Sony PS-X33 (1980)
Direct-drive turntable with linear BSL motor and high-sensitivity tone arm, released in 1980.
Overview
The Sony PS-X33 is a fully automatic turntable released in 1980 as part of Sony's legendary turntable lineup. It features a direct drive system powered by a linear BSL motor and uses a Magnedisk speed detection system, where a multi-gap head reads signals from a densely magnetized aluminum die-cast turntable. The turntable achieves stable rotation with a wow and flutter of just 0.02% wrms and reaches playing speed within half a rotation at 33 1/3rpm.
Specifications
| Wow and Flutter | 0.02% wrms |
|---|---|
| Start-up Characteristic | Within 1/2 Rotation (at 33 1/3rpm) |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 75dB (DIN-B) |
| Pitch Control Range | ± 4% |
| Tone Arm Effective Length | 216.5mm |
| Tone Arm Total Length | 300mm |
| Needle Pressure Adjustment | 0 ~ 3.0g |
| Shell Dead Weight | 8.0g |
| Usable Cartridge Weight | 12.5g ~ 20.0g (including shell) |
| Cartridge Type | MM Type (XL-15) |
| Cartridge Frequency Response | 10 Hz to 30 kHz |
| Cartridge Output Voltage | 4 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s, 45°) |
| Cartridge Needle | 0.6 mil diamond needle |
| Cartridge Dead Weight | 5.2g |
| Turntable Diameter | 31 cm |
| Turntable Material | Aluminum Die Cast |
| External Dimensions | Width 430 × Height 140 × Depth 375 mm |
| Weight | 6.5 kg |
| Servo Circuit Signal Frequency | Approximately 284 Hz at 33 1/3rpm |
Design
The PS-X33 uses a newly developed high-sensitivity tone arm and a direct drive system with a linear BSL motor for precise speed control. Speed is monitored via a Magnedisk system that detects the mean value of signals from a multi-gap head reading the magnetized turntable. The cabinet is constructed from SBMC acoustic material, and a thick, strong dust cover is used to enhance vibration damping. Gel-like damping material is enclosed in the insulators to reduce resonance.
Market
The Sony PS-X33 was released in 1980 with an original price of ¥35,800.
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