Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB vs Pioneer PLX-500 Canada 2026
For Canadian DJs and vinyl listeners, the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB at $519 CAD is the better fit if you want to play records, practise beatmatching, and make digital copies of your collection. The Pioneer DJ PLX-500-K at $569 CAD suits DJs who want a more club-style control layout and a direct path into rekordbox. The $50 difference is small. Your workflow matters more.
Quick Verdict
Buy the AT-LP120XUSB if you want the most flexible home turntable of the pair. It handles 78 RPM records, includes an AT-VM95E cartridge, and gives you USB recording at stated 16-bit resolution. Buy the PLX-500-K if DJ practice, rekordbox recording, and Pioneer DJ-style ergonomics matter more than 78 playback. Neither is a substitute for a higher-end performance deck in a demanding club setup, but both are serious entry points into direct-drive vinyl mixing.
Spec Comparison
| Spec | Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB | Pioneer DJ PLX-500-K |
|---|---|---|
| Street price | $519 CAD | $569 CAD |
| Best use | Home listening, DJ practice, vinyl digitizing | DJ practice, rekordbox recording, DVS-ready setups |
| Drive system | Fully manual direct drive | Direct drive |
| Playback speeds | 33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM | 33-1/3 and 45 RPM stated |
| Starting torque | More than 1.0 kgf.cm | 1.6 kgf/cm |
| Pitch range | +/-8% or +/-16% | Not stated in supplied product data |
| USB recording | 16-bit, 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz USB output | USB-B recording to PC or Mac through rekordbox |
| Built-in phono preamp | Yes, switchable phono or line output | Yes, switchable phono or line output |
| Included cartridge | AT-VM95E dual moving magnet cartridge | Not stated in supplied product data |
Sound and Performance
The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB at $519 CAD is for record collectors and DJs who need one deck to cover listening, basic mixing practice, and archiving vinyl. Its switchable preamp lets you connect to a phono input or directly to powered speakers and line-level gear. The USB output is the practical advantage for anyone transferring records into a computer, with 16-bit recording at 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz. The supplied AT-VM95E cartridge also gives you a known starting point rather than leaving cartridge selection as an immediate extra cost.
The Pioneer DJ PLX-500-K at $569 CAD is for DJs who want faster startup response and an easier link to a Pioneer DJ-oriented setup. Its 1.6 kgf/cm starting torque reaches 33-1/3 RPM in under one second, ahead of the AT-LP120XUSB's stated more-than-1.0 kgf.cm figure. That does not make the Pioneer a professional battle deck, but it should feel more immediate during cueing and basic transitions. Its USB-B connection records into rekordbox, and the deck can work with a DVS-capable mixer, RB-VS1-K Control Vinyl, and rekordbox for digital-file control.
For straight playback, both decks offer the convenience of a built-in preamp. For digitizing varied record collections, Audio-Technica wins because it supports 78 RPM and provides clear USB recording specifications. For a DJ who already works inside rekordbox, Pioneer has the more focused proposition.
Design and Build
The AT-LP120XUSB at $519 CAD is for users who want clear hands-on control while playing and recording records. Its top plate includes quartz-locked pitch control, a stroboscopic platter, and a plug-in stylus target light for cueing in low light. The detachable dual RCA cable is useful if you need to replace a damaged cable later, and the phono or line switch keeps setup simple with different speaker and mixer inputs.
The PLX-500-K at $569 CAD is for DJs who want controls that resemble the professional PLX-1000 layout without paying PLX-1000 money. Pioneer describes the PLX-500 as inheriting that deck's control layout and short signal-routing approach. The black finish is suitably understated for a home DJ booth or production room. Its phono or line switch also removes the need for an external preamp when connecting to powered speakers or a line-level mixer channel.
Neither product description supports a claim that one chassis is dramatically tougher than the other. The meaningful physical difference is the Pioneer’s higher stated starting torque and the Audio-Technica’s extra 78 RPM support.
Who Should Buy Each
- Buy the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB at $519 CAD if you are a vinyl listener, producer, or beginner DJ who wants one deck for playback, manual cueing, home DJ practice, and USB recording. It is the better choice for anyone with 78 RPM records, plus buyers who value the included AT-VM95E cartridge and clearly stated recording formats.
- Buy the Pioneer DJ PLX-500-K at $569 CAD if you are building a rekordbox-centred DJ setup and want a deck with stronger stated startup torque. It makes sense for DJs who care about the PLX-style control layout, want to record through rekordbox, or plan to explore a compatible DVS system with the required additional gear.
Alternatives Worth Considering
If neither deck lands exactly where you need it, these three options cover a cheaper automatic listener setup, a more DJ-focused Audio-Technica deck, and a serious Pioneer DJ performance upgrade.
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X
The AT-LP60X at $199 CAD is for first-time vinyl listeners who want automatic start and stop instead of manual cueing and DJ controls. It plays 33-1/3 and 45 RPM records, includes a switchable preamp, and is the sensible low-cost choice for casual listening through compatible speakers or a stereo system. It is not the deck to buy for beatmatching practice or scratching.
Pioneer DJ PLX-1000
The PLX-1000 at $1,149 CAD is for serious DJs who need a tougher, higher-torque deck for regular performance use. Its 4.5 kg/cm starting torque, selectable +/-8%, +/-16%, and +/-50% tempo ranges, and vibration-damping construction put it in a different class from the PLX-500. The price jump is substantial, but it is the Pioneer option for DJs who have outgrown entry-level direct drive.
Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP
The AT-LP140XP at $679 CAD is for DJs who want more performance control than the AT-LP120XUSB offers. It has more than 2.2 kgf.cm of starting torque, forward and reverse play, tonearm height adjustment, and pitch ranges up to +/-24%. You will need a phono preamp or a mixer with phono inputs because it outputs phono-level audio only.
Browse Collection
Blackout Audio is a Toronto-based music production retailer shipping across Canada. Orders over $199 CAD qualify for free shipping, making any of these turntables eligible before applicable taxes and any other order considerations.
