info needed about Pioneer PL 510A turntable

pglbook
pglbook Posts: 2,222
in Electronics
Does anyone know if the Pioneer PL 510A is a good turntable? I have a chance to buy one locally in excellent condition for $125 (it will, however, need a new cartridge and stylus). It is a beautiful-looking and very sturdy turntable (it definitely has some weight to it) but I do not know anything about it. I currently have a Thorens TD 160 and was thinking about picking up the Pioneer for a 2nd system. How would the Pioneer compare to the Thorens TD 160? Would it be as good as the Thorens? Thanks.
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  • gudnoyez
    gudnoyez Posts: 8,124
    https://quadcities.craigslist.org/ele/5371905280.html

    This guy has had this one up for sale for a while his asking price is way to much even with the cartridge he is including. These sold for $199.00 new when they came out. I would offer him $75-$100 if its in good shape, explaining to him that you also need funds to buy a cartridge for it.
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  • pglbook
    pglbook Posts: 2,222
    edited January 2016
    Thanks for the info, gudnoyez. I checked ebay a little while ago and prices on there are outrageous ($350-$450). I know it is not worth THAT much so it was good to see a more realistic price point on the link you provided. $125 is a decent price, especially for the amazing condition the one close to me is in. However, when one adds the price of a new cartridge and stylus, it is probably not worth it just to get it for a 2nd system. I really like my Thorens TD 160 and was wondering if the Pioneer was anywhere close to the Thorens in terms of quality and sound.
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  • skrol
    skrol Posts: 3,375

    http://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_reviews.php?make=Pioneer&model=PL-510A
    http://www.vinylengine.com/library/pioneer/pl-510a.shtml
    http://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_forum/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=73686
    Stan

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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,804
    edited January 2016
    meh -- not junk, not great.
    I could see a hunnert smackers for a cosmetically nice one (even sans cartridge) in good working order in today's overheated "vinyls" market.
    Fit for purpose, as is sometimes said in my line o'work.
    By and large, I've long preferred the Technics direct drives to Pioneers'.

    Just my opinions, of course.
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  • pglbook
    pglbook Posts: 2,222
    edited January 2016
    Thanks for all the input. I decided to pass on the Pioneer tt. I am happy with my Thorens and really don't need a second tt, especially if it is just a decent starter or mid-level tt as the Pioneer PL 510A seems to be. Thanks again.
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  • soundfreak1
    soundfreak1 Posts: 3,414
    Remember Flea bay prices are asking not selling prices.Check the sold section and see what a unit actually sells for. Without a good cart I agree 75 would be tops.
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