One of the first methods of sound recording was to store it on vinyl discs. The advantage of this technology was that it could be used without any, even the simplest analog-to-digital converters. As a result, it was possible to reproduce previously recorded sound even without electricity, using completely mechanical devices. Over time, this technology has been improved, and eventually became the standard of quality, because it is the lack of coding that allows you to keep the sound alive.
In today's world, few can afford expensive equipment for playing vinyl records. However, there are also budget options for players, such as the Pioneer PL 990. Reviews about it emphasize that low cost can be combined with quite acceptable quality. This article is devoted to this model of a vinyl player, its characteristics, key features and disadvantages. Let's start withthe main thing - appearance and characteristics.
Package and appearance
If you see this player for the first time, you may not notice that it belongs to the category of modern technology. The manufacturer tried to preserve as much as possible the recognizable outlines of the cases of players produced in the 70-80s of the last century.
The device is supplied in a compact cardboard box, equipped with a large amount of sealant. This is a pretty reasonable precaution, as the Pioneer PL 990 has a lot of fragile parts. The largest of them is a translucent plastic cover that covers the entire mechanism.
Outwardly, the player is a strict rectangle with clear edges and sharp corners. The front panel contains most of the controls, as well as a special scale that allows you to fine-tune the speed of rotation of the disk. This parameter is especially important, because even a small difference leads to significant sound distortion.
Under the lid is a massive disc with a special coating, on which vinyl records are placed. The tonearm is quite light and has no additional adjustment. Due to its simple operation, the Pioneer PL 990 turntable is recommended as a first step into the world of quality music. It's ready to go right out of the box, and doesn't require any fine-tuning - all the necessary operations, except for adjusting the speed, were done at the factory during testing.
On the back panel are locatedholes through which the necessary cables are threaded. One of them is designed to supply power from a 220 V network, while the second is connected to an audio frequency amplifier using classic round connectors called "tulips" or "bananas". Please note that these cables are not supplied separately and are not detachable from the player.
In the kit, in addition to the device itself, there is a spare pickup needle, which can be installed without problems if the main one fails. There is also a small adapter designed to install specific records on the disc, which were widely used in America at one time. They had a hole in the center much larger than the "vinyl" we are used to, and the adapter serves to correctly position the record on the disk.
The necessary cables to plug the turntable into the network and connect it to the amplifier are also included. They are fixed and located at the rear of the Pioneer PL 990 player. For some users, this may seem like a plus, while others, on the contrary, complain about this feature, since the length is often not enough, and you have to use adapters and extension cords, which can negatively affect the quality sound.
Control system
This model is recommended for those who use this technique for the first time. The fact is that it has a minimum number of settings, and the instructions for use are quite simple.
On the front panel is a small number of controls. The hardest part is installingdisk speed. To do this, in accordance with the instructions for the Pioneer PL 990, smoothly turn the knob and follow the special indicator located in the center. When it has indicators corresponding to the synchronization of revolutions, the setting should be stopped, and the device can be considered ready for use.
It is worth noting that this operation will not have to be done so often, since this parameter practically does not go astray. The only reason that can force you to repeat a complex procedure is an accidental shift of the tuning knob.
In order to listen to records from vinyl discs, you need to set their size using a special button. Two sizes are common in the world. Their diagonals are indicated on the switch. Proper setting of the vinyl disc size is required for the automation to work. The manufacturer has taken care to minimize the possibility of damage to the record or stylus of the Pioneer PL 990 during switching on. Therefore, the tonearm has its own drive, which allows, by pressing the only button responsible for the start of playback, to move the needle to the beginning of the record, lower it, and at the end raise it and return it to its place.
If desired, you can move the needle yourself and place it over the desired place on the plate. To do this, there is a button, in fact, which is a kind of implementation of the pause function. She lifts the arm and leaves it in the position it was in during playback. If you press it again, the needle will drop to the same place. By moving the needle to the desired markup location with thepause button, you can manually select the desired track. No more controls provided.
Availability of phono stage
For a person who is faced with playing music from vinyl for the first time, most of the terms are incomprehensible, and the setup and connection features are a complex "science" at all. Therefore, the developer tried to make life as easy as possible for the user by installing a phono stage in the Pioneer PL 990 turntable itself.
Most devices of this type need to be connected via an external phono stage and do not work with conventional amplifiers. The model under consideration can be easily connected to any speaker system. Anything can be in her role, such as a music center, a car amplifier, and even computer speakers with the appropriate connector.
This approach allows you to make the purchase of this device not too expensive and as simple as possible. The ability to connect using familiar and understandable standards has increased the popularity of the Pioneer PL 990 turntable among users who wanted not to delve too deeply into electronics issues.
Application of precision servo motor
One of the key elements of the player is the engine that spins the platter. Its quality determines how pleasant the sound will be to the ear.
The fact is that at a low speed, any deviation from the norm can significantly distort the sound of music, which is unlikelywill appeal to users who know well how their favorite tracks should sound. In turn, the use of a precision servomotor made it possible to stabilize the speed of rotation of the vinyl disc as much as possible and avoid such jerks.
It is due to him that the speed setting has become a fairly simple task, easily implemented without additional equipment. It is worth remembering that the motor is connected to the disk with a belt, so any loads should be avoided. You should not try to stop or, conversely, speed up the record during playback with your hands, as this will stretch the rubber element and make it unusable. If even with the correct speed setting the sound “floats”, it is recommended to replace the belt with a new one of the appropriate diameter and thickness.
Precision-type motors are characterized by almost silent operation, therefore, as the Pioneer PL 990 reviews show, while listening to music, the user does not feel extraneous noise that could bring dissonance to the sound.
Main Specifications
For those who are well versed in this technique, it is easier to form an opinion about it not by the description of individual parameters, but on the basis of dry digital facts. That is why it is worth considering the specifications of the Pioneer PL 990 provided by the manufacturer.
The dimensions of this gadget are 420 x 100 x 342 mm. It is quite compact and can be placed, for example, on the cover of an amplifier or a small table. The main thing is not to install the player nearpowerful loudspeakers, as well as in the area of strong magnetic fields. If a strong vibration is transmitted to the device during operation, the sound may be distorted due to the needle jumping from one track to another.
The platter's diameter is 295 mm, which is enough to accommodate standard 30 cm vinyl discs. It was these that were produced in the Soviet Union, and are also the standard for modern analog audio media.
If desired, the playback speed can be switched between the two main standards - 33 and 45 rpm. Another standard, 78 rpm, is quite rare and hard to find in budget models, although it offers much better sound quality.
The signal-to-noise ratio is 50 decibels, which can be called a fairly high figure for a state employee. Often it can be found already in middle-class models, which does credit to the manufacturer.
Tonearm features
In order to simplify the design, the developer used a straight arm, which is used in most cases. It is a tube, hollow inside, fixed on a special movable suspension. To facilitate the operation of the Pioneer PL 990 turntable, the manufacturer decided to adjust the downforce at the factory and make this indicator fixed. Depending on the type of disc and speed, it ranges from 2.5 to 4.5 grams. This indicator cannot be changed.since the weight on the arm is static and cannot be moved.
A sound head with a needle is located on the edge of the tonearm. It has a simple design so that the user can easily replace it himself in case of malfunction or wear. It is enough just to press the latch, and the needle will be in your hands. This operation should be done carefully, since the head with the needle are very sensitive elements and do not tolerate rough handling and damage.
Upgrade Opportunities
Users note that some points in the device are not developed due to its low cost. However, having basic skills in working with radio engineering, such shortcomings can be eliminated without any problems.
The first and foremost of them is the inability to remove and replace the speaker cable. To solve this problem, it is enough to place suitable connectors in the back of the case of the Pioneer PL 990 turntable and solder the existing cable to them from the inside in accordance with the polarity. Of course, you should only perform such actions when the warranty has already ended and you have the necessary skills for this.
The second point that many decide to fix is the ability to connect the Pioneer PL 990 player bypassing the built-in phono stage. If the user has an amplifier that has its own phono stage, then its use may be preferable, since a significant increase in sound quality is quite possible. To connect in this way, you need to find a section of the circuit,directly responsible for the operation of the tonearm and pickup, and intercept the signal coming from it. To do this, use only a special speaker or microphone cable that is capable of transmitting a weak signal without interference over long distances. Good shielding will keep the sound quality intact.
Positive user feedback on the model
It's time to make an analysis based on feedback about the Pioneer PL 990 turntable from users who have already had the opportunity to operate it for some time. It is they who can show without embellishment its advantages and disadvantages. It's better to start with the positives, because there are more of them, and they demonstrate the attractive features of the gadget.
Among the main positive aspects, the owners distinguish the following.
- Acceptable sound quality. For its cost, the player produces a fairly high-quality sound that can outshine digital formats. Even though there are some flaws in the phono stage, most users will not notice small distortions that are not critical and do not disfigure the original recordings.
- Automated control. Many buyers of this machine are novice users, and they speak warmly of this ease of use. Lack of skill could damage the stylus or the vinyl discs themselves if the playback process were not automatic. Minimal user intervention with carefulhandling makes the device almost eternal.
- Nice design. The manufacturer did not move away from the classic layout of control elements. Thanks to this, the Pioneer PL 990 turntable fits well into any interior without looking too flashy or bulky. A modest appearance helps it not stand out from the rest of home appliances and acoustic equipment, and also gives solidity.
- The presence of a stroboscope. Speed adjustment due to this simple device can be done not by ear, but according to quite accurate, simple and understandable indications of a special indicator. This ensures that recordings sound exactly at the speed at which they are intended to be played, without distortion.
- Easy maintenance and installation. It is enough to skim through the instructions once in order to connect, configure and start the player for the first time without the help of a specialist without any problems. Similarly, the user can perform simple repairs such as replacing the needle or belt.
- Ability to connect to any speaker system. The built-in phono stage allows you not to install additional blocks, adapters and other equipment. Due to this, the number of separate devices does not increase, and the player can use any amplifier with speakers or an active system as acoustics. As the reviews of the Pioneer PL 990 show, the most common connection option can be called music centers with an AUX input and computer speakers. Some users even connected it to a TV with high qualityspeakers and used it as a sound amplification system.
As you can see, the player is actually liked by many users and allows some to plunge into the past, nostalgic with their favorite artists of the eighties, while others hear modern recordings in a completely new quality. However, the gadget also received a number of negative sides described in the reviews of the Pioneer PL 990, which must be considered before buying. Some of them have already been mentioned, but you can fix them yourself.
Negative user reviews
The first negative aspect is that the cables are soldered directly into the device. Most users chose to void the warranty, but fix the problem themselves by installing the appropriate connector. After that, they had the opportunity to transmit a sound signal over much longer distances. This is especially convenient if the player and amplifier are at different ends of the room.
The second point is the inability to adjust the force of pressing the needle to the surface of the vinyl disc. According to reviews of the Pioneer PL 990 player, sometimes it would not hurt to adjust this parameter, especially if the player is located near the speakers and reacts painfully to vibration. Unfortunately, it is impossible to eliminate this deficiency at home.
Some users complained about the lack of 78rpm speed selection. It is these recordings that make it possible to hearthe highest quality sound, and the manufacturer has deprived users of this useful option. However, as in the case of the cable, if desired, you can add this speed if you have the appropriate skills.
Another negative point is the built-in sound filtering system. It performs well when playing worn or low-quality vinyl discs, raising the sound level to quite acceptable. However, as the reviews of the Pioneer PL 990 show, when good vinyls are used, it cuts frequencies quite noticeably. Therefore, if possible, it is recommended to use an external phono stage after a slight upgrade.
Conclusion
As you can see from this review, the Pioneer PL 990 will suit first of all those who want to get acquainted with the "tube" sound of vinyl records for the first time or to remember the old days. It is capable of producing quite acceptable indicators regarding the quality of the output signal, however, it has its own number of shortcomings, which inalienably accompanies any budget equipment.
The gadget can be taken by those who plan to use it as the first step to better technology in the future. It will help you learn how to handle the records themselves, maintain the main components and, perhaps, even introduce your own changes to the design. In any case, it fully justifies its cost.
