“Where are the parts for the PLX-1000!?” - The First Thing to Check When You Buy a Turntable

In the past few years, the number of people who enjoy music on vinyl records has exploded. ［An article titled, “The Resurgence of Vinyl Records” states that the popularity of vinyl records is being supported by the young generation! Sales of vinyl records has sky-rocketed 23 times that of sales from 10 years ago. ] The texture of the vinyl cover, the act of dropping the needle, and the lo-fi noise that makes you feel nostalgic, all contribute to the emo nature of vinyl records.

Anyhow, Pioneer DJ's PLX series turntables are extremely popular among people who want to play records at home, and the higher-end of the two models available, the PLX-1000, is a staple in clubs and record shops.
After buying and receiving the unit, I opened the package and found that it was missing some parts...?

We often receive inquiries from customers who seem to be in a panic.
In this article, I will briefly explain what parts (accessories) come with the popular Pioneer DJ PLX-1000 turntable and explain what each part does.

Here is where to open the packaging & the parts!

I will open the PLX-1000 right away.

Look into it from the top:

You will find the ACCESSORY sticker right in the center (in this case, the recycling symbol (triangle 07))!

Take it out of the box and take a look at...

On the back side, near the ACCESSORY sticker, there is an interesting blue tape.
Turn it over and you will see...

There it is!
From left to right, there are 5 items in total: head shell, shell weight, EP adapter, sub weight, and balance weight!

Next, inside the box after the turntable itself is removed.
There is a rectangular white box next to the platter (the part that spins around)!

Take it out...

Inside is the power cable!

Now, look! Now you can safely set up the turntable.
In the unlikely event that any of the accessories are missing, please contact the store of purchase or the manufacturer's support office immediately!

Role of the attached parts and how to use them

Now, here are five parts (accessories) from the back of the blue tape, and I will introduce what they do and how to use them.

1. ① Headshell: Fixes the cartridge to the tone arm.
2. ② Shell weight: Adds weight by attaching to the headshell when the tone arm is not balanced horizontally.
3. ③ EP adapter: Used for playing 7-inch size records (records with a large hole in the middle)
4. ④ Sub weight: Attached to the end of the tone arm to add weight when the tone arm is not balanced horizontally.
5. ⑤ Balance weight: Attaches to the end of the tone arm to achieve horizontal balance.

Let's look at them one by one.

① Headshells

The headshell is used to fix the cartridge to the tone arm. The record needle (= cartridge) is fixed with screws and attached to the tone arm. Various types of headshells are available from various companies like models made of special materials and shapes, and models with a heavier feel. If you are particular about not only sound quality but also usability and appearance, you may want to look for a headshell of your choice.

⇒ Search for headshells

② Shell weight

Shell weight is a weight attached to the head shell to add weight when the record needle is too light to balance the tone arm horizontally. Horizontal balance here means adjusting the tone arm so that it is level with the ground when the cartridge is mounted onto the tone arm. A video explaining the setting method is also available, so please check it out as well!

③ EP Adapter

The EP adapter is used to play 7-inch vinyl records (records with a large hole in the middle, commonly known as doughnut vinyl records) by placing it on the center of the platter (the spinning part in the center of the turntable). Like headshells, various types of EP adapters are available from various companies. Some are larger and heavier and more effective as a stabilizer, some can be used as a level, and some are available in 38.0 mm (for domestic recordings) and 37.5 mm (for overseas recordings) sizes, etc.

⇒ Search for EP Adapters

④ Sub Weight

A subweight is a weight attached to the tone arm to add weight when the record needle used is too heavy to balance the tone arm horizontally. This is the opposite use of the shell weight that appeared earlier. Some MC (moving coil) type cartridges for listening applications, for example, may not be horizontally balanced unless a sub weight is attached. On the other hand, most MM (moving magnet) type cartridges used for DJ applications can be adjusted only with the balance weight described below. Hence, the subweight may be used infrequently...but keep it in a safe place so that you don't lose it!

⑤ Balance Weight

The balance weight is attached to the end of the tone arm for horizontal balance. There are two points to keep in mind when installing the balance weight: the direction of insertion and the direction of rotation.
The direction in which the weight is inserted should be such that the side with the numbers and memory stamped on it is on the inside. The direction of rotation is counterclockwise, starting from the side with the memory stamp. If you make a mistake, you will not be able to install the balance weight on the tone arm.

Summary

Now, I have explained the location of the parts of the popular PLX-1000 turntable, their respective roles, and how to use them! It’s inevitable that first time buyers may wonder "What is this? It's inevitable.” If it’s your first time, don't let that stop you! We hope that you will enjoy playing with the turntable you have purchased, and that you will use this article as a reference to find the best setting for your turntable.

Check this out too!
Pioneer DJ Official / PLX-1000 Instruction Manual