Pioneer Turntables: A Brief Overview of Some Very Sturdy Machines

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Randall Roberts
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If you’ve been shopping for vintage gear, you’ve seen your share of Pioneer components. Founded in 1938 in Tokyo by Nozomu Matsumoto, Pioneer initially focused on speaker production. When they ventured into turntables in the early 1960s and went all-in on them in the 1970s, they brought the same precision and intent. From the iconic PL-12D in the 1970s to the high-end models — PL-70LII ftw — Pioneer’s turntables became staples in both home and pro rooms. Best, because of the company’s success, there’s plenty of volume in the used marketplace. The brand has built more than 200 different turntables, more than 100 of which came out in the 1970s.

As with a lot of gear from the time, these turntables were built to impress, to be a highlight of your living room and an enduring part of your music experience. Until a few years ago, ubiquitous Pioneer turntables were virtual afterthoughts in the vintage market, ignored between Technics, Thorens and Garrards. But that’s changed, and the prices for Pioneers have been skyrocketing. Still, deals remain to be found — Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay — for sure.

With the help of the brilliant data provided by Akadatabase.org and number crunching technology, we analyzed the full run of Pioneer turntables going back to 1960. The result was not only an instructive breakdown of all 236 (give or take) models, but the results and analysis mostly aligned with the used market.

Below, some key models to track down.

Pioneer’s Mid-1960s Turntables

Although the company released a few turntables in the early 1960s, Pioneer didn’t fully commit until 1966, when they released several models that catered to a range of audiophile preferences. Among these was the PL-6A, a belt-drive turntable known for its simplicity and reliable playback. Designed with ease of use in mind, it was designed for budget-minded listeners. Alongside it, Pioneer introduced the PL-21, another belt-drive turntable, but with a more premium build and performance. Pioneer also targeted more serious audiophiles with the release of the MU-7 and (above) MU-41 models.

The latter two turntables were unique in that they were sold without a base, allowing users to customize their setups by building their own plinths. The MU-7 and MU-41 helped establish Pioneer as a brand that understood and catered to the nuanced demands of the big spenders, laying the groundwork for its global success.


PL-90

The PL-90, released in 1989, is one of the most expensive models, originally priced at $900. This model is part of Pioneer’s high-end Elite series, which featured a sleek, minimalist design, emphasizing functionality and elegance. Launched in the late 1980s, Elite models were designed to cater to serious audiophiles and home theater freaks. “The PL-90 is a massive unit which needs a lot of space, but an eye-catcher,” notes one owner on Vinyl Engine. Adds another, “A HUGE heavy table with and enormous platter, big and heavy and needs a lot of space. Smoked-grey dustcover. It was marketed in Japan as the PL-7 in black, US version in glossy woodgrain to match the Elite line.”


PL-12D

The Pioneer PL-12D, introduced in 1972, was the company’s game-changer, and upended the overall world of affordable hi-fi turntables. Known for its belt-driven design, solid build, and user-friendly features, the PL-12D was priced to appeal to a broad audience. Its elegant design and reliable performance made it a popular choice for those new to vinyl. The PL-12D’s success confirmed Pioneer’s ability to deliver high-quality audio equipment that met the market’s needs during a time when vinyl was the dominant music format.

In the competitive landscape of the early 1970s, the PL-12D held its own against the Thorens TD-150 and Dual 1219, which were also known for their engineering and sound quality but often came with a higher price tag. Pioneer’s model struck a balance, featuring a well-designed tonearm and suspension system. Brands like Technics and Garrard pushed their own innovations, but the PL-12D carved out a niche by offering a belt-drive mechanism that appealed to purists and helped solidify Pioneer’s place.


PL-70LII

The gorgeous Pioneer PL-70LII, released in 1981, arrived at a time when the turntable market was fiercely competitive, with brands like Technics, Thorens, and Linn dominating. Its direct-drive motor offered impeccable speed stability, a key feature in an era when belt-drive and direct-drive debates were heated among enthusiasts. The PL-70LII’s heavy platter and advanced tonearm, which included refinements over the earlier PL-70L, helped reduce unwanted vibrations and noise.

In the context of the early 1980s, where Technics’ SL-1200 series was making waves with its robust build and DJ-friendly features, the PL-70LII positioned itself as a sophisticated alternative. It combined Pioneer’s technical expertise with a refined aesthetic, making it not only a performer but also a collector’s item. The improvements in motor isolation and tonearm precision over the previous model ensured that the PL-70LII held its ground against its contemporaries, offering a listening experience that was highly respected in high-fidelity circles.


PL-L1000

With its advanced linear tracking system, the PL-L1000, released in 1981, marked a significant leap in turntable technology. Unlike traditional pivoted tonearms, the PL-L1000’s tonearm moved in a straight line, reducing tracking errors and offering more precise sound reproduction. The direct-drive system of the PL-L1000 provided reliable and stable rotation, ensuring consistent playback quality. Competing models from brands like Technics and Denon were known for their robustness and precision, but the PL-L1000 became a respected choice among audiophiles who valued both cutting-edge technology and exceptional sound quality.

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