Sony ps-x45 (1980)
Direct-drive turntable with quartz-locked speed and Sony’s Biotracer active servo tonearm, released in 1980.
Overview
The Sony PS-X45 is a direct-drive, full auto turntable system released in 1980. Speed is quartz-locked, and wow and flutter measures just 0.02% wrms. It also has an arm limiter. If something blocks the tonearm by hand during operation, the limiter disengages the auto function.
Specifications
| Drive type | Direct-drive |
| Speed control | Quartz lock |
| Wow and flutter | 0.02% wrms (rotating system) |
| Start-up characteristic | Within 1/2 Rotation (at 33 1/3rpm) |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 78dB(DIN-B) |
| Tone arm type | Biotracer |
| Tone arm description | Active servo tonearm |
| Tone arm effective length | 216.5mm |
| Tone arm total length | 300mm |
| Needle pressure adjustment range | 0 ~ 3.0g |
| Shell dead weight | 8.0g |
| Usable cartridge weight limit (including shell) | 11.5g ~ 18.5g |
| Usable cartridge weight limit (Auxiliary Weight Used) | 18.0g ~ 25.0g |
| Cartridge type | MM Type (XL-15) |
| Cartridge frequency characteristic | 10 Hz to 30 kHz |
| Cartridge output voltage | 4 mV (1 kHz, 5cm/s, 45°) |
| Cartridge needle | 0.6 mil diamond needle |
| Cartridge dead weight | 5.2g |
| Load Impedance | 47K ohm |
| Channel Balance | 2.5 dB |
| Channel Separation | 18dB @ 1kHz |
| Turntable diameter | 31 cm Aluminum Die Cast |
| External dimensions | Width 430 × Height 135 × Depth 375 mm |
| Weight | 7kg |
| Attachments | 45 Rotation Adapter, Auxiliary weight, Head shell, Cartridge (XL-15), Dust cover |
Design
The motor is a linear BSL type with no brushes and no slots. A magne-disk speed detection system generates a signal of approximately 284 Hz at 33 1/3rpm, and the servo circuit uses crystal lock phase control to keep rotation stable. The tonearm has a Longspan bearing shaft carried on a single straight shaft with four-point support. Structural integration keeps resonance down. The cabinet is SBMC, an acoustic material with high strength and low resonance. It also has a thick dust cover and gel-filled insulators for vibration damping. The "Biotracer" active servo tonearm eliminates tracking error and resonance.
Context
The PS-X45 is part of Sony's Biotracer turntable series. It follows the 1979 PS-X75, which introduced the Biotracer active servo tonearm technology.
Market
Common problems are a jammed start/stop button, drive motor failure, and a misbehaving tonearm lift mechanism. Cleaning the button area, inspecting the lift linkage, and lubricating moving parts fixes many of these. Drive problems may need a belt or motor replacement. Regular cleaning and gentle handling help prevent mechanical faults. Spare parts are available on eBay. Units in good condition currently sell for around $300.
Market Value
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ SONY PS-X45 Nov 2026 │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ High $233 Latest $233 │ │ Median $219 Trend — │ │ Low $23 Volume ~1/mo │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ $300 ┤ │ │ │ │ │ │ . . . .│ │ $171 ┤ │ │ │ │ │ │ . │ │ │ │ │ $0 ┤. │ │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ vol │█ ██ █ █ █│ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ 2026-01 2026-05 2026-08│ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
eBay completed sales. Excludes accessories, parts, and non-working units. Hover points for details.
eBay Listings
Recently sold on eBay: $113–$230 (median $219, based on 6 completed sales, past 12 months)
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