Pioneer PL-30 offers an easy setup and user-friendly experience with its automatic features and solid build. While sound quality may not be the most precise or detailed, it provides a smooth and enjoyable analog listening experience, making it a great choice for vinyl enthusiasts on a budget.
Contents
Intro
The cheap PL-990 is already on offer, but it was difficult to recommend a model for less than $150 to lovers of analog sound. The situation is completely different with the newest PL-30, which, as the manufacturer advertises, is supposed to guarantee “the most satisfying audio experience”.
Technical Description and Installation
The Pioneer PL-30 is the second automatic turntable I’ve tried, similar to the Denon. When you look closely, both designs share a lot in common.
Despite its sophistication, the PL-30 is easy to set up and use every day. For transport safety, it doesn’t come fully assembled, but it’s almost ready out of the box.
You just need to make a few simple moves, like screwing in the headshell, counterweights, and installing the platter.
The main chassis of the Pioneer PL-30 is plastic, but it’s not a lightweight turntable. This is because there’s an additional metal plate at the bottom, adding weight to the structure. All elements are installed on one frame.
An automation system is attached to the base, including all systems responsible for extra functions not found in manual models. Since the PL-30 doesn’t come with a mounted platter, you can see the inside.
The turntable has a belt drive hidden under the platter. There’s a DC motor that lets you easily change the rotational speed, controlled by a button in the lower-left corner.
The platter is quite thin and light, made of aluminum, with an integrated sub-platter and a flat section drive belt. A noteworthy feature is the thick rubber mat (up to 5 mm), which adds mass and further stabilizes the rotation.
The basic MM Audio-Technica cartridge for a good start
The manufacturer has pre-prepared and calibrated everything so there’s only left for me to tighten the headshell to the tonearm. The tonearm can work with a maximum tracking force of 4g, and the adjustment is done using a rotating counterweight wheel with a notched scale.
To start, all you need is a manual and a little practice. There’s also a convenient magnetic anti-skating system integrated into the tonearm.
- Full-Automatic Operation; Dual-Layered Chassis with 4 mm-Thick Metal Plate and Low Center of GravityProvides Stable...
- Built-in Phono Equalizer with On/Through Selector: On for Connecting Amps without Phono Terminal, Through When Using...
- High-Performance MM Cartridge Included.Drive Method: Belt Drive System
- Original 5 mm-Thick Rubber Mat Suppresses External Vibration While FirmlyGripping the Record
- Packed with Turntable, Turntable Sheet, Dust cover, Adapter for EP record, Balance Weight, Head-shell with Cartridge,...
Construction & Design
For the first, factory assembly, Pioneer chose the MM cartridge by Audio-Technica. Everything indicates that this is a model from a large family of inexpensive AT3600 cartridges. The cover of the PL-30 was “smoked” a dark blue with purple.
I discovered some “surprises” on the back of the turntable; a typical, large power socket has been installed (will anyone experiment with a DIY power cable?), and the interconnect is already been permanently installed. Depending on the position of a small switch, the signal will flow directly from the cartridge or through the built-in phono preamplifier.
The interconnect is permanently installed and you can not remove it. You can choose between two operating modes, with and without an internal phono preamplifier
The operation of the device is simple: just put the record on (you can even close the lid) and press the ‘Start’ button. The turntable does the rest, stopping playback when it reaches the end of the record.
You can also use the manual mode. There is no typical rotation switch here, but you don’t need it because the motor starts automatically when you raise the tonearm and place the needle over the initial grooves of the record.
Pioneer PL-30 Sound Test
With Pioneer, I can easily and safely dive into an analog world that creates the perfect atmosphere for vinyl records. It’s not about precision, detail, or balance here. Analyzing every sound doesn’t make sense because what matters is the overall effect. The Pioneer PL-30 either charms me or it doesn’t.
The turntable has its flaws and limitations, which are expected in a low-budget analog setup. Its dynamics and transparency are average.
If I focus on it, the PL-30 draws my attention to a coherent musical experience. Even without rich colors and details, the Pioneer PL-30 still sounds convincing.
The low tones are a bit fuzzy, but they stay controlled and don’t dominate. They are generally a bit behind, not very powerful, and don’t reach very low, staying mostly in the upper sub-range.
It’s hard to praise this turntable, but there’s nothing to complain about either. It doesn’t cause any problems. The overall sound isn’t thin, and the bass flows smoothly with the music. The treble isn’t too active; it’s smooth and rounded, typical of analog sound, though there is some muffling and limited resolution in the background.
The midrange is well saturated, though a bit soft and slightly muddy. This is acceptable because the Pioneer PL-30 is designed for easy listening and won’t irritate with any sudden jumps.
Pioneer PL-30 Video Review
Pioneer PL-30 Specifications
- Drive Method: Belt Drive System
- Wow and Flutter: 0.1% or Less WRMS (JIS WTD)
- Motor: DC Servo Motor
- S/N Ratio: 60 dB (DIN-B)
- Rotation Speed: 33 1/3 rpm, 45 rpm
- Arm Type: Static Balance Straight Type Tone Arm
- Effective Length: 221.5 mm
- Overhang: 19 mm
- Stylus Pressure Variable Range: 0 g to 4.0 g (1 scale 0.1 g)
- Proper Cartridge Weight: 4.5 g to 9.5 g (Single Cartridge)
- Cartridge Type: MM Type
- Headshell Weight: 10.0 g (Including Screws and Nuts)
You can download & view the manual here->Pioneer PL-30 Manual
Final Verdict
The Pioneer PL-30 is a solid entry-level turntable that offers great value. Setting it up was straightforward, and I appreciated the ease of use with its automatic functions. The sound quality is charming, providing a coherent musical experience despite some limitations. The low tones can be a bit fuzzy, and the midrange is slightly muddy, but it still delivers a smooth, enjoyable listening experience. For anyone new to vinyl or on a budget, the PL-30 is a worthwhile choice that balances convenience with decent audio performance.
Crackling Sound was created to provide straightforward, unbiased reviews of audio products, catering to those who want excellent sound without delving into complex audiophile terms. I aim to simplify the decision-making process for my readers.
As an audio enthusiast and self-builder for over 20 years, I ensure my reviews are honest, highlighting both advantages and disadvantages. I conduct sound tests to deliver comprehensive and reliable information about various audio devices. My extensive experience in DIY projects, experimenting, installing, and using high-end audio gear helps me provide thorough and comparative reviews.