The ideal mechanism for transmitting rotation in any vintage stereo turntable is a direct-drive phono motor. This highly advanced Pioneer turntable, the PL-51, is the first in its practical price range to use this ultra-slow-speed motor. The use of this motor means that the turntable's platter is directly connected to the shaft of the drive motor, making the PL-51 operate without the use of tension wheels or belts, as is the case with more conventional turntables. The rotation of the motor is the turntable's rotary motion, ensuring extremely quiet and stable turntable operation at all times. The motor used in the PL-51 is a brushless DC servo-controlled motor with a compact design. The turntable's rotation is then kept stable through the use of an electronic servo circuit, which uses semiconductors to significantly reduce vibration and flutter to less than 0.06% WRMS. Equally important, the PL-51's signal-to-noise ratio is better than 55 dB, an excellent result that compares favorably with any other turntable on the market. Then, in conjunction with the direct-drive mechanism, this Pioneer turntable also uses a highly sensitive and stable S-shaped tonearm, ideal for today's commonly used cartridges or for four-channel recordings. Complete with a solidly constructed wooden chassis and a sturdy base with large isolators, the PL-51 offers more performance and value than you ever thought possible in this price range. 

New cover and Shure cartridge installed.

Specifications

Motor and turntable:

Motor: Brushless servo-controlled DC motor

Semiconductors: 12 transistors, 19 diodes

Drive system: Direct drive

Speeds: 33-1/3 and 45 rpm (electronic speed change)

Speed control range: within ±2% (individual control for 33-1/3 and 45 rpm)

Wow and Flutter: less than 0.06% WRMS

Signal-to-noise ratio: more than 55 dB

Turntable platter: 310 mm (12-1/4") die-cast aluminum alloy platter

Weight: 1.4 kg (3 lbs. 1 oz.)

Arm:

Type: statically balanced S-shaped tubular arm (with plug-in head cap)

Arm length: 221 mm (8-11/16")

Overhang: 15.5 mm (5/88 ")

Useful cartridge weight: 4 to 14 g

Additional features: Anti-scatter control; Side stabilizer; Direct-reading counter with stylus.

Power requirements: 120 V 60 Hz or 110, 120, 130, 220, 240 V 50/60 Hz

Power consumption: 5.2 watts

Dimensions (W x H x D): 480 x 185 x 410 mm (18-29/32" x 7-9/32" x 16-5/32")

Weight: 19.5 kg (23 lbs. 2 oz.)