Setting the Pioneer up is reasonably straightforward and should not prove too challenging, especially if you have access to a stylus force gauge. Once up and running, the Pioneer does a fair amount right – but not everything. Listening to Biffy Clyro's Only Revolutions, the PLX-500 has some traditional direct drive attributes. The sound has a rhythmically engaging and propulsive quality and as you might expect, pitch stability is pretty much absolute. In conclusion, the PLX-1000 and PLX-500 are both exceptional turntables from Pioneer, designed to cater to different needs and preferences.

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. 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.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. 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 500’s platter isn’t as unfailing as a 1210, but when you have actually got accustomed to it, it appears sailing.Inside we see a three phase brushless motor with electronic brake. This setup enables seamless transitioning between the three rpm settings. This not only increases the amount of control a DJ has, but also makes for much easier and more precise mixing, which is very important when starting out as a DJ. The S-Shaped Tonearm comes with a Fully Detachable Headshell. But is This Important? 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… Here’s where it gets ugly for the PLX-500. The combination of its plastic build and motor led to problems for me when it came to scratching. I needed a lighter touch to prevent the platter from stopping while I was doing some basic scratches, andit took a while for the platter to spin at its full speed once I let go of the record.