The Pioneer DJ series made its debut on the turntable market relatively recently but immediately won recognition and a place on shelves with the PLX-1000 model. In 2016 the company presented a new, cheaper turntable marked as PLX -500. With this turntable Pioneer is trying to conquer two groups of recipients – one group is DJs, especially the beginners, and the other group is casual record listeners.

The column base is equipped with a large ring with which (after releasing the latch) we can conveniently adjust its height. This is one of the best solutions of this type and quite unique in this price range (it is not easy to find VTA regulations here at all). The tone-arm shoulder looks a little low-cost, however you’ve obtained ta maintain expenses down somewhere? And also, justice, it doesn’t mess with efficiency – if you calibrate the weight, height and also anti-skipping dial to match your stylus as well as needle set up, after that you’re golden. Watching the platter was a necessity when manually correcting the rotation, electronics are responsible for everything here, precisely setting 33, 45, and even 78 rpm (buttons), additionally, the rotation can be changed at the pace of +/- 8% (using the slider).

What you can do with the controls on the PLX-500

Next, I wanted to try ripping some tunes, so I hooked one PLX-500 to to my laptop via USB and fired up Rekordbox, which has a vinyl recording feature. Again, no issues and it worked fine. So far, so good. My expectations are being met, which got me excited about my next test, which was spinning. DJing The Pioneer DJ PLX-500 has been designed with a wide range of DJing styles in mind. Perfect for any beginner or a seasoned professional for that matter.

Our list ranges from beginner-friendly budget options through to pro models suitable for club use, but the bottom line with turntables is that you generally get what you pay for. That’s not to say that cheaper models aren’t very impressive these days, but if you’re able to step up to a mid-range or high-end turntable you’ll see and hear the benefits in terms of build quality and sound. You may also like… One of the key differences between the PLX-1000 and PLX-500 lies in their motor systems. The PLX-1000 boasts a high-torque direct drive system that delivers exceptional speed accuracy and rotational stability. This feature is crucial for DJs who require precise beat matching and scratching capabilities. The PLX-500, on the other hand, features a belt-drive motor, which provides a more affordable option but may sacrifice some accuracy in speed control. While both turntables perform admirably, the PLX-1000’s direct drive motor offers a clear advantage for professional use. With the directly driven PLX-500, Pioneer has an attractively priced turntable in its range. Its torque, synchronism, and robust chassis with solidly anchored platter provide the basis for professional application and scratching with vinyl. The sound has largely convinced me. Another argument for the PLX-500 is its integrated sound card, which sends the signal to a connected computer without additional hardware. Vinyl lovers can thus digitize their record treasures via record box. DVS operation with a record box, even an app on the iPad, is possible without additional “dongle” hardware. For me, the PLX-500 is a great turntable in its price range. now, the replacement table comes in the mail. set that up today and practice on it for MAYBE 2 hours. matter of fact the platter wasn't even on and spinning for a whole hour as for the first hour i was just practicing baby scratches with the platter off. WTF.Pioneer DJ has done an OK job at distilling the essentials of what a DJ turntable is (eg pitch control, acceptable torque, adjustable tonearm), and it is fine for those who want to get started, but this is not something you’d want to take to a gig because of its relatively hollow build. Intermediate and pro DJs will want to save up and look elsewhere – the Reloop RP-7000 for example, is a better option that costs less than Pioneer DJ’s flagship PLX-1000. Of course, you can also go the used route and get a pair of Technics 1200s.

The aluminum platter looks impressive due to the “centered” outer flange, which is part of the classic strobe rotation control system.

Price is often a determining factor when choosing between turntables. The PLX-1000 is positioned as a premium model, commanding a higher price tag than the PLX-500. However, it justifies its price with superior build quality, a direct drive motor, and enhanced sound reproduction, making it a worthy investment for professional DJs and serious vinyl enthusiasts. On the other hand, the PLX-500 offers excellent value for money, catering to those on a tighter budget or casual listeners who prioritize convenience and basic features. The only noticeable noise from the motor is heard when running at 78RPM, which is engaged by pressing both the 38 and 45RPM buttons simultaneously. And, thanks to the mostly hollow design of the shell, harder taps or bumps to the unit can result in some audible changes. This is not a deal-breaker for us, but definitely something to keep in mind. Sound Quality The drive is the mechanism that actually makes the turntable turn. First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure that drive is capable of playing the record at the correct speed (33 or 45 RPM — or in rare cases, 78 RPM). Then there’s the actual type of mechanism, which can be either a belt drive or a direct drive. Belt-driven players are the old school type still preferred by connoisseurs since they tend to be more silent. As a trade-off, you may have to replace the belt eventually if your player sees a lot of use. Direct drive turntables have a dedicated motor that spins the platter, which is sometimes audible but more convenient.