{"product_id":"denon-dp-500bt-premium-belt-drive-hi-fi-turntable-with-bluetooth","title":"Denon DP-500BT Premium Belt-Drive Hi-Fi Turntable with Bluetooth","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"col_narrow\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"hp-title\"\u003eA Belt-Drive Turntable Built for Modern Listening\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Denon DP-500BT is a $899 belt-drive turntable with a built-in phono preamp, Bluetooth streaming, and semi-automatic operation. It is available now.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want to see it in action before reading, we have a full video review linked above.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_full\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/3281\/8260\/files\/Denon-DP-500BT-Studio-Images-02.jpg\" alt=\"Denon DP-500BT Turntable\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_narrow\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eWho Is the Denon DP-500BT For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe DP-500BT is built for the listener who wants a capable, easy-to-use turntable that works with a wide range of setups. It is a strong fit if you:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAre getting serious about vinyl and want a table that will grow with you\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeed Bluetooth for headphone listening or a wireless speaker setup\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWant semi-automatic operation so you are not tethered to the room while a record plays\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHave a collection of 78 RPM records alongside modern vinyl\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAre building a system around Denon gear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\nIt is a harder sell if you already have a dedicated phono preamp and a receiver with its own phono stage and no interest in wireless audio. At that point you are paying for features you will never use, and there are turntables at this price that put more of the budget into pure analog performance.\n\u003ch3 class=\"hp-title\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"hp-title\"\u003eDenon's History With Turntables\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvice.com\/collections\/denon\"\u003eDenon\u003c\/a\u003e was founded in 1910 and spent decades making professional broadcast and recording equipment before consumer products became their focus. Their turntable history dates back to the 1960s, when they manufactured broadcast-grade direct-drive tables for Japanese radio stations that had to perform flawlessly day after day. That background in precision engineering shapes how they approach every product they make, including the DP-500BT.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe DP-500BT actually draws some design inspiration from Denon's current flagship, the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvice.com\/products\/denon-dp-3000ne-direct-drive-turntable\"\u003eDP-3000NE\u003c\/a\u003e, including its minimalist two-tone matte finish and S-shaped tonearm profile. Having that in common with a $2,500 reference table is not a bad starting point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"hp-title\"\u003eBuild Quality \u0026amp; Design\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe DP-500BT has a two-tone finish with a matte black plinth and brushed aluminum accents on the feet and tonearm hardware. It looks clean and modern without leaning into retro aesthetics, which means it fits as naturally into a contemporary living room as it does a more traditional one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe build is solid. The platter is die-cast aluminum, which gives it the mass and rotational stability you want for consistent speed. The cast metal feet absorb vibrations from whatever surface the table is sitting on, which matters because a turntable stylus is extraordinarily sensitive and will pick up any vibration it encounters, not just what is in the record groove.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is in the box:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTurntable and platter (packed separately)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFelt platter mat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePre-installed moving-magnet cartridge\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRCA cables with signal ground wire\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAC power adapter with regional plug adapters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRemovable dust cover with hinges\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_full\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/3281\/8260\/files\/Denon-DP-500BT_Lifestyle-008.jpg\" alt=\"Denon DP-500BT Turntable on a shelf\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_narrow\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"hp-title\"\u003eBelt-Drive: Why It Matters at This Price\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe DP-500BT uses a belt-drive system, meaning the motor is physically separated from the platter by a rubber belt. That separation keeps motor vibration out of the playback path in a way that direct-drive designs at this price struggle to match.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDirect-drive turntables have real advantages. They get up to speed almost instantly and let you manipulate the record by hand, which is why DJs love them. But for someone sitting down to listen to music, that motor sitting directly under the platter introduces noise that a belt-drive sidesteps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are some very strong direct-drive turntables out there, particularly at the higher end of the market where the motor technology is sophisticated enough to close that gap. At this price though, belt-drive is where we would point most listeners.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother reason belt-drive tends to perform well is platter mass. Once a heavy platter gets up to speed it tends to hold that speed consistently without the constant micro-corrections that direct-drive motors make. Wow and flutter is the measurement used to quantify those speed inconsistencies, and the lower the number the better. Denon specs the DP-500BT at 0.1% WRMS, and the die-cast aluminum platter is doing real work to hit that number.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvice.com\/blogs\/expert-advice\/belt-drive-vs-direct-drive-turntables\"\u003efull video\u003c\/a\u003e on belt-drive versus direct-drive turntables if you want to go deeper on this topic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"hp-title\"\u003eTonearm \u0026amp; Cartridge\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tonearm is a static-balanced S-shaped design, which helps keep the cartridge better aligned with the groove as the arm travels from the outer edge of the record to the inner grooves, reducing tracking error in the process. It is a well-proven approach that works well for a turntable at this level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tonearm uses a universal headshell that twists and locks in place. When you are ready to upgrade the cartridge, you simply twist off the headshell and drop in a new one. No tools, no complicated alignment process from scratch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe included cartridge is a moving-magnet design with a spherical stylus, model DSN-85. A spherical tip is the most durable and easiest to set up, which makes it a smart choice for a table at this level. It will get you listening immediately and track your records safely. When you are ready to hear what this tonearm is actually capable of, dropping in a cartridge with an elliptical stylus will be a noticeable improvement in detail retrieval and groove tracing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_half\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/3281\/8260\/files\/Denon-DP-500BT-Studio-Images-01.jpg\" alt=\"Close up of Denon DP-500BT Cartridge\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_half col_last\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/3281\/8260\/files\/Denon-DP-500BT-Studio-Images-12.jpg\" alt=\"Close up of Denon DP-500BT Tonearm\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_narrow\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"hp-title\"\u003eSetting Up the DP-500BT\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSetup takes about fifteen minutes. Here is a quick overview of the process:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLoop the drive belt around the motor roller using the included red ribbon, then set the platter onto the center spindle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlace the felt mat on top with the Denon logo facing down\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThread the counterweight onto the back of the tonearm and insert the headshell, locking it in place\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSet the anti-skate dial to zero, release the tonearm, and adjust the counterweight until the arm floats parallel to the platter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHold the counterweight still and rotate the inner tracking force ring to zero, then rotate the full counterweight clockwise until the number two lines up with the reference line\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSet the anti-skate dial to two\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_narrow\"\u003eEvery Audio Advice purchaser receives our full setup video, which walks through this process step by step. Our team is also \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvice.com\/pages\/contact\"\u003eavailable\u003c\/a\u003e, if you have any questions.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_narrow\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eSemi-Automatic Operation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe DP-500BT is semi-automatic. When the record ends, the tonearm lifts and the platter stops on its own. You still manually lower the tonearm onto the record to get things started, so the experience of playing a record is the same. It just saves you from having to be in the room when the side ends, which is a real convenience if you want to walk away or doze off on the couch without worrying about your stylus sitting in the run-out groove and wearing it down to the point where it needs replacing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eSpeed Options: 33 1\/3, 45, and 78 RPM\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe DP-500BT supports all three speeds. The 78 RPM option does not get talked about much but it is a real differentiator at this price. A lot of turntables skip it entirely because it is a smaller market, but if you have older shellac records or you are into collecting early 20th century pressings, this turntable can play them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e78 RPM records are cut with a wider groove than modern vinyl and actually prefer a spherical stylus to track properly. The included spherical stylus works well for 78s, and if you want a dedicated 78 setup, you can keep a second headshell mounted with a 78 stylus and swap between them in seconds thanks to the universal headshell design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eBuilt-In Phono Preamp\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe DP-500BT has a built-in switchable phono preamp. If you are connecting to powered speakers or an amp without a dedicated phono input, you need the preamp switched on. It handles the RIAA equalization and brings the cartridge's low-level signal up to something your other equipment can use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are going into a receiver that already has a phono stage, or if you want to run a separate outboard preamp, you flip the switch and send the raw phono signal straight out the RCA outputs instead. The built-in stage sounds perfectly decent for casual listening and will not hold you back at this level. But that bypass switch means when you are ready to upgrade, something in the $200 to $400 range can make a real difference and the DP-500BT is already set up to accommodate it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_full\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/3281\/8260\/files\/Denon-DP-500BT_Lifestyle-009.jpg\" alt=\"Denon DP-500BT Turntable\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_narrow\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eBluetooth Streaming\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe DP-500BT has built-in Bluetooth with aptX, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive support. These are the higher-quality codecs that get you closer to CD quality over a wireless connection, assuming the device you are pairing with also supports them. Standard Bluetooth defaults to SBC, which compresses the signal aggressively. aptX HD is a meaningful step up, and aptX Adaptive goes further with variable bitrate up to 24-bit\/96kHz on compatible hardware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to pair it:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlug the turntable in\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePress and hold the Bluetooth button until the indicator light flashes blue and red\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePut your device into pairing mode\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe DP-500BT connects automatically\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA solid blue light confirms the connection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\nThere is a physical volume knob under the front edge of the platter for the Bluetooth output. The RCA and Bluetooth outputs also work simultaneously, so you do not have to choose one or the other or disconnect anything when switching between them.\n\u003cp\u003eIt is worth understanding what happens when you use Bluetooth though. Vinyl is an analog format, and the moment you transmit wirelessly you are converting that analog signal to digital. If your goal is a pure analog signal path, cables will always give you a better result. Use Bluetooth when convenience is the priority and the RCA outputs when sound quality is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"hp-title\"\u003eSound Quality\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe dropped the needle on John Mellencamp's \"Pink Houses\" and what stood out immediately was how well the DP-500BT held the rhythm and pace of the track. The mass of the die-cast aluminum platter combined with the belt-drive system keeps speed stable in a way that really comes through on music with a strong rhythmic foundation. It just sounds like vinyl is supposed to sound. The built-in phono stage is transparent enough that it is not holding anything back at this level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eHow It Compares: Denon DP-500BT vs. Pro-Ject Debut EVO 2\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvice.com\/products\/pro-ject-debut-evo-2-hi-fi-turntable\"\u003ePro-Ject Debut EVO 2\u003c\/a\u003e comes in at $799 and is worth mentioning as a comparison point. It has a carbon fiber tonearm, no Bluetooth, and no built-in phono stage. It puts everything into the analog performance side of the equation. If pure analog performance is the only thing that matters to you and you already have a phono stage, it is worth a look.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe DP-500BT costs $100 more and makes a different bet. It covers more ground in terms of connectivity and convenience while still delivering strong analog performance. Which one makes more sense depends entirely on how you plan to use it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_full\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/3281\/8260\/files\/Denon-DP-500BT_Lifestyle-010.jpg\" alt=\"Denon DP-500BT Turntable\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_narrow\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the Denon DP-500BT need a phono preamp?\u003c\/strong\u003e No. It has a built-in switchable phono preamp, so you can connect it directly to powered speakers or any amplifier without a dedicated phono input. If your receiver or amp already has a phono stage, or if you want to use a separate outboard preamp, you can bypass the built-in stage with the switch on the rear panel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan you use the Denon DP-500BT with Bluetooth headphones?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. The DP-500BT streams wirelessly via Bluetooth with aptX, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive support. For the best wireless audio quality, pair it with headphones that support the same codecs. Keep in mind that using cables will always give you a better sounding result than Bluetooth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat cartridge does the Denon DP-500BT come with?\u003c\/strong\u003e It comes with a moving-magnet cartridge with a DSN-85 spherical stylus, pre-installed in the headshell. The recommended tracking force for this cartridge is 2 grams.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan you upgrade the cartridge on the Denon DP-500BT?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes, and it is one of the easiest upgrades you can make on this table. The universal headshell twists off and locks back in place, so swapping in a new cartridge requires no tools and no complicated setup process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the Denon DP-500BT play 78 RPM records?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. It supports 33 1\/3, 45, and 78 RPM. The included spherical stylus actually works well for 78s. If you want a dedicated 78 setup, you can keep a second headshell with a 78 stylus and swap between them in seconds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan you use Bluetooth and RCA outputs at the same time?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. The Bluetooth and RCA outputs on the DP-500BT work simultaneously, so you do not have to choose between them or disconnect anything when switching.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"hp-title\"\u003eAudio Advice Take\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Denon DP-500BT is a well-built turntable that covers a lot of ground for $899. The belt-drive system and die-cast aluminum platter deliver stable, clean playback. The semi-automatic operation protects your records and your stylus. The switchable phono preamp and universal headshell give you a clear upgrade path as your interest in vinyl grows. And the Bluetooth implementation is more capable than most at this price.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eWe’re Here to Help!\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have further questions, contact our experts via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvice.com\/pages\/contact\"\u003echat, phone, or email\u003c\/a\u003e. Or simply visit one of our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvice.com\/pages\/locations\"\u003eworld-class showrooms\u003c\/a\u003e to experience speakers, projectors, TVs, and everything in between for yourself before you make a purchase!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you’re planning your home theater or media room, check out our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvice.com\/pages\/home-theater-design\"\u003eHome Theater Design page\u003c\/a\u003e, where we have everything Home Theater related, including our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvice.com\/pages\/home-theater-design#shopify-section-template--15579935178836__custom_liquid_tXCbWJ\"\u003eFREE Home Theater Design Tool\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you buy from Audio Advice, you’re buying from a trusted seller since 1978. We offer \u003cstrong\u003eFree Shipping\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eLifetime Expert Support\u003c\/strong\u003e, and our \u003cstrong\u003ePrice Guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e. We look forward to serving you!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Denon","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43707248017492,"sku":"DENON:DP500BT-BLK","price":899.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/3281\/8260\/files\/DenonDP-500BTStudioImages04.jpg?v=1773339974","url":"https:\/\/www.audioadvice.com\/products\/denon-dp-500bt-premium-belt-drive-hi-fi-turntable-with-bluetooth","provider":"Audio Advice","version":"1.0","type":"link"}