I bought this only to use as a Hi-Fi turntable which it does very well. However, I will never use the DJ features on it. Perhaps a variant without the DJ features would be very good and change the strobe markings on the platter to 33/45, no other changes. I think it would be an excellent Hi-Fi turntable. I have fitted it with an Ortofon 2M silver cartridge with tracking at 1.8g which is new but old. It is probably equivalent to a 2M red cartridge. I have just purchased an Ortofon 2M blue but I haven't tried it yet. I now have no acoustic feedback with a 12" 45 disco record at 190+190 watts in my lounge from a Yamaha A-S1200 amplifier to 4-ohm tower speakers. I hope to add a subwoofer in the future, to be built by me including the amplifier and an LF filter - Note I ... MoreI bought this only to use as a Hi-Fi turntable which it does very well. However, I will never use the DJ features on it. Perhaps a variant without the DJ features would be very good and change the strobe markings on the platter to 33/45, no other changes. I think it would be an excellent Hi-Fi turntable. I have fitted it with an Ortofon 2M silver cartridge with tracking at 1.8g which is new but old. It is probably equivalent to a 2M red cartridge. I have just purchased an Ortofon 2M blue but I haven't tried it yet. I now have no acoustic feedback with a 12" 45 disco record at 190+190 watts in my lounge from a Yamaha A-S1200 amplifier to 4-ohm tower speakers. I hope to add a subwoofer in the future, to be built by me including the amplifier and an LF filter - Note I am a retired technician and I had my own TV Service Center repairing all brands also this turntable replaces a Pioneer PL-510A bought in 1979.

7 months with the Pioneer PLX-1000

I did a considerable amount of research before purchasing this TT. Prior, I had a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon, and while it sounded pretty good, the lack of robustness to the construction always bothered me, it just felt cheap. I decided when I upgraded I would get a TT that was well built, in addition to sounding great. The PLX-1000 is that table, this thing is built like a tank, I couldn't believe how heavy it was lifting it out of the box.Based on some other reviews, I went with the Ortofon 2N head shell, Ortofon wiring, and a Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge. The TT is connected to a Fisher 800c integrated tube receiver, an honestly it's an analog dream setup. It is super quiet, with no noticeable TT or amp noise even when the volume is turned over 50%. I listen to a lot ... MoreI did a considerable amount of research before purchasing this TT. Prior, I had a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon, and while it sounded pretty good, the lack of robustness to the construction always bothered me, it just felt cheap. I decided when I upgraded I would get a TT that was well built, in addition to sounding great. The PLX-1000 is that table, this thing is built like a tank, I couldn't believe how heavy it was lifting it out of the box.Based on some other reviews, I went with the Ortofon 2N head shell, Ortofon wiring, and a Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge. The TT is connected to a Fisher 800c integrated tube receiver, an honestly it's an analog dream setup. It is super quiet, with no noticeable TT or amp noise even when the volume is turned over 50%. I listen to a lot of bluegrass records recorded in the 70's and early 80's and the reproduction of those acoustic sounds is startling. Several friends have commented that they cannot believe how 'live' the music sounds, it's as close as you can get to the band being in the room.Like I said, this TT is a beast, it's not nearly as susceptible to skipping when I turn it up loud on a rock record, or when our dog accidentally runs into the furniture that the TT sits on. I'm just totally impressed with the design (not sure how Technics does not have a design law suit here) and quiet operation of this direct drive table. I had planned on doing some upgrades to KAB Fluid Damper, but honestly, it's not even necessary from what I'm getting out of it now sound wise. I couldn't be happier with the purchase, and the folks at Music Direct had this thing out the door and to my door in just a few days, and everything arrived secured and in pristine condition.

A contender to the Technics crown...

After years being without a deck (used to have a 1210) i bit the bullet and went for this beastie of a turntable. Firstly this ain't a Technics 1210 (mk5) but is as close to one imo. One of the best decks i have ever bought, i've been through few lol (Technics & Project) but this one tops them all. Easy to setup with your cartdrige of choice (i opted for an Ortofon Concorde Mk 2 Club), setup arm and weight and you're good to go. It has no hinges on the lid btw but is easy to put back on. The phono leads that come with the turntable are pretty good actually (though you can change them with premium ones). Thanks to Diego and the guys at the Liverpool (respect is due). If you are looking for alternative to the Technics then seriously get this turntable.

A decent direct drive turntable...

This turntable is one of the many Taiwanese clones of the Technics SL1200 MK II turntable made by Hanpin. That company supplies clones for many companies, such as Audio Technica, Reloop, Stanton and others. While all of them may look like the Technics, they are definitely not engineered like the Technics.Motors are not as stable, the anti-skating is inconsistent, platters may be warped. Hanpin then released an upgraded clone known as the Super-OEM which this Pioneer is derived from (note that the cheaper Pioneer PLX500 is a derivation of the cheaper Technics clone).This model is definitely a step up from the cheaper clones but still not perfect. There is no hinged dust cover (just a drop-on), the motor leaves a bit to be desired compared to motors from the 70s ... MoreThis turntable is one of the many Taiwanese clones of the Technics SL1200 MK II turntable made by Hanpin. That company supplies clones for many companies, such as Audio Technica, Reloop, Stanton and others. While all of them may look like the Technics, they are definitely not engineered like the Technics.Motors are not as stable, the anti-skating is inconsistent, platters may be warped. Hanpin then released an upgraded clone known as the Super-OEM which this Pioneer is derived from (note that the cheaper Pioneer PLX500 is a derivation of the cheaper Technics clone).This model is definitely a step up from the cheaper clones but still not perfect. There is no hinged dust cover (just a drop-on), the motor leaves a bit to be desired compared to motors from the 70s and the arm mass is a tad high.But it is still a good value for its price, although it does not come with any cartridge. Technics has re-released the SL1200 and its price is double the Pioneer. While it is definitely better, most audiophiles will not be able to hear a difference.Just remember, this is a full manual turntable, it does not have any auto functions, just like the original Technics...

All i could of wished for

I purchased this to replace a Marantz 6150 DD turntable that i purchased new in the late seventies as even though still in perfect working order i felt it was overdue for replacement.This deck does not come with a cartridge which is fine as i intended to use the cartridge off of the 6150, a Shure M95HE with a genuine Shure nude diamond HE stylus.Where as i could notice detectable rumble on the Marantz, there is none on the Pioneer and i was constantly adjusting the pitch on the Marantz but the Pioneer just stays spot on.This Pioneer deck is all i could of wished for, it is adjustable in all parameters that you require to get the best from your vinyl, and with the cartridge set up and tracking at 1grm it makes my vinyl sound as a new experience.My only regret ... MoreI purchased this to replace a Marantz 6150 DD turntable that i purchased new in the late seventies as even though still in perfect working order i felt it was overdue for replacement.This deck does not come with a cartridge which is fine as i intended to use the cartridge off of the 6150, a Shure M95HE with a genuine Shure nude diamond HE stylus.Where as i could notice detectable rumble on the Marantz, there is none on the Pioneer and i was constantly adjusting the pitch on the Marantz but the Pioneer just stays spot on.This Pioneer deck is all i could of wished for, it is adjustable in all parameters that you require to get the best from your vinyl, and with the cartridge set up and tracking at 1grm it makes my vinyl sound as a new experience.My only regret is why it took me so long to replace the Marantz, i am totally pleased with the Pioneer and the robustness and quality of construction are 1st class.I am using a Technics A700mk2 amplifier bi-wired to Tannoy Mercury 7.4 floorstanding speakers and feel i now have a very competent and fine sounding system.To conclude i am more than pleased with my purchase of this deck.

Amazing

Having brought two of these a while ago after stupidly selling my 1210’s back in the day for stupid low money these were the only thing available to buy at the time. They’re far more superior than the latest 1210’s and I find much better in terms of torque and as well as pitch control. Only gripe is the Earth cable is a little delicate and would have been nice to have it joined with the phono cables.

Fantastic build quality, great sound

I spent a couple of months wondering about buying this and did my homework first; a good secondhand Technics 1210 would have cost the same, and who knows what problems I might encounter. This is a solid take on the 1210 by Pioneer and, better still, comes with Richer Sounds 6 year warranty included in the price, so ultimately it's a no-brainer. I'm not a DJ, this is for home audiophile listening (just as the original Technics 1210 was intended to be in 1972). If you're considering this for home use don't hesitate, it blows away all similarly priced hifi decks in my opinion, and looks VERY nice in the living room too. LOVE the fact that it DOESN'T have a built in phone stage or any gimmicky USB nonsense, plus gold plated phono outputs so you can use cables of your ... MoreI spent a couple of months wondering about buying this and did my homework first; a good secondhand Technics 1210 would have cost the same, and who knows what problems I might encounter. This is a solid take on the 1210 by Pioneer and, better still, comes with Richer Sounds 6 year warranty included in the price, so ultimately it's a no-brainer. I'm not a DJ, this is for home audiophile listening (just as the original Technics 1210 was intended to be in 1972). If you're considering this for home use don't hesitate, it blows away all similarly priced hifi decks in my opinion, and looks VERY nice in the living room too. LOVE the fact that it DOESN'T have a built in phone stage or any gimmicky USB nonsense, plus gold plated phono outputs so you can use cables of your choice. I'm expecting this deck to see me out! I've been a customer of Richer Sounds since the 1980s and they have always been my first port of call for new audio gear, never been disappointed.

I'm in a confused relationship

Sound:My circles in Serato are perfectly round and the vinyl records sound great with my Shures.Features:A 1200 with a stronger motor and the little things that matter.Ease of Use:They are pure turntables, the music and sounds require you to do the work.Quality:It feels like I will have these for years to come.Value:I think they priced it well.Manufacturer Support:I have yet to have any issues but I would think Pioneer would be on point with support.The Wow Factor:When my boys asked me are those 1210's and I said no, they are the new pioneer joints, they said, "WOOOW" those are dope fam. So that's a pretty good wow factor.Overall:I have been using these wheels for about 2 days now and I can say that I feel like a married man who is cheating on ... MoreSound:My circles in Serato are perfectly round and the vinyl records sound great with my Shures.Features:A 1200 with a stronger motor and the little things that matter.Ease of Use:They are pure turntables, the music and sounds require you to do the work.Quality:It feels like I will have these for years to come.Value:I think they priced it well.Manufacturer Support:I have yet to have any issues but I would think Pioneer would be on point with support.The Wow Factor:When my boys asked me are those 1210's and I said no, they are the new pioneer joints, they said, "WOOOW" those are dope fam. So that's a pretty good wow factor.Overall:I have been using these wheels for about 2 days now and I can say that I feel like a married man who is cheating on his wife with a younger, prettier woman. I have been my wife for about 30 years (1200's). I have done it all from battling, to travelling parties, to getting busy on many stages throughout the years. She has made me happy. In comes the new girl (PLX-1000). Her name isn't as catchy but I have nicknamed her the (PG's). She is prettier to look at. Her motor is stronger, she has a counterweight for heavy handed guys like me. I like the way they sit pretty on my table right next to the mixer with perfect height. The anti-skate and arm lifts all have a quality feel. The pitch reset are quite precise and the different options of pitch control work well. The pitch control slider feels beautiful in the hands. I must say that I am in love all over again. The feeling of unboxing the next great turntable was a great experience. Everything came neatly packaged and ready to go. I like the headshell for the cartridge and the fact that it has a detachable weight. Something small but effective - The on and off switch is recessed so you don't accidently bump it and turn off the turntable. That was an issue that I had in my teen years of battling and doing tricks but it also gave me a skill set that I am glad to have learned. I have 3 sets of 1200's in my lab and I will always love them and I will never divorce her. I just feel that as our lives have progressed, I need a new chick on the side to do some things with. My P-G's are the new thing in my life and my Serato Rane Mixer loves them. I have set up my 1200's and mixer next to my old school crates for my analog setup. I actually threw some vinyl on the P-G's and low and behold, they are great with the counter weights as well. I am keeping my double set-up as it is, but yes, they move vinyl as well, if not better due to the motor strength and pitch speed adjustments. Overall, welcome back Turntablism!

Pioneer PLX-1000 Review

I grew up with a basic Technics SLQ-200 Direct Drive turntable. After 35 years, I decided I wanted an upgrade. Updating the old Technics via new p-mount cartridges had run its course. I worked with John and Dave at Music Direct. Dave recommended the Pioneer PLX-1000. After an initial listen and further research on my own, I went for it. After listening for last few days, I am very impressed. Silent operation. Rock steady. Dynamic, punchy sound with the Ortofon 2M Red. A huge upgrade from my old Technics starter model. Some may scoff at direct drive, but this model has no added motor noise, no hum, just great sound. Lives up to Stereophile report on it. I image I will upgrade the cart further in years to come at Music Direct. This is a no brainer for anyone wanting a ... MoreI grew up with a basic Technics SLQ-200 Direct Drive turntable. After 35 years, I decided I wanted an upgrade. Updating the old Technics via new p-mount cartridges had run its course. I worked with John and Dave at Music Direct. Dave recommended the Pioneer PLX-1000. After an initial listen and further research on my own, I went for it. After listening for last few days, I am very impressed. Silent operation. Rock steady. Dynamic, punchy sound with the Ortofon 2M Red. A huge upgrade from my old Technics starter model. Some may scoff at direct drive, but this model has no added motor noise, no hum, just great sound. Lives up to Stereophile report on it. I image I will upgrade the cart further in years to come at Music Direct. This is a no brainer for anyone wanting a sub $1000 deck with top sound. And Music Direct is the place to get it. Thanks John and Dave.

Solid build , great sound .

PIONEER PLX1000 .Firstly this deck is a very solid mid entry level deck with all the features you would get from a technics high end deck . Very easy to set up . Great mids and treble and very good bass when paired with a ortofon bronze 2m stylus. I use this for home use / hifi enthusiast .Just a heads up this deck does not ship with a stylus so you will have to factor that into your price when considering purchasing this deck . I honestly cant fault this deck , anti skate works correctly. Arm adjustment works great for those thicker slip mats . Time will tell . But rest assured this deck also comes with 6 years free care which is peace of mind if anything does fail down the road . Excellent service from richersounds, Yet again ! Would highly recommend shopping there .