DIRECT DRIVE TURNTABLE

L=518S kuT
KCT
QMPIONEER’
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLI-
ANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

Right channel (red).

Right channel ground (green).
Left channel (white).
Left channel ground (blue}-—~S
Fig. 1

Screws

Washers eb

Metal-like vinyl Headshell Lead wire

Terminal pin

Cartridge
Nuts

ATTACHING THE CARTRIDGE Stylus cover —-— 18 8} Fig. 2

You can attach any cartridge to this turntable
4. Adjust the position of the cartridge so that the
weighing between 4g and 10g on condition that stylus and the connector section of the headshell
only the accessory headshell is used with it. Follow are 49mm apart and tighten up the screws. Make
the procedure outlined below for attaching the sure that the cartridge does not tilt to one side
cartridge to the headshell. when you attach it (see Fig. 3).
1. Take out the headshell, cartridge mounting
screws, nuts, washers and small-sized screwdriver
from the accessory box.
The screws come in three different lengths so
choose the screws according to the height of the
cartridge you intend to attach.
2.The terminals on the accessory headshell are
Fig. 3
aligned as shown in Fig. 1. Check the location
ATTACHING HEADSHELLS NOT MADE BY
and polarity of each of the cartridge’s terminal
PIONEER
pins and then connect the lead wires, taking care
not to get the polarities mixed up. You can attach headshells made by other com-
panies as long as the coupling portion has the same
NOTE: dimensions as the headshell supplied with your
Do not solder when you connect the lead wires to the
cartridge. If the lead wire lugs are loose, use a pair of
PL-518. However, you should check whether the
tweezers orasimilar object to push in the end lightly. terminals on the other headshell are aligned in the
same way. When attaching, make sure that you do
3. Attach the cartridge lightly to the headshell not neglect to carry out the four steps described
using the screws, nuts and washers (Fig. 2). above.

a aE AE ET SS eS ae a
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The serial number for this equipment is located on the rear. Please write this
serial number on your enclosed warranty card and keep in a secure area. This is for your security.
SS
SPECIFICATIONS
Motor and Turntable
Drive System: Direct-drive
Motor: DC servomotor (16 pole 24 slot)
Turntable Platter: 320mm diam. aluminum alloy die-cast
Speeds: 33-1/3 and 45rpm.
Speed Control Range: +2%
‘Wow and Flutter: Less than 0.03% (WRMS)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: More than 73dB (DIN-B)
(with Pioneer cartridge model PC-135)

Tonearm
Type: Static-balance type, S-shaped pipe arm
Effective Arm Length: 221mm
Overhang: 15.5mm
Tracking Error: 0.525 deg./in, 0.21 deg./cm
Usable Cartridge Weight: 4g (min.) to 10g (max.}
Other Features
Auto-return mechanism, Anti-skating force control, Cueing device
Detachable dust cover, Insulator feet, Plug-in type headshell
Strobe light, 40mm-thick particle board cabinet

Miscellaneous
Power Requirements: AC 120V, 50/60Hz
Power Consumption: 7W
Dimensions: 440(W) x 145(H) x 365(D) mm
17-5/16(W)x§-11/16(H) x 14-3/8(D) in
Weight: 9,5kg/20Ib 150z
Accessories
EP adaptor
Screwdriver... .......-
Cartridge mounting screws .
Cartridge mounting nuts .....
Cartridge mounting washers .. .
Operating instructions ........-.-.445 =nna-—
NOTE:
Specifications and design subject to possible modification
without notice, due to improvements.
ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE
1. ATTACHING THE COUNTERWEIGHT 2. ATTACHING THE HEADSHELL
Slide the counterweight onto the counterweight Insert the headshell (with the cartridge already
shaft at the rear end of the tonearm and turn it attached) onto the end of the tonearm (align the
3 to 4 times in a clockwise direction (Fig. 4). guide pin with the groove as shown in Fig. 5), and
secure by turning the locking collar.

Dust cover
When removing the dust
cover, first open it all the
way. hold the lower pert of
the dust cover from behind,
and lift it straight up.

Platter: y mal d Lateral weight

ANTISKATE knob
ARM-ELEVATION lever
Center shaft
SPEED Adjustment knob
‘SPEED select switch
Strobe light

Fig.6
ADJUSTING THE TONEARM
LEVEL BALANCE ADJUSTMENT
1. Set the ANTI-SKATE knob to “0”.
2. Remove the cartridge stylus cover. Index line
3. Set the ARM-ELEVATION lever to the DOWN
¥ position.
4. Release the arm clamp and move the tonearm
to the space between the arm rest and the
platter, taking care not to damage the stylus.
5. Support the headshell’s finger lift with one hand
and attain the level balance by turning the
counterweight either clockwise or counterclock- Fig. 8
wise. “Level balance” means that the tonearm is
parallel to the record on the platter, and that TRACKING FORCE ADJUSTMENT
the tonearm pipe, therefore, should not tilt Turning the counterweight, set the correct tracking
toward the counterweight side or the headshell force opposite the index line on the counterweight
side (See Fig. 7). shaft (Fig. 9).
The tracking-force scale ring has 0.5g steps, and
one full turn of the counterweight will yield a
tracking force of 4g.

Turn

Index Line

Headshell end is too heavy ~ Turn the counterweight in the

direction of the arrow,

Fig.9
ANTI-SKATING ADJUSTMENT
To adjust the anti-skating mechanism, turn the
Counteeweight end is too heavy — Turn the counterweight ANTI-SKATE knob so that the number cor-
in the direction of the arrow responding to the required tracking force is
Fig. 7 opposite the index line (Fig. 10).
The numbers on the ANTI-SKATE knob cor-
respond to 1g of tracking force.
6. Return the tonearm to the arm rest and fasten
the arm clamp.
7. Attach the stylus cover to protect the stylus.
8. Since the tracking force is zero when the tone-
arm is balanced level, turn just the tracking
force scale ring in front of the counterweight,
and set the “‘O” on the scale to the index line on
the shaft (Fig. 8).

Fig. 10
CONNECTIONS Finally, plug the power cord into the power outlet.
Since the auto-return mechanism may be engaged
The PL-518’s phono cables and ground lead are by vibration during transportation, confirm its
attached to the rear panel of the turntable. The operation before play. Move the tonearm over to
phono cable with the white plug is for the left near the center shaft. The turntable platter begins
channel and the one with the red plug is for the to rotate and the tonearm returns to the arm rest.
right channel. The thin wire with the Y-shaped If the tonearm starts to move in the direction of
connector at the end is the ground lead. This the arm rest when moved manually, do not
should be firmly connected to the ground terminal forcibly move it in the direction of the center
on the amplifier (Fig. 11). shaft.
The way in which the phono cables are attached
will depend on the type of cartridge used. Read the
instructions in the booklet that comes with the
cartridge as well as the operating instructions of GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
the amplifier and connect the phono cables pro-
CABINET
When the dust cover or the cabinet is dirty or
PLS dusty, wipe them clean with a polishing cloth or
soft cloth. Do not use furniture wax or bring the
turntable into contact with benzine, insecticides
or any other flammable material since they will
corrode the outside of the turntable.
MOTOR WORKS PROPERLY AFTER PLATTER
IS MOUNTED
If the motor is run with the platter removed, the
motor will not operate normally and may seem to
have broken down. If, however, the platter is
mounted, the motor will rotate properly.
LUBRICATION
There is no need to lubricate the PL-518 since it
employs oil-less bearings in the rotating parts.

INSTALLATION PRECAUTIONS
When installing your PL-518, make sure that you avoid the following conditions:

| Conditions
tobeevoided Possible problems caused

(1) Exposure to direct sunlight, high temperatures or high humid- (11 Can cause rust orinterfere
with insulation.
ity.
(2) Unstable surfaces. (2).Wilt interfere with normal operation of turntable (stylus will
jump, ete.).
{3} Dirty oF dusty tocations, (3) Can cause scratches.
(4) Exposure to heavy vibrations, such as on the top of speakers, (4) Can cause howl.
atc.
(51 Proximity to power transformer of the amplifier. (5) Can cause hum,
(6) Locations where sicohol, insecticides, or flammable substances (6) Can corrode dust coveroroutside of cabinet,
are frequentiy used.
PANEL FACILITIES AND OPERATION
ARM-ELEVATION LEVER (ARM-ELEVATION)
This lever controls the ascent and descent of the tonearm,

ARM REST
| Set the tonearm on its rest when it is not playing records.

|
, Faw
os
OS
Closing the clamp Releasing the clamp

SPEED ADJUSTMENT KNOB (SPEED ADJ.)

Perform fine adjustment of the speed of a record being
played with this knob, while looking at the strip of strobe
calibration dots on the platter edge.

STROBE LIGHT SPEED SELECT SWITCH (SPEED)

This light comes on when the platter starts to rotate and Push this switch to set the platter to 45rpm and release
it lights stroboscopically (Refer to “HOW TO FINELY for 33-1/3rpm.
ADJUST THE PLATTER SPEED” on page 7).

OPERATION
1. Place the record to be played on the platter. 7. Set the ARM-ELEVATION lever to the DOWN
2. Set the SPEED select switch to the speed at ¥ position.
which the record is to be played. The stylus will descend slowly to the record
3. Set the ARM-ELEVATION lever to the UP and play will begin.
4 position. 8. Adjust the volume and tone controls on the
4. Remove the stylus cover and release the arm amplifier to the preferred levels, and then sit
clamp. back and enjoy your record.
6. Hold the headshell by the finger lift and move 9. After the record has been played, the auto-
the stylus across the record to the track you return mechanism is actuated and the tonearm
want played. The platter will begin to rotate. returns to the arm rest. At the same time, the
6. Observe the appropriate strip of strobe calibra- platter stops rotating and the power to the
tion dots on the platter edge. If the strobe dot turntable is turned off.
is not stationery, finely adjust the platter speed 10. Secure the tonearm to the arm rest with the
with the SPEED ADJ. knob according to clamp and attach the stylus cover to protect
“HOW TO FINELY ADJUST THE PLATTER the stylus.
SPEED” on page 7.

|
6
OPERATION PRECAUTIONS
© Be careful not to make the turntable vibrate @ Never obstract the turntable with the hand |
while a record is playing since this can result while it is rotating. This may cause damage.
in damage to the stylus and record. © Do not force the tonearm closer than 40mm
© Place only one record at a time on the platter. to the center shaft or away from the arm rest.
If two or more records are stacked on the If this distance is exceeded, you may damage
platter, the stylus will not make proper the internal mechanisms and render automatic
contact with the grooves, and this will impair operation ineffective.
the quality of reproduction.
® Do not disconnect the power cord while the
stylus is still in a record groove as this may
result in damage to the stylus and record.

HOW TO FINELY ADJUST THE PLATTER

SPEED
Finely adjust the platter speed as follows:
1. Set the ARM-ELEVATION lever to the UP
4 position.
2. Set the SPEED select switch to either “33” or
“45”, according to the speed of the record to be
played (Pig. 12).
3. Release the arm clamp and move the tonearm to
the space between the arm rest and the platter.
4, Observe the appropriate strip of strobe calibra-
tion dots on the platter edge (Fig. 13).
5. If the strobe dots appear to flow to the right
(which means the platter is rotating more slowly
than the rated speed), turn the SPEED ADJ.
knob in the + direction and set so that the
strobe dots no longer appear to move. If the
strobe dots appear to flow to the left (which
means the platter is rotating more quickly than
the rated speed), turn the SPEED ADJ. knob in
the — direction and set so that the strobe dots no
longer appear to move.
6. After the platter speed has been adjusted cor-
rectly, return the tonearm to the arm rest and
secure it with the clamp.
NOTE:
When playing a record which has adifferent playing speed GOH? area
from the preceding one, the strobe dots may be moved.
In this case, finely adjust the platter speed again in the 33-1/310m_
above way. Fig. 13

If the turntable is brought into the warm from previously cold surroundings, or if the room temperature
rises suddenly, moisture will form on the operating sections and the turntable will not be able to display
its performance to the full.
If confronted with a situation like this, leave the turntable in its new environment for about an hour or
try and increase the room temperature gradually before operation.
 TROUBLESHOOTING
Sometimes, an operational fault can be mistaken for a malfunction or failure. Check the following points and
see if the symptoms of the trouble are outlined below before you get in touch with the serviceman, If you
cannot locate the symptoms, contact your nearest Pioneer Service Center, Service Station or authorized
Pioneer dealer.

Symptom Possibte trouble Remedy

Platier does not rotate. Power cord is unplugged. Plug cord securely into wall outlet.
4. —— |
No sound 1. Phono cables are not connected properly 1. Connect cables securely to the PHONO jacks
on the amplifier (see page 51.
2. Headshell it not properly ariached. 2. Firmly secure tonearm tocking collar |see page
3.
‘3. Cartridge lead wires are loose 3, Attach lead wires inside headshell properly
(soe page 1)
4. Amplitier is not being operated property. 4. Read the operating instructions that come with
(Function switch, tape monitor switch, speaker amplitier
| switches, etc. not set correctly}
Musical tempoisoff | 1. Platter speed isnatset properly 1. Refer to “PANEL FACILITIES AND OPERA
| TION" on page 6. |
2. Strobe dots appear to move. 2. Refer to “HOW TO FINELY ADJUST THE |
PLATTER SPEED” on page 7
Excessive noise 1. Ground lead is not connected. 1. Connect properly to the amplifier’s ground
terminal (see page 5).
2. Tracking force is not correct, 2. Refer to “TRACKING FORCE AQJUST-
| MENT" on page 4,
| 3. Dust of dirt has collected on the stylus tip. 3. Clean the stylus tip with a soft brush,
4, Dust or dirt has coltected on the record. 4, Clean the record with a good quality cleaner
Sound is distorted 1. Dust or dirt has collected on the stylus tip, 1, Clean the stylus tip with @ soft brush.
2. Tracking force is not correct 2. Reter to “TRACKING FORCE ADJUST-
MENT" on page 4.
| | 3. Stylus is worn 3. Replace wath new stylus,
| 4. Amplitier’s tone controls set too high. 4. Set tone controls to lower position,
Intermittent sound 1, Tracking force is not correct, 1, Refer to “TRACKING FORCE ADJUST-
MENT” on page 4.
2. Stylus is worn. 2. Replace with new stylus.
3. Record is scratched or warped. _|_& Replace record
If you detect any trouble when playing records, the fault may not lie with the turntable but with another hi-fi component. Bé sure to
check the amplifier, speaker systems, and any other electrical equipment which you are using «n the vicinity of the turntable,

PIONEER ELECTRONIC CORPORATION

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UB. PIONEER ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
8S Oxford Onve. Moonachie, New Jersey 07074, U.S.A.
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178-184 Boundary Road, Braesde, Victoria 3195, Australin
Printed on Japan
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