Vinyls outsell CDs, and that’s partly to blame: we tested the Pioneer PLX-500

Music CDs are out of fashion; People already enjoy music primarily through streaming apps like Spotify, but that doesn’t mean physical formats have been abandoned altogether.

[Así he mejorado la calidad de sonido de mi móvil a nivel de audiófilo: review del FiiO BTR7]

Surprisingly, vinyl has come back to life, decades after its heyday; according to a report by Promusicae, last year in Europe more vinyl records were sold than CDs, a “sorpasso” that hadn’t happened since 1991. The rest of the world also adopted vinyl as its preferred format; For example, Taylor Swift’s latest album sold more vinyl than CD, and there are very good reasons for that.

We’re not talking about a sound quality issue. It is true that there are many myths about vinyl, like the one they offer a sound “more faithful” to the original being an analog format versus the digital format of CDs and files. In fact, there is little evidence that this is true, but we can say that vinyl offers something different from CDs, both in sound and in the experience itself, which feels more “authentic”. , if that makes sense.

A turntable to switch to vinyl

An important factor in understanding vinyl sales growth is that they are much more accessible than they were a few years ago; not only because many artists already offer their new albums in this format, but also because it is much easier to listen to them. Today you can find turntables at a good price and without the difficulties that we usually associate with the format.

The Pioneer PLX-500 that I was able to test is a good example of how things have evolved. This turntable allowed me to enjoy the vinyl experience with minimal fuss, and most importantly, it helped me appreciate the differences with digital sound.

Unsurprisingly, the PLX-500 is among the most popular turntable models, for its $360 price tag on sites like Amazon; and now it’s even prettier, thanks to the white version that I was able to test in addition to the original black version.

The first thing that caught my eye on the PLX-500 was the Easy to use. Honestly, I expected the worst, but after mounting the device and plugging it into the mains, you really don’t have much to do. The assembly instructions are easy to understand and simply involve installing the head, mounting and adjusting the weight on the arm and fitting the plastic cover. although there are also parts that can be more complicated for a novice and that only true enthusiasts will really be able to enjoy. Of course, this device may be what turns you into one.

Easy to use, hard to master

The manufacturing quality is very good and the feeling of use is pleasant; It’s not at the level of the most “premium” turntables, but at this price you should already know that you won’t find materials like wood. Still, everything works as it should, the platter spins stably and stops properly when we press the button. It’s one of those products that “just works”, with no other aspirations.

Buttons and controls seem a bit cheaper, but they’re all functional. The ones you’ll use the most, like the start button or the wheel that turns the device off and on, are nice, while the speed selectors (33, 45 or 78 rpm depending on the record) are simple buttons with an integrated light. There’s nothing really groundbreaking here, but we don’t need it.

Perhaps the highest praise I can offer the PLX-500 is that it’s easy to use, but difficult to master. If all you want to do is listen to that impulse-bought vinyl that’s been gathering dust for a while, This device will fulfill this function perfectly.. All you have to do is turn on the device, put the needle in and start playing; the mode selector will allow you to adjust it to the desired level, period. When you press the start button again, the automatic brake will automatically stop the disc rotation. Of course, there are more details you can edit, but that’s enough to get you started.

One design detail that I really liked is the plastic lid, which normally only serves to keep dust out; in this case it also serves to put the cover of the vinyl that we use, and the truth is that it looks very good.

A set with everything you need

Now, how can you listen to the vinyl you’re playing? The PLX-500 has its own sound card, with a classic audio output that must be connected either to an amplifier and from there to speakers or headphones, or to speakers that already have an integrated amplifier.

Fortunately, Pioneer already offers an option that goes very well with this turntable, the DM-40BT speakers, also available in matching white. This is the set that I would recommend for occasional listening to vinyl, as these speakers offer good power and are able to reproduce the sound coming from the turntable in a more than decent quality. They had no problem covering my room and I was able to appreciate the differences in sound. They also include an audio output for connecting headphones.

Moreover, the DM-40BT, as its name suggests, is compatible with Bluetooth technology, so it can have a double function, connection with our mobile when we want to listen to music on Spotify or other digital services, while they are connected to the turntable.

In addition to digital audio output, you might be surprised to see that the PLX-500 also has a USB output

. It is designed to connect the turntable directly to our computer; and it is that originally this device was more designed for DJs than just for playing vinyl. It’s something you can ignore, but I think it can be very useful for making digital copies of your vinyl.

What I miss is a Bluetooth connection directly onto the turntable, something that other alternatives on the market already have but Pioneer has not yet been able to fit into this model. This would make it much easier to connect to Bluetooth speakers.

A different musical experience

But let’s get to the point, how does it sound? The truth is that very good, although, as I have already commented before, it is difficult to say if it sounds “better” than a CD or a digital streaming service. It sounds different, and I think that’s what vinyl advocates mean.

By “different” I mean you can really feel a greater dimension in the sound. On some records it gave me a greater sense of “being there” in the presence of the band, while on others I felt like I was listening to them through glass, as if they were in a shop window.

Obviously, the experience will change a lot depending not only on the mastering, but also on the manufacturer and even the musical genre, since not all of them adapt equally well. In some cases I prefer digital sound because it’s more “direct”, but in others I discovered an appreciation for the sound of vinyl that motivated me to look for more alternatives.

Ultimately, with devices like the Pioneer PLX-500, it’s easy to see why vinyl is so popular. It’s easier than ever to enjoy them without the need for advanced technical knowledge, and they offer a clean and different experience than the streaming services that are attracting more and more people.

The Pioneer PLX-500-W is available for $369 on Amazon, and the black version also costs $359 on Amazon. The Pioneer DM-40BT speakers are available for 179 dollars on Amazon.

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