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. It has a direct drive system with a linear BSL motor. Speed is read by a Magnedisk system, where a multi-gap head picks up signals from a densely magnetized, aluminum die-cast turntable. Wow and flutter is just 0.02% wrms, and the platter 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 has a newly developed high-sensitivity tone arm. The linear BSL motor handles speed control, and the Magnedisk system detects the mean value of the signals from the multi-gap head reading the magnetized turntable. The cabinet is made of SBMC acoustic material. The dust cover is thick and strong, which helps damp vibration. The insulators are filled with a gel-like damping material to reduce resonance.

Market

The Sony PS-X33 was released in 1980 with an original price of ¥35,800.

eBay Listings

Sony ps-x33 vintage audio equipment - eBay listing photo 1

2x Sony PS-X33 Turntable Plate Bracket Lid Hinges Hinge

$16.80

See all Sony ps-x33 on eBay

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