Pioneer PL 518


Pioneer PL 518

This is a very interesting unit from the middle of the Pioneer line back in 1978.

The Pioneer PL-518 is a Direct Drive turntable built to last, with no belts to change it will keep playing for decades.

The rubber on the feet of the turntable is known to break down over time. This one as not the original feet.

Fitted with a static balance type, S-shaped tonearm, Auto-Return and Quick-Start function, the PL-518's platter begin to rotate when you lift the tone arm and move it toward the outer edge of the platter. When the album is finished the tonearm automatically lifts and returns to the tonearm rest. Very simple.

All controls on the Pioneer PL-518 are grouped on the right hand side of the platter to make handling easier. Also, on the right is the built-in strobe with an attractively illuminated light/calibration arrangement so that you may keep a visual check on the platter's accurate speed.

Pioneer has developed a 16-pole, 24-slot DC servomotor for the PL-518, one that provides exactly the same high signal-to-noise ratio and low wow/flutter as that used in the more expensive PL-520 model. This motor's magnetic circuit is twice as strong as conventional direct-drive types, a fact which contributes greatly to its improved resistance to torque ripple caused by uneven magnetic force.

Its switching frequency is also doubled, to 13.3Hz. Together these mean improved load characteristics, more accurate platter speeds at all times and, ultimately, better tonal quality results from your records.

You will find that few if any turntables in this price range offer such outstanding performance specifications: the signal-to-noise ratio achieved by the super-silent DC servo direct-drive motor is a high 73dB or less, while wow/flutter is an excellent 0.03% or less, and will stay that good over long years

Overall, the PL-518 is a nice turntable. Good sound, reliable and simple to use.








Specifications

Type: direct drive

Motor: 16-pole, 24-slot, DC servo motor

Platter: 320mm aluminium alloy diecast

Speeds: 33 and 45rpm

Speed control range: +-2%

Wow and flutter: 0.03%

Rumble: 73dB

Tonearm: static-balanced type, s-shaped pipe arm

Effective length: 221mm

Overhang: 15.5mm

Cartridge weight range: 4 to 10g

Dimensions: 440 x 145 x 365mm

Weight: 9.5kg

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