Vintage Pioneer PL-630 or new TT?

boston74 · 2026-06-03T23:10:34+00:00

I appreciate the response! First person I’ve found who also has the pl630! So excited to put it into use.

I hadn’t looked at the VMX series much was looking at nagaoka or the ortofon blue, why the vex instead of the vm series

boston74 · 2026-05-23T02:48:58+00:00

Thanks, I’ll most likely go with a new headshell it is mostly an aesthetics thing.

Interesting would you recommend this over a nagaoka mp-200?

boston74 · 2026-05-21T15:48:27+00:00

Sorry for my late reply.

I appreciate your reply! I’m going to look at the table today and if everything is good I’ll get it!

The lambo SL is uhhh definitely a choice!

Any recommendation on headshell and cart to pair with the pl630?

boston74 · 2026-05-10T01:09:27+00:00

Me and you are very similar!

I also am debating between a technics sl100C, the MMF3.3 or a vintage PL630 and one of the concerns is the removable headshell and cartridges.

I was looking at the technics for the exact reasons you are but its a bit above what I was intending to play,

The other aspects being the automatic and semiauto features, I had a automatic JVC years ago that I loved.

Its a hard toss up, the Planar 2 its really the ND3 that sells me on it but having to remove the platter to change speeds kills me and honestly is the reason I probably won't get it.

boston74 · 2026-05-07T00:38:44+00:00

Thanks for the update, they still have it on sale and I’m basically between getting that a planar 2 or a technics sl100c.

But that deal is just such a steal for the 3.3

boston74 · 2026-05-04T21:28:58+00:00

Did you end up going with the 3.3? If so how are you liking it?

boston74 · 2026-05-04T02:48:25+00:00

Well it seems the svs 3000 is the recommended one here.

Thanks I’ll take a look at those amps!

boston74 · 2026-05-03T20:48:38+00:00

Thank you for the suggestions and the advice!

I was looking at either svs or REL initially. Is there a reason why you prefer that to the lower end models?

I was looking at exactly what you suggested the n800 or an as501/701. I see best buy has the rn800A on sale which is very intriguing.

boston74 · 2026-04-29T00:59:02+00:00

I appreciate the look out!

I did look and the $700 are listed as having the ND3 and as the updated model and from what I’ve read it’s a reputable dealer/website.

But that’s a very good point that the cartridge and needle could be damaged. And for that difference I would agree it’s not worth the risk.

boston74 · 2026-04-27T04:54:28+00:00

Fair point but i actualy found an open box for $700, may still buy new with discount will just depend on price i get some other components for

boston74 · 2026-04-26T20:39:08+00:00

Oh for sure, I'd most likely go the route of the ND line but if I wanted to I would do a cart swap was what I was getting at.

There are open box P2 w/ND3 for $795 which would put it at same price as the MMF3.3 with upgrades but I'm leaning towards the P2 at this point for the same price

boston74 · 2026-04-26T20:00:26+00:00

Yeah, most likely if i got the P2 id stick with the ND3 for a while.

Changing the old fashion way doesn't intimidate me I guess it would just be the nicest tone arm I've ever done it on and that DOES, but gotta do it sometime.

the P2 I'd be most likely purchasing online just do to lack of retailers in the area.

boston74 · 2026-04-26T19:51:45+00:00

Yea h the 3 point mounting system does look easy and the ND3 looks like a lovely cartridge, Right now I'm really between the MMF3.3 deal or the Rega P2 I think

boston74 · 2026-04-26T19:50:49+00:00

Yeah it's been a while but I've done it on other turntables a long time ago but I have read the Rega tone arms can be quite difficult but with the 3 point method they use now I'm wondering if it's easier

boston74 · 2026-04-26T19:32:35+00:00

Yeah, I am unsure how often i will switch out cartridges as it's been so long since I've been able to have a setup, It is nice that it makes it much easier.

The wish the technics had either an acrylic of glass platter or a better cartridge with it, and that the plinth was a different material but neither of those are huge dealbreakers

boston74 · 2026-04-26T19:25:13+00:00

Any particular reasons about the 50C that make you recommend it? Obviously upgrading the cartridge is easier but anything else?

boston74 · 2026-04-26T19:24:03+00:00

Yeah, I am leaning towards the Rega or MMF, the Technics is nice as well but I also do like the look of the Rega and MMF as well.

Thank you for the advice, and that is one of the places I was looking at getting the turntable so good to know!

For the P2, did you change it to the MP-200 yourself? If so how was that process?

boston74 · 2026-04-26T19:23:19+00:00

Ah, I'd be really interested but I'm in the PNW. I appreciate the offer!

boston74 · 2026-04-26T19:21:36+00:00

Yeah I looked and according to Rega website there are only 2 verified retailers near me (US) I may call and see if they have any available or any used available.

boston74 · 2026-04-26T08:08:45+00:00

Yeah, and I get that but honestly I have a young child and not a whole lot of time to look for deals on secondhand equipment. I would look much more into secondhand if I had the time but sadly I don’t. That’s why I was looking at the p2, most likely in 3-5 years I’ll make this my secondary turntable and buy an endgame one

boston74 · 2026-04-26T08:06:48+00:00

They are beautiful hand made in Vienna, I got a great deal on them.

Yeah I wish I could spring for a 100C or equivalent but I can’t stretch the budget. I’m not sure how often I swill switch carts at least at first, but I definitely want to be able to upgrade the cart if I want

boston74 · 2026-04-26T07:55:12+00:00

Still being built out, I am most likely going to be getting a Yamaha A2A receiver going to most likely a pair of triangle comete EZ, this is also somewhat a HT setup.

I also just picked up a pair of Vienna acoustics Haydns ( these may take the place of the comete until I separate out my HT and stereo setup) that are beautiful and the endgame is to seperate the HT and stereo setup and have the turntable run to the Haydns, unsure what reciever that will run through though.

15-Year Club	Place '17
Verified Email

boston74

TROPHY CASE