Pioneer PL 560

Released between 1978 and 1979, the Pioneer PL-560 was the top-of-the-line model in Pioneer’s turntable range at the time—a true engineering gem built with longevity and precision in mind.

This is a fully automatic, direct-drive turntable featuring Quartz Lock and dual motors. Its brushless DC servo motor ensures silent, accurate rotation, while its fully automatic mechanism operates with elegance and consistency.

Structurally, the PL-560 shares much with the PL-540 and PL-518—same chassis, same tonearm, and in the case of the PL-540, even the same Quartz-controlled motor and platter. The PL-560, however, stands apart with its fully automatic functionality, putting it at the top of the series.

Performance specs are impressive:

• Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥73 dB

• Wow and flutter: ≤0.03% WRMS

It includes a built-in Pitch Control Meter, a rare and visually striking feature, allowing for manual pitch correction and instant visual feedback—something that gives the deck a “cool factor” appreciated by enthusiasts.

The controls are ergonomically grouped on the right-hand side, alongside the strobe light, making operation intuitive and user-friendly.

Build quality is exceptional, but one known flaw: the original rubber feet tend to degrade over time and are hard to find in original condition.

In short, the Pioneer PL-560 is a solid, great-sounding, beautifully designed machine, built to last and still outperforming many modern decks.