Vinyl newcomers wanting to keep things simple will be well served by Sony’s two new turntables. The PS-LX3BT and PS-LX5BT make playing records almost as easy as streaming over Spotify, with wireless connectivity and fully automatic playback. All that’s left is actually getting up off the sofa and swapping over LPs.
The PS-LX3BT is the baby of the bunch and officially replaces Sony’s long-running PS-LX310BT, while the PS-LX5BT also caters for the audiophile crowd, without climbing into super-mega-crazy-expensive territory.
Both belt-drive systems have one button playback with an automated metal tone arm, aluminium platter and MM-type cartridge. They each support aptX Adaptive Bluetooth wireless playback, and can output to a hi-fi setup with built-in phono preamps. The PS-LX5BT has your typical phono out ports, but the PS-LX310BT has a captive cable that’s meant to make setup a breeze even if you’ve not got a clue what RCA stands for. Not sure where you’re supposed to stash it if you just plan on streaming over Bluetooth, mind…
The more entry-grade PS-LX3BT still gets a one-piece build that’ll fit in around more modern gadgets, and comes with a dust cover for keeping the platter clean between listening sessions. Naturally it supports all vinyl speeds and sizes, with a 45rpm adaptor stored at the side of the unit.
Meanwhile, the PS-LX5BT steps things up with a slightly more sculpted one-piece bodym aluminium tone arm, higher grade cartridge and thicker rubber slip mat. The inner circuitry is also upgraded to suppress vibrations, and it’s got a gold plated 3.5mm headphone port for clear listening.
The PS-LX3BT will go on sale for £299/€299 in the UK and Europe, while the PS-LX5BT will set you back £399/€399. There was no word on US pricing or availability at the time of writing.
- Related: Retro-look audio gear is great – if it works as well as it looks
