Record Player - $40

    http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/ele/3371528728.html
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,806
    edited October 2012
    record gouger.
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,806
    edited October 2012
    appropos of (next to) nothing - here's a photo of the suspension feet featured by the PL-5** line of Pioneer turntables. This was a PL-512XD that lived here for some time. I donated it to a friend who cannibalized it to make a record cleaning machine from it.

    defeat1.jpg

    Here's the "after" photo (I don't have a good 'before' photo, it was a pretty meh turntable):

    RCM2.jpg
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  • codyc1ark
    codyc1ark Posts: 2,532
    edited October 2012
    Dan- After talking to you yesterday, I dug the PL-516 out of the basement and hooked it up for the first time. Ran through three albums, a very nice sounding Zep II, Doors and a Nirvana single. Mmmm... This is dangerous. It has an Audio-Technica cart it in, the second to last S&V had TT setup 101, so I'm going to spend an evening here soon doing that.

    mhardy- The 516 that I have has brand new looking feet. I remember in a previous thread you said that's rare. My only issue so far is that when it gets to the end of an album, I get a loud farting sound when it hits the middle. Is there a way to avoid that (without remembering the last song and running to it?!?)?

    Dan- Eff your thread! I'm jacking this one for myself!

    That is all.
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  • TNHNDYMAN
    TNHNDYMAN Posts: 2,145
    edited October 2012
    Dear God Dan please don't buy that. Even I'd pass and I buy anything. lol
    EndersShadow wrote: »
    New cheaper TT: Vintage Collaro Turntable Record Player - $40

    http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/ele/3371528728.html
    2-ch System: Parasound P/LD 2000 pre, Parasound HCA-1000 amp, Parasound T/DQ Tuner, Phase Technology PC-100 Tower speakers, Technics SL-1600 Turntable, Denon 2910 SACD/CD player, Peachtree DAC iT and X1asynchorus USB converter, HSU VTF-3 subwoofer.

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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,590
    edited November 2012
    codyc1ark wrote: »
    Dan- After talking to you yesterday, I dug the PL-516 out of the basement and hooked it up for the first time. Ran through three albums, a very nice sounding Zep II, Doors and a Nirvana single. Mmmm... This is dangerous. It has an Audio-Technica cart it in, the second to last S&V had TT setup 101, so I'm going to spend an evening here soon doing that.

    mhardy- The 516 that I have has brand new looking feet. I remember in a previous thread you said that's rare. My only issue so far is that when it gets to the end of an album, I get a loud farting sound when it hits the middle. Is there a way to avoid that (without remembering the last song and running to it?!?)?

    Dan- Eff your thread! I'm jacking this one for myself!

    That is all.

    LOL, no worries man, glad it got you curious to try it out.
    TNHNDYMAN wrote: »
    Dear God Dan please don't buy that. Even I'd pass and I buy anything. lol

    LOL, just checking, the price was decent lol...... I have seen it a couple times and was curious :biggrin:
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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