New to turntables - Blu-ray Forum

xneox · 08-12-2009, 12:45 PM

I was talking to a coworker yesterday about getting into vinyl, and she said she had an old turntable that's been in a box for decades. Her first husband (RIP) bought it when he came back from Vietnam, I guess with a bunch of other equipment. Anyway, she gave it to me. I offered payment, but she said not to worry about it.

It's a Pioneer PL-50...came with a styrofoam caddy of extra parts. Looks like it has two ends (I seriously don't know what any of this is called)...one of them is empty, and the other has a cartridge in it that is gold in color and says 'Pickering XV 15'.

Anyone know anything about any of this equipment? Anything I should look for? I don't even know what's involved in hooking this stuff up. Should be a fun project! I was a little psyched when I saw that it was Pioneer, to match my other equipment.

rded · 08-12-2009, 01:36 PM

We want pix!!!

xneox · 08-12-2009, 01:56 PM

I'm @ work and the table itself is still in her car. I'll try to get some up later tonight after I get home.

richteer · 08-12-2009, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xneox

It's a Pioneer PL-50...came with a styrofoam caddy of extra parts. Looks like it has two ends (I seriously don't know what any of this is called)...one of them is empty, and the other has a cartridge in it that is gold in color and says 'Pickering XV 15'.

Anyone know anything about any of this equipment? Anything I should look for? I don't even know what's involved in hooking this stuff up. Should be a fun project! I was a little psyched when I saw that it was Pioneer, to match my other equipment.

A great gift! IIRC, Pickering was another name for Shure. Your receiver needs a phono input so that you can hear the record, and I don't know if your one does or not. Also, don't get your sound quality expectations too high (and you might need to pick up a new cartridge; the old one may be damaged). Have fun!

xneox · 08-12-2009, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richteer

Your receiver needs a phono input so that you can hear the record, and I don't know if your one does or not.

Crap...it doesn't. My 505 does. This is going to take some rearranging.

Quote:

Also, don't get your sound quality expectations too high

So is this not a good turntable then?

naturephoto1 · 08-12-2009, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richteer

A great gift! IIRC, Pickering was another name for Shure. Your receiver needs a phono input so that you can hear the record, and I don't know if your one does or not. Also, don't get your sound quality expectations too high (and you might need to pick up a new cartridge; the old one may be damaged). Have fun!

Rich,

Doing a little on-line searching suggests that at least some of the Pickering cartridges have Stanton replacement styli. I suspect that Pickering and Stanton may have been made by the same factory, but I am not positive.

Rich

bhampton · 08-12-2009, 03:13 PM

I can understand being interested in turntables but "new to turntables" seems very unlikely.

-Brian

naturephoto1 · 08-12-2009, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xneox

So is this not a good turntable then?

Pioneer was not generally well known for Turntables. I do not know your machine, but here is a link with info:

http://www.vinylengine.com/library/pioneer/pl-50.shtml

Rich

xneox · 08-12-2009, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhampton

I can understand being interested in turntables but "new to turntables" seems very unlikely.

-Brian

Ahhh yes, good point. I suppose 'renew to turntables' would be more accurate.

I hope this one is at least slightly better than my Fisher-Price unit, though...or my dad's Emerson am/fm/8-track/turntable all-in-one deal.

xneox · 08-12-2009, 04:11 PM

So can I use the 505 as a preamp, running 'Tape2' out to the 517?

My other option is to take the 505 out of the system to be used just for the turntable, and run an Audiosource AMP-100 I have as the sub amp instead...

naturephoto1 · 08-12-2009, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xneox

So can I use the 505 as a preamp, running 'Tape2' out to the 517?

My other option is to take the 505 out of the system to be used just for the turntable, and run an Audiosource AMP-100 I have as the sub amp instead...

You can only use a Moving Magnet Cartridge, like the Pickering, with a preamp or a Pre/Pro with a built in Phono Preamp or you will need to purchase a Preamp that will support at least Moving Magnet/Moving Iron Cartridges.

Rich

xneox · 08-12-2009, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

You can only use a Moving Magnet Cartridge, like the Pickering, with a preamp or a Pre/Pro with a built in Phono Preamp or you will need to purchase a Preamp that will support at least Moving Magnet/Moving Iron Cartridges.

Rich

My 505 does have a 'phono' input. Does that mean it has

Quote:

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

a built in Phono Preamp

?

naturephoto1 · 08-12-2009, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xneox

My 505 does have a 'phono' input. Does that mean it has ?

If your Pioneer Pioneer VSX-505S has a phono input, it should have a built in Phono Preamp for Moving Magnet/Moving Iron Cartridges. It may not be very good, but it should be there. The RCA connectors on the turntable tonearm cables would have to plug into the Phono Input of the Pioneer VSX-505S.

Rich

Johnny Vinyl · 08-12-2009, 05:14 PM

Yes it does. You're good to go. Like was suggested, you may want to look into a new cartridge and have the TT adjusted (fine-tuned). Do you have a local hi-end shop that carries TT's? It shouldn't cost to0 much to have them do a tune-up and advise as to whether a new cartridge is recommended.

John

xneox · 08-13-2009, 01:39 AM

Ok, the meat's been grilled, the baby's been bathed and put to bed. Here are a few pictures. I found out it needs a belt - there just isn't one. Also, it came with another head already installed on it. The cartridge is a Audiotechnica VS215EP.

I noticed the signal cable is hardwired inside, and it's really cheesy to today's standards. Is there any benefit to me ripping it apart and soldering in a better set?

FreddieFerric · 08-13-2009, 02:24 AM

Hmm, no belt. I'd go ebay to find a replacement for the PL 50 and make sure the table works and runs on speed before I started modding the IC's, etc. Appears the mat will also need to be replaced. Still, that's a classic 50. Make sure you thank the donor for preserving it all those years. Gifting it to you is awefully generous.

Psychonaut · 08-13-2009, 02:53 AM

That thing looks to be in fantastic shape! You're way lucky!

CasualKiller · 08-13-2009, 04:26 AM

In vintage audiophile circles that's a very sought after TT. I'd keep the Audio Technica cartridge, unless it's a sapphire tip it should have years of life left in it.

As for rewiring I'd advise against it, your ground wire on those old tables is usually run into the ground for one of your L/R channels. Attempting to rewire it may cause more headaches than benefits.

New belt, a little cleaning and you're good to go, a great score in my opinion.

rded · 08-13-2009, 05:05 AM

WOWZA!!! That TT looks great! I am just gawking at that platter!!!I hate you Xneox!!!

xneox · 08-13-2009, 10:54 AM

Thanks for the comments/input all!

Quote:

Originally Posted by CasualKiller

In vintage audiophile circles that's a very sought after TT. I'd keep the Audio Technica cartridge, unless it's a sapphire tip it should have years of life left in it.

As for rewiring I'd advise against it, your ground wire on those old tables is usually run into the ground for one of your L/R channels. Attempting to rewire it may cause more headaches than benefits.

New belt, a little cleaning and you're good to go, a great score in my opinion.

Thanks for the advice. I'll leave well enough alone for now. I need to source a belt and a pad...and really get into the nooks with some q-tips.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rded

WOWZA!!! That TT looks great! I am just gawking at that platter!!!I hate you Xneox!!!

Awww, I hate you too rded.

08-12-2009, 12:45 PM	#1
xneox Expert Member Member since:Jan 2009 Location:Hartford, CT	New to turntables I was talking to a coworker yesterday about getting into vinyl, and she said she had an old turntable that's been in a box for decades. Her first husband (RIP) bought it when he came back from Vietnam, I guess with a bunch of other equipment. Anyway, she gave it to me. I offered payment, but she said not to worry about it. It's a Pioneer PL-50...came with a styrofoam caddy of extra parts. Looks like it has two ends (I seriously don't know what any of this is called)...one of them is empty, and the other has a cartridge in it that is gold in color and says 'Pickering XV 15'. Anyone know anything about any of this equipment? Anything I should look for? I don't even know what's involved in hooking this stuff up. Should be a fun project! I was a little psyched when I saw that it was Pioneer, to match my other equipment.

08-13-2009, 02:24 AM	#16
FreddieFerric Blu-ray Knight Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Mar 2008 Location:NOLA Home Theater Gallery:146 4K collection:14 Blu-ray collection:238 Blu-ray reviews:7 Trading Score:1	Hmm, no belt. I'd go ebay to find a replacement for the PL 50 and make sure the table works and runs on speed before I started modding the IC's, etc. Appears the mat will also need to be replaced. Still, that's a classic 50. Make sure you thank the donor for preserving it all those years. Gifting it to you is awefully generous. Last edited by FreddieFerric; 08-13-2009 at 02:29 AM.

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08-12-2009, 01:36 PM	#2
rded Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Aug 2008 Location:555 Naim Street Blu-ray collection:254 Trading Score:1	We want pix!!!

08-12-2009, 01:56 PM	#3
xneox Expert Member Member since:Jan 2009 Location:Hartford, CT	I'm @ work and the table itself is still in her car. I'll try to get some up later tonight after I get home.

08-12-2009, 03:13 PM	#7
bhampton Blu-ray Count Member since:Aug 2007 4K collection:987 Blu-ray collection:2543 DVD collection:67 Blu-ray reviews: 6 Trading Score:18	I can understand being interested in turntables but "new to turntables" seems very unlikely. -Brian

08-12-2009, 04:11 PM	#10
xneox Expert Member Member since:Jan 2009 Location:Hartford, CT	So can I use the 505 as a preamp, running 'Tape2' out to the 517? My other option is to take the 505 out of the system to be used just for the turntable, and run an Audiosource AMP-100 I have as the sub amp instead...

08-12-2009, 05:14 PM	#14
Johnny Vinyl Moderator Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 Location:At the crossroad of Analogue Dr & 2CH Ave Home Theater Gallery:19 Blu-ray collection:205 DVD collection:7 Blu-ray reviews:3 Trading Score:8	Yes it does. You're good to go. Like was suggested, you may want to look into a new cartridge and have the TT adjusted (fine-tuned). Do you have a local hi-end shop that carries TT's? It shouldn't cost to0 much to have them do a tune-up and advise as to whether a new cartridge is recommended. John

08-13-2009, 01:39 AM	#15
xneox Expert Member Member since:Jan 2009 Location:Hartford, CT	Ok, the meat's been grilled, the baby's been bathed and put to bed. Here are a few pictures. I found out it needs a belt - there just isn't one. Also, it came with another head already installed on it. The cartridge is a Audiotechnica VS215EP. I noticed the signal cable is hardwired inside, and it's really cheesy to today's standards. Is there any benefit to me ripping it apart and soldering in a better set?

08-13-2009, 02:53 AM	#17
Psychonaut Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Apr 2008 Location:Second left after Wal-Mart Blu-ray collection:111	That thing looks to be in fantastic shape! You're way lucky!

08-13-2009, 04:26 AM	#18
CasualKiller Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Brooks Alberta Blu-ray collection:54 Trading Score:15	In vintage audiophile circles that's a very sought after TT. I'd keep the Audio Technica cartridge, unless it's a sapphire tip it should have years of life left in it. As for rewiring I'd advise against it, your ground wire on those old tables is usually run into the ground for one of your L/R channels. Attempting to rewire it may cause more headaches than benefits. New belt, a little cleaning and you're good to go, a great score in my opinion.

08-13-2009, 05:05 AM	#19
rded Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Aug 2008 Location:555 Naim Street Blu-ray collection:254 Trading Score:1	WOWZA!!! That TT looks great! I am just gawking at that platter!!!I hate you Xneox!!!

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