Description
Key Features
The PL-516 uses an FG servo DC motor driving the platter via belt, an arrangement that isolates the platter from motor noise for a quiet background and low rumble, complemented by a heavy 320mm cast aluminium alloy platter that helps maintain stable speed under load. The auto-return mechanism detects when the stylus reaches the run-out groove and automatically lifts and returns the tonearm to its rest, a genuinely convenient feature that also helps protect the stylus and inner grooves from unnecessary wear. The tonearm is a static-balance, S-shaped pipe design fitted with Pioneer’s plug-in headshell system, making cartridge changes straightforward, and the deck includes both anti-skating control and a strobe-illuminated fine speed adjuster for precise speed calibration against the mains frequency. The cabinet is built around a substantial 40mm-thick particle board plinth, mounted on insulating feet to help isolate the deck from external vibration.
Technical Specifications
(Source: Vinyl Engine — Pioneer PL-516 manual archive; Radiomuseum.org — Pioneer PL-516 documentation; Pioneer PL-516 official service manual)
- Type: Two-speed belt-drive turntable with auto-return mechanism
- Speeds: 33⅓ and 45rpm
- Pitch control: ±2%
- Motor: FG servo DC motor, belt drive
- Wow and flutter: 0.045% WRMS
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 68dB
- Platter: 320mm, aluminium alloy die-cast
- Tonearm: Static balance type, pipe arm (S-shaped), plug-in headshell
- Effective arm length: 221mm
- Overhang: 15.5mm
- Usable cartridge weight range: 4–10g
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 440 x 140 x 365mm
- Weight: 7.2kg
- Year of Production: 1978–1979
- Country of Origin: Japan
Important Owner’s Notes
This turntable is now over 45 years old. The drive belt is a wearing part and, if not recently renewed, is worth replacing as routine maintenance; a fresh belt is inexpensive and straightforward to fit. The insulating feet and any rubber components inside the auto-return mechanism are also original-age parts, and while everything has tested correctly, some firming or perishing with age is normal and should be expected over time.
Why Buy From Us
With over 40 years of experience in the Hi-Fi industry, we are well placed to assess and test equipment of this type. Every item we list is fully inspected and tested before sale — this unit was checked by Andrew in our workshop.
When you buy from us you can expect:
- Full inspection and testing prior to listing — not simply a visual check
- A 3-month guarantee on every item we sell
- Transparent descriptions with no omissions
- Professional packaging to ensure safe delivery
- After-sales support available by phone or email should you have any questions
Summary
A genuinely excellent-condition example of a dependable late-1970s Japanese belt-drive turntable, with the added convenience of auto-return, fully tested and ready to enjoy. This is a single-unit listing. Please feel free to get in touch with any questions prior to purchase.
