Pioneer PL-30-K Turntable

Audiophile sound combined with convenience, plus a high-performance cartridge and built-in phono stage.

Pioneer introduces a true audiophile turntable that makes listening to records easier and more rewarding than ever before. Everyone knows the joys of spinning a treasured LP, with its warm, rich, accurate sound and a sense of aliveness that rivals or surpasses even the best digital formats. The new Pioneer PL-30-K turntable allows seasoned vinyl lovers to upgrade their existing phono system, while new-generation music listeners can explore the thrill of collecting and engage with music in a way unique to the vinyl experience.

The PL-30-K turntable delivers so much value, because it comes equipped with a high-performance, high-output moving magnet (MM) stereo phono cartridge, pre-mounted and ready to play. Because it’s already precision installed, there is no tedious mounting necessary. And because the PL-30-K is equipped with a built-in phono equalizer and On/Through selector, it’s the perfect turntable for systems that use a preamp, integrated amp or receiver without a built-in phono stage. Just plug the PL-30-K into an auxiliary RCA input, select “On” and play.

This impressive turntable—at more than 12 pounds—is engineered with a dual-layered chassis that employs a 4mm-thick metal plate for increased mass and rock-solid sound. It has been designed with a low center of gravity that provides stable playback and sound that’s free from feedback and resonance that compromise the potential buried in the grooves of the best LPS. A combination of DC-servo-controlled motor and belt drive offer the most musical performance, with low wow and flutter (0.1% or less WRMS) and a signal-to-nose ratio of 60 dB (DIN B). Pioneer’s precision machined, aluminum die-cast platter supports a 5mm-thick rubber mat that suppresses external vibrations while treating your precious vinyl with the greatest of care.

Pioneer’s aluminum die-cast tone arm is a static-balanced design configured with a straight arm tube for optimum geometry. The detachable aluminum die-cast headshell allows easy cartridge swapping and overhang adjustment. An anti-skate dial allows precise adjustment to achieve the most accurate stylus tracking in the lateral plane, reducing tracking distortion on inner grooves. And because of its fully automatic operation with 33 1/3 rpm LPs and 45 rpm 45s, the Pioneer PL-30-K makes tedious positioning the tonearm at the beginning of the record—and lifting it at the end—a thing of the past.

Pioneer’s attention to detail shows, because the PL-30-K comes with a tonearm cable fitted with gold-plated RCA connectors, a detachable AC power cord and a clear acrylic dustcover with removable hinges to keep your turntable as pristine as you keep your cherished records.