Sony PS-B80
A fully automatic direct-drive turntable featuring Sony's pioneering Biotracer electronic tonearm system
Overview
The Sony PS-B80 is a high-end automatic turntable representing Sony's first use of the Biotracer electronic tonearm. Marketed as a "Crystal Lock D. D. Full Auto Player System," it combines precision engineering with advanced electronic control for fully automated playback. The unit delivers a clean and tidy sound, with sophisticated features that were groundbreaking for its time.
Specifications
| Wow and flutter | 0.02%wrms |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 78dB(DIN-B) |
| Tone Arm Effective length | 235mm |
| Tone Arm Total Length | 325mm |
| Needle pressure adjustment range | 0.5g ~ 3.0g |
| Shell dead weight | 11.0g |
| Usable cartridge weight limit (including shell weight) | 12g ~ 23g (No Auxiliary Weight) 23g ~ 34g (Auxiliary Weight Used) |
| External dimensions | Width 500x Height 175x Depth 430 mm |
| Weight | Approximately 15 kg |
| Attachment | 45 Rotation Adapter, Auxiliary weight, DRIVER Head shell, Cartridge mounting screw |
| Turntable | 32 cm Aluminum Die Cast |
| Start-up characteristic | Within 1/4 Rotation (at 33 1/3rpm) |
| Tonearm type | 'Biotracer' electronic tonearm |
Design
The PS-B80 features Sony's Biotracer electronic tonearm, which uses speed and position sensors paired with a linear motor in both vertical and horizontal axes to precisely control arm movement. A 128 word x4-bit microcomputer manages full auto operation, needle pressure adjustment, and inner force cancellation. The system suppresses low-frequency resonance within 3 dB regardless of cartridge type and improves crosstalk performance. The tonearm is J-shaped, made from a special high-rigidity aluminum alloy, and features an integrated neck cylinder-to-bearing structure to eliminate resonance from loose joints. It uses a Longspan bearing with a hardened cemented carbide pivot shaft for high rigidity and minimal play. The turntable employs a slotless linear BSL motor for smooth, quiet rotation and uses a magnet-disk velocity detection system generating 512 waves, with signal averaging via multi-gap head for precise servo control. A crystal lock system with phase control stabilizes speed. The arm includes electronic anti-skating, digital needle pressure display, built-in muting to prevent startup thump, and auto-repeat. It also has a photoelectric record size selector for 30 cm and 17 cm records and prevents needle drop if no record is present.
Context
The PS-B80 was Sony's first turntable to feature the Biotracer electronic tonearm, marking a significant engineering statement in high-fidelity audio. Designed as a top-of-the-line direct-drive model, it showcased Sony's capabilities in precision mechanics and electronic control systems during the late 1970s.
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