Sony PS-Q7 (1982-1984)

Name: Sony ps-q7
Brand: Sony

Compact direct-drive turntable with built-in FM transmitter, headphone amplifier, and full auto operation, sold primarily in Japan.

Overview

The Sony PS-Q7 is a full automatic direct-drive turntable produced from August 1982 to 1984. It was designed to match the FH-7 micro system and responds to the compact turntable concept introduced by the Technics SL-10. The PS-Q7 integrates a built-in RIAA amplifier, FM transmitter, and headphone amplifier in a chassis about two-thirds the size of an LP jacket. It features automatic start and Oatley turn operation, with a one-touch selector for switching between 33 and 45 rpm and adjusting the tone arm lead-in position for 17 cm or 30 cm records. Japanese models were sold as the 'Heli Player' and include a functional FM stereo transmitter; export versions lack this feature, with the transmitter section unpopulated on the PCB.

Specifications

Production Years	August 1982 to 1984
Drive Type	Direct-drive with Servo Lock
Operation	Automatic
Motor Type	BSL (Brushless and SlotLess) with 'Magnedisc' encoder
Wow and Flutter	0.08% WRMS
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	68dB (DIN-B)
Tone Arm Type	Dynamic balance type, L-shaped pivot at rear
Needle Pressure	2g Fixed
Cartridge	MM Type VL-43G (arm integrated)
Frequency Response (Cartridge)	10 Hz to 20 kHz
Output Voltage	3.5 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s, 45°)
Stylus	0.6 mil-round diamond (ND-143G replacement, ¥3,500)
Speeds	33 rpm, 45 rpm
Record Sizes	7 in, 12 in
Transmitter Frequency	77.3 MHz to 78.7 MHz
Transmitter Modulation	Lithium tantalate controlled oscillation system
Channel Separation (Transmitter)	25 dB
Outputs	3.5mm direct cartridge output, 3.5mm headphone jack with volume control
Dimensions	215 mm (W) × 60 mm (H) × 235 mm (D)
Weight	2.5 kg
Colors	Silver (common), brownish black, red (rare), blue (x-rare, Japan only), pearl white (rumored)
Accessories	45 rpm adapter, flock-covered cardboard shim disc, built-in center clamp on ball-race

Design

The PS-Q7 uses a straight, dynamically balanced tone arm with an L-shaped pivot located near the center at the rear of the deck to save space. The short arm section is pressure die-cast with an integral bearing housing; the long section is made from square alloy tube. The direct-drive system employs a flat linear BSL motor acting as the platter, with the control loop using record mass for stability due to minimal flywheel effect. Automatic arm movement is driven by a dedicated motor coordinated via digital electronics, not spindle gears. The headphone amplifier and RIAA equalizing circuitry are miniaturized and mounted under the arm rest. Japanese models include a rear FM antenna with a red LED indicator that glows during transmission.

Context

The PS-Q7 was Sony's compact, integrated response to the Technics SL-10. It was more successful in sales than the PS-F9 Flamingo and became one of Sony's better-remembered turntable models. A simpler belt-drive version, the PS-Q3, was also offered, along with the PS-Q9, which added a Control S plug. All models in the Q-series were available in brownish-black, though only the PS-Q7 was offered in rare colors like blue and red. The PS-Q7 was marketed with superior packaging compared to its siblings.