Pioneer PLX-500K – Direct-Drive Turntable [Plug & Play]

The Pioneer PLX-500-K is a high-torque direct-drive turntable designed for both DJ performance and home vinyl listening. It combines a layout inspired by the professional PLX-1000 with a built-in phono/line output switch, allowing it to connect directly to a compatible amplifier, AV receiver or powered speakers without requiring a separate phono preamplifier when using line output. The PLX-500-K also features USB output for digitising vinyl records to a computer and supports 33⅓, 45 and 78 rpm playback. It is supplied with a cartridge-equipped headshell, stylus, slipmat and dust cover with record-jacket stand, making it ready to use out of the box.

Key Features

• Direct-Drive Turntable: Servo-type direct-drive system provides high torque for stable playback, mixing and scratching.
• DJ & Home Listening: Designed for both vinyl playback and DJ applications.
• Plug & Play Setup: Supplied with a headshell, cartridge, stylus, slipmat and required accessories.
• Built-In Phono/Line Output: Selectable phono or line output allows connection to a phono-equipped amplifier or directly to compatible line-level equipment and powered speakers.
• USB Output: Connects to a PC or Mac for recording and digitising vinyl.
• 33⅓ / 45 / 78 RPM: Supports the three standard record speeds.
• ±8% Pitch Control: Provides speed adjustment for DJ mixing and performance.
• High-Torque Motor: Starting torque of more than 1.6 kgf·cm and start-up time of less than 1 second at 33⅓ rpm.
• S-Shape Tonearm: Universal S-shaped tonearm uses a gimbal-supported bearing structure and static-balance design.
• Electronic Brake: Provides controlled platter stopping.
• Aluminium Platter: 332mm aluminium die-cast platter provides a rigid platform for record playback.
• Dust Cover with Jacket Stand: Dust cover incorporates a stand for displaying the record sleeve while listening.
• rekordbox DVS Compatible: Can be used with a compatible DJM mixer, rekordbox DVS setup and RB-VS1-K Control Vinyl.
• Black Finish: PLX-500-K is the black version of the PLX-500 series.

Turntable Specifications

Tonearm Specifications

Headshell & Cartridge

Audio Connectivity

Plug & Play Connectivity

When the PLX-500-K is set to LINE output, it can be connected directly to compatible powered speakers, integrated amplifiers, stereo receivers or other equipment with a suitable line-level analogue input. An external phono preamplifier is not required in this configuration. When the turntable is set to PHONO output, it can be connected to a compatible phono input on an amplifier or receiver, or to an external phono preamplifier. 

USB Recording

DJ Performance Features

• High-Torque Direct Drive: Suitable for mixing and scratching.
• Pitch Control: ±8% adjustment range.
• Electronic Brake: Supports controlled platter stopping.
• Three Playback Speeds: 33⅓, 45 and 78 rpm.
• rekordbox DVS: Supports a compatible rekordbox DVS setup when used with the required compatible DJ mixer and control vinyl.
• Universal S-Shape Tonearm: Suitable for conventional DJ and vinyl playback applications.

Dust Cover & Accessories

Dimensions & Weight

Power Specifications

System Compatibility

General Specifications

In the Box

• Pioneer PLX-500-K Turntable
• Headshell with Cartridge
• Stylus
• Slipmat
• Dust Cover with Jacket Stand
• EP Record Adapter
• Balance Weight
• Shell Weight
• USB Cable
• Audio Conversion Cable
• Power Cord
• Operating Instructions

System Integration

The Pioneer PLX-500-K can be used as a straightforward home Hi-Fi turntable or as part of a DJ setup. For a simple system with powered speakers or an amplifier without a phono input, select the line output and connect the RCA cable to a suitable line-level input. For an amplifier with a dedicated phono input, the turntable can instead be operated in phono mode. The USB output provides a separate connection for digitising vinyl to a PC or Mac. For DJ applications, the high-torque direct-drive mechanism, ±8% pitch adjustment, S-shaped tonearm and three-speed operation make the PLX-500-K suitable for mixing and scratching.