Pioneer Direct Drives - Now and then?

I have been listening to Pioneer PLX-1000 from time to time for over a year, if not two, now. For hours at the time. A friend of mine owns it and I even had to set it up. The cartridge is Ortofon 2M Red, amplifier one of the recent Yamahas, and speakers Monitor Audio, Silver (I think).

Turntable seems well-built, feels more substantial than Technics SL-1500C. I have not had a chance to compare it to new Technics 1200 (any of them). Everything works as intended, arm lift, all the buttons, etc. I know, it should go without saying but check Technics SL-1500C reviews regarding arm lift. This Pioneer comes with an adapter for singles and a place for it. It starts quicker than you will ever need and stops the same way.

What you are probably more interested in, until you lose your singles adapter that is, is the sound. Unfortunately, I cannot properly describe it as I have never compared this Pioneer to some other turntable in the same system. I hear no real flaws, though. Maybe that tapping on the plinth while playing may get noticed? Yes, but not even close to some of those cheaper Projects. We play music for hours and it always sounds "engaging", if that even means anything.

I suspect that some corners must have been cut on this turntable, but, if I were looking for a new turntable and would rather spend $700 than $1700, I would look no further than Pioneer PLX-1000. If $1700 would be ok, I would probably pick Technics. For the good old times sake.

I think the SL 1200 Mk7 has the older iron core motor from the older 1200 series. Which is one reason why it is so relatively inexpensive.

@lewm this is why i recommend Technics for the newbies, no one can compete with this brand in terms price/quality today on Direct Drive territory. The price for this mk7 with new coreless motor is $999. I’m not sure how anyone can buy a better brand new turntable, even belt drive turntables are more expensive and it’s the biggest mistake to accept their price for belt drive. Technics mk7 is the best deal when a user looking for complete turntable with nice tonearm (vta on the fly) with removable headshell, with warranty etc. This mk7 can be easily upgraded with some inexpensive tweaks (better mat, fluid damper if needed, maybe even rewire). But at $999 it’s great start and a ticket to Technics world of perfection.

Direct Drive Turntable System SL-1200MK7:
Coreless Direct Drive Motor Achieving Stable Rotation

"The direct drive system uses a slow-turning motor to directly drive the platter. This system has various advantages. It offers high performance, such as rotation accuracy and powerful torque, does not require replacement of parts and maintains high reliability over a long period of time. On the other hand, the direct drive system was said to produce a rotation irregularity called cogging. For the SL-1200MK7, a new coreless direct drive motor was developed. This motor employs a coreless stator. The removal of the core (iron core) from the stator eliminated the root cause of cogging. Furthermore, the magnetic force of the rotor magnets was improved to the highest possible level, and the gap between the coreless stator and rotor magnets was optimised, thus achieving high-torque-performance equaling that of the SL-1200MK5. Boasting smooth rotation and powerful torque, this motor reproduces sound accurately and faithfully from the groove on an analogue record."

MORE SPECS

This is better turntable than new Pioneer. It was Technics answer to all the cheap clones other brands copied from iconic SL1210mkII when Technics was temporary out of business in this category. 

I have no respect to the brand that copied Technics look instead of creating something unique. But the target audience for those brands was djs/clubs where the price is the key point (and where the Technics is iconic turntable), so it was a compromise. Now it makes no sense at all to buy Pioneer. 

Technics SL10 with the EPC 310 MC head and you don't need to go crazy in adjustments or other settings, it looks like a toy but instead it is a turntable that plays divinely, better than many others.

I just got two vintage decks going:

1. Mitsubishi, LT-5V, Vertical Linear Tracking,  any 1/2" cartridge, using my Audio Technica MM micro line stylus, AT440ml, it sounds wonderful, both in my main system via McIntosh mx110z preamp phono1, and now in my office via Cambridge Audio DUO phono preamp (MC and/or MM). Belt drive, I need to warm it up to let the speed stabilize, then it holds steady.

2. Technics SL-J33, Horizontal Linear Tracking, limited to P mount, new Audio Technica elliptical. Quartz Direct Drive speed lock is terrific, however, in either system, the sound is in no way involving as the Mitsubishi and my Vintage JVC system's are. I will polish the clear plastic cover and sell it. I could give it to my son, but I don't want him to hear a non-involving TT.

My point is, I suspect your prior TT P mount, and many people's listening to TT/LP was not an involving experience, why so many say no to Analog.

Chackster's point about the new SL-1200MK7 combining superb direct drive with a darn good tonearm essentially ensures success, assuming a combo of cartridge, phono preamp, AND alignment skills. Sell something, stretch your budget? Easier said than done. I don't like the plastic/metal look, or new prices, so it's carefully chosen vintage for me, wood veneer, combined with my ability to fix things mechanically, and handle tonearms/cartridges separately.

Saving money, vintage, so much out there, you are right to ask for help. I asked here and got a great deal of help.

I assure you, the sound of a carefully chosen Vintage TT, and a darn good tonearm, and a darn good cartridge, darn good phono preamp is truly involving and very hard to beat.

Ideologically, I prefer Direct Drive, Quartz Locked speed, however, after letting my old Thorens TD124 idler wheel, and this Mitsubishi belt drive warm up, they both have very nice platters and maintain speed extremely well.

"This is better turntable than new Pioneer. It was Technics answer to all the cheap clones other brands copied from iconic SL1210mkII..."

In what way is it better?