#002 

this is one of the best reviews of any product I've ever watched on RU-vid..

While I found your review quite insightful, I felt it was biased towards the technics. Am back here after viewing this video 3 years ago while hunting for a pair of turntables to purchase, am glad I ended up with the PLX, They have served me very well for 3years with almost daily use in various conditions both outdoor and indoor. They have faced all the kind of conditions and hardships and I have only ever changed were the needles. Fine they're not 1200 but damn they're work horses and I have rocked many parties with. Nostalgia shouldnt hinder people from a good thing. Thanks anyways!!!

This wasn't too long, this was perfect, you nailed it, you let your results be your guide, which is what more reviewers should be doing. You got out of the way of the hype and told the truth, great job!!!

Was considering this on my shortlist of TT's to buy. Thanks to your review I will definitely remove it from my list. Thanks for a very informative review!

I've got a gut feeling that the SL 1200 / 1210 / MK1 / MK2 / MD3 OR MK5 will outlive any of the new turntables...including the new MK7 that is being released this year.

You don't know how much I appreciate you doing this review. Seldom do people give the longevity of electronics any consideration. But in all honesty, this table is built as well as any other good quality turntable is. At least as far as I can tell from your video. I have serviced a lot of tables in my day, and this is on par with many of the better units.

This is by far the best review I have seen for a product. So much opinionated fluff in so many reviews that I have seen online, but this cuts through the crap and actually tests functionality and quality I would not have thought of.

fantastic review, you safe a lot of people money here.

Most fantastic in depth honest Video I've seen.. great work..

Great unbiased and honest review from an obvious expert, thanks a lot!

When you travelling your turntable, always remove the platter too! It puts a lot of pressure to the motor bearing... I never miss to remove the platters from my SL-s, and I put them into my vinyl bag ;)

That was a mind blowing review, now I'm sure I will never give up my mk2's for PLX!!! Well done dude !!!!

I was on the fence as to whether to purchase the PLX 1000's or repair my 1200's. this video was very informative and I think I will save my Technics. Thanks!

I often look back to this review to show how much better Technics got it over the Pioneer. However would like to see another in depth review such as this comparing the Technics 1200mk2 vs Technics 1200mk7.

I'm sorry Technics but no matter what upgrades were made to the classic sl-1200 design $4000.00 dollars for this turntable is absurd, I personally think Technics will be taking another nose dive on this one the same way they failed on the SL-DZ1200 cd player, this turntable will have a limited market and will have bad reviews world wide because of the price gouge not a smart move in today's selling market. I'm sure that in most retail stores it will be a back order item leaving room for other competitor products. retailers will limit stock because of the price leaving customers to reconsider and once they don't move retailers will not stock them, and just like the SL-DZ1200 there will be many returns. I personally think $1995.00 ~ 2495.00 would of been a more considerable price. The high end market Technics is aiming at will make sure they stay competitive to Technics and marketing strategies will not be in their favor, Technics should learn from past experience that price is key to marketing, high volume sales is what makes $$$ not focusing on audiophiles which is really a small market compared to the whole industry out there. Good luck on this one Technics you're going to need it.

I seriously was about to buy these since my 1200s got stolen. Thank you, this review was exactly what I looking for on my purchase decision. They dropped the ball bad!

From my own experience, I bought a used pair a couple of years ago 100% best working mechanical condition however there was some oil stains from sweat on the unit.. I then had them professionally repainted instead of buying OEM cabinet replacements as those would be prone to becoming stained again with their matted finish. I had them painted with pearl white which Cadillac uses on their Escalade SUVs where oils & sweat from your hands just bead up on the surface and is easily wiped away leaving no staining residue! Well worth the money!!!!

Two thumbs up. Better review than any review in the audiophile press. You seem to be the only reviewer who has access to a screwdriver and is willing to perform a simple objective test. Good job.

I had already purchased a set of PLX's for my son as a birthday gift when I came across your video. Lucky me, I didn't open the boxes yet and returned them within 3 days. I found a set of early 80's MK2's for $350.00 (Gotta love craigslist) and put the money I spent on the Pioneer's to refurbishing these MK2's. Now I have a set of practically brand new decks in my sons favorite color. Thank you. I tried posting images up but could not.

Dude, in this era, where, increasingly, the internet population have the attention span of a gnat, it was an absolute pleasure to watch, in full, an entertaining, thorough and illuminating video. Loved it. I was fascinated the whole length of it. Please keep it up. I've subscribed and am about to post it to my network. Also I've been dj'ing professionally in Australia for 20 years and there were 3 tips in that video that are new to me, for which I am immensely grateful. (Namely: 1. use the rubber mat for recording and 2. take the counter weight off when travelling and 3. Don't screw the feet on all the way to reduce resonant feedback. Great work.

Just saved me 2000$!! Thanks a ton for the review!! this is what I was looking for when I wanted to get the info the music shops can't provide.

That was excellent mate, really digging deep into the design and showing the effects of the good and poor elements. Would love to see more of these types insides/teardowns/side-by-sides with contenders vs. industry standards. Cheers

Awesome job. I was contemplating trading my 1200's for the PLX1000, but will back away from that now. AND HELL. DUBAI LOOKS AWESOME BRO!!!

Great video my friend. What most people also don't know is that the Pioneer turntable is actually made by "Hanpin" which makes the Super-OEM turntables that are re-badged in over 15 different brand names. They are made in Taiwan and or China. Yes Pioneer had some hand regarding the design like the start/stop button being like that of the CDJ with the blue light ring and other internals mentioned in this video. Once Panasonic's patent for their SL-1200 MK series expired and was not re-newed. Hanpin was open to take much of the motor and tonearm design but even after fully watching this video the internals of the PLX is still way below the Technics 1200 quality and tooling. Also parts of the Technics 1200 MK series was put together by hand in Japan ONLY! Yes the Super-OEM turntables are good and will work for anyone in the end and most of the time get the job done and yes the PLX unit is a very nice looking turntable but after seeing this video I don't understand how can people pay $700+ for just one of these turntables. You can get used 1200's that probably been owned by more than 3 people and still perform just as good. Either way it's your money you spend it how you see fit. My 1200's are almost 26 years old and still look and perform the same since out the box. If I had to choose a Super-OEM turntable go for the "RELOOP RP-6000MK series. Those are fantastic turntables made by Hanpin and are cheaper than the PLX and include a built in PRE-AMP and have a rubberized plinth. Again top notch video and thank you for posting it. I enjoyed it very much!

Had my 1200s for over 20 years.It been through wars & are still kicking ass.I would never cross over

Thank you SO much! This video has already become my reference when trying to dissuade people from buying a PLX. Also, PLEASE do make more videos! Your format and content is killer.

Great work. I appreciate the time and effort you put into this. I've started to put my toe back into the market for a second pair of decks and this is very helpful. Used M3D's still seem to be the best current option for my purposes. I plan to hand my MK2's down to my kids in a few years.

This is just the beginning for pioneer turntable, I'm sure they'll get it in a few years but that said. I'm impressed and remember they do own the market in the pioneer cdj's.

Denon VL12 I believe is molded rubber base and also NOT a Hanpin like this Pioneer. It would be worth testing.

that amount of feedback is a killer..... tnx for this video, nobody should get fooled now....

Finally, someone actually opens one up and takes a real look at the build quality of this unit. One would have to be as dumb as a friggin' rock to miss the fact that the PLX-1000 isn't built anything like an SL-1200MK2. Great video. Thank you, very much. I am positive all manner of idiotic, deceitful, spiteful and trolling comments will follow my comment. Whatever. The truth remains unchanged.

Thats what you call a good review ! Thanks for the work.

Thanx for the in depth comparison of the two. I watched the whole video, shared it and thumbed it. 1200's FTW!

Great work, Bro! You brought the information that needed to be known. Keep up the work.

Technics SL1200: Still the daddy.

awesome video bro!! can you do the same with a reloop rp-7000

Thanks a lot for taking the time to do this! The pitch fader being directly soldered to the PCB was a terrible design decision.

The club where I have a residency installed a pair of these a couple of weeks back. One broke down already. They are installing their 10+ year old 1200's again after just 2-3 weeks. Not a good sign.

I love the detail and don’t mind the length at all. thank you for your in depth coverage

great feed back my friend and thnk u for ur time and effort

THX Mate! That was nice and solid bag of information about Pioneer. No bull shitting about how pretty is Pioneer. You looked to inside and you now what is what and you explain in very simple way how it's work. So now I'm sure I going to choose Technics. Waiting for next movies. Take care.

I wish there are more reviews like this

I am looking forward to see you review the Denon in the same manner as u did with this pioneer.You touched on all the key things I had concerns about.

Thanks for covering all the particulars and peripherals. I don't have the patience to refresh my technics and prefer a new deck and feel this will be the *one*

Excellent video. I've been seriously considering selling my aging 1200s and getting a pair of PLX-1000s instead. Now I think I'll get my Technics decks serviced and hold onto them.

Great video, on first look the PLX1000 appeared to be equivalent to the SL1200. Excellent thorough test! Would rather see more of these thorough long form videos than short videos that only cover a few aspects. Keep it up!

Thanks, you just saved me $1000. Great review by the way, very in depth unlike a lot of other reviews.

Well... it is just another SuperOEM turntable with a pioneer brand on it :(. Long live an save the allmighty Technics turntables. BTW.. A GREAT video, thanks

I've seen problems with loose tonearm bearings too, which gives an indication of poor quality control from pioneer. Why fork out over a grand for something that really isn't anywhere near as well built and reliable as second hand technics. A well looked after pair of 1200s are still the best option.

Great Job, keep the video comin. Thats what a review should look like.

How do Reloop turntables compare to this? I'm curious about their build quality but haven't seen much.

Great stuff! Keep up the vids because we need people like yourself who have the experience with the inner workings of DJ equipment! Thank you for sharing!

Looks like the Pioneer would be a nice step up for me from my LP120, though. The absence of a preamp is a positive IMHO. I'd only be using the Pioneer as a listening table, not for club use.

You mentioned the optical sensor on the speed feedback. In my opinion, Hall Effect sensors are always more reliable than optical sensors. How many times have we seen an "end of record" optical sensor go bad? Many, many times.

excellent dude... the best vs on youtube...

did you ground both turntables? i don't think you grounded the pioneer (Tech seems grounded)...because when you touched the PLX (at 25.08),thus grounding it,the hum went away...this is why pioneer included the earth ground (although the tables are internally grounded) for places with a faulty power source. By the way Serato and Traktor don't need that high of an output from the Turntable to work on the input side which is managed in the software. The PLX's i have are perfectly fine on a Rane 57 Mixer. Check your cables or you may have screwed something up when you opened it(ESD),the cartridge could be faulty,bad cables also cause hum etc...i'd recommend everyone test these for them selves...there's so many reasons why you're getting that feedback problem

Whoa! Surprised this is your second video and the amount of information delivered. Liked and subscribed. The new battle for 2019 turntables will be the Reloop rp-8000 mk2 $700 vs technics sl-1200 mk7 $1200. An in-depth review like this one, side by side would get you all the views in this category.

Thank you for this video sir. I would never sell my technics. Ever. But I almost bought a set of these pioneer decks yesterday. $1500 back in my wallet today..yay!! But I do respect pioneer for stepping up to the plate and attempting to release a turntable for professional use. But like you said they need to make a lot of improvements before I ever consider buying a pair again. Technics 1200s are a work of art. Mine have been going strong for 19 years now.

Any chance of a similar test on the Reloop RP-8000?

You did a great job in this video and got the message across perfectly! This was an excellent video and HUGE reminder that pioneer is cosmetic company, that sells a name, not necessarily quality. I found this to be true after I decided to make a brand change with some of my equipment, buying the cdj 900 along with the their flagship mixer the djm 2000nexus. I was not impressed at all, especially for the dollars I spent. I ended up replacing the mixer with a DENON dnx-1700 which I'm quite pleased with. I was actually considering getting a set of these plx tables, but after this video I will just wait for the re-release of the tech 1200's coming summer of 2016 and continue to use my 30 year old tech 1200's that are still in perfect working order.

Finally a review that doesn't show only the pluses of that deck. We know the truth now

Fantastic Review. Your expertise really shined through and I look forward to more videos. Please continue to make reviews at whatever length is necessary to show all the various arguments, tests and tips. I'd like to request a comparison of the internals of between CDJ2000, CDJ2000Nexus and XDJ1000. I know how they differ on the outside, but the internal quality difference would be interesting to hear from you. Also could you suggest your favorite alternatives to the new Pioneer turntables, that are not Technics. ie. Stanton ST(R8)-150s vs Reloop RP-8000 vs Audio Technica AT-LP1240 vs Numark TTXUSB vs ect.

Can you do the same teardown of the Reloop 8000?

i watched every second of your video , thumbs up, nice to know there is someone like you who drills down to the fine detail, would i buy one now, no.

can you do a Stanton 150

Also the dj tech tools review say the isolation & feedback is minimal even on a big club system I'd test again on a unit you haven't opened up, maybe there was an error in the rebuild which caused the vibration

Pioneer has and will take over the vinyl platform that was once dominated by Technics since they do care for the dj industry I'm sure the Pioneer PLX-1000MK2 will out perform the Technics SL-1200GAE in specs and of coarse PRICE! Pioneer is not going to sit back and let it's turntable get put on the back burner for a pricey Technics, just like the SL-DZ1200 CD player the new Technics SL-1200G will dive in the market sales for lack of having a decent price, we all know pioneer has always made quality products and cared for the Dj industry so it's in for pioneer and Fu*k Technics with their pricey BS Dj's made them who they are and now they will fail for their greediness I'm sure of it....:)

proper look over glossing over it, continue Sir!

GREAT video!!! super insightful. I really appreciate this kinda attention to detail.

Enjoyed your video mate, I have an ageing set of Technics which I've refurbished and kept going over the years and they are still the champion. Was very interested in looking at what is new out there - thanks again, Fintan - Ireland.

What a great review! Very proffesional . I need you do a review on the new reloop turntables

Great job on the video! You really pointed out the flaws of the PLX in the long term. I was considering buying one but not after this review. Could you please do a take on the Reloop RP-8000? I would love to hear your opinion about it.

This video was an excellent comparison best review comparison I've ever seen!

Absolutely shocked by the plastic base. thanks for the review.

I was first sold on the Technics ability to reject feedback in a warehouse party in Dallas over ten years ago when most djs were still spinning vinyl. The dj setup in this particular room was on a bouncy floor (you could feel the people dancing on it), 6ft table, and a JBL dual 15" with horn on each side if the table. I was flat out amazed to hear no discernible feedback, I'm sure there was some rumble coming through but it was easily masked by the high spl out of the JBLs. I don't remember what cartridges were being used at that time but i know ortofon nightclubs were popular. Definitely light years ahead of my Gemini tables I used at the time. I rock 1200 M3Ds now.

Most excellent video, especially considering it's only your second one! You did what I'd been searching for in a review, which was to actually take the turntable apart and have a look at the inner workings. (I would have loved to have seen the inside of the Technics as well.) I've been looking at affordable turntables to replace my old Technics for home use and was intrigued by the Pioneer. Now I think I'll just try to find a second hand Technics 1200 in good order. Many thanks for an exceptionally wonderful video review.

Excellent video, I was considering buying these and selling my 1210's but thankfully I saw this first! Technics tried and tested so if your going to copy them then you need to make sure they are as good or better!

Thank you for doing such a fabulous review, especially since you are relatively new to that particular part of what you do. you also seem like a very nice guy, someone who might like to date my sister for example!☺ on a more serious note, I applaud you for taking the time to take us through the innards of that OEM POS. Your points about its applicability in the DJ world is spot on, especially with respect to the longevity issue of the optical device, the pitch control, and the cheap switching mechanisms. Yes, everything is relatively built to a particular price., but surely another $100 to the consumer could have easily rendered a much better product. we live in the day and age of purchasing such things for replacement as opposed to repair, which is an engineering pity. As a non DJ audiophile, it was still nice to see that my dollars would be well spent elsewhere. When will manufacturers learn that the secret is in the plane a marketing team that seeks educable consumers who are willing to pay a premium for a corresponding product. Subscribed now to your video list or channel, I will look forward to your future contributions regardless of topic simply because your deliveries dial and non egoic mannerism makes you very relevant in this world of sound bites and misinformed novices willing to spread their verbal and visual manure throughout the world via RU-vid and other social media. Bravo! If possible, close up shots of the PCBs and the trace workmanship, etcetera would also go a long way in helping someone decide whether or not construction is on par with design. Finally, I am guessing the Pioneer has by now developed some type of add-on aftermarket vibration control, dissipation, and/or sorption device to mitigate the feedback which plagues that obvious design oversight or compromise. Finally, as a nit pick intended to be humorous, I would suggest you edit out the part where it takes the viewer through the painful process of waiting for you to conclude that you needed to switch the inputs in order to make sure that it was the device itself causing the feedback. yes, I know you were a bit bewildered by the outrageous behavior of the table in that regard, but that was the true head slap... Love your style, and good things from your brain and willingness to share when you have better things to do with your time. thank you and ciao!

Loved how you did this video! Loved the in depth explanation.

Good video, nice clean shots of the stuff that mattered, no terrible hard lighting or shadows. A little echo-y on the audio but nothing that a lav and acoustic panels can't fix. Knowing little about turntables I initially was a little bit skeptical when you were stating their appearance similarities, but when you showed them side by side I had to do a doubletake. I'm curious how much money single sided PCBs would save them - that "main" PCB could certainly be significantly smaller if it were double sided, same with the motor driver board... IMHO longer videos are generally better - if its too long you can always skim, if you cut stuff out, theres no option to get that "extra" stuff back.

Thanx for the video. It has helped me a lot. I'd like to point some things: 1. I don't think many will play in Dubai or in a so hot enviroment. 2. The attached pitch may not be such a big problem due to it's a digital pitch, I mean, it doesnt discalibrate. 3. The feedback seems like a real problem, specially in a club. Any of you know if Pioneer has solved any of this problems? (kind of silly question... but who knows? I know they are aware of this video)

you should really do this teardown with the new plx 500, i think it's very smart move by pioneer and price is great...

529 GBP in UK :-) for brand new Pioneer. 320 GBP in UK for second hand 1210 :-)

You could have cut the driving part, but i appreciate your in-depth review and knowledge, it was great. i was really considering dropping the 33 hundred and getting the gold edition with the djm s9. you definitely saved me 1700 because i will just get the mixer now, thanks for the review

The feedback test is not conducted properly. The test method doesn't take differences in output level (sensitivity) into account at all. It's like comparing two microphones and stating that a more sensitive one is worse since it feeds back at the same mixer input gain setting. I think we're going to need a new review that takes this aspect into account too. Note though that I don't know whether Pioneer has a higher sensitivity than Technics or not, but that should definitely be measured, and compensated/equalled. What essentially matters in these things is gain before feedback (GBF) values, in other words how much sound you get before it starts to feed back.

Bro thank you so much for the video!! I watched every second!! You just saved me from buying the Pioneer TT..I sold my 1200s MK 2 back home in Sydney due to the fact I moved to Germany! I had my brought my 1200s brand spanking new back in 2000!!! Sold them after 14 years...Hurts bro I'm on the hunt for a pair of 1210s!

I own the PLX 1000 and just tried your feedback test. Mixer channel fader, trim knob, and master level all at full volume, and NO feedback from the turntable.

Great in depth review ! I just wanted to add my 2 cents. The 50% pitch range is VERY useful for scratching/turntablism.

Thanks a million. Its really an eye opener. I’ll keep my Technics SL-1200MK2P-K.

Thanks buddy. For the past week I've been deciding whether to buy these decks. Your video has saved me a lot of cash because what you say is true which is why I have thought long and hard. First I am a bit shocked at Pioneer for selling something which is not of the same usual good quality which in turn is a terrible marketing move from a usually good supplier. This was a one off chance to show us that they are still amazing but sadly it has not done that and I feel they have tripped themselves up now. Thank you kindly.

Great in depth overview of the pioneer plx-1000 vs the technics sl-mk5 now the anyone can find out if the plx-1000 is good or not!!!! Thanks!!!

Thanks Bright Pixel for your video it was really informative. like you, I really wanted to love this deck., but I guess Technics remain the market leader for a reason.Top video, I think you just saved me making a big mistake!

I wish I knew about the counter weight removal trick when traveling. My tonearm height is stuck now.

How did he ground the table? Looks like feedback is more of a flatly ground.

Great job. Glad I saw this. I was looking into the plx to replace an SL 10, but I will wait.

Glad i still got my SL1210 mk2. It still works like new. Do not let the looks of the Pioneer fool you. The Technics is way better build.

Great Video!! Thanks for the In-depth review mate!! never have guessed any of these.

Thanks a lot for this video. I was really wondering about the Pioneer. I'll keep my 1200's for sure. Also, I just thought I would say that when I bought mine new in 2006 they came with slip mats and the rubber thing. Cheers.

Well done on the video. Don't shorten them at all, man.

From my own experience, I can recommend the Technics SL-1200G. But the new Technics SL-1200MK7 is nice as well.