Sony PS P7X (1978)

A direct-drive auto return turntable from Sony's Precise series, introduced in 1978 with precision speed control and a compact, user-friendly design.

Overview

The Sony PS P7X is a direct-drive turntable in Sony's micro component PRECISE lineup. It came out in October 1978. It has an auto-return mechanism, electronic record-end detection with a luminous sensor, and front-panel controls for tonearm movement, motor start/stop, and speed selection. The motor is a linear BSL (slotless) type with crystal lock speed control, and speed is read by a Magne-disk velocity detection system. Reviewers noted the ergonomic design and solid performance across musical genres, and described the playback as secure and authoritative.

Specifications

Dimensions	430x110x350 mm
Weight	9.5kg
Turntable	32 cm Aluminum Die Cast
Wow and flutter	0.025%wrms
Signal-to-noise ratio	75dB(DIN-B)
Tone Arm Effective length	216.5mm
Tone Arm Total Length	300mm
Needle pressure adjustment range	0 ~ 3g
Usable cartridge weight limit (including shell weight)	12g ~ 18.5g
Usable cartridge weight limit (Auxiliary Weight Used)	18g ~ 24.5g
Cartridge	MM Type (XL-25A)
Cartridge Frequency characteristic	10 Hz to 30 kHz
Cartridge Output voltage	4 mv (1 khz, 5cm/s, 45 °)
Cartridge Needle	0.3x0.8 mil Oval Diamond Needle
Cartridge Dead weight	5.2g
Motor type	linear BSL (slotless) motor
Speed control	crystal lock
Auto-return mechanism	equipped with a servo motor with FG for arm drive
Record-end detection	electronic record-end detection Luminous sensor
Display	LED display of rotational speed is possible
Speeds	33 1/3 & 45rpm
Startup time	1/2 rotation (33 1/3rpm)
Moment of inertia	230 kg /cm2
Tonearm balance	static
Overhang	16.5 mm
Anti-skating	0...g / off (dial around tonearm base)
Output cable capacitance	100pF / m

Design

The cabinet is SBMC, which keeps resonance down. The insulators sit low for a low center of gravity, and the adjustable-height feet are filled with a gel-like high-viscoelastic material. The tonearm is a long-span pivot design with a diecast aluminum headshell and a diecast zinc alloy armbase. The Magne-disk velocity detection method keeps the speed stable. A muting mechanism prevents needle-tip touch noise at startup. The front-panel feather-touch controls handle arm movement, motor operation, and speed selection.

Context

The Sony PS P7X was developed as part of the Precise P7 system, within Sony's micro component PRECISE lineup. It shared its BSL motor technology with the PS-X60. It was praised for its compact size, ease of use, and ergonomic design compared to larger contemporaries. Sony discontinued it around 1982, about when the Compact Disc launched in Japan.

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