Sony ps-x2 (1977-1979)

Name: Sony ps-x2
Brand: Sony

A direct-drive turntable from Sony’s PS-X series, produced as a rare, refined successor to the PS-X7 with full auto operation and high-end motor technology.

Overview

The Sony PS-X2 is a direct-drive turntable manufactured from October 1977 to 1979. It belongs to Sony's high-performance PS-X series and is described as a later sibling of the PS-X7, sharing the same tonearm but with a less robotic design and without carbon coating. Marketed as a very rare model, it was intended to offer the same precision and build quality as its predecessor while presenting a more conventional aesthetic. The unit features full auto functionality, including auto lead-in, return, cut, and repeat, operated via front controls that allow use with the dust cover closed.

Specifications

Drive system	Direct drive
Motor	Linear slotless motor
Servo system	Magnedisk servo control
Number of revolutions	33 1/3, 45 rpm
Wow and flutter	0.03%wrms
Signal-to-noise ratio	70dB(DIN-B)
Tone arm type	Static Balance S-shaped
Tone arm effective length	216.5mm
Tone arm total length	300mm
Tone arm overhang	16.5mm
Needle pressure adjustment range	0 ~ 3g
Shell dead weight	10.7g(SH-145)
Usable Cartridge Weight (Using Attached Shell)	2.5g ~ 9.5g
Cartridge type	MM Type (XL-15)
Cartridge frequency characteristic	10 Hz to 30 kHz
Cartridge output voltage	4 mv (1 khz, 5cm/s)
Cartridge optimum load impedance	50k Ω ~ 100k Ω
Cartridge needle pressure (optimum needle pressure)	1.2g ~ 2.5g (1.7g)
Cartridge needle	0.6 mil diamond needle
Cartridge dead weight	5.2g
Exchange needle	ND-15G(¥5,500)
Power supply voltage	100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz
Power consumption	4W
External dimensions	Width 445x Height 145x Depth 380 mm
Weight	7.5kg
Attachment	45 Rotation Adapter, Tracking error confirmation gauge
Turntable	32 cm Aluminum Die Cast

Design

The PS-X2 uses a linear slotless motor with a flat structure that brings the coil and magnet closer together for increased efficiency and stable, constant torque. It features a Magnedisk servo system that detects 512 wave signals magnetized on the turntable's edge, using a 6-tooth multi-gap head to average readings and improve accuracy. The full auto mechanism operates smoothly via a unique clutch system. The S-shaped tone arm uses a static balance design with precision pivot bearings, while the cartridge includes a conical damper, carbon fiber pole piece block, and cross magnetic circuit for balanced stereo reproduction. The cabinet has a walnut-finished wood case with a newly designed insulator and a large carved metal plate on the underside for shielding. The unit also includes fluid-filled feet and a brush-less, slot-less direct-drive motor.

Context

The Sony PS-X2 was positioned as a more affordable and visually conventional version of the PS-X7, maintaining high performance while reducing the futuristic "robot" look. It is recognized as a rare model within Sony’s turntable lineage.