Built around 1978-79, the Pioneer PL-540 is essentially an upgraded version of the PL-518, featuring a quartz-lock PLL hall motor that guarantees near-perfect speed stability at all times.
This direct-drive turntable delivers a warm and rich sound without sacrificing detail, making it a joy to listen to.
Sharing its sturdy frame and S-shaped tonearm with the PL-518 and PL-560, the PL-540 also shares the same advanced motor and platter as the PL-560 (which adds full automatic operation).
User-friendly features include auto-return, quick-start (the platter spins as soon as the stylus is placed on the record), and smooth automatic arm lift and return at the end of playback.
Performance specs are impressive, with a signal-to-noise ratio of 73dB or better, and an excellent wow/flutter of 0.03% or less.
Controls are conveniently grouped on the right side, alongside a built-in strobe light for easy speed monitoring.
One common issue is that the rubber feet tend to deteriorate over time, making it rare to find models with original feet intact.
In summary, the Pioneer PL-540 is a simple yet robust and reliable turntable, which explains why it remains highly sought after by vinyl enthusiasts today.
I've had 2 of these, they are great...
Specifications
Hello,
What are the feet of the turntable ? They are not original, seem very nice, certainly isolate very well the turntable from vibrations…
Best regards
Hello.
I have had 2x PL 540’s, neither had the original feet as over the years the rubber degrades and they come loose and are eventually lost.
One of the units already had some feet, not originals, the other unit I made them myself.
In case of changing the cartridge which cartridge you suggest?