Pioneer - PL 70 II Direct Drive + Ortofon MC20 MK II Turntable

The Pioneer PL 70 II is a high-quality, direct drive vintage turntable, produced in Japan in the early 1980s, known for its exceptional build quality and precision. The model is appreciated by enthusiasts as a high-end device from the 'Golden Age' of Japanese hi-fi audio.

The device uses a direct-drive system with a coreless quartz PLL DC servo motor and a 'Stable Hanging Rotor' to minimize vibrations and guarantee an extremely stable, accurate rotation. It is equipped with an advanced, statically balanced tonearm with a variable oil damping system that effectively counteracts low-frequency resonances and reduces distortion. The turntable has a diameter of 31 cm and is made from a pressure-cast aluminum alloy with an additional damping layer to eliminate structural vibrations. This results in an impressive signal-to-noise ratio of over 78 dB (DIN-B), ensuring very clean and detailed sound. The rotational speed deviation is extremely low, less than 0.002%.

Users and reviewers unanimously praise the Pioneer PL 70 II as an incredibly reliable and well-built machine that, if properly maintained, will last for many years. Enthusiasts emphasize the phenomenal pitch accuracy and solid construction. Many owners consider the PL-70LII a top-of-the-line turntable and note that its sound quality can rival many more expensive modern alternatives. It is recommended to use a high-quality cartridge to fully realize its potential; therefore, this player was equipped with a highly regarded Ortofon MC20 MK II cartridge (MC), praised for its detailed sound image and dynamics.

As you can see in the photos, this fantastic high-end player is still in excellent visual condition. Almost no signs of use, only a few small pieces of wood or veneer are missing next to the tonearm, but it remains a beautiful piece to behold! The dust cover is clear with some typical signs of use, but they are not distracting. Beneath the surface, this top player (of course) is also in top condition. As is customary at RiVe, every auction item first goes to RiVe's trusted service technician. The motor was lubricated, the motor shaft cleaned, and all electronics, including circuit boards, checked. Only after the technician is 100% satisfied is the item offered for auction, so you can bid with confidence.

Since this is a player that was only supplied for the Japanese domestic market (100 volts), a step-down converter (220/240V > 100V) is needed. This is always included with the purchase at RiVe and, in this case, was installed in the Pioneer by the service technician in a location where it would have no impact on the player's operation. So, just plug it into the socket and turn it on!

Specifications:

Motor: Coreless quartz PLL DC servo Hall motor
Drive system: direct drive
Bearing structure: SH / rotor system
Turntable Diameter: 31cm
Number of revolutions: 33 1/3, 45 rpm
Uneven rotation: 0.008% or less (WRMS/FG Direct Reading Method)
0.018% or less (WRMS/JIS)
S/N: 85 dB or more (DIN-B) / 68 dB or more (JIS)
Start-up characteristic: 1/3 turn or less
Starting torque: 2kg-cm
Rotational speed deviation: not more than 0.002%
Time drift: 0.00008% / h
Temperature drift: 0.00003% / °C.
Brake mechanism: pure electronic
Tone arm type: Variable oil braking system / Static Balance Twin Pipe Exchange System / Carbon Fiber.
Effective length: 282mm
Overhang: 13.5mm
Applicable Cartridge: 3g ~ 14g
Height adjustment range: +2 - 4mm
Attachment mechanism: Quartz lock indicator / Quick stop / Silent lift up (electronic)
Power: 100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz
Power consumption: 20W
External dimensions: Width 550 x Height 214 x Depth 440 mm.
Weight: 21.5kg

If you want to see the player in action, check out RiVe's own YouTube channel by searching for RiVe Vintage Audio. Besides its perfect functioning, you can also view its cosmetic condition.

Weight of the turntable including packaging approximately 25 kilograms.

All sold products are carefully packaged and shipped within Europe using Track & Trace only. Different rates may apply for the islands.