Denon has introduced the DP-500BT Bluetooth turntable, a semi-automatic belt-drive model designed to bring vinyl playback into wireless listening systems. The new turntable allows records to be played through traditional analog outputs or streamed directly to Bluetooth speakers and headphones, offering a flexible option for listeners who want the warmth of vinyl without giving up modern convenience.
Vinyl’s resurgence shows no signs of slowing. U.S. vinyl sales rose for the 19th consecutive year to 47.9 million units, with independent record stores accounting for roughly four out of every ten purchases. Buying habits across physical formats are also shifting as direct-to-consumer sales now represent 13.6% of all physical album purchases, according to Luminate. The continued demand for physical media helps explain why companies like Denon are expanding their turntable lineups.
Although Denon is perhaps best known for its AV receivers, the company has a long history of producing turntables. Its current range includes the DP-450USB ($799), DP-400 ($599), DP-300F ($499), DP-29F ($219), and the flagship DP-3000NE ($2,799). The new DP-500BT joins that lineup as a belt-drive design that blends classic analog playback with the convenience of Bluetooth connectivity.
Inside the Denon DP-500BT Bluetooth Turntable
The Denon DP-500BT is a semi-automatic belt-drive turntable that combines traditional analog playback with built-in Bluetooth connectivity. It can be used with modern wireless audio systems or connected to conventional Hi-Fi setups through its analog outputs. The turntable includes an integrated moving magnet phono preamp that can be bypassed if you prefer to use an external phono stage. Wireless playback is supported via Bluetooth with compatibility for aptX, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive codecs.
Lyle Smith, President of Sound United at HARMAN, explained, “The DP-500BT brings timeless analog and modern wireless freedom together in a way only Denon can. Whether someone is building their first vinyl setup or expanding an existing system, this turntable delivers a premium experience with simple, flexible Bluetooth streaming that carries the depth and detail of vinyl into any room.”
The DP-500BT uses a precision belt-drive system designed to maintain stable platter rotation. It includes a die-cast aluminum platter that adds mass for smoother operation and improved speed stability. Denon also equips the turntable with its balanced S-shaped tonearm, intended to support accurate tracking and help reduce distortion during playback.
A pre installed moving magnet (MM) cartridge and a built in switchable phono preamp are included, allowing the DP-500BT to connect to a wide range of audio systems, including powered speakers and traditional Hi-Fi components.
However, what sets the DP-500BT apart from many turntables is its built-in Bluetooth transmitter, which supports aptX, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive codecs. This allows users to play vinyl records wirelessly through compatible Bluetooth devices, including headphones, receivers, and powered speakers. In addition, semi-automatic operation with auto lift and playback stop helps protect records while making everyday listening easier and more convenient.
Cast metal feet and vibration-resistant construction maintain stability. A removable dust cover preserves the matte finish. Every element supports both the visual identity and the performance standard expected from Denon.
The design of the DP-500BT reflects Denon’s refined, modern aesthetic with a two-tone finish and minimalist design that fits with a wide range of interiors.
Denon DP-500BT Key Features
- Pure Vinyl Playback: Stable platter rotation and careful mechanical design help preserve the character and detail of vinyl records while minimizing distortion.
- Bluetooth Streaming: Vinyl records can be played wirelessly through compatible Bluetooth speakers or headphones throughout the home.
- Precision Engineered Construction: A die cast aluminum platter, vibration resistant chassis, and balanced S shaped tonearm are designed to reduce resonance and support stable playback.
- Belt Drive System: The belt drive design helps isolate motor vibration from the platter, contributing to consistent rotation and cleaner playback.
- Semi Automatic Operation: Automatic tonearm lift and playback stop help protect the stylus and records while making operation easier.
- Built In Phono Preamp: A switchable phono preamp allows the DP-500BT to connect directly to powered speakers, receivers, or amplifiers that do not include a dedicated phono input.
Comparison
| Denon DP-500BT (2026) | Technics SL-40CBT (2025) | Sony PS-LX5BT (2026) | |
| Product Type | Turntable | Turntable | Turntable |
| Price | $899 | $899 | $499 |
| Turntable Type | Belt-Drive | Direct Drive | Belt-Drive |
| Motor | DC | Brushless DC motor | DC |
| Operation | Semi-Automatic | Manual | Semi-Automatic |
| Tonearm | S-Type | Static Balance | Straight |
| Auto tonearm lift at the end | Yes | – | Yes |
| Speed (RPM) | 33-1/3, 45, 78 | 33-1/3, 45 | 33-1/3, 45 |
| Wow & flutter (WRMS) | 0.08% | 0.025% | 0.1% |
| Phono EQ built-in | Yes, switchable | Yes, Switchable | Yes, Switchable |
| Cartridge Type | MM (Moving Magnet) | MM (Moving Magnet) Audio-Technica AT-VM95C | MM (Moving Magnet) Sony |
| Stylus | CN-6518 | Conical Stylus | Not Indicated |
| Universal Headshell | Yes | Yes | – |
| Rated Output | 2.5 mV / 1 kHz | 2.5 mV / 1 kHz | 2.5 mV / 1 kHz |
| Frequency Range | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | Not Indicated | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| S/N ratio | 65 dB | 78 dB | 50 dB |
| Rated Output Phono EQ | 150 mV / 1 kHz | 150 mV / 1 kHz | Not Indicated |
| Frequency Range Phono EQ | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | Not Indicated | Not Indicated |
| USB Direct Recording | – | – | Output port Type-B |
| Bluetooth Transmitter | SBC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | SBC, aptX Adaptive | SBC, aptX, aptX Adaptive |
| Dust Cover | Yes, removable | Yes | Yes, removable |
| Power supply | AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz | AC 120 V, 60 Hz | AC100-240 V 50 / 60 Hz |
| Colors | Black | Light grey, Charcoal Black Terracotta | Matte Black |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 425 x 367 x 118 mm 16.7 x 14.4 x 4.65 in | 430 x 353 x 128 mm 16.9 x 13.9 x 5 in | 430 x 366 x 117 mm 17 x 14.5 x 4.6 in |
| Weight | 6 kg / 13.2 lbs | 7.1kg / 15.7 lbs | 3.6 kg / 7.9 lbs |
The Bottom Line
Streaming is undoubtedly the most popular way to listen to music, but physical media hasn’t quite lost its magic yet. CDs and audio cassettes are making comebacks, but vinyl records have an extra special place in the music listening landscape.
As a result, there are an increasing number of turntables that also include Bluetooth as a way to stream vinyl record listening all around the house, whether it be on Bluetooth speakers, wireless headphones, or earbuds, without having to have a turntable in every room.
Denon is the latest to integrate Bluetooth in its turntable line with DP-500BT, but there is also a lot of competition from noted brands, such as the Technics SL-40CBT and Sony PS-LX5BT. The question is, has Denon entered the Bluetooth Turntable game too late to be competitive? Or is this just the right time to unite the old world and the new? We shall soon find out.
Price & Availability
The Denon DP-500BT Bluetooth turntable is priced at $899 at Crutchfield and can be purchased through Denon and authorized retailers in select global markets.
Related Reading:
- Turntables and Bluetooth? Yes, You Can Have Your Vinyl and Stream It Too
- Lenco Unveils Trio of New Turntables Below $500 That Can Stream Using Bluetooth: CES 2025
- Lenco’s Flagship LBT-345WA Turntable Features a Carbon Fiber Tonearm and Bluetooth Streaming
- House of Marley’s Stir it Up Lux Turntable Offers Bluetooth Connectivity
Larry
March 17, 2026 at 10:11 am
Hi,
Count me as someone who doesn’t get the point of a BT turntable. Seriously, just get a WiiM or a Cambridge MNX10 and call it a day.
I travel all over the US and New Zealand. I have a pair of KEF EGG Duo, connected to a Samsung S21+ and iFi Uno DAC. I can stream Qobuz effortlessly, and it sounds better than you imagine.
I’m sure the Denon is a wonderful product, but at the end of the day, it’s still BT.
Ian White
March 17, 2026 at 10:32 am
Larry,
There are a growing number of “new” turntable owners who have also invested in Bluetooth headphones and speakers who wish to listen to their records in this manner. I had this discussion with my sister who invested $5,000 in Sonos speakers and soundbars for her home. She had about 50 records left over from college that she wanted to enjoy (and her kids) and not all of them were available at that point on Spotify or Qobuz. She wanted to buy a Pro-Ject table and I moved her in the direction of getting one that would work within the ecosystem. At the time, the Sonos app didn’t play so nicely with all of the kids in the sandbox. Took some experimentation.
She later invested in a pair of wireless headphones for her home office that required the same connectivity flexibility.
Streaming Spotify isn’t the only option for people.
Also remember that these tables offer internal phono stages that can be disabled so that one can plug it into a better one or integrated amplifier with its own.
IW
Larry
March 17, 2026 at 11:02 am
Hi Ian,
How are you feeling?
If you ever need an interesting DAC for a small room setup, try the iFi Uno. Pull the audio from the front mounted jack, not the RCAs. Movie mode is acts like an excellent loudness control.
Larry
Ian White
March 17, 2026 at 3:55 pm
Larry,
Like 90% of the way there. Thank you for asking. Back in the gym to lose the weight and work on rebuilding my repaired abdomen. iFi was extremely busy at CanJam NYC last weekend (see our coverage) and I’ve requested some things post-AXPONA including inexpensive DACs.
IW