Pioneer DJ PLX-500-K Direct Drive DJ Turntable, Black

Product Information

First Impressions / Setting up The Pioneer DJ PLX-500 is an entry-level turntable meant for ripping vinyl and home use. Now that Technics have returned, the main selling point of the 1000 over the SL1210 is fairly simple: it comes in at a lower price point. Other than that, the formula is familiar: it’s the same basic look and feel, very similar sound and solid, durable construction. A worthy alternative to the MK7. More info/Buy Pros Still, I was able to mix and beatmatch between two records.Admittedly, it was quite satisfying to know that I could still do it after all these years of DJing on a controller, and to be honest, it felt I had switched gears and was doing a different, more introspective style of DJing since there weren’t any screens around (and because I was playing some obscure minimal techno that I can’t pronounce).

Lastly, the metal platter underneath isn’t as dense as the PLX-1000. It doesn’t feel as solid as the flagship. 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. I would recommend Pioneer PLX-500 to beginner DJs who want to learn how to play, plus have the pleasure of listening to vinyl records from time to time. For people who have already decided on a DJ career, the PLX -1000 will certainly be more recommended. Arm Type: Universal type S-shape tone arm, Gimbal-supported type bearing structure, Static balance typeObserving the platter was a necessity when manually adjusting the revs, here everything is responsible for electronics, accurately setting 33, 45, and even 78 rpm (buttons), in addition, revolutions can be changed in the range +/- 8% (using the slider )– it is a gadget for the DJs or an opportunity for innocent fun … This makes it quite challenging to pull off more intermediate / complex scratch phrases. No doubt a skilled turntablist will be able to adjust accordingly, but it may lead to frustration for beginners, and intermediate DJs will be able to tell the difference after just a few tries. In conclusion, the PLX-1000 and PLX-500 are both exceptional turntables from Pioneer, designed to cater to different needs and preferences. 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 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.

Reloop’s beginner-friendly RP-2000 is a case in point, with a direct-drive motor and sturdy feel that belies its price point. Very much built in the mould of the classic SL1200 MK2, the RP-2000 is a bare-bones offering thatdoes everything well, with no frills and no fuss. More info/Buy Pros The PLX-500 is the budget model in Pioneer’s small range, coming in at half the price of the premium model and offering a more basic spec aimed at home DJs rather than professional club use. Switching the 1000’s metal construction for a more basic plastic chassis, the 500 isn’t as rugged and it’s missing some of the features of the top model, like adjustable pitch range. However, it uses the same motor, so it’s fundamentally very close in terms of feel and sound where it matters. It also adds some handy features not found on the top model, such as a USB output. The gorgeously warm quality that vinyl records bring is on full display with the PLX-500. The overall soundscape is handled with grace and care. The lower end has been very slightly muted, with the full midrange being pushed to the front of the mix.

Expert Reviews

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 base of the column 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 regulation here at all). The inbuilt LED indicator light enables you to estimate the record’s speed at a glance in low light settings. How about Inputs and Outputs? Prices valid in stores (all including VAT) until close of business on 28th November 2023. (Some of these web prices are cheaper than in-store, so please mention that you've seen these offers online.)