Sony announces its first turntables in years

Sony is releasing a new turntable for the first time since 2019. Two, in fact. The entry-level PS-LX3BT ($399.99) and step-up PS-LX5BT ($499.99) are designed for easy operation with both wired and Bluetooth hi-res audio.

Both turntables include one-button automatic playback — which starts the turntable, raises and lowers the tonearm on the vinyl, and returns the tonearm to its resting position once the record ends — a transparent dust cover to keep colored vinyl printings visible as the record plays, and a built-in switchable EQ to select between phono and line-level output. A USB output allows you to convert your vinyl to a digital file and has a three-level output gain selector with low, mid, and high settings. The two turntables also support 96kHz/24-bit wireless aptX Adaptive hi-res Bluetooth audio.

The LX3BT uses a moving magnet cartridge with 3.5g of stylus pressure, while the more expensive 5BT’s high-precision moving magnet cartridge has a stylus pressure of 2g. Sony did not reveal who manufactures the cartridges, and they can only be replaced through Sony customer support. Aftermarket cartridges, such as those from Ortofon, are not compatible with either model.

The LX5BT has detachable RCA cables (the LX3BT’s are hardwired), so you can use either the included set or your own if you need a different length. It also has a lightweight black aluminum platter (the LX3BT’s aluminum platter is silver) with a rubber slip mat to keep your records stable and help reduce vibrations. The step-up turntable also uses higher-quality electronic components to reduce noise and distortion.

These could be the last turntables released by Sony’s home entertainment business as we know it. With Tuesday’s announcement that Sony and TCL are exploring a new joint venture that would bring Sony’s TVs and home audio equipment under a new entity with TCL holding the majority of shares, the future feels up in the air.

The PS-LX3BT is available for preorder now with a February release, while the PS-LX5BT will be available in April.

Update, January 22nd: Sony provided additional details after publish about aftermarket cartridge compatibility and the aluminum platters on each model.