Discovering a Pioneer PL-514 Turntable

[@watdanuqta-mf5ms]

There were four tables in this range; PL-512, 514, 516, and 518. The 512 and 514, the best of the bunch use 4-pole synchronous motors, the 516 going to a cheaper DC motor and the 518 with a direct drive motor maybe worse or at least just as bad as the 516. The PL-512 and 514 I think are great vintage turntables when working properly, and have no issues. If I find one of these or someone is considering picking one up, I look first at its cosmetics. I would grab this one in a second. No major dings, the dust cover is intact with no cracks, easy to polish. I don't care about things like the cartridge working or belt condition, I typically replace those anyway. Check to make sure the arm moves smoothly both vertically and horizontally with no play in the bearings. Plus these are very simple to work on. Hopefully the main bearing isn't worn or damaged ( check with stethoscope and ears), and clean up the motor which are bombproof and simple to disassemble will last another twenty-thirty years. Thirteen bucks? The dustcover is worth more than that.

[@bikdav]

I have one of these. The only thing that it needed was another cartridge. My belt is still doing its job. Have fun with it. For best performance, set the anti-skate to the same number as the tracking force.

[@fan1701]

Nice score! Hope to see that reciever on a video soon.

[@SomeDisassemblyRequired]

I'll give that priority based on your request. Might happen in a month or so.

[@ramonmichaud3004]

anti skate needs to be set to the same as weight.

[@mguess]

Great find. I picked up a similar Pioneer a few years ago and it's working very well in one of my vintage systems. Here is a link to my restoration video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZnFenWFfbVsZ7s

[@SomeDisassemblyRequired]

Thanks for the link. I watched your video. Well done! You had several good tips that I didn't know.

[@jasonemanuel9070]

Now that's a find, congratulations