Good Morning I Hope :) My Problem is this : I have a Technics SL 230 and I
just aquired a Pioneer PL 518 in working order for $ 10.00 . Now the question is which one should I keep ? I know this is a matter of opinion but I would like them anyway :yes: The Pioneer is more sturdy build wise , the plinth being
thick wood instead of plastic , but I think someone used it to DJ with since
the tone arm lift and the clip rest have been broken off ( I guess it got in the way ) but works as it should . The Technics is lighter weight wise but is complete and working . So thats the jist of the problem . ANY help is welcome :thmbsp:


Thanks

MRgates

Both tables are mid-level, decent, direct drive models from the same era. I doubt anyone here has ever done a side by side sound comparison between these two turntables, so why not do that first. Do it normally through speakers and also through headphones. Sometimes that can be more revealing. And then report your findings here as many of us would be curious as to the results. Whichever sounds best, use that as your every day table and keep the other as a backup in case anything ever happens to the primary table.

Instinctively I would choose the Pioneer, but I am curious as to how they compare.

Ok that sounds like a plan , I will use the same Cartridge and Headshell on each when I test :thmbsp: And I will report my findings . I like the idea of keeping both ( Ill have to hide one from my wife Lol ) :music:

Thanks

Well, convenience-wise the SL-230 has the Mem-O-Repeat, which the Pioneer doesn't. They are both MOTL belt drive units from about the same time period, so they are going to be very close performance-wise, I'd think.

Ah, hell, let's be honest, since I have an SL-230 that's what I'd keep :)

Really, though, putting each through their paces is the only way for you to decide (at least, in the lack of any glaring 'defects' in either. That's what AK is great for, hopefully getting the benefit of other folk's experience as 'beta' testers of your potential future gear!).

Well, convenience-wise the SL-230 has the Mem-O-Repeat, which the Pioneer doesn't. They are both MOTL belt drive units from about the same time period, so they are going to be very close performance-wise, I'd think.

Ah, hell, let's be honest, since I have an SL-230 that's what I'd keep :)

Really, though, putting each through their paces is the only way for you to decide (at least, in the lack of any glaring 'defects' in either. That's what AK is great for, hopefully getting the benefit of other folk's experience as 'beta' testers of your potential future gear!).
Looks like we both goofed. The SL-230 is belt drive, so I was wrong there. But the PL-518 is most definitely direct drive. That strengthens my vote for the for the pioneer! :) And seriously who uses "repeat?"

I have the PL-518 and the SL-220 (semi auto version of the same table you have ). The PL-518 absolutely blows the Technics away. It's not even a close competition.

If your Pioneer still has the original feet, you're one of the few. If yours have deteriorated (as mine and almost everyone else's have), pick up a set of Vibrapods.

IIRC the cart position in the headshell is the same for these two units (always thought this was strange) so comparing them is rather easy...