Pioneer Direct Drives - Now and then?

Vintage Pioneer is much better turntable and much more expensive. If you want the best from Pioneer then look for Pioneer Exclussive P3a series, but prepare tons of cash. If you want a decent Pioneer Hi-Fi look for PL70II (used).

New Pioneer is a company primarily oriented on professional market. Pioneer is the manufacturer of audio equipment for clubs (professional multimedia players like CDJ, mixers, vinyl turntables). This is the reason why their turntable is not a re-issue of Pioneer own turntables from the past, but just a "clone" of Technics for lower price, it’s not bad but it was valid only before Technics returned to the business with their iconic turntables adored by professionals and audiophiles, now on the low side you can buy brand new Technics mk7 for about $900 (or any higher Technics models if you wish to, including top of the line SL1200G or SP10R).

The difference between Pioneer strategy and Technics strategy is obvious. Technics made audiophile gear like SP-10R (the best direct drive available today new). Pioneer did not make anything equal to their old Pioneer Exclussive p3 or even p10 yet.  

@chakster  I understand that the opener is looking for entry level turntables and not turntables top level.

I’ve been looking at the PL-530, specifically which seems pretty and affordable.

On the new side was thinking about the PLX-1000

Has anyone actually spent time listening?

I've also looked at the Luxman's, but it seems the good used models are on the high side.

What’s your budget, Erik?
PL50L is cheaper

With inexpensive Technics SP-20 you could build your own turntable buying tonearm separately, with custom plinth etc.

Here is what i put together for a friend locally.

@chakster  I understand that the opener is looking for entry level turntables and not turntables top level. 

@best-groove maybe, but anyway it's nice to see the whole picture
Pioneer was great in the past, i'm still using their top MM cartridge. 
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