PIONEER PL-A450B Turntable Serviced PL-520 120V

( Brand: Pioneer ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: PL-A450B ), ( Part Type: Turntable ), ( Direct Drive: Direct Drive ), ( Pl-520: Pl-520 ), ( Fully Automatic: Fully Automatic ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: Japan )

Review PIONEER Rare unique Model Turntable Upgraded To 120v Serviced

Pioneer PL-A450B Rare-Unique Pioneer PL-520 Turntable (120V, Serviced) - A Exceptional Vintage Audio Experience

Step back in time with the Pioneer PL-A450B Rare-Unique Pioneer PL-520 Turntable, a classic piece of audio equipment that has been meticulously serviced to deliver an exceptional, high-fidelity vinyl playback experience. This turntable, a blend of vintage charm and modern reliability, is the perfect addition to any audiophile's collection.

The Pioneer PL-A450B, a rare variant of the popular PL-520 model, boasts a unique aesthetic that sets it apart from its contemporaries. Its sleek, minimalist design, with a glossy black finish and chrome accents, complements any decor while exuding an air of sophistication. The direct-drive motor, another feature inherited from the PL-520, ensures smooth and accurate rotation, providing a stable platform for your vinyl records.

Under the hood, this turntable is equipped with a high-torque motor that delivers quick start-up times and maintains consistent speeds, even under load. The S-shaped tonearm, a signature of the PL-520 series, is designed for optimal tracking, ensuring precise pickup of the grooves on your records. The aluminum platter, coupled with a heavy-duty rubber mat, reduces vibrations and resonance, contributing to a clearer, more accurate sound.

This Pioneer PL-A450B has been thoroughly serviced to bring it back to its original glory. Each component has been inspected, cleaned, and, if necessary, replaced to ensure optimal performance. The cartridge, though not included in the purchase, can be easily swapped to suit your personal preferences.

With its rich history, unique design, and exceptional sound quality, the Pioneer PL-A450B Rare-Unique Pioneer PL-520 Turntable is more than just a piece of audio equipment. It's a journey back in time, a testament to the golden age of vinyl, and a reminder of the enduring charm of analog sound. So, whether you're a seasoned audiophile or a novice just starting your vinyl collection, this turntable is an investment that will pay dividends for years to come.

Assessment of Buying a Pioneer PL-A450B/PL-520 Turntable (120V, Serviced)

1. Rare and Unique: The Pioneer PL-A450B/PL-520 turntable is a vintage model, making it a unique addition to any vinyl record collection.

2. Quality Build: Pioneer is a reputable brand known for its high-quality audio equipment. This turntable, being a Pioneer product, is likely to deliver decent sound quality.

3. Serviced: The turntable has been serviced, which means any existing issues should have been addressed, ensuring it's in good working condition.

4. Potential for Value Appreciation: As a vintage piece, the turntable may appreciate in value over time, making it a potential investment.

1. Compatibility Issues: Being a vintage model, it may not be compatible with modern audio systems without additional equipment.

2. Limited Functionality: Older models may not have the same features as newer turntables, such as USB connectivity, automatic operation, or built-in pre-amps.

3. Potential for Hidden Issues: While the turntable has been serviced, there could still be hidden issues that might surface with prolonged use.

4. Repair and Replacement Parts: Finding repair and replacement parts for vintage equipment can be challenging and expensive.

Conclusion: The Pioneer PL-A450B/PL-520 turntable presents a unique opportunity to own a rare piece of audio equipment. Its quality build and serviced condition make it a potentially good choice for vinyl enthusiasts. However, potential buyers should be aware of the compatibility issues, limited functionality, potential hidden issues, and the challenge of finding repair and replacement parts.

Recommendation: If you're a collector, audiophile, or simply appreciate vintage technology, this turntable could be a worthwhile investment. However, it's recommended to thoroughly inspect the turntable before purchase, understand its limitations, and be prepared for potential repair costs. For those seeking a more modern, feature-rich turntable, newer models might be a better fit.

Details:

The internal mechanics were inspected and looked as good when it was manufactured. Tonearm, S-Shaped. Control, Servo. I think you'll find this unit to be a good value for the money.

One audio forum user described it as a cool table with science experiment tonearm. The next to last picture is of the original head shell. The controls are located outside the dust cover for ease of access. Of course, if you are a purist and want the original head shell that came with this model, I can switch them out for.

I've yet to see one where the feet Wren't in good shape with no signs of cracking rubber. Not only is the PL-450B/520 one of Pioneers better turntables, and as mentioned, its also a collectible table, having been manufactured for about year. So why buy a turntable that someone simply tested and declared to be working, when you can have one has been fully serviced. A collectors item among turntables.

To that end, I replaced all the old electrolytic capacitors, which were probably dried up and out of spec, with new ones on both motor control board power supply for continued accurate speed. Why, is anyone's guess, but it wan't because of a lack performance or quality. The speed control potentiates were sprayed with De-Exit to clean the contact surfaces, along muting switch points. I also replaced the diodes on control board with new ones as well.

And my packaging is second to none when it comes getting your turntable you in perfect condition. Of course, the quality of sound reproduction you get from a turntable is in great part due to cartridge used and if it well-matched with tonearm. Full-Auto or Manual. Type, Moving Iron.

Even the anti-skate mechanism is unique in execution and looks. This is a rare and unique black version of the wonderful Pioneer PL-520. And the tonearm, in addition to being a very good is quite unique appearance. Channel Balance.

The hinges are in good shape although there is one small stress crack the dust cover very common around hinge that doesn't seem to get much larger on these units. The platter mat is nice and pliable. I'm a huge fan of Pickering/Stanton cartridges and they're what I run on my turntables. Note that this unit does not use unobtainable and obsolete IC chips in its circuit boards, so it is more likely to be repairable the future. Lubrication was added auto-mechanism, motor taken apart bearing oiled.

You can see the specs for this terrific Pioneer turntable and Stanton cartridge below. As such, its not only rare only made for one year, unique in being of the few PL-450B versions PL-520 to be usable USA without a step-down transformer needed. The dust cover is in good shape for its age other than the crack shown picture. This is a fully automatic turntable with manual capability and auto-return cut features, complete pitch control, anti-skate the low wow flutter rumble specs that come good direct drive turntables.

Cosmetically, this unit is in very nice shape. This PL-A450B was marketed exclusively in Japan but has had the 100V transformer replaced with a 120V from PL-520 and is now ready for use on US electrical systems. The Stanton cartridge line is highly regarded, so you are not only getting a great collectible turntable, also phono that will let enjoy your vinyl to the fullest. You'll have to look close see the few signs of use on this table.

The tonearm was a design only used by Pioneer on this model and never repeated any other turntable. There is one rear corner which was repaired and hardly noticeable. Drive, Direct Drive. Stanton Moving Iron Cartridge Specs.

This turntable is ready to go and last for many more years.

part #: pla450b prices

• $255.87-$510.00

specifications vintagerecordplaygo:

• brand: Pioneer
• mpn: Pl-a450b
• part type: Turntable
• direct drive: Direct Drive
• pl-520: Pl-520
• fully automatic: Fully Automatic
• country/region of manufacture: Japan

payments vintagerecordplaygo:

• other
• credit card: Diners-club
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• policy: No Returns

offer vintagerecordplaygo:

• sold: 0
• availability: In Stock
• options: Ship-to-home
• started: April 13, 2025
• quantity: 1

general vintagerecordplaygo:

• Vintage Electronics > Vintage Audio Video > Vintage Record Players
• condition: Used

seller vintagerecordplaygo:

• # reviews: 754
• city: Ottawa, Kansas
• rating: 100.0%

shipping vintagerecordplaygo:

• transit: 4-9 Days
• service: FedEx Ground Economy
• type: Calculated
• class: Economy
• cost: $26.29
• carrier: FedEx

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