2. analog
  3. 1431892631

Moving up from Pioneer PL-C590 with PA-5000

Hi all, by first post here - so please be gentle :)

I have a question that might get a lot of opinions, but I'm actually looking for a solid, practice based advice.

I want to move up from Pioneer PL-C590 with PA-5000. The turntable is a pure magic, but as always, I wonder if I can do better - sound wise.

A bit of a background. I tried the turntable with Lyra Helikon, Benz Micro Ruby 3, Zyx 4D - all sound phenomenal - these are the cartridges I would want to use with the next turntable.

I tried Yamaha PX-2 - nice, but not even close to PL-C590. Tried Phase Linear PL 8000 II - similar to Yamaha. Both sound dull and lifeless compared to the Pioneer.

Tried Sony Ps-x800, joy to use, but impossible to fix. Sound is still not as good as the Pioneer by a large margin, but much better than Yamaha and Phase Linear.

Also tried Pro-Ject 9.2 Evolution - was very surprised to discover that the Pioneer is much better. I was expecting the Pro-Ject to be superior.

Also tried many cheaper turntables - Pioneer PL-600 DD, Pioneer PL-540. No contest here. Nice turntable for the money, but PL-C590 "stops my heart" with it's beautiful sound.

No big question, is there anything that would make me wish to sell Pioneer PL-C590 with PA-5000. I don't care about 250lb monsters that are currently produced. Budget is up to $7,000.

Thanks a lot in advance for sharing your experience.

-Nick
nick-seattle
6 responses Add your response
downunder
1,329 posts
 
I own an Pioneer Exclusive P3 and P10

I used to own a VPI HRX

The Pioneer P3 is the better sounding table. An absolute classic.

The PLC-590 is a nice turntable, however if someone thinks it is as good as Pioneers best table is dreaming.

Seriously Sanmanlan, you absolutely no idea.
sanlanman
10 posts
 
Nick, I have the Series 20 labeled PLC-590 with the PA 1000 carbon fiber arm. I bought it as a demo unit from a dealer in 1980 and have kept mine in use ever since. I seriously doubt that a Pioneer P3 or P10 is going to gain you anything much over the PLC-590. I would suggest looking for a different updated arm with VTA adjustment on the fly built into the arm post assembly.
nick-seattle OP
3 posts
 
Hmm, based on all of that and my own experience - the best examples of turntables and tonearms that were made 30 years ago are as good as what's being made right now. I guess it's hard to improve on something that's superb.

Yamaha GT-2000 looks great, but the tonearm, from what I've read, is just OK, nothing to write home about.

So I think, I will keep looking for P10. P3 is just way too expensive.
sampsa55
73 posts
 
Here's a thread on GT-2000 & VPI.
nick-seattle OP
3 posts
 
Thanks for your response. PLX-1000 is a nice looking turntable, but unfortunately can't compete with PL-C590.

I've been thinking about Pioneer P3, P10 or PL-70 or Yamaha GT-2000, but not sure if that would be a step sideways instead of a step up.

Also, I've heard a lot of good things about VPI Classic, but again - would it really outperform PA-5000 arm???

Anybody had a chance to compare Pioneer P3, P10, L-70 or Yamaha GT-2000 with with VPI turntables???
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
Although I don't have direct experience to share, I don't want your post to be left dangling. Here's an interesting thread where a PLC-590 owner upgraded from a Rega RB-251 tonearm to an SME 3009 to very satisfying results by his own account. He's obviously very handy with some serious metal-working tools, but maybe a tonearm upgrade would give you what you're looking for.

At first I was scratching my head at your request, but I think I understand. I myself have a Technics SL1210M5G with some modifications and I'm not ready to leave the propulsive pace and timing of direct drive for a low-torque-driven elastic belt.

Pioneer recently came out with the PLX-1000 direct drive turntable, which is similar to the SL1210 with twice the torque and better feet and damping (including an internally damped tonearm) for a mere $699. It might be worth a listen, but I doubt it has the sophistication and refinement of your Pioneer.

Beyond the PLX-1000, the price leaps into audiophile land. The least expensive DD I'm familiar with in this category is the Brinkmann Audio Bardo, a bit more money than your budget, but the tonearm is extra.
Log in to respond
More to discover
80x80
Moerch DP8
SPECIALS
80x80
Acoustic Signature Invictus Jr. Turntable
80x80
ZYX Ultimate Exceed Omega