Head to head

PLX-500 vs. RP-4000 MK2

Both are Turntables in the same price bracket (€200 to €350) — which is why you genuinely hesitate between them. Here is what our register says about both, side by side, including what speaks against them.

Pioneer DJ PLX-500

Pioneer DJ

PLX-500

€200 to €350

A direct-drive turntable in the classic DJ layout — the way into a vinyl setup.

For

  • Direct drive, DJ layout
  • Cartridge included
  • USB output for digitising

Against

  • You need two of these plus a mixer
  • Unnecessary for digital DJing — see the buying guide
Reloop RP-4000 MK2

Reloop

RP-4000 MK2

€200 to €350

A Reloop with direct drive and decent torque — no longer available new, second-hand the entry point below the RP-7000.

For

  • Direct drive, DJ-ready
  • Switchable pitch range

Against

  • Less torque than RP-7000 and PLX
  • You need two here as well
  • No longer available new — second-hand only

Where it says “Ad” we earn a commission if you buy through the link — on the other routes we earn nothing. Either way you pay the same price, and it changes nothing about our recommendation. How we handle this

The key facts side by side

PLX-500 vs. RP-4000 MK2
FeaturePLX-500RP-4000 MK2
ManufacturerPioneer DJReloop
Price bracket€200 to €350€200 to €350
Our classificationEntry levelEntry level
Meant forVinyl setupVinyl setup

Technical specifications from the manuals

Every value taken word for word from that device’s manufacturer manual, with the PDF page. A dash means there is no clear value in the manual — not that the device lacks it.

Technical specifications from the manuals
FeaturePLX-500RP-4000 MK2
DriveServo motor direct drivep. 50no clear value in the manual
Speeds33 1/3 rpm, 45 rpm, 78 rpmp. 50no clear value in the manual
Pitch range±8 %p. 50no clear value in the manual
Start-up time1 second or less (at 33 1/3 rpm)p. 50no clear value in the manual
Starting torque1.6 kg·cm or morep. 50no clear value in the manual
Wow and flutter0.15 % or less WRMSp. 50no clear value in the manual
TonearmUniversal S-shaped tone armp. 50no clear value in the manual
Output voltagePHONO 2.5 mV, LINE 150 mV (at 1 kHz)p. 50no clear value in the manual
Dimensions450 × 158.5 × 367.5 mm (W × H × D)p. 50no clear value in the manual
Weight10.7 kgp. 50no clear value in the manual

Sources: PLX-500: PLX-500 — Bedienungsanleitung (Plattenspieler) (AlphaTheta Corporation)

Where they differ

  • Different manufacturers, so different software ecosystems, spare parts and control logic. If you already own gear from one brand, that is a reason in itself.

We deliberately crown no winner here. What we can back up is above; anything else would be a claim, and there are plenty of those on this question already.

More comparisons: Turntables

You picked your gear — now what?

The learning path takes you from the first cable to your first set: 12 phases, step by step, free. It works with any device — including the one you already own.