Pioneer PL 570 – XL A700s

The Pioneer PL-570, known in Japan as the XL A700S, was Pioneer’s top-of-the-line turntable during 1977 to 1979. In my opinion, it stands as one of Pioneer’s finest and most beautiful models — substantial in size, striking in appearance, and excellent in performance.

This is a Quartz PLL Direct-Drive Fully-Automatic Turntable, combining reliability with sophisticated technology for its era.

The wood and chrome finish is simply stunning, a perfect match for the unit’s impressive presence. When functioning well, it’s a joy — but there is a known weak spot: the plastic gears that control the tonearm’s automatic movement tend to break over time. Replacement parts are now scarce, so this is a common issue among owners — and trust me, I know the frustration firsthand.

Beyond that, it features a stable and reliable brushless direct-drive Hall motor with Quartz Synchro Pulse, delivering solid electrical stability and precision. You get handy options such as manual speed adjustment controls, a built-in strobe light for speed accuracy, and adjustable VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle).

The turntable allows you to select from three record sizes or manual mode, has a repeat function, and comes with a well-designed S-shaped tonearm.

Performance specs are strong: a signal-to-noise ratio of 70 dB and an impressively low wow and flutter of around 0.025%.

Sonically, it delivers very, very good sound — clear, detailed, and engaging.

All in all, the PL-570 is a prime example of 1970s high-end audio engineering at its best.