Lastly, the metal platter underneath isn’t as dense as the PLX-1000. It doesn’t feel as solid as the flagship. It appears like a PLX-1000 (as well as a result a Technics), but it does not inherit all the muscle of its (₤ 500+) huge brother. The launch of Pioneer’s high-end PLX-1000 DJ turntable in 2015 caused a few ‘oohs’ and also ‘ahhhs’, and also fitted perfectly into that space left by the demise of the mighty Technics 1210. 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 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.

Using the PLX-500 with Rekordbox DJ wasthe last thing on my list. It doesn’t come with a Rekordbox DVS licence, and you still need to hook up a Rekordbox DVS-enabled mixer or DJ controller to your laptop. I have a licence and timecode vinyl that came with my DDJ-RZ, so I tried it out. Getting it set up and calibrated was a breeze (as is the case with DVS these days). 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

Also, the tone-arm shoulder looks a little cheap, but you've gotta keep costs down somewhere, right? And, fair play, it doesn't mess with performance - if you calibrate the weight, height and anti-skipping dial to match your stylus and needle set-up, then you're golden. 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 You can, for example, listen to Beatles ‘She Loves You’ at “natural” speed (on official releases, apart from some Japanese releases, the song is accelerated by several percent, of course consciously, by George Martin’s decision from 1963).

The aluminum platter looks impressive due to the “centered” outer flange, which is part of the classic strobe rotation control system. 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. Ultimately, the choice between the PLX-1000 and PLX-500 depends on your specific requirements and budget. If you are a professional DJ or an avid vinyl enthusiast seeking top-of-the-line performance, the PLX-1000’s superior build quality, direct drive motor, and audiophile-grade sound reproduction make it the ideal choice. Its precise speed control and excellent stability will elevate your DJ sets or listening experience to new heights.The characteristically beveled, patterned platter edge, and strobe speed control system resembles the famous SL-1200. The tonearm belongs to the 9-inch category, and it is S-shaped. The head is tightened (the possibility of its replacement increases the turntable’s tolerance field for various types of inserts). The design of the column and the gimbal suspension system, with a large frame and bearing arrangement, also refers to the SL-1200 scheme. In conclusion, the PLX-1000 and PLX-500 are both exceptional turntables from Pioneer, designed to cater to different needs and preferences. I want to mention that I had a lesson today also...i specifically asked my teacher if i was scratching correctly and using the right pressure..not like mashing it or anything. yeah i'm doing it right. no issues playing on his set of technics..for my hour long lesson.