If the PL-50 is the one I am thinking of from 1980 or so (rosewood veneer -
looks like a mini Exclusive P3), and the arm is not damaged, I would not think
the issue is with your table by itself, but suggest it is with cart (which is in my
opinion one of the few carts I would call 'brutish' - the VTF can easily be set
without a scale). I remember the integrated (there was a 9900 as well), but do
not remember whether it had the ability to take MC carts. Thought not.
The DL-103 and 103R are 8.5g, which assuming a 10g headshell is right in
the sweetspot of what the arm can handle (arm good for 14g-24g including
headshell); I think the DL103R is a great cart for the money if you are buying
a new cart (or can find it used), and I have heard of enough people who have
had success either nuded or repotted in a different shell that it might be
worth a try. It is, unfortunately, deserving of a decent head-amp (or SUT) and
I do not know how the Pioneer deals with those - and of course that would be
extra money. Some of the MM carts mentioned in that thread Raul mentioned
are really quite good. I have been reasonably impressed by a Technics
205CMk3 and a Garrott P77 (and a NOS Technics 100CMk2 I bought a while
ago has beaten them both). It has to be noted though that at that price
range, all carts have a 'flavor', including the Denon 103.
You can also try the arm both with and without damping oil to see how it
works. The other thing I have noticed with the PL-50 (I have a PL-50L) is that
it is significantly improved by using a lightweight isolation platform.
Non-Dealer Disclaimer: I have too many tables and carts and some of them I
will be trying to sell off in the not too distant future (probably including the
PL-50L, and possibly some of the carts mentioned).