[mix4fix]

I got hold of a Pioneer PL-7 turntable. Anybody got any info on it?

I want to either replace the stock stylus or replace the whole cartridge with something decent and cheap since it is an old turntable.

[GentleBender]

Here you go. https://www.vinylengine.com/library/pioneer/pl-7.shtml

[mix4fix]

It sounds like I have to be careful on which cartridge to use because it might be to big for this setup. Any suggestions?

[mix4fix]

I was told that a 1/2 mount magnetic cartridge is what I need. Any suggestions?

[Letitroll98]

All modern phono cartridges have 1/2" mounts.  Good inexpensive cartridges would be AT 95e, grado black, ortofon red, Shure m97.  Most of these can also be upgraded later with a better stylus in the same line.

[Craig B]

Page 12 of the manual states "Any cartridge...having a weight of between 3 and 8 g may be used with this turntable."

[timind]

Audiokarma is probably your best source of info on the PL-7. The PL-7 has quite a following over there.
=1&c[node]=28]https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?search/62688012/&q=pioneer+pl-7&o=date&c[title_only]=1&c[node]=28

[mix4fix]

It has a Pickering D7E installed on it. Who has experience with Pickering?

[Craig B]

I haven't had a Pickering since the 1970s. I may be mistaken, but I think they were affiliated with Stanton, like maybe the budget arm of the company. I don't recall them being particularly good. If there's any chance that's an old original cartridge, I'd look closely at the stylus for wear before I'd play any valuable records.

[rotarius]

You can pick up any 1/2" Audio Technica cart, depending on your budget.  This is a very good sounding deck, the arm is suited for higher compliance carts, so stick with a cart where the recommended  tracking force is under 2g.  One common issue is the graphite head shell.  Most of them warp over time which can cause channel imbalance and uneven wear of the stylus.  They are an absolute bitch to straighten out.