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Back of top cover has crack. Good hinges. Missing the rubber mat. Lights up and rotates as should. Hard to find PL-51A direct drive made in Japan model from 1975. I could not find a name on the stylus or cartridge.
Ambitious ask. At US$595, this sits well above the US$199 median and even above the US$453 75th percentile for recent comparable listings, so it’s priced at the top end of the market rather than as a bargain.
That said, the PL-51A has a solid reputation as a substantial early-1970s direct-drive deck with a DC servo motor, and clean examples do command a premium. At this price, the buy only makes sense if it’s truly exceptional: fully serviced, cosmetically sharp, with a good dust cover, correct arm parts, and no speed or automation issues. Otherwise, there’s not much room here for the usual vintage-table repair risk.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Pioneer traces its roots to 1937 in Tokyo, Japan, when founder Nozomu Matsumoto, inspired by the thrill of imported hi-fi speakers, developed the A-8 dynamic speaker and launched a radio and speaker repair shop. The business formalized as Fukuin Shokai Denki Seisakusho in 1938, evolving into Pioneer Corporation and embodying Matsumoto's philosophy of "Move the Heart and Touch the Soul" through audio innovation.
The brand excels across diverse hi-fi categories, pioneering Japan's first headphones in 1960 with the SE-1 and the world's first component-based stereo system in 1965 via the PSC-5A. Pioneer's portfolio spans amplifiers, speakers, turntables, and DACs, alongside landmark car audio advancements like the 1975 Supertuner-equipped stereo and the 1986 in-car CD player, blending home and automotive excellence.
Today, Pioneer holds a commanding mid-to-high-tier position in the market, revered for reliable, performance-driven gear that balances premium quality with accessibility. Its vintage components attract collectors, while current offerings appeal to discerning buyers seeking robust, innovative sound reproduction without boutique excess.
See all Pioneer listings on RADAR.
