Pioneer Direct Drives - Now and then?

Why thank you @markmay -

That's' very kind.  For a variety of reasons, right now I can't actually accept a turntable in my home... it will be a few months, but I appreciate the offer.  I asked a little tongue in cheek. :)

I want to get into vinyl, at least a little, but things have to go only one direction in this home right now:  OUT! :)

Everyone says that you’ll need to adjust the arm bearings right out of the box.

What ?

"Turntable is good, just adjust tonearm bearing" - it sounds like a nightmare, how an amateur can adjust tonearm bearings? 

I've read about the Pioneer bearing issue, and that it's been cleaned up since they first came out.

Erik,I come here to read and learn without posting responses, but I have enjoyed your contributions for some time and felt the science project would be interesting. I look forward to reading the results of your experience with vinyl in your system. I do agree on the convenience of digital and with my setup with a speck more invested, digital sounds better than my entry level turntables (both Rega Planar3 and Pioneer PL-550) with a Musical Paradise Phenomenon II preamp.
Offer stands if I still have it when your ready to jump.
By the way, I couldn't agree with you more regarding room treatments as you have discussed in many other threads.

Hi Erik
Weird suppositions guy here.  Guilty as charged. I have read your posts for a long time and enjoy your enthusiasm for audio.   I was/am surprised (blown away) that your diy energy had not yet bubbled over into vinyl, a tweaker’s dream.  I assumed an experienced audiophile like you would already have listened to enough vinyl to make a decision. My bad. Not for everyone of course, due to the cost, additional work and space involved. “Why bother?” is a question everyone must ask themselves, especially those who are already happily into streaming.  I also think you got me going when you predicted only buying five records.  All the best,
David