Recommendation for TT upgrade needed

jongjong

jongjong

New Member
I'm starting to think that it is a good time to upgrade from my Pioneer PL100. But then, I went and looked around to see what was available at this time to finally thought that I might not know what would be the best "evolution" possible. Locally, I can find some Pioneer PL300, Pioneer PL 112D, Toshiba SR-FX70, Technics SL-1900, ADC 1600DD, Sansui SR-212, and a few more... What do you audio fans think?

The amplifier currently in use is a Marantz SR225 but I'm thinking to finally fix my Marantz 2240.
 
Pretty much anything would be an upgrade from a PL100. The SL-1900, if the automatic functions work, would be 1st on my upgrade path, the SR-212 next. I'd stay away from plastic Pio's.
 
I just took a look at your Pioneer table - and reminds me of my old Technics SL220 - they look almost identical.

My old technics:
- noisy
- speed was all over the place
- noisy
- slight hum I couldn't get rid of.

I upgraded to a new deck - DD technics at the time 2009 - and was blown away - dead silent - spot on accuracy. Best upgrade that I've done to date. Everything else has been small improvements (we'll my speakers were a big upgrade - but that is it.)

I'd vote for Direct Drive - or new belt - but that would be expensive. I'd try to find a nice clean Technics Direct Drive - if you are going the used route - and for me that would be a 1200. DD, manual operation - great arm - can't really go wrong.

Best of luck.
 
In my opinion, none of the tables you listed is a significant upgrade from your PL100. Have you considered a cartridge or stylus upgrade instead? Once you have a decent table, the cartridge and stylus play a greater role in sound quality than does the table itself.
 
I'd upgrade only if you need to. For me my old sl220 was just not cutting it - the cheap plinth picked up all possible sounds - you could hear the auto return kick in through the speakers and the hum - no matter what I did - I couldn't get it to a level I'd accept.

When you turn on your table - you shouldn't hear anything - in fact it should be zero sound until that stylus hits the groove (even using headphones.) Speed needs to be perfect.

If you have none of these issues - then I agree with others and try a new cart etc. Also if you have none of the issues I've reported then your upgrade will likely be a dissapointment.
 
So Direct Drive and SL 1900 would be the best pick?

spark1 said:
In my opinion, none of the tables you listed is a significant upgrade from your PL100. Have you considered a cartridge or stylus upgrade instead? Once you have a decent table, the cartridge and stylus play a greater role in sound quality than does the table itself.
Click to expand...

I have a Grado Black stylus, so I think I'm OK, but I do think the stylus could be wasted on the PL100.

Moby Dick said:
My vote is spend the money fixing your Marantz 2240.
Click to expand...

The Marantz works, just the lights that doesn't and might need a good clean up. Got this used in a garage sale for 40$ from someone who smoked inside... I do have the wooden case, but it smells funny.

rebellovw said:
I'd upgrade only if you need to. For me my old sl220 was just not cutting it - the cheap plinth picked up all possible sounds - you could hear the auto return kick in through the speakers and the hum - no matter what I did - I couldn't get it to a level I'd accept.

When you turn on your table - you shouldn't hear anything - in fact it should be zero sound until that stylus hits the groove (even using headphones.) Speed needs to be perfect.

If you have none of these issues - then I agree with others and try a new cart etc. Also if you have none of the issues I've reported then your upgrade will likely be a dissapointment.
Click to expand...

I don't think that I definitely need to update, I think it's just about time. Been using it for nearly 10 years..
 
jongjong said:
I'm starting to think that it is a good time to upgrade from my Pioneer PL100. But then, I went and looked around to see what was available at this time to finally thought that I might not know what would be the best "evolution" possible. Locally, I can find some Pioneer PL300, Pioneer PL 112D, Toshiba SR-FX70, Technics SL-1900, ADC 1600DD, Sansui SR-212, and a few more... What do you audio fans think?

The amplifier currently in use is a Marantz SR225 but I'm thinking to finally fix my Marantz 2240.
Click to expand...

Pioneer PL-300 is a good direct drive with quartz lock and auto return. :)
https://www.vinylengine.com/library/pioneer/pl-300.shtml

If you could get it for a reasonable price, it will be better than most of the others on your list.
 
I had an SL-1900 a while back and I was really happy with it.
Just be sure that all of the automatic functions are working.
TT1.png TT2.png
 
Of all the tables you listed the Pioneer PL-300 or the Technics SL-1900 have the better specs by a good bit. I would go with one of those two then when you are ready upgrade to an 8MZ stylus for the cartridge.
 
There is also a Pioneer PL-7 listed on your local Kijiji at a favorable price. I have not used this model, but it seems to be highly regarded. Just be aware that the headshell design is proprietary and it tends to favor higher compliance cartridges.
 
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