The Pioneer PL-88 FS is a fully automatic frontloading turntable manufactured between 1983 and 1985 in Japan. It features a quartz PLL direct drive motor with a stable hanging rotor (SHR) mechanism, ensuring precise speed regulation. The turntable can operate at two speeds: 33 and 45 RPM, with minimal synchronous speed fluctuation of less than 0.025%. The rumble noise ratio is impressively low at 78 dB, providing clarity in audio playback. The die-cast aluminium turntable offers robust support for vinyl records while maintaining stability during playback.
The tonearm is statically balanced and made of polymer graphite, with a length of 208 mm and an overhang of 20 mm. It accommodates cartridges weighing between 3 to 8.5 grams, and the included MC cartridge (PC-41) delivers a frequency response range from 10 Hz to 35 kHz, with an output voltage of 2.5 mV. The tonearm's contact pressure is set to 2 g, with a tolerance of ± 0.3 g.
The dimensions of the PL-88 FS are 420 mm in width, 98 mm in height, and 335 mm in depth, weighing approximately 10.3 kg. It is priced around 1,200 DM at the time of release. The unit operates with a power consumption of 21 W, and its remote control feature enhances convenience during use.
