Sony ps-x600 (1980-1983)

Name: Sony ps-x600
Brand: Sony

Quartz-locked direct-drive turntable with Biotracer servo-controlled tonearm and electronic stylus pressure adjustment

Overview

The Sony PS-X600 is a fully automatic direct-drive turntable produced from 1980 to 1983, featuring quartz-locked speed control and the Biotracer bidirectional tangential tracking system. It was offered in three variants: the base PS-X600 without cartridge, the PS-X600C with the MM XL-20 cartridge, and the PS-X600MC with the MC XL-333E cartridge. The turntable uses a static-balanced straight tonearm guided by an optical sensor and linear motor for precise tracking, with electronic anti-skate correction and low-frequency resonance suppression. It sits below the PS-X700 and PS-X800 in Sony’s lineup and includes an auto-disc selector, audio muting circuit, and RM-65 remote compatibility.

Specifications

Production years	1980 – 1983
Original price (PS-X600)	¥59,800 (1980)
Original price (PS-X600C)	¥65,000 (1980)
Drive system	BSL (Brushless and Slotless) Direct-Drive Servo Control
Speed control	Quartz Lock
Speeds	33 1/3 & 45 rpm
Wow and flutter (WRMS)	0.015%
Wow and flutter (DIN45507)	±0.03%
Speed accuracy	±0.002%
Velocity deviation	0.0003%
Signal-to-noise ratio / Rumble	78dB (DIN B)
Start-up time	Within 1/2 rotation (at 33 1/3 rpm)
Braking	Electromagnetic
Tonearm type	Static-balanced, straight pipe with Biotracer/Dynamic Servo-tracer
Tone arm effective length	216.5 mm
Tone arm total length	295 mm
Overhang	15 mm
Tracking error angle	Within 2° per record radius
Needle pressure adjustment	0 – 3.0 g (Electronic, direct reading gauge)
Supplied headshell	SH-151 (5.0g)
Usable cartridge weight (without auxiliary weight)	7.5g – 12.5g
Usable cartridge weight (with auxiliary weight)	12g – 17g
Cartridge (PS-X600C)	MM Type XL-20
Cartridge (PS-X600MC)	MC Type XL-333E
Cartridge frequency response	10 Hz – 30 kHz
Cartridge output (XL-20)	3 mV (1 kHz, 5cm/s, 45°)
Cartridge output (XL-333E)	0.165 mV (1 kHz, 5cm/s, 45°)
Cartridge needle	0.3x0.8 mil Oval Diamond
Exchange needle (MM)	ND-200
Exchange needle (MC)	ND-333E
Turntable platter	32 cm (310 mm) Aluminum Die Cast, 1.5 kg
Plinth material	SBMC (Sony Bulk Mould Compound)
Feet	4 insulators filled with gel-like damping material
Power consumption	16W
Operation	Fully-automatic
Auto-Disc selector	Yes
Audio-Muting circuit	Yes
RM-65 compatibility	Yes
SBMC base	Yes
External dimensions	430 x 120 x 385 mm
Weight	8.5 kg

Design

The PS-X600 uses a Biotracer system with a microcomputer, linear motors, and optical sensors to enable bidirectional tangential tracking, reducing tracking error across the record surface. The tonearm is a tapered straight pipe made of special aluminum alloy, suspended on a 4-point gimbal with a Longs pan bearing shaft. Stylus pressure is electronically adjusted via front-panel control with a direct-reading gauge. The plinth is constructed from SBMC (Sony Bulk Mould Compound) for low resonance, and the turntable sits on four gel-filled insulators for enhanced vibration damping. The dust cover is thick and rigid to minimize acoustic feedback.

Context

The PS-X600 was released during the final peak of high-end turntable development before consumer focus shifted toward Compact Disc technology. It was positioned below the tangential-tracking PS-X800 and PS-X700 models, offering a more accessible entry into Sony’s servo-driven turntable line. The PS-X500 is a lighter variant without auto-disc size detection.

Market

The PS-X600 is described as simple, reliable, and surprisingly musical, with strong performance when paired with high-quality moving coil cartridges. Its servo arm system improves stereo separation and bass response, though sound quality assessments vary, with some praising its precision and others finding the servo technology underwhelming. Replacement parts such as capacitor kits are available, with a dedicated recap set listed for $15.00.