Sony PS-LX2 (1981)

A fully automatic direct-drive turntable from Sony with a precision servo-controlled motor and an integrated MM cartridge system

Overview

The Sony PS-LX2 is a full auto-player turntable released in 1981. Auto start, lead-in and return are all automatic. It sold for ¥29,800 at launch. The drive is direct, with a linear BSL motor under servocontrol from a magnedisk velocity detection system, which gives it high rotational stability. The cartridge is an integrated MM type (XL-150) with a 0.6 mil-round diamond stylus. The tone arm is straight and set up for light tracking force and high compliance.

The cabinet is built for low resonance. It uses SBMC material, which has high internal loss and rigidity. An opto-electronic disc size selector tells 30 cm LP from 17 cm EP records and puts the tone arm in the right spot. A muting mechanism keeps playback noise out when the needle makes contact.

Specifications

Wow and flutter	0.02% WRMS (Rotating System)
Load characteristic	0.05% (Needle Pressure 3g)
Start-up characteristic	Within 1/2 Rotation (at 33 1/3rpm)
Signal-to-noise ratio	75dB(DIN-B)
Tone arm effective length	216.5mm
Tone arm total length	280mm
Needle pressure adjustment range	0 ~ 3.0g
Usable cartridge weight range	7.5g ~ 12g (including shell)
Cartridge type	MM Type (XL-150, Shell Integrated Type)
Cartridge frequency characteristic	10 Hz to 25 kHz
Cartridge output voltage	3 mv (1 khz, 5cm/s, 45°)
Cartridge needle	0.6 mil-round diamond
Cartridge dead weight	8.8g
Exchange needle	ND-150G (¥3,000)
External dimensions	Width 430 x Height 105 x Depth 355 mm
Weight	5.8kg
Turntable platter	31 cm Aluminum Die Cast
Motor	linear torque BSL
Drive system	direct drive

Design

The linear BSL motor is servocontrolled by the magnedisk velocity detection system, which applies micron-level measurement technology for precise speed control. The SBMC cabinet was picked for its internal damping and structural strength, to keep resonance down. The straight tone arm is low-mass, made to work with lightweight, high-compliance cartridges at low needle pressure. The opto-electronic disc size selector detects 30 cm LP or 17 cm EP records and guides the tone arm. The muting mechanism removes contact noise when the stylus lands on the record. An auto return function finishes the fully automatic playback cycle.