Sony PS-LX3 (1981)

Name: Sony ps-lx3
Brand: Sony

A full-auto direct drive turntable from 1981 with quartz lock and automatic disc size detection.

Overview

The Sony PS-LX3 is a full-automatic direct drive turntable built for easy operation and accurate playback. It came out in 1981. Speed control is quartz-locked, and an opto-electronic disc size selector detects 17 cm or 30 cm records on its own. The tonearm is a Lummus straight design, which Sony states eliminated tracking error and resonance. The cabinet is SBMC, chosen for its internal loss and strength.

Specifications

Drive Type	Direct Drive
Operation Type	Full Automatic
Wow and Flutter	0.02% WRMS (Rotating System)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	75dB (DIN-B)
Tone Arm Type	Lummus / Straight Arm
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)
Original Cartridge	Sony XL-150G
Cartridge Frequency Characteristic	10 Hz to 25 kHz
Cartridge Output Voltage	3 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s, 45°)
Stylus Tip Shape	Conical Diamond
Original Stylus/Needle	Sony ND-150G
Exchange Needle	ND-150G (¥3,000)
Cartridge Dead Weight	8.8g
Turntable Platter	31 cm Aluminum Die Cast
External Dimensions	430 mm (W) × 105 mm (H) × 355 mm (D)
Weight	6.1 kg

Design

The tonearm is a Lummus straight arm, designed to eliminate tracking error and resonance. A linear BSL motor runs the platter, with magnedisk speed detection and quartz lock precision. The opto-electronic disc size selector identifies 17 cm or 30 cm records automatically. A muting mechanism prevents noise when the stylus contacts the record. The chassis is SBMC, for high internal loss and structural strength.

Market

Replacement styli are available. The ND-150G is listed at $47.98 (LP Gear). Recent market listings vary a lot. Units have sold for as low as ¥8,500 (Rakutan-Rakuma, Mar 2026) and as high as $399 (HifiShark). Some were offered for parts or repair, noted as "operation not yet verification" or "Junk exhibition."

Market Value

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ SONY PS-LX3                                                     Nov 2026 │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ High      $319                                    Latest            $118 │
│ Median    $140                                    Trend                — │
│ Low       $54                                     Volume           ~5/mo │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   $400 ┤                                                                 │
│        │                                                                 │
│        │                    .                                            │
│   $250 ┤                                           .                     │
│        │         ..  .                                                   │
│        │..  ..             .                            .                │
│        │..  .            .  .   .             .                         .│
│    $50 ┤      .     ......     .  .               .                      │
│        ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│
│    vol │▅▅  █▅▅  ▂▂ ▂▅▂▂▂█ ▂▅  ▂▂ ▂           ▂   ▂▂    ▂               ▂│
│        └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│
│         2026-01                      2026-04                      2026-08│
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘