New Sony turntables are something of a rarity, so it’s with some excitement that we greet two new decks from the brand, the PS-LX3BT and PS-LX5BT. Combining fully automatic operation with Bluetooth connectivity, they’re aimed at both newcomers to vinyl, and record collectors looking to upgrade their analogue game.
In addition to one-button, fully automatic playback, both sport built-in phono preamps, so they can connect directly to powered speakers or amplifiers without a dedicated phono stage. There’s support for 33⅓ and 45 RPM records, plus Bluetooth aptX, aptX Adaptive and Hi-Res Wireless Audio, allowing records to be streamed to compatible headphones or speakers.
However there are key differences between the two.
PS-LX3BT: vinyl made easy
The PS-LX3BT is the spiritual successor to Sony’s long-running LX310BT. Its design is clean and understated, and setup is deliberately simple: an attached audio cable and built-in phono equaliser mean you’ll be listening to your records within minutes. If wires aren’t your thing, Bluetooth pairing is quick and painless.
Its MM cartridge, tracking at 3.5 grams, is described as forgiving and easygoing, well suited to well-loved records and casual listening. An aluminium tonearm and die-cast platter provide stability, while low-noise circuitry keeps mechanical distractions at bay.
PS-LX5BT: stepping up the experience
Move up to the PS-LX5BT and you’ll get a higher-precision MM cartridge, tracking at 2 grams. This allows for more delicate groove tracing and greater detail retrieval, which should translate to a wider soundstage and finer musicality. The aluminium tonearm here features a precision pivot bearing, while the black die-cast aluminium platter comes with a thicker rubber mat for extra damping and vibration control.
There’s also a greater emphasis on connectivity. A dedicated, gold-plated audio output jack allows users to use their own high-end cables, although there is a cable provided in the box, making the PS-LX5BT a better option for traditional stereo systems.
The senior deck also has a full black finish, compared to its stablemate’s dark grey aesthetic.
Nagra has expanded its Series II audio component range with the AMP II-S, a new prestige stereo power amplifier that combines high-end engineering with a fanatical focus on musical detail, dynamics and precision. Delivering 120W per channel, the Swiss manufacturer’s latest amplifier is the natural partner for its PREAMP II-S stereo preamplifier, and sits between…
Technics has unveiled the SL-1210MKX, a new upper-tier professional direct-drive DJ turntable that builds on more than five decades of SL-1200 heritage. Positioned above the current SL-1210MK7, the newcomer has been developed with input from working DJs and sound engineers, with a focus on stability, precision and creative flexibility. The launch comes as vinyl remains…
Swiss audio specialist Goldmund has unveiled the Mimesis Statement, a new flagship analogue pre-amplifier featuring a monolithic three-chassis design and exceptionally low measured distortion. The Mimesis Statement represents the company’s latest effort to preserve the integrity of an audio signal in a high-end stereo system. Its formidable £220,000 price tag places the Mimesis Statement firmly…
New Sony turntables are something of a rarity, so it’s with some excitement that we greet two new decks from the brand, the PS-LX3BT and PS-LX5BT. Combining fully automatic operation with Bluetooth connectivity, they’re aimed at both newcomers to vinyl, and record collectors looking to upgrade their analogue game.
In addition to one-button, fully automatic playback, both sport built-in phono preamps, so they can connect directly to powered speakers or amplifiers without a dedicated phono stage. There’s support for 33⅓ and 45 RPM records, plus Bluetooth aptX, aptX Adaptive and Hi-Res Wireless Audio, allowing records to be streamed to compatible headphones or speakers.
However there are key differences between the two.
PS-LX3BT: vinyl made easy
The PS-LX3BT is the spiritual successor to Sony’s long-running LX310BT. Its design is clean and understated, and setup is deliberately simple: an attached audio cable and built-in phono equaliser mean you’ll be listening to your records within minutes. If wires aren’t your thing, Bluetooth pairing is quick and painless.
Its MM cartridge, tracking at 3.5 grams, is described as forgiving and easygoing, well suited to well-loved records and casual listening. An aluminium tonearm and die-cast platter provide stability, while low-noise circuitry keeps mechanical distractions at bay.
PS-LX5BT: stepping up the experience
Move up to the PS-LX5BT and you’ll get a higher-precision MM cartridge, tracking at 2 grams. This allows for more delicate groove tracing and greater detail retrieval, which should translate to a wider soundstage and finer musicality. The aluminium tonearm here features a precision pivot bearing, while the black die-cast aluminium platter comes with a thicker rubber mat for extra damping and vibration control.
There’s also a greater emphasis on connectivity. A dedicated, gold-plated audio output jack allows users to use their own high-end cables, although there is a cable provided in the box, making the PS-LX5BT a better option for traditional stereo systems.
The senior deck also has a full black finish, compared to its stablemate’s dark grey aesthetic.
Available now from Amazon, the Sony PS-LX3BT is priced at £299 (€350), while the PS-LX5BT sells for £399 (€450).
Nagra’s extraordinary new £21,998 stereo amplifier is engineered for extreme audiophiles
Nagra has expanded its Series II audio component range with the AMP II-S, a new prestige stereo power amplifier that combines high-end engineering with a fanatical focus on musical detail, dynamics and precision. Delivering 120W per channel, the Swiss manufacturer’s latest amplifier is the natural partner for its PREAMP II-S stereo preamplifier, and sits between…
In vinyl we trust: Technics unveils flagship SL-1210MKX professional DJ turntable
Technics has unveiled the SL-1210MKX, a new upper-tier professional direct-drive DJ turntable that builds on more than five decades of SL-1200 heritage. Positioned above the current SL-1210MK7, the newcomer has been developed with input from working DJs and sound engineers, with a focus on stability, precision and creative flexibility. The launch comes as vinyl remains…
Goldmund Mimesis Statement pre-amp puts power-supply isolation at the heart of luxury audio
Swiss audio specialist Goldmund has unveiled the Mimesis Statement, a new flagship analogue pre-amplifier featuring a monolithic three-chassis design and exceptionally low measured distortion. The Mimesis Statement represents the company’s latest effort to preserve the integrity of an audio signal in a high-end stereo system. Its formidable £220,000 price tag places the Mimesis Statement firmly…
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