Sony PS 150 (1981)
A direct-drive automatic turntable with built-in phono preamp and headphone amplifier, released by Sony in 1981.
Overview
The Sony PS 150 is a direct-drive automatic stereo turntable released in 1981. Designed for convenience and compatibility, it features a built-in phono equalizer amplifier, allowing direct connection to line-level inputs on radios, cassette decks, or other components. It also includes a built-in headphone amplifier for private listening. The turntable uses a low-mass straight tone arm with static balance and is equipped with auto return and reject functions. It comes with a 45 RPM adapter, dust cover, and a disc centering guide to aid in proper record placement.
Specifications
| Product type | Direct Drive Turntable, Auto Player System |
| Production year | 1981 |
| Original price | ¥29,100 |
| Wow and flutter | 0.03% WRMS (rotating system) |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 72dB(DIN-B) |
| Tone arm type | Static balance type |
| Tone arm effective length | 216.5mm |
| Tone arm total length | 275mm |
| Cartridge | MM Type (VL-38GSA) |
| Cartridge frequency response | 20 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Needle | 0.6 mil-round diamond |
| Replacement stylus | ND-138G (¥3,000) |
| Line output | pin plug : 250 mV (at 50k Ω load) |
| Headphone output | stereo standard jack : 8.5mWx2 at 32 ohm load |
| Amplifier frequency response | RIAA ± 0.5 dB |
| Platter | 30.4 cm Aluminum Die Cast |
| External dimensions | Width 430 x Height 105 x Depth 345 mm |
| Weight | 4.6kg |
| Attachments | 45 Rotation Adapter, Cartridge (VL-38GSA), Disk centering guide, Dust cover |
Design
The Sony PS 150 uses a linear BSL motor with magnedisk servo for stable rotation and features a low-mass straight tone arm. It includes an auto return and reject mechanism for fully automatic operation. The unit integrates a built-in phono equalizer amplifier and headphone amplifier, enabling direct connectivity to external audio systems and private listening. The included disc centering guide helps align records accurately on the platter.
Market
The PS 150 has appeared on the used market with prices ranging from $25 (for parts) to $130 (new old stock). Some units are described as "working" but may require a replacement stylus, as original parts like the ND-138G needle are no longer in production. Service manuals are available for repair and maintenance.
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