PF-800

About the PF-800

The Yamaha PF-800 is a belt-drive turntable produced between 1984 and 1989, designed to offer performance close to the higher-end PF-1000 model. It emphasizes audio quality over gadgetry, featuring a dynamic balance twin-pipe straight tonearm, Double Float Suspension System with a spring-loaded plinth suspended on three conical springs tuned to 4 Hz for excellent vibration isolation, and a two-piece platter with a zinc inner and aluminum outer platter for outstanding vibration damping. The turntable operates at 33 1/3 and 45 rpm speeds with pitch control of ±6%. It includes a semi-automatic mechanism with an oil-damped cueing system and an adjustable optical lift sensor that raises the tonearm and shuts off the motor at the end of a record. The PF-800 has a cabinet finished in black, complementing popular component systems, and weighs approximately 13-15 kg depending on configuration. It originally came with an MC-705 MC cartridge and supports cartridges weighing 2 to 11 grams. The turntable is noted for its stable spring floating plinth, heavy platter, and extensive tonearm and plinth adjustments. It consumes about 7 watts of power and measures 47.3 x 15.4 x 37.6 cm. The PF-800 is considered rare and highly regarded for its build quality and sound performance, though it was released during the rise of CDs and did not sell widely. It is no longer manufactured.