Sony ps-x65 (1980-1982)

A full-auto turntable with computer-controlled tonearm and crystal-locked speed accuracy

Overview

The Sony PS-X65 was produced from October 1979 to 1982. It's a full auto player turntable and came 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, with better electronics and improved operability, and it shares its control layout with the PS-X75. The tonearm (PUA-7) is computer-controlled. It combines electronic biotracer control with static balance for precise tracking and automated operation. Sony's own history calls it a "Legendary Product," in the same line as the PS-X6, PS-X60 and PS-X75, the company's high-end turntables.

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 tonearm has a horizontal speed sensor, a position sensor and a linear motor, so the horizontal drive is fully electronic. The platter is spun by Sony's brushless and slotless (BSL) direct drive motor. Speed detection is the Magne-disk system. A multi-gap head reads pulses from a magnetized edge on the platter and generates 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 a Longs pan bearing to reduce resonance. The cabinet is made of SBMC sound-damping material. The dust cover is thick to resist vibration, and the insulators are filled with a gel-like damping material. Disc size is detected optically. The front panel has arm controls and LEDs for speed selection. A muting mechanism is linked to the arm lifter.

Context

The PS-X65 is an updated PS-X60 with more advanced electronics, and it shares its operability with the PS-X75. Sony's history lists it as a "Legendary Product," part of a lineage that includes the PS-X6 and PS-X75.