Pioneer PL-1000A experiences ?

[SEAWOLF97]

My local audio guy has this model in pristine shape ..includes Pioneer MC cart..I've always wanted a tang tracker and the price isnt too bad ..from the very little I can find on the web this looks like the TOTL ...any opinions ? good or bad ? This page & photo shows the earlier PL-1000...the jog wheel was replaced with directional buttons on the A

http://www.thevintageknob.org/PIONEER/PLL1000/PLL1000.html#

[SEAWOLF97]

I'm finding out that this same model was sold as the Phase Linear 8000 and also that it has many motors and must be completely level (thanx Juergen) ...still "on the fence" ...anyone else ?

this ebay Isreal auction is mebbe a little optimistic ?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Pioneer-PL-L1000-Linear-Tracking-Arm_W0QQitemZ170315225436QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPlatte nspieler?hash=item27a794195c&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A13 18|301%3A0|293%3A3|294%3A50

Pioneer PL-L1000 (Linear Tracking Arm)

http://buy.ebay.co.il/buying//pic/bin_15x54.gif price: USD $ 824.73 (ILS $ 3,247)

[SEAWOLF97]

OK, so I went back today to check out the beast (19x17 inches , 28 pounds) . Negoed the price down a bit , Doug at Audio Specialties gave me a 4 day return priv and 90 day warranty, so there just isnt much downside.

The Pl-L1000 (and A) are non-US models , sold only in Japan & Europe ....I gave it a good hard listen and liked what I heard ..the cart is a high o/p MC with the Pioneer name on it..dont know who made it, but looks like AudioTechnicia. The dust cover is about the best condition that I've seen on a used tt. Read somewhere that its a CF arm.

so now there are 2 tt's that can play thru the 250ti's ...I have a speaker/amp switchbox , so that the 2nd set ( Big Denon receiver -110wpc- ) can be used with the new tt OR back to the BGW with the PL-530 tt at the push of a button. :D

I'll just dump some older tt's and be even.

[midlife]

I think your mind is already made up. Enjoy it, I lost my Technics SL1100A and the rest of my stuff in the Katrina disaster. From discust I threw my water soaked album collection in the street, kinda regret that. IMHO vinyl is the best source. :applaud:

[SEAWOLF97]

I think your mind is already made up. Enjoy it, :applaud:

Dont have enuff $ to go anywhere this holiday weekend, so staying home and giving the Pioneer a workout brfore D-Day (decision to return or not on tuesday)

I have read that the A model has a carbon fibre arm tube and specs that it will make quartz lock within a 90 degree turn and I have observed it doing so.

found another owner in Oz who sent me this review ..they liked the table but not the supplied cart , a PC-600 ...mine has a high output moving coil that is marked "Pioneer AMC"

I have looked for a linear tracker for a while, in my price range only the B&O is available, but replacement carts/styli are prohibitively expensive...the Pioneer uses a standard head shell and cart.

[Uncle Paul]

Sounds like a great score - can't wait to hear your impressions!

[MikeBrewster77]

I have the Phase Linear version (which I previously referenced in an earlier thread here: http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=23103) and they are nice decks (monsters indeed!) FWIW, it's the only linear tracking TT I've ever owned that I thought was worth keeping in rotation, and I've had several, including models from Technics, Realistic, Marantz, a [significantly] cheaper Pioneer model, and even one from B&O.

It is true that perfect balance is critical to performance, so I've always set mine up with a level to ensure it's sitting completely even.

I think you'll be exceptionally pleased, and look forward to your thoughts when you've had some time with it.

Best,
- Mike

[SEAWOLF97]

I think you'll be exceptionally pleased, and look forward to your thoughts when you've had some time with it.
Best,
- Mike

Mike - I've been playing the heck out of it as today was my deadline to return or not.

its still here. and has a 90 day warranty.

The Pioneer MC cart is OK, high o/p and doesn't need a transformer . It MUST be exactly level as there is no antiskating. The linear track is a little clearer and doesnt get any tracking errs on inner tracks. Has its share of mech noises , just hope it holds up. It must have been lightly used as the condition is VG as is the dustcover. Doesnt trak badly warped LPs well, tho.

I have googled and found info/pix on the PL-L1000 , but not much on the "A"

info here
http://www.audiocostruzioni.com:80/r_s/giradischi/pioneer-pl-1000/pioneer-pl-1000.htm

" The later PL-L1000A had a carbon fibre arm and was sold in the U.S.A. under the Phase Linear model 8000A.
In actual fact there are some four distinctly differing versions of this turntable. The original Pioneer PL-L1000 which is black, and the nearly-identical Phase Linear 8000 Series 2 which is silver. The next generation was the black Pioneer PL-L1000A and the nearly-identical silver Phase Linear 8000A. There are several differences between the original and next-generation 'A' models. The original 1000/8000 models had a 'jog dial' which you spun around either left or right to cue the tonearm above the record. The later 1000A/8000A models have a rocker-type switch that you press to the left or right to cue the tonearm. The motor and platter assemblies are a bit different between the 2 models also. The original versions had a heavier-looking motor assembly and larger main circuit board, which look smaller and a bit cheaper in the 1000A/8000A models, although they are supposed to perform to the same specs.
Pioneer did not offer the PL-L1000 for sale in the US so most of the PL-L1000's that have shown up in the U.S.A. were brought back by servicemen stationed overseas."

[SEAWOLF97]

well, I sold this to LO Dan ,who sold it on CL and that buyer is trying to sell it again...:blink:
at least 6 owners, so far..(that I know of) .:eek:

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/ele/2485570984.html

Pioneer PL-L1000A Turntable - $170 (Woodstock )

Date: 2011-07-09, 11:43AM PDT
Reply to: [email protected] [Errors when replying to ads? (http://www.craigslist.org/about/help/replying_to_posts)]
Pioneer linear/tangenial tracking turntable for sale here. I bought it on craigslist in January for $200. I thought that was a great deal for such a unique and well regarded turntable. You can read a little about this very machine here: http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?25103-Pioneer-PL-1000A-experiences&p=252914 (there is a link to a review mid-way down the page). The only issue I have had with this machine is that the suspension system in the feet is pretty well bottomed out. What are ya gonna do - springs stretch. The previous owner had a very quick fix for this issue by simply putting something under the chassis to help support the weight. I did that for a while, but just can't seem to feel at ease with this fix. To the best of my knowledge, the cartridge and stylus are original and thus would benefit tremendously from upgrading or at least replacing the stylus. I have meant to do so since January, but have wanted to fix the suspension first. 6 months later, I have come to the realization that I just have too many other projects on my plate and frankly don't have enough turntable knowledge to fully bring this machine up to its capabilities (you'll note from the review that this machine is VERY well regarded in all aspects except the stock cartridge). Anyway, there you have it - I'm new to turntables and probably should have bought a simpler or brand new machine. Someone with more turntable experience should have this one. I'm offering it at $170, but am open to other offers.