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 built 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. It shares the PS-X7 tonearm, but the design is less robotic and has no carbon coating. It is marketed as a very rare model, meant to give the same precision and build quality as its predecessor in a more conventional look. It has full auto operation: auto lead-in, return, cut and repeat. The controls are on the front, so you can use it 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 puts the coil and magnet closer together, which gives better efficiency and steady, constant torque. The Magnedisk servo system reads 512 wave signals magnetized on the turntable's edge. A 6-tooth multi-gap head averages the readings to improve accuracy. The full auto mechanism runs smoothly through a unique clutch system. The S-shaped tone arm uses a static balance design with precision pivot bearings. The cartridge has a conical damper, a carbon fiber pole piece block and a cross magnetic circuit for balanced stereo reproduction. The cabinet is a walnut-finished wood case with a newly designed insulator, and a large carved metal plate on the underside provides shielding. The unit also has 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. It keeps the high performance but tones down the futuristic "robot" look. It is recognized as a rare model in Sony's turntable lineage.