Sony Vinyl Players: Features Of PS-LX300USB, LX310BT And Other Models. How To Choose A Turntable For Vintage Records And Discs?

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 12:09

The development of modern technologies has presented an amazing opportunity to listen to music anytime, anywhere. It would seem that this is all that a person can dream of, but this is not always the case. The availability of music takes away its uniqueness, deprives the listening process of a special atmosphere. Not a single modern audio invention is capable of conveying the full depth of sound, all its shades, like vinyl turntables.

These vintage devices, which lost their popularity at the end of the 20th century, are winning the hearts of music lovers again. Major equipment manufacturers offer customers the latest units that combine modern technology and the depth of sound of the past. Sony is one of the most popular manufacturers of turntables for their high quality and sleek design.

Peculiarities

The main feature of vinyl players is the way of sound reproduction: it is carried out from records. The production of the latter has grown exponentially in recent years, which is explained by the fashion for vintage items.

Sony turntables have a number of advantages over disc turntables. First of all worth noting the sound quality … MP3 audio devices reproduce a “snapshot” of the signal as opposed to the sound of vinyl. It emits an analog signal as close as possible to the original source. This sound is deeper, richer and more versatile. These indicators are especially important for listening to "live music": orchestras, recordings of live performances of rock or pop musicians, classical music. Whatever is reproduced, vinyl conveys the atmosphere and immerses in sound.

In addition, such a device makes it possible to listen to music from vintage records. Of course, this is much more pleasant than listening to music from a popular Internet resource.

Speaking more specifically about Sony as a manufacturer of turntables, its main characteristics are worth noting

• Sony resumed production of turntables in March 2018 and has already succeeded: since then, 3 models have been released in different price segments.
• The Japanese technology manufacturer was able to combine the advantages of modern audio technology and vinyl reproduction. For example, some models have the ability to connect to headphones via Bluetooth and digitize sound.
• The laconic and simple design of Sony devices will be especially appreciated by connoisseurs of minimalism and Scandinavian style.

Top Models

Sony has released 3 models of turntables since 2018: PS-HX500, PS-LX300USB, PS - LX310BT. Among them, the last two are worthy of special attention.

PS-LX300USB

Ideal for vinyl lovers at home: affordable price and sound quality. A sleek plastic and metal body with a diamond stylus will create a tube-like ambience, delivering full depth. Low energy costs will not leave indifferent the fighters for the environment and conscious consumption. The model supports Bluetooth version 2.0. Small dimensions 100 * 420 * 360 mm with a weight of only 3 kg will not take up much space, but will become a stylish attribute of the interior.

The PS-LX300USB player model is very easy to use, the main supported function is playing vinyl records, so there are very few control buttons. Same built-in sound recording function … Users note the velvety, soft sound of the turntable.

Regardless of the age of the record, the sound is clear and rich. The Sony PS-LX300USB will be a great buy as the first turntable.

PS - LX310BT

PS - LX310BT - a more modern and more expensive model, received a strict, laconic design: a minimum of control buttons, a removable dust cover. The possibility of wireless connection via Bluetooth, of course, makes listening to music many times more comfortable, especially since Bluetooth is one of the latest versions - 4.2. Despite the fact that this model is twice as expensive as the previous one, there is no recording option.

But users are especially attracted by the function of connecting the player to Bluetooth-headphones: now you can listen to vinyl alone. The unit with a black body and average dimensions of 110 * 430 * 370 mm has a weight of only 3.5 kg and at the same time consumes a minimum of energy. Buyers note the quality of the sounds, as with all Sony models, as well as the ease of operation.

Selection Tips

A vintage music playback device is an original purchase, especially as a gift. The popularity of vinyl is growing again, you should not deny yourself this pleasure. The player will allow you to remember the classics of other eras, as well as get acquainted with modern music in all genres.

There are a number of characteristics you should pay attention to when choosing a vinyl turntable

• Body material and dimensions … Unfortunately, the cheaper models, made entirely of plastic, are much inferior in sound quality to their metal, heavier competitors.
• Player disc material … Manufacturers offer discs in aluminum, steel or polymer fabrics. The latter option is the most successful, as the lighter materials create perceptible vibrations, which definitely affects the sound quality.
• Sharpening the needle … There are two most common options: spherical and elliptical. It is worth giving preference to the elliptical, more expensive option, since the spherical one can scratch the plate.

In order to make the right choice of a vinyl turntable, it is worth adhering to important tips

• Determine the main purpose of the purchase … We are talking about additional functions: the ability to digitize sound, wireless connection. The choice of this or that model directly depends on this.
• Define a budget … The budget that can be spent on such a device will limit the choice of model.

It should be noted here that all Sony models have good sound quality and the necessary set of characteristics.