I have model PL-518X (black plinth. I was told that it's the European version and rare. I can't be sure and really don't care. I love it) I will preface this with the fact that I'm a novice audiophile. I rarely play 45's I've built my system on used Ebay as I can't justify new, expensive gear with a kid, girlfriend, and ex wife. I used this turntable back in the 80's when I was in my 20's. Not sure where I got it. I had no idea what I was doing back then and couldn't afford anything decent. 30 years later, I found this turntable cleaning out my mothers house and let it inspire me to build something around it. I took it to a guy that I trust who runs a vinyl LP store and does some turntable servicing. He started me with on Ortofon 2M red, then blue a year later. A year after that, I moved on to the 2M bronze. I use a Music Hall cork mat. My service guy told me to ditch the turntable when he installed the bronze (didn't think that the tonearm would do the cartridge justice) but I can't justify doing that. It sounds awesome with the the tube phonostage, preamp, power amp, and speakers I'm using. I got my older brother's opinion. He's been an audiophile since I was a kid (McIntosh/Revox reels/Magnepan speakers etc) He was impressed with what I pulled off on a budget using a turntable that was basically an afterthought in my mind. Strengths: Ease of use. Get's up to speed quickly, locking in and maintaining the appropriate strobe speed. Reliable. Fairly heavy unit. Heavy platter. Quiet play. I have it placed on a very heavy piece of furniture to help isolate from vibration and feedback. At volume, I have not experienced any noticeable distortion. Great tracking with every cartridge I've paired. Auto return. Tonearm elevation lever.

Weaknesses: occasionally the speed will get slightly off (+/-). It's never bad, just slight. The pitch control is responsive and will correct it for a few weeks until I notice it again. Once a month, the arm will not return, but I cannot be sure that it is not that LP's runout groove. It's nothing to concern myself about.

This is a very well built turn table. I got this of craigslist for $100 from the original owner and had to give it a little TLC just to align it and then i put on a new dhure m97xe cart. Sounds awesome. I would have a hard time getting rid of this table. This is my first real high quality turntable. No problems and easy to maintain