Sony ps-x65 (1980-1982)
A full-auto turntable with computer-controlled tonearm and crystal-locked speed accuracy
Overview
The Sony PS-X65, produced from October 1979 to 1982, is a full auto player turntable available in two variants: the PS-X65 without a cartridge and the PS-X65C with the MM-type XL-25A cartridge. It's an updated version of the PS-X60, featuring enhanced electronics and improved operability, sharing control layout with the PS-X75. The turntable uses a computer-controlled tonearm (PUA-7) that combines electronic biotracer control with static balance, enabling precise tracking and automated operation. Described as a "Legendary Product" in Sony's history, it stands alongside models like the PS-X6, PS-X60, and PS-X75 in the company's high-end turntable lineage.
Specifications
| Drive system | Linear BSL motor Direct drive system |
| Speed control system | Crystal lock and magnedisc servo system |
| Wow and flutter | 0.015% wrms (rotating system) |
| Speed accuracy | ±0.003% |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 78dB(DIN-B) |
| Start-up characteristic / Full speed ahead | 1/2 turn or less |
| Drift time | 0.0003% / h or less |
| Platter / Turntable | 32 cm Aluminum Die Cast |
| Tone Arm Model | PUA-7 |
| Tone Arm Effective length / Pivot to stylus length | 235mm |
| Tone Arm Total Length | 330mm |
| Tracking error | + 2°27' - 1°30' |
| Overhang | 13 mm |
| Arm Height Adjustment Range / Adjustable VTA | +/- 3 mm |
| Needle pressure / Stylus range | 0 ~ 2.5g |
| Anti-skating range | 0...2.5g |
| Shell dead weight | 11.0g(SH-155) |
| Usable cartridge weight limit (including shell weight) | 12.0g ~ 19.0g; 19.0g ~ 26.0g (Auxiliary Weight Used) |
| Cartridge (PS-X65C Only) | MM Type (XL-25A) |
| Cartridge Frequency characteristic (PS-X65C Only) | 10 Hz to 30 kHz |
| Cartridge Output voltage (PS-X65C Only) | 4 mv (1 khz, 5cm/s, 45°) |
| Cartridge Needle (PS-X65C Only) | 0.3x0.8 mil Diamond Oval Needle |
| Cartridge Dead weight (PS-X65C Only) | 5.2g |
| External dimensions | Width 480x Height 165x Depth 420 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 13 kg |
| Attachment | 45 Rotation Adapter, Auxiliary weight, Head Shell (SH-155), Set of cartridge mounting screws |
| Disc-size recognition | optical, via a light pole at the back that beams through cutouts in the platter and its mat. |
Design
The PS-X65 uses a computer-controlled tonearm with a horizontal speed sensor, position sensor, and linear motor for fully electronic horizontal drive. It features Sony’s brushless and slotless (BSL) direct drive motor and a Magne-disk speed detection system, where a multi-gap head reads pulses from a magnetized edge on the platter, generating a 284 Hz signal at 33 1/3 rpm. Speed is locked to a crystal oscillator for extreme accuracy. The tonearm base is zinc-die-cast with a double-support chucking mechanism and Longs pan bearing to reduce resonance. The cabinet is made of SBMC sound-damping material, the dust cover is thick to resist vibration, and gel-like damping material is enclosed in the insulators. Disc size is detected optically, and the front panel includes arm controls and LEDs for speed selection. A muting mechanism is linked to the arm lifter.
Context
The PS-X65 is positioned as an updated version of the PS-X60 with more advanced electronics and shared operability with the PS-X75. It is recognized as a "Legendary Product" in Sony's history and part of a lineage that includes the PS-X6 and PS-X75.
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