Pioneer PLX-1000 Professional Turntable

I bought this only to use as a Hi-Fi turntable which it does very well. However, I will never use the DJ features on it. Perhaps a variant without the DJ features would be very good and change the strobe markings on the platter to 33/45, no other changes. I think it would be an excellent Hi-Fi turntable. I have fitted it with an Ortofon 2M silver cartridge with tracking at 1.8g which is new but old. It is probably equivalent to a 2M red cartridge. I have just purchased an Ortofon 2M blue but I haven't tried it yet. I now have no acoustic feedback with a 12" 45 disco record at 190+190 watts in my lounge from a Yamaha A-S1200 amplifier to 4-ohm tower speakers. I hope to add a subwoofer in the future, to be built by me including the amplifier and an LF filter - Note I ... MoreI bought this only to use as a Hi-Fi turntable which it does very well. However, I will never use the DJ features on it. Perhaps a variant without the DJ features would be very good and change the strobe markings on the platter to 33/45, no other changes. I think it would be an excellent Hi-Fi turntable. I have fitted it with an Ortofon 2M silver cartridge with tracking at 1.8g which is new but old. It is probably equivalent to a 2M red cartridge. I have just purchased an Ortofon 2M blue but I haven't tried it yet. I now have no acoustic feedback with a 12" 45 disco record at 190+190 watts in my lounge from a Yamaha A-S1200 amplifier to 4-ohm tower speakers. I hope to add a subwoofer in the future, to be built by me including the amplifier and an LF filter - Note I am a retired technician and I had my own TV Service Center repairing all brands also this turntable replaces a Pioneer PL-510A bought in 1979.

7 months with the Pioneer PLX-1000

I did a considerable amount of research before purchasing this TT. Prior, I had a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon, and while it sounded pretty good, the lack of robustness to the construction always bothered me, it just felt cheap. I decided when I upgraded I would get a TT that was well built, in addition to sounding great. The PLX-1000 is that table, this thing is built like a tank, I couldn't believe how heavy it was lifting it out of the box.Based on some other reviews, I went with the Ortofon 2N head shell, Ortofon wiring, and a Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge. The TT is connected to a Fisher 800c integrated tube receiver, an honestly it's an analog dream setup. It is super quiet, with no noticeable TT or amp noise even when the volume is turned over 50%. I listen to a lot ... MoreI did a considerable amount of research before purchasing this TT. Prior, I had a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon, and while it sounded pretty good, the lack of robustness to the construction always bothered me, it just felt cheap. I decided when I upgraded I would get a TT that was well built, in addition to sounding great. The PLX-1000 is that table, this thing is built like a tank, I couldn't believe how heavy it was lifting it out of the box.Based on some other reviews, I went with the Ortofon 2N head shell, Ortofon wiring, and a Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge. The TT is connected to a Fisher 800c integrated tube receiver, an honestly it's an analog dream setup. It is super quiet, with no noticeable TT or amp noise even when the volume is turned over 50%. I listen to a lot of bluegrass records recorded in the 70's and early 80's and the reproduction of those acoustic sounds is startling. Several friends have commented that they cannot believe how 'live' the music sounds, it's as close as you can get to the band being in the room.Like I said, this TT is a beast, it's not nearly as susceptible to skipping when I turn it up loud on a rock record, or when our dog accidentally runs into the furniture that the TT sits on. I'm just totally impressed with the design (not sure how Technics does not have a design law suit here) and quiet operation of this direct drive table. I had planned on doing some upgrades to KAB Fluid Damper, but honestly, it's not even necessary from what I'm getting out of it now sound wise. I couldn't be happier with the purchase, and the folks at Music Direct had this thing out the door and to my door in just a few days, and everything arrived secured and in pristine condition.

A contender to the Technics crown...

After years being without a deck (used to have a 1210) i bit the bullet and went for this beastie of a turntable. Firstly this ain't a Technics 1210 (mk5) but is as close to one imo. One of the best decks i have ever bought, i've been through few lol (Technics & Project) but this one tops them all. Easy to setup with your cartdrige of choice (i opted for an Ortofon Concorde Mk 2 Club), setup arm and weight and you're good to go. It has no hinges on the lid btw but is easy to put back on. The phono leads that come with the turntable are pretty good actually (though you can change them with premium ones). Thanks to Diego and the guys at the Liverpool (respect is due). If you are looking for alternative to the Technics then seriously get this turntable.

About as good as a 1200.

I've been a Dj for 30+ years using Technics 1200s and the PLX-1000 is about as good as the 1200. Sorry about it, but it is. Torque, stop/stop buttons, pitch control, lights, tonearm and adjustment features all perfect. I can't tell any difference in feel to the 1200. It looks beautiful. And it actually feels heavier and more 'solid' than a 1200. The only thing I cannot speak of obviously is reliability long-term. Ask me in ten years. The only odd thing is the +/- 50% or 16% pitch option. I'd never use or need that, maybe turntablists do. It has a +/- 8% like the 1200 and I stick with that. The 33/45 buttons don't feel as solid as the 1200, but are still just fine as they are. I needed a third deck... would have bought an old MK2/3/5 1200 but you don't know what ... MoreI've been a Dj for 30+ years using Technics 1200s and the PLX-1000 is about as good as the 1200. Sorry about it, but it is. Torque, stop/stop buttons, pitch control, lights, tonearm and adjustment features all perfect. I can't tell any difference in feel to the 1200. It looks beautiful. And it actually feels heavier and more 'solid' than a 1200. The only thing I cannot speak of obviously is reliability long-term. Ask me in ten years. The only odd thing is the +/- 50% or 16% pitch option. I'd never use or need that, maybe turntablists do. It has a +/- 8% like the 1200 and I stick with that. The 33/45 buttons don't feel as solid as the 1200, but are still just fine as they are. I needed a third deck... would have bought an old MK2/3/5 1200 but you don't know what you'll get as it's used, tonearms can be miscalibrated, other issues, shipping from strangers, etc. I wanted a 'new from the factory' option and the new Technics 1200 models look nice but are way more expensive than the PLX. Long story short the PLX-1000 is best deal for the money for a new, professional 1200-equivalent in the DJ world. As for the little brother PLX-500, I haven't tried that and it's probably fine for home listening but for DJing I'd go with the 1000.

All i could of wished for

I purchased this to replace a Marantz 6150 DD turntable that i purchased new in the late seventies as even though still in perfect working order i felt it was overdue for replacement.This deck does not come with a cartridge which is fine as i intended to use the cartridge off of the 6150, a Shure M95HE with a genuine Shure nude diamond HE stylus.Where as i could notice detectable rumble on the Marantz, there is none on the Pioneer and i was constantly adjusting the pitch on the Marantz but the Pioneer just stays spot on.This Pioneer deck is all i could of wished for, it is adjustable in all parameters that you require to get the best from your vinyl, and with the cartridge set up and tracking at 1grm it makes my vinyl sound as a new experience.My only regret ... MoreI purchased this to replace a Marantz 6150 DD turntable that i purchased new in the late seventies as even though still in perfect working order i felt it was overdue for replacement.This deck does not come with a cartridge which is fine as i intended to use the cartridge off of the 6150, a Shure M95HE with a genuine Shure nude diamond HE stylus.Where as i could notice detectable rumble on the Marantz, there is none on the Pioneer and i was constantly adjusting the pitch on the Marantz but the Pioneer just stays spot on.This Pioneer deck is all i could of wished for, it is adjustable in all parameters that you require to get the best from your vinyl, and with the cartridge set up and tracking at 1grm it makes my vinyl sound as a new experience.My only regret is why it took me so long to replace the Marantz, i am totally pleased with the Pioneer and the robustness and quality of construction are 1st class.I am using a Technics A700mk2 amplifier bi-wired to Tannoy Mercury 7.4 floorstanding speakers and feel i now have a very competent and fine sounding system.To conclude i am more than pleased with my purchase of this deck.

Best Turntable on the Planet

Sound:The sound quality of this turntable is absolutely amazing, especially when paired with a really good needle/cartridge.Features:The most useful feature is the removable RCA, Ground, and Power Cables. If something were to go wrong with any of them, you can easily purchase another one.Ease of Use:Using a pair of these with my XDJ-XZ is a match made in heaven.Quality:This product is made extremely well. Seems like it can outlast any controller or digital equipment by a long shot.Value:The PLX-1000 is worth every dollar!!Manufacturer Support:Haven't had to reach out to them, and hopefully I never have to.The Wow Factor:Aesthetically beautiful!Overall:13 years ago, I sold my 1200's as I was becoming an "all-digital" DJ - after all this time I ... MoreSound:The sound quality of this turntable is absolutely amazing, especially when paired with a really good needle/cartridge.Features:The most useful feature is the removable RCA, Ground, and Power Cables. If something were to go wrong with any of them, you can easily purchase another one.Ease of Use:Using a pair of these with my XDJ-XZ is a match made in heaven.Quality:This product is made extremely well. Seems like it can outlast any controller or digital equipment by a long shot.Value:The PLX-1000 is worth every dollar!!Manufacturer Support:Haven't had to reach out to them, and hopefully I never have to.The Wow Factor:Aesthetically beautiful!Overall:13 years ago, I sold my 1200's as I was becoming an "all-digital" DJ - after all this time I have returned to the field of vinyl and wanted a pair of turntables that rivals the 1200's. After all Pioneer DJ is industry standard! These are the best turntables I have ever played on. Way better then 1200 mk2 through mk7. There is no comparison. Some people on different sites and Facebook groups have said some bad things about them - do NOT believe them. These are stunning!! The sound quality is the best I have ever heard. And I am using them with the Ortofon Concord Club MK2, connected to my XDJ-XZ (also purchased from zZounds).

Fantastic build quality, great sound

I spent a couple of months wondering about buying this and did my homework first; a good secondhand Technics 1210 would have cost the same, and who knows what problems I might encounter. This is a solid take on the 1210 by Pioneer and, better still, comes with Richer Sounds 6 year warranty included in the price, so ultimately it's a no-brainer. I'm not a DJ, this is for home audiophile listening (just as the original Technics 1210 was intended to be in 1972). If you're considering this for home use don't hesitate, it blows away all similarly priced hifi decks in my opinion, and looks VERY nice in the living room too. LOVE the fact that it DOESN'T have a built in phone stage or any gimmicky USB nonsense, plus gold plated phono outputs so you can use cables of your ... MoreI spent a couple of months wondering about buying this and did my homework first; a good secondhand Technics 1210 would have cost the same, and who knows what problems I might encounter. This is a solid take on the 1210 by Pioneer and, better still, comes with Richer Sounds 6 year warranty included in the price, so ultimately it's a no-brainer. I'm not a DJ, this is for home audiophile listening (just as the original Technics 1210 was intended to be in 1972). If you're considering this for home use don't hesitate, it blows away all similarly priced hifi decks in my opinion, and looks VERY nice in the living room too. LOVE the fact that it DOESN'T have a built in phone stage or any gimmicky USB nonsense, plus gold plated phono outputs so you can use cables of your choice. I'm expecting this deck to see me out! I've been a customer of Richer Sounds since the 1980s and they have always been my first port of call for new audio gear, never been disappointed.

Great features, fabulous sound

I've had various turntables during my lifetime ! Pioneer PL12D, Systemdek, Rega , Project and Audio Technica, not to mention Technics.This turntable blows me away. The build quality, sound and fabulous looks far superior to any deck I have heard in this price range.Very happy with purchase, great price from Richer Sounds and the usual high level of customer service.

Pioneer PLX 1000

This turntable is more than I expected. The sound quality is great. The adjustable controls are great. This turntable is high quality. It is also reasonably priced for what you get. I would highly recommend this turntable.

[Rewarded Review] A decent direct drive turntable...

This turntable is one of the many Taiwanese clones of the Technics SL1200 MK II turntable made by Hanpin. That company supplies clones for many companies, such as Audio Technica, Reloop, Stanton and others. While all of them may look like the Technics, they are definitely not engineered like the Technics.Motors are not as stable, the anti-skating is inconsistent, platters may be warped. Hanpin then released an upgraded clone known as the Super-OEM which this Pioneer is derived from (note that the cheaper Pioneer PLX500 is a derivation of the cheaper Technics clone).This model is definitely a step up from the cheaper clones but still not perfect. There is no hinged dust cover (just a drop-on), the motor leaves a bit to be desired compared to motors from the 70s ... MoreThis turntable is one of the many Taiwanese clones of the Technics SL1200 MK II turntable made by Hanpin. That company supplies clones for many companies, such as Audio Technica, Reloop, Stanton and others. While all of them may look like the Technics, they are definitely not engineered like the Technics.Motors are not as stable, the anti-skating is inconsistent, platters may be warped. Hanpin then released an upgraded clone known as the Super-OEM which this Pioneer is derived from (note that the cheaper Pioneer PLX500 is a derivation of the cheaper Technics clone).This model is definitely a step up from the cheaper clones but still not perfect. There is no hinged dust cover (just a drop-on), the motor leaves a bit to be desired compared to motors from the 70s and the arm mass is a tad high.But it is still a good value for its price, although it does not come with any cartridge. Technics has re-released the SL1200 and its price is double the Pioneer. While it is definitely better, most audiophiles will not be able to hear a difference.Just remember, this is a full manual turntable, it does not have any auto functions, just like the original Technics...