Pioneer PL-707 - User Manual

The Pioneer PL-707 is a stereo turntable designed for high-fidelity audio playback. It features a direct-drive system with a Quartz PLL Hall motor, ensuring stable and accurate platter rotation. The turntable is housed in a rosewood and grain vinyl cabinet, providing a classic aesthetic.

Function Description

The primary function of the PL-707 is to play vinyl records at either 33-1/3 or 45 revolutions per minute (rpm). It incorporates several automatic features to enhance user convenience, including auto lead-in, auto return, and auto cut. These features allow the tonearm to automatically position itself at the beginning of a record, return to the arm rest at the end of play, and stop rotation. A repeat play function is also available, enabling continuous playback of one side of a record.

The turntable is equipped with a static-balance type, straight pipe tonearm, designed for precise tracking of record grooves. It includes a tracking force adjustment weight and an anti-skate control, both crucial for optimizing playback performance and minimizing record wear. The tonearm also features an arm elevation switch, allowing users to manually raise or lower the stylus, which is useful for cueing specific tracks or temporarily suspending playback.

A line voltage selector switch is provided on the top of the cabinet for models HE, HB, HP, S, and S/G, allowing the turntable to be adapted to different power requirements (110 V, 120 V, 220 V, or 240 V). KUT and KCT models are factory-set for 120 V and do not include this switch.

Usage Features

Power Control: A power switch turns the unit on and off. When turned on, the speed and record size switches are automatically set, and the repeat switch is turned off.
Speed Selection: A dedicated speed switch allows users to select between 33-1/3 rpm and 45 rpm, indicated by corresponding lights.
Record Size Selection: The record size switch enables selection of 30 cm (12"), 25 cm (10"), or 17 cm (7") records, with indicator lights for each size. This setting guides the auto lead-in function.
Start/Stop Control: The START/STOP switch initiates auto play or stops playback. An indicator light confirms when auto play has started or when play is suspended.
Repeat Play: The repeat switch activates continuous playback of a record side. Pressing it again cancels the function.
Manual Play: For playing specific tracks or non-standard sized records, manual play is possible. This involves using the arm elevation switch to raise the tonearm, manually positioning it over the desired track, and then lowering it.
Cartridge Mounting: For KUT and KCT models, which do not include a cartridge, users must mount their own. The process involves removing the headshell, attaching the cartridge with screws, nuts, and washers, connecting the color-coded leads, and then adjusting the stylus position and ensuring the cartridge is parallel to the headshell.
Tracking Force and Anti-Skating Adjustment: These are critical for optimal sound quality and record longevity. The tracking force adjustment weight is rotated to balance the tonearm horizontally, and then the tracking force scale ring is set to the recommended value for the cartridge. The anti-skate control is adjusted to match the tracking force, preventing the tonearm from sliding inward or outward.
Tonearm Height Adjustment: The tonearm height can be adjusted to ensure it is parallel to the record surface when the stylus is placed, which is important when using different cartridges. This involves loosening an anchoring screw, moving the arm rest up or down, and then re-tightening the screw.
Connecting to an Amplifier: The turntable connects to an amplifier's "PHONO" input terminals using output cords (white for left channel, red for right channel) and a ground wire. For HE, HB, HP, S, and S/G models, the supplied MC (moving coil) cartridge has a high output similar to MM (moving magnet) cartridges, so it should be connected to MM input terminals. KUT and KCT models require connection to MM terminals for MM cartridges and MC terminals for MC cartridges.
Installation: The turntable should be placed on a horizontal, flat, and stable surface, away from speakers, direct sunlight, heat sources, dust, and moisture. Insulators on the bottom panel allow for horizontal adjustment of the cabinet.

Maintenance Features

Stylus Replacement: The stylus has a service life of 800 to 1,000 hours. It is crucial to replace a worn or damaged stylus promptly to prevent record damage and sound distortion. Only genuine Pioneer "PN-6MC" replacement styli should be used, as other brands may compromise performance. The replacement procedure involves anchoring the tonearm, removing the headshell, gently pulling the old stylus from the cartridge, attaching the new stylus holder, and then re-mounting the headshell. After replacement, tracking force and anti-skating adjustments should be re-performed.
Stylus Cleaning: The stylus should be cleaned before and after each play using a soft brush, moving the brush toward you to clear off dust and dirt. For stubborn dirt, a good quality stylus cleaner can be used, taking care to avoid contact with plastic parts.
Record Cleaning: Records should be cleaned before and after play with a good-quality record cleaner (velvet or nylon brush) to prevent distorted and discontinuous sound caused by dust and dirt.
Cabinet Cleaning: For general cleaning, a polishing cloth or a dry soft cloth can be used to remove dirt and dust. For stains, a soft cloth dipped in neutral detergent diluted with water, wrung out, and then wiped with a dry cloth is recommended.
Chemical Avoidance: Furniture wax, cleaners, thinners, benzene, and insecticide sprays should not be used on the cabinet, as they can mar, discolor, or spoil the surface finish.
Condensation Prevention: If the turntable is moved from a cold to a warm environment or if room temperature rises sharply, condensation may form. To prevent performance issues, allow the unit to stand for about an hour or gradually raise the room temperature.