RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
This is your classic, basic-basic, full manual turntable. Very dependable and easy to maintain, very little can go wrong with these. The PL-5xx series have an extremely durable motor that are considered better then very high-end machines. Cleaned, lubed and serviced, balanced and aligned, this turntable is plug and play ready! New belt installed, tracks perfectly from start to finish and the motor spins dead on accurate at 45 or 33 1/3 RPM. This slab model has a solid wood plinth to assure little to no resonance. Acutex M207IIE cartridge and stylus included, tested good and tracks perfectly.The finish is near new with no delamination. Complete with dustcover polished to a beautiful patina, has a small crack near left side hinge, nearly invisible (see pic). New replacement feet installed to restore the base suspension and assure no foot fall issues.This is a great turntable for the first timer or experienced audiophile. You won't find a comparable new turntable for twice the money!Description (from VinylEngine):The Pioneer PL-512 is a 2-speed, belt-driven turntable with static balance type s-shaped tonearm.The PL-512XD has a walnut grain vinyl finish and comes fitted with the PC-135 phono (stock) cartridge; the PL-512X is identical but has a black vinyl finish and no cartridge.Specifications:Type: manual turntableDrive method: belt driveMotor: 4-pole synchronousSpeeds: 33 and 45rpmWow and flutter: 0.055% WRMSSignal to noise ratio: 65dBPlatter: 300mm aluminium die-castTonearm: static balance type, pipe arm (s-shaped)Effective length: 221mmOverhang: 15.5mmUsable cartridge weight: 4 to 10gDimensions: 440 x 365 x 132 mm/17.5 x 14.5 x 5.25 inWeight: 6.5 kg/14.5 lbs.
Should you bite at US$350, or wait for a cleaner buy? Against your yardstick, it’s a bit above the 75th percentile of US$325, so this reads ambitious rather than fair for an unknown-condition example.
That said, this is a respected late-analog direct-drive era table with the usual Pioneer appeal: simple layout, decent torque, and a platform that can still sound very lively with a good cartridge and a fresh setup. If it’s complete, fully working, and cosmetically clean, the upside is mainly in getting a solid, easy-to-live-with deck without chasing a fancier modern replacement. At US$350, I’d want at least confirmation of speed stability, tonearm condition, and dust cover/accessories before calling it a buy.
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.
Reverb
Reverb
Very good
Marktplaats
NL
Kleinanzeigen
Excellent
audio-markt.de
Good
DE
audio-markt.de
Good
DE
