Hi everyone, new to the vintage audio scene and recently dove headfirst into acquiring some classic hi-fi gear. I’ve been lurking on audiokarma for a while, soaking up all the knowledge, and now I’m hoping for some direct guidance on a Pioneer PL-50 turntable I recently purchased.
I thought I’d stumbled upon a fantastic deal on Craigslist – a Pioneer PL-50A turntable, advertised as “very clean” and in “perfect working order”. The listing even mentioned it was a one-owner unit and came with the original box, manual, and unopened accessories. Visually, the turntable is indeed immaculate.
Upon meeting the seller, it was clear the Pioneer PL-50A hadn’t been thoroughly checked recently. We powered it on only to discover it was missing a belt. The seller explained it belonged to his father and he hadn’t inspected it closely for about a year. Despite the missing belt, I purchased it for $150, optimistic that a simple belt replacement would get it up and running. My goal isn’t refurbishment or resale; I’m simply aiming to assemble a great sounding vintage audio system for personal enjoyment.
Back home, I installed a new cartridge and stylus as the original stylus was unfortunately bent. To test the cartridge, I cautiously started the turntable, manually spun the platter, and lowered the tonearm. Immediately, the tonearm skipped right across the record. Investigating further, I attempted to adjust the anti-skate knob, but it offered no resistance at all – it just spins loosely. Using a mirror, as suggested in another forum thread, I inspected the plastic component under the knob, but it didn’t appear broken. Sadly, my limited experience and technical skills leave me unsure of the next steps.
This is where I’m hoping the community can assist. The seller has kindly offered a full refund if the Pioneer PL-50A isn’t functional. My dilemma is: should I accept the refund and continue my search for a working turntable, or is the Pioneer PL-50 worth attempting to repair given these issues? My budget is quite limited, and the $150 refund could be used to purchase a fully operational turntable.
I’ve attached images so you can assess the condition of the Pioneer PL-50A. Your expert advice would be greatly appreciated. This forum has already been an invaluable resource as I navigate this exciting new hobby. Thank you in advance for your help!
