#002

Today I take a look at the inner workings of the Pioneer PLX 1000 and compare it to the industry standard Technics SL1200.
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Diskeeper Stylus Brush - amzn.to/2JRMLxR
TECHNICS SL-1200G [Direct Drive Turntable] - amzn.to/2Pf9dD1
Pioneer PLX-1000 - amzn.to/2Pfx85i
Pioneer PLX-500 - amzn.to/2pCOpdn
UPDATE: Even Pioneer themselves admit this is now a known problem with this model forums.pioneerdj.com/hc/commun...

[@PedroSilva-pr2ef]

I've got a gut feeling that the SL 1200 / 1210 / MK1 / MK2 / MD3 OR MK5 will outlive any of the new turntables...including the new MK7 that is being released this year.

[@Gunner11763]

this is one of the best reviews of any product I've ever watched on KZbin..

[@TheBrightPixel]

Many thanks Paul

[@OrbytalMusic]

+The Bright Pixel Thats the truth! Thanks for this video! I've seen some very hardcore feedbacks at parties with pioneer turntables and now i know where it comes from! Thanks for the inside view too, very interesting! Your comment about the pitch fader proves you know what you talk about! youtube needs more good quality videos like yours!

[@djprotegeke]

While I found your review quite insightful, I felt it was biased towards the technics. Am back here after viewing this video 3 years ago while hunting for a pair of turntables to purchase, am glad I ended up with the PLX, They have served me very well for 3years with almost daily use in various conditions both outdoor and indoor. They have faced all the kind of conditions and hardships and I have only ever changed were the needles. Fine they're not 1200 but damn they're work horses and I have rocked many parties with. Nostalgia shouldnt hinder people from a good thing. Thanks anyways!!!

[@sidvicious3129]

This wasn't too long, this was perfect, you nailed it, you let your results be your guide, which is what more reviewers should be doing. You got out of the way of the hype and told the truth, great job!!!

[@mcdomy]

When you travelling your turntable, always remove the platter too! It puts a lot of pressure to the motor bearing... I never miss to remove the platters from my SL-s, and I put them into my vinyl bag ;)

[@jeloberbano7705]

Was considering this on my shortlist of TT's to buy. Thanks to your review I will definitely remove it from my list. Thanks for a very informative review!

[@MannyRosa]

I often look back to this review to show how much better Technics got it over the Pioneer. However would like to see another in depth review such as this comparing the Technics 1200mk2 vs Technics 1200mk7.

[@billykatsoulakis8258]

Most fantastic in depth honest Video I've seen.. great work..

[@CrayzonDeeyon]

Great work, Bro! You brought the information that needed to be known. Keep up the work.

[@geeeff6985]

I love the detail and don’t mind the length at all. thank you for your in depth coverage

[@vintagestereo]

fantastic review, you safe a lot of people money here.

[@robraine623]

I'm sorry Technics but no matter what upgrades were made to the classic sl-1200 design $4000.00 dollars for this turntable is absurd, I personally think Technics will be taking another nose dive on this one the same way they failed on the SL-DZ1200 cd player, this turntable will have a limited market and will have bad reviews world wide because of the price gouge not a smart move in today's selling market. I'm sure that in most retail stores it will be a back order item leaving room for other competitor products. retailers will limit stock because of the price leaving customers to reconsider and once they don't move retailers will not stock them, and just like the SL-DZ1200 there will be many returns. I personally think $1995.00 ~ 2495.00 would of been a more considerable price. The high end market Technics is aiming at will make sure they stay competitive to Technics and marketing strategies will not be in their favor, Technics should learn from past experience that price is key to marketing, high volume sales is what makes $$$ not focusing on audiophiles which is really a small market compared to the whole industry out there. Good luck on this one Technics you're going to need it.

[@SinnerSince1962]

You don't know how much I appreciate you doing this review. Seldom do people give the longevity of electronics any consideration. But in all honesty, this table is built as well as any other good quality turntable is. At least as far as I can tell from your video. I have serviced a lot of tables in my day, and this is on par with many of the better units.

[@Hi-Tech-Ray]

From my own experience, I bought a used pair a couple of years ago 100% best working mechanical condition however there was some oil stains from sweat on the unit.. I then had them professionally repainted instead of buying OEM cabinet replacements as those would be prone to becoming stained again with their matted finish. I had them painted with pearl white which Cadillac uses on their Escalade SUVs where oils & sweat from your hands just bead up on the surface and is easily wiped away leaving no staining residue! Well worth the money!!!!

[@deepzone31]

Great work. I appreciate the time and effort you put into this. I've started to put my toe back into the market for a second pair of decks and this is very helpful. Used M3D's still seem to be the best current option for my purposes. I plan to hand my MK2's down to my kids in a few years.

[@WillDivide]

GREAT video!!! super insightful. I really appreciate this kinda attention to detail.

[@c3tenn]

Great Video!! Thanks for the In-depth review mate!! never have guessed any of these.

[@zhao-skitheprodigy6884]

I was on the fence as to whether to purchase the PLX 1000's or repair my 1200's. this video was very informative and I think I will save my Technics. Thanks!

[@PadBoll]

Thats what you call a good review ! Thanks for the work.

[@danielstuff4159]

Loved how you did this video! Loved the in depth explanation.

[@thehousereaper1723]

This is by far the best review I have seen for a product. So much opinionated fluff in so many reviews that I have seen online, but this cuts through the crap and actually tests functionality and quality I would not have thought of.

[@JustinEverhart]

Great stuff! Keep up the vids because we need people like yourself who have the experience with the inner workings of DJ equipment! Thank you for sharing!

[@skatemtl]

Just saved me 2000$!! Thanks a ton for the review!! this is what I was looking for when I wanted to get the info the music shops can't provide.

[@fabianpastrana9009]

I seriously was about to buy these since my 1200s got stolen. Thank you, this review was exactly what I looking for on my purchase decision. They dropped the ball bad!

[@DJorDJeDJ]

That was a mind blowing review, now I'm sure I will never give up my mk2's for PLX!!! Well done dude !!!!

[@makstaz79]

I am looking forward to see you review the Denon in the same manner as u did with this pioneer.You touched on all the key things I had concerns about.

[@maildjbobby]

great feed back my friend and thnk u for ur time and effort

[@dubd7373]

What a great review! Very proffesional . I need you do a review on the new reloop turntables

[@romano180]

Great Job, keep the video comin. Thats what a review should look like.

[@FintanMoloney]

Enjoyed your video mate, I have an ageing set of Technics which I've refurbished and kept going over the years and they are still the champion. Was very interested in looking at what is new out there - thanks again, Fintan - Ireland.

[@nelsondesilva3916]

Thanks, you just saved me $1000. Great review by the way, very in depth unlike a lot of other reviews.

[@rambotwin]

That was excellent mate, really digging deep into the design and showing the effects of the good and poor elements. Would love to see more of these types insides/teardowns/side-by-sides with contenders vs. industry standards. Cheers

[@danceJOURNEYS]

Dude, in this era, where, increasingly, the internet population have the attention span of a gnat, it was an absolute pleasure to watch, in full, an entertaining, thorough and illuminating video. Loved it. I was fascinated the whole length of it. Please keep it up. I've subscribed and am about to post it to my network. Also I've been dj'ing professionally in Australia for 20 years and there were 3 tips in that video that are new to me, for which I am immensely grateful. (Namely: 1. use the rubber mat for recording and 2. take the counter weight off when travelling and 3. Don't screw the feet on all the way to reduce resonant feedback. Great work.

[@TheBrightPixel]

Thanks for the feedback (can't say the same for Pioneer)!

[@bubblesses8046]

Great video, on first look the PLX1000 appeared to be equivalent to the SL1200. Excellent thorough test! Would rather see more of these thorough long form videos than short videos that only cover a few aspects. Keep it up!

[@TheBrightPixel]

Thanks! Yeah, I'm glad I looked more closely before doing major purchases.

[@nexstar00]

Great job. Glad I saw this. I was looking into the plx to replace an SL 10, but I will wait.

[@carbiify]

Technics SL1200: Still the daddy.

[@christiegurganus254]

Thanks for covering all the particulars and peripherals. I don't have the patience to refresh my technics and prefer a new deck and feel this will be the *one*

[@pumba2fk]

awesome video bro!! can you do the same with a reloop rp-7000

[@eddiehousemusic]

This is just the beginning for pioneer turntable, I'm sure they'll get it in a few years but that said. I'm impressed and remember they do own the market in the pioneer cdj's.

[@kml666]

Two thumbs up. Better review than any review in the audiophile press. You seem to be the only reviewer who has access to a screwdriver and is willing to perform a simple objective test. Good job.

[@TheBrightPixel]

Kenneth Maclean Haha. Thanks

[@user-UnMagico]

I had already purchased a set of PLX's for my son as a birthday gift when I came across your video. Lucky me, I didn't open the boxes yet and returned them within 3 days. I found a set of early 80's MK2's for $350.00 (Gotta love craigslist) and put the money I spent on the Pioneer's to refurbishing these MK2's. Now I have a set of practically brand new decks in my sons favorite color. Thank you. I tried posting images up but could not.

[@TheBrightPixel]

+SF4152013 That sounds really cool. A quality, refurbed set of Tech 12's is a very nice thing indeed. Can't go wrong there.

[@Martinii146]

THX Mate! That was nice and solid bag of information about Pioneer. No bull shitting about how pretty is Pioneer. You looked to inside and you now what is what and you explain in very simple way how it's work. So now I'm sure I going to choose Technics. Waiting for next movies. Take care.

[@puresoundquality]

Great video, I would have loved to have seen your uncut more detailed video. If I could have I would have done the same tear down. Again great job.

[@ANazli20]

thanks for the video very informative keep up the good work!

[@DJErrn]

This video was an excellent comparison best review comparison I've ever seen!

[@angelodedios8025]

Very well documented and reviewed. Thank you!

[@DJMIZBX]

Had my 1200s for over 20 years.It been through wars & are still kicking ass.I would never cross over

[@PrinceTheSigma]

Awesome job. I was contemplating trading my 1200's for the PLX1000, but will back away from that now. AND HELL. DUBAI LOOKS AWESOME BRO!!!

[@crezrox]

Awesome video man. Thanks and long live Technics!

[@hibocakir1]

Thanks a lot for that video. You gave me an obvious idea. I will wait for new videos ☺

[@swiftrod2195]

Excellent video, I was considering buying these and selling my 1210's but thankfully I saw this first! Technics tried and tested so if your going to copy them then you need to make sure they are as good or better!

[@Digiphex]

Denon VL12 I believe is molded rubber base and also NOT a Hanpin like this Pioneer. It would be worth testing.

[@manuelbeltranpalacios9073]

Thx for inside information! Keep on doing what your doing! =) thx again loco, ciao!

[@ADey-jc4wn]

Most excellent video, especially considering it's only your second one! You did what I'd been searching for in a review, which was to actually take the turntable apart and have a look at the inner workings. (I would have loved to have seen the inside of the Technics as well.) I've been looking at affordable turntables to replace my old Technics for home use and was intrigued by the Pioneer. Now I think I'll just try to find a second hand Technics 1200 in good order. Many thanks for an exceptionally wonderful video review.

[@TheBrightPixel]

Just get your old Technics serviced! A good repairer will get them tuned up like the day they were new. I like seeing the older ones with cosmetic blemishes performing flawlessly. Personality scratches :)

[@ADey-jc4wn]

The Bright Pixel Good advice, many thanks!

[@The_Haze]

Thanks a lot for this video. I was really wondering about the Pioneer. I'll keep my 1200's for sure. Also, I just thought I would say that when I bought mine new in 2006 they came with slip mats and the rubber thing. Cheers.

[@johnlocopalmer]

Great unbiased and honest review from an obvious expert, thanks a lot!

[@sgtsunburn117]

Thank you! love the in depth discussion, much appreciated.

[@TheBrightPixel]

Thanks for the feedback Jacob

[@phlossdj]

excellent review. really helped me out with my choice.

[@ketchupdnb]

Thanx for the in depth comparison of the two. I watched the whole video, shared it and thumbed it. 1200's FTW!

[@TheBrightPixel]

Thanks for your support. Much appreciated

[@misterpgc]

the other variable could have been your needles? maybe not though. Excellent video!

[@TheBrightPixel]

Patariki Te Rei Unfortunately, I cut out of the video the part where I put brand new stylus on both decks. I also did swap headshells to make sure that wasn't a factor

[@CreativeVisualsAustralia]

I guess thats why pioneer should have stuck to car audio!

[@djpido]

Great review man! Great review!

[@adrianosalvio691]

Thank you very much for sharing this with us! Professional comparisons made a total difference when deciding to buy or not a new gear. I would like you to have added to this comparison the Numark TTX if you have one available for it. Cheers!

[@edbomusic3621]

The club where I have a residency installed a pair of these a couple of weeks back. One broke down already. They are installing their 10+ year old 1200's again after just 2-3 weeks. Not a good sign.

[@DavorOh]

proper look over glossing over it, continue Sir!

[@mukerjea]

Thanks a million. Its really an eye opener. I’ll keep my Technics SL-1200MK2P-K.

[@TheAnunnaki-NYC]

Great video my friend. What most people also don't know is that the Pioneer turntable is actually made by "Hanpin" which makes the Super-OEM turntables that are re-badged in over 15 different brand names. They are made in Taiwan and or China. Yes Pioneer had some hand regarding the design like the start/stop button being like that of the CDJ with the blue light ring and other internals mentioned in this video. Once Panasonic's patent for their SL-1200 MK series expired and was not re-newed. Hanpin was open to take much of the motor and tonearm design but even after fully watching this video the internals of the PLX is still way below the Technics 1200 quality and tooling. Also parts of the Technics 1200 MK series was put together by hand in Japan ONLY! Yes the Super-OEM turntables are good and will work for anyone in the end and most of the time get the job done and yes the PLX unit is a very nice looking turntable but after seeing this video I don't understand how can people pay $700+ for just one of these turntables. You can get used 1200's that probably been owned by more than 3 people and still perform just as good. Either way it's your money you spend it how you see fit. My 1200's are almost 26 years old and still look and perform the same since out the box. If I had to choose a Super-OEM turntable go for the "RELOOP RP-6000MK series. Those are fantastic turntables made by Hanpin and are cheaper than the PLX and include a built in PRE-AMP and have a rubberized plinth. Again top notch video and thank you for posting it. I enjoyed it very much!

[@acidarchivist]

How do Reloop turntables compare to this? I'm curious about their build quality but haven't seen much.

[@jeffryschmidt635]

I wish there are more reviews like this

[@Rasec1120]

Thanks a lot for taking the time to do this! The pitch fader being directly soldered to the PCB was a terrible design decision.

[@pabluster]

excellent dude... the best vs on youtube...

[@cstrang24]

Fantastic Review. Your expertise really shined through and I look forward to more videos. Please continue to make reviews at whatever length is necessary to show all the various arguments, tests and tips. I'd like to request a comparison of the internals of between CDJ2000, CDJ2000Nexus and XDJ1000. I know how they differ on the outside, but the internal quality difference would be interesting to hear from you. Also could you suggest your favorite alternatives to the new Pioneer turntables, that are not Technics. ie. Stanton ST(R8)-150s vs Reloop RP-8000 vs Audio Technica AT-LP1240 vs Numark TTXUSB vs ect.

[@e.emerald3224]

Absolutely shocked by the plastic base. thanks for the review.

[@frederiquerijsdijk]

Wow, nice work man!

[@RosaAndAlberto]

Thanks for the video. Very informative!

[@MichaelAshtons]

Great tear down. Solid review.

[@NastyRhythm]

I've seen problems with loose tonearm bearings too, which gives an indication of poor quality control from pioneer. Why fork out over a grand for something that really isn't anywhere near as well built and reliable as second hand technics. A well looked after pair of 1200s are still the best option.

[@rsanchez7111]

Great vid. I never doubt my 1200's. Mk2. Btw I own 6 of them. It was worth watching it. Thanks for a great vid

[@CarlJohanLinell]

Thank you SO much! This video has already become my reference when trying to dissuade people from buying a PLX. Also, PLEASE do make more videos! Your format and content is killer.

[@TheBrightPixel]

Thanks Carl. There are more videos coming ;)

[@MisterRemix]

Well done on the video. Don't shorten them at all, man.

[@DJMARVLNYC]

thanks for the exceptionally thorough review! this was really helpful! could you do a breakdown and review on the reloop turntables? i've been thinking about getting a mobile setup of either pioneer or reloop turntables so i can stop traveling with my technics and keep them in minty condition! I'm a nerd when it comes to these little technical and quality nuances. I guess very few electronics these days are built to last for the long haul.

[@DjBahrain]

Thanks you just saved my life I guess 👍🏻, what do you think about the Reloop rp 8000 do you recommend it ?

[@obshaky]

Whoa! Surprised this is your second video and the amount of information delivered. Liked and subscribed. The new battle for 2019 turntables will be the Reloop rp-8000 mk2 $700 vs technics sl-1200 mk7 $1200. An in-depth review like this one, side by side would get you all the views in this category.

[@djdsk]

Thx for the review best one i have seen!

[@phonologic]

Well done...Good review. Thorough.

[@drutaylor6232]

best review ive seen as well have u done a test with the st 150s

[@kvngbbns]

Great video, will you be reviewing the Reloop RP-7000 vs the Technics?

[@SoundOfVinyl]

that amount of feedback is a killer..... tnx for this video, nobody should get fooled now....

[@skeelo69]

i watched every second of your video , thumbs up, nice to know there is someone like you who drills down to the fine detail, would i buy one now, no.

[@TheBrightPixel]

Cheers

[@adamseckel7480]

Loved this! Subbed!

[@NativeSpinner]

I was first sold on the Technics ability to reject feedback in a warehouse party in Dallas over ten years ago when most djs were still spinning vinyl. The dj setup in this particular room was on a bouncy floor (you could feel the people dancing on it), 6ft table, and a JBL dual 15" with horn on each side if the table. I was flat out amazed to hear no discernible feedback, I'm sure there was some rumble coming through but it was easily masked by the high spl out of the JBLs. I don't remember what cartridges were being used at that time but i know ortofon nightclubs were popular. Definitely light years ahead of my Gemini tables I used at the time. I rock 1200 M3Ds now.

[@djvisonaustralia]

Great video, thanks for the detailed overview covering important points. Have you done an overview of the stanton st150 or know someone that has? I would like to see how it stacks up in the areas you have covered against a plx1000 and any industry standard technics model..

[@SLIMKUTT]

THX alot 4 opening...looks spooky, sounds even spookier !^^ Hug my 1210s !!!

[@suparickyprime]

Thanks Bud , i really dig the vid! cheers!

[@MrAndyS]

Great video very informative I must admit I was considering getting these so glad I didn't

[@makstaz79]

great review !

[@therealdjspecialk]

This was a very enlightening video. Very thorough! I think you ought to contact pioneer and give your suggested upgrades, possibly helping in design of there next model! Keep up the great work.

[@LowGainElectronics]

One thing i might recommend for your videos... if in that room... get some acoustic dampening for the walls to reduce reflection. Thanks for the great over view of the tables! It was EXACTLY what i was looking for in a review. When comparing to legendary Technics... you have to get technical ;)

[@joshpopp1]

fantastic breakdown. thank you

[@christianlaplante9202]

Nice ! Keep up the good work !

[@bigjoe490]

You could have cut the driving part, but i appreciate your in-depth review and knowledge, it was great. i was really considering dropping the 33 hundred and getting the gold edition with the djm s9. you definitely saved me 1700 because i will just get the mixer now, thanks for the review

[@TheBrightPixel]

+Big Joe Funny thing is, I wish more commenters actually listened to what I said in the driving part, about my reason for making this video.

[@JOHNNYJAMS08]

Can you do the same teardown of the Reloop 8000?