Sony PS-LX55 (1983–1984)
A direct-drive, full-auto turntable with linear tracking and quartz-locked speed control, made in Japan.
Overview
The Sony PS-LX55 is a 2-speed direct-drive turntable produced from 1983 to 1984. It features a full auto-player system with automatic record detection, muting, and lead-in. Designed for precision, it uses a linear tracking tone arm to minimize distortion from tracking errors and includes a plug-in MM cartridge for easy replacement. The turntable was manufactured in Japan and marketed as a high-fidelity component with advanced features for its class.
Specifications
| Type | D. D. full auto-player system |
| Turntable | 30 cm Aluminum Die Cast |
| Wow and flutter | 0.03% WRMS (rotating system) |
| Start-up characteristic | Within 2/3 Rotation (at 33 1/3rpm) |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 75dB(DIN-B) |
| Tone arm | Static balance type |
| Tone arm effective length | 75mm |
| Tone arm total length | 178mm |
| Needle pressure | 1.25g fixed |
| Cartridge | MM Type (XL-250G, plug-in connector type) |
| Frequency characteristic | 5 Hz to 80 kHz |
| Output voltage | 5 mv (1 khz, 5cm/s, 45 °) |
| Needle | 0.6 mil-round diamond |
| Cartridge dead weight | 6.0g |
| Exchange needle | ND-250G(¥3,500) |
| External dimensions | Width 355x Height 80x Depth 355 mm |
| Weight | 4.0kg |
| Attachment | 45 Rotation Adapter |
| Sold Separately | Synchro Remote Control Unit RM-65 (¥ 3,000) |
Design
The PS-LX55 employs a linear tracking tone arm that reduces sound distortion due to tracking errors. The arm pipe uses a square short span design with approximately 70% greater second moment in section than a round pipe of the same diameter, increasing rigidity. It features a plug-in type shell connector compatible with cartridges built to unified standards. The turntable uses a DC motor with no brushes or slots, adopting a linear BSL motor to suppress cogging torque. An opto-electronic disc size selector automatically detects records, ensures accurate lead-in, and prevents needle drop when no record is present. A muting mechanism eliminates noise during contact between the record and needle. When paired with the optional Synchro Remote Control Unit RM-65, it can sync playback with a cassette deck.
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