Pioneer Direct Drives - Now and then?

I've read about the Pioneer bearing issue, and that it's been cleaned up since they first came out.

Why thank you @markmay -

That's' very kind.  For a variety of reasons, right now I can't actually accept a turntable in my home... it will be a few months, but I appreciate the offer.  I asked a little tongue in cheek. :)

I want to get into vinyl, at least a little, but things have to go only one direction in this home right now:  OUT! :)

I’m just surprised you are going into analog

@luisma

What is a hobby if you can’t experiment and play with things?  Besides, it's not as if I have been anti-analog, but digital is just sooooooooo convenient!

Of course, I could forget all of this and just buy a camera.

considering some deep (and good posts) you have about digital and audio in general.

Why thank you kindly.

PS - If you have a 2nd turntable you haven't used in years and want to donate it to a good cause, I'm a very good cause. ;-)

In case it wasn't clear, I don't know how many LPs I'll end up buying, but buying inexpensively to learn whether I like this part of the audiophile hobby for myself or not is a good idea. 

"Buy a decent rig that won't hurt the albums and see what happens" is a good pattern.

The end of the P-mount, and the convenience of CD's, improvement in DAC's and availability of streaming services + internet radio have all contributed to me not turning to LPs.  That plus my apartment lifestyle.

Even this modest expense would have to be put on hold.

I’m blown away at your post Eric. You have been a member since 2005, 9000 posts,

Those are kind of weird statistics to associate with turntable ownership. Since you’ve only been here since 2018 and have under 200 posts, should I assume you only listen to music on your phone?

and you sound like this will be your first turntable.

Second actually. My first was a DD Technics with a p-mount system. Since then I’ve gone completely digital. I buy direct, use Tidal or listen to Internet radio, but I can't remember the last time I actually spun a CD.

I’d like to take this time from explaining myself to weird suppositions guy by plugging the ladies who run http://jazzcast.ca/ as running a great modern Jazz station.

You want to spend $1000 but you claim you will buy as little as 5 albums. You also want to set it and forget it. Unlikely. Why bother?

Buddy, no one is born with a large LP collection, and few can afford to start a hobby with a fully maximized set of tools and equipment. Tone it down a bit?

Best,

E

Thanks everyone for the ideas!!

I'd like to spend $1000 or less, given I may buy like 5 records. :)

Cost for cartridge + player. 

Main requirement for me is that it not damage the vinyl while playing, and have rock solid settings.  Want to set it up exactly once.

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

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?