Sony PS-LX3 (1981)
A full-auto direct drive turntable released in 1981 with quartz lock and automatic disc size detection.
Overview
The Sony PS-LX3 is a full-automatic direct drive turntable developed for easy operation and accurate playback. Released in 1981, it features quartz-locked speed control and an opto-electronic disc size selector that automatically detects 17 cm or 30 cm records. The tonearm uses a Lummus straight arm design, which Sony states eliminated tracking error and resonance. The cabinet is constructed from SBMC material, chosen for its internal loss and strength.
Specifications
| Drive Type | Direct Drive |
| Operation Type | Full Automatic |
| Wow and Flutter | 0.02% WRMS (Rotating System) |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 75dB (DIN-B) |
| Tone Arm Type | Lummus / Straight Arm |
| Tone Arm Effective Length | 216.5mm |
| Tone Arm Total Length | 280mm |
| Needle Pressure Adjustment Range | 0 ~ 3.0g |
| Usable Cartridge Weight Range | 7.5g ~ 12g (including shell) |
| Cartridge Type | MM Type (XL-150, Shell Integrated Type) |
| Original Cartridge | Sony XL-150G |
| Cartridge Frequency Characteristic | 10 Hz to 25 kHz |
| Cartridge Output Voltage | 3 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s, 45°) |
| Stylus Tip Shape | Conical Diamond |
| Original Stylus/Needle | Sony ND-150G |
| Exchange Needle | ND-150G (¥3,000) |
| Cartridge Dead Weight | 8.8g |
| Turntable Platter | 31 cm Aluminum Die Cast |
| External Dimensions | 430 mm (W) × 105 mm (H) × 355 mm (D) |
| Weight | 6.1 kg |
Design
The PS-LX3 uses a Lummus straight tonearm designed to eliminate tracking error and resonance. Speed control is managed by a linear BSL motor with magnedisk speed detection and quartz lock precision. An opto-electronic disc size selector automatically identifies 17 cm or 30 cm records, and a muting mechanism prevents noise when the stylus contacts the record. The chassis is made of SBMC material for high internal loss and structural strength.
Market
Replacement styli are available, with the ND-150G listed at $47.98 (LP Gear). Recent market listings show wide price variation: units have sold for as low as ¥8,500 (Rakutan-Rakuma, Mar 2026) and as high as $399 (HifiShark), with some offered for parts or repair, noted as "operation not yet verification" or "Junk exhibition."
Market Value
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ SONY PS-LX3 Apr 2026 │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ High $243 Latest $91 │ │ Median $100 Trend ▼ Down │ │ Low $10 Volume ~12/mo │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ $300 ┤ │ │ │ │ │ │ . │ │ $171 ┤ .. . .. . │ │ │ . . . . . │ │ │. . . . . . . . .│ │ │ . . . . . . . │ │ $0 ┤ . . . . . │ │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ vol │▂▂▅ ▅▂▂▂ ▅▂▂ █ ▂ ▂▅ ▂ ▂ ▂ ▅▂ ▂ █ ▂ ▂ █ ▂│ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ 2026-01 2026-02 2026-04│ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
eBay completed sales. Excludes accessories, parts, and non-working units. Hover points for details.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.
Related Models
- Sony apm-20av (1980s)
- Sony apm-22es (1984-1986)
- Sony apm-55w (1980s (exact years uncertain))
- Sony apm-66es (1983-1985)
- Sony apm-77 (1982-1984)