Sony PS-LX5BT

Seven years after the launch of the PS-LX310BT, Sony is updating its catalogue with two turntables. The PS-LX5BT is the higher-end model of this duo, designed to deliver superior listening quality while retaining the ease of use that made its predecessor so popular. Belt drive, fully automatic playback, Bluetooth aptX Adaptive transmission and a built-in phono preamplifier make up a package focused on convenience without sacrificing sound reproduction.

A design focused on reducing vibrations

The PS-LX5BT is built on a rigid one-piece chassis, an approach that limits stray resonances likely to degrade the audio signal. The die-cast aluminium platter, combined with a thick rubber mat, helps stabilise rotation and absorb micro‑vibrations. Decoupling feet complete this damping system.

The straight, lightweight aluminium tonearm comes with a pre-installed moving magnet (MM) cartridge with a tracking force of 2.0 g (± 0.5 g. This lower tracking force than that of the PS-LX3BT (3.5 g) allows for more accurate groove tracking, with less wear on both records and stylus. The cartridge is removable, making future replacement possible, even though Sony does not particularly highlight this option.

Bluetooth aptX Adaptive and wired connections

The built-in Bluetooth transmitter supports aptX and aptX Adaptive codecs. The latter dynamically adjusts the bitrate according to connection quality, reducing latency and improving signal stability compared with the standard aptX of the previous generation. Sony also advertises Hi-Res Wireless Audio compatibility, which is only effective with receiver devices that support aptX Adaptive.

For wired setups, the turntable features RCA outputs with gold-plated connectors. The audio cable is detachable, unlike on the PS-LX3BT where it is soldered to the chassis. This detail makes system upgrades and replacement easier if needed. A Phono/Line switch lets you choose between direct output (for an amplifier with a phono input) and the pre-amplified output (for active speakers or an amp without a phono input).

A phono preamplifier with gain control

The integrated preamplifier has a three-position gain selector: Low (-4 dB), Mid (0 dB) and High (+6 dB). This flexibility makes it possible to match the output level to the associated amplification system and to compensate for level variations between different pressings. According to Sony, the audio circuit has been optimised to minimise background noise.

Unlike what some initial sources had suggested, the PS-LX5BT does not feature a USB output. This functionality is reserved for other models in the Sony range.

Fully automatic operation

Three buttons are all you need to operate the turntable: play, stop and record size selection (7 or 12 inches). Pressing the play button starts the platter rotating, lowers the tonearm and places the cartridge at the beginning of the groove. At the end of the side, the tonearm lifts and returns to its rest position, then the motor stops. This operation eliminates tonearm handling, a frequent source of errors and damage to records or stylus.

Speed change (33⅓ or 45 rpm) is carried out using a dedicated button. An adapter for 7-inch 45s is included and can be stored in a compartment integrated into the chassis.

Clean design and included accessories

The lines of the PS-LX5BT are minimalist, with a uniform matte black finish. The high-transparency plastic dust cover is fully removable to make record handling easier. Its dimensions (430 × 118 × 367 mm) and weight (5.8 kg) put it in the mid-range for turntables of this category.

The box includes the turntable, platter, mat, cover, 45 rpm adapter, an RCA cable, the mains power supply and the cartridge already mounted on the tonearm. The packaging uses around 80% recycled materials, and Sony has incorporated tactile markers on the device to make it easier to use for people with visual impairments.

What sets the PS-LX5BT apart from the PS-LX3BT

The two turntables share their general architecture and automatic operation. The PS-LX5BT differs in several respects: MM cartridge with lower tracking force (2.0 g versus 3.5 g), detachable RCA cable (versus hard‑wired cable), thicker rubber mat, gold‑plated connectors and optimised circuits. These choices target more detailed reproduction and reduced background noise, which will be most noticeable with a reasonably good hi‑fi system.

The PS-LX3BT is better suited for use with Bluetooth speakers or a compact audio system. The PS-LX5BT comes into its own in a setup where a wired connection to an amplifier and passive speakers will allow its technical refinements to be fully exploited.

Technical specifications

Playback system

• Drive type: belt-drive
• Operation: fully automatic
• Playback speeds: 33 1/3 and 45 RPM
• Automatic return and stop: yes
• Cartridge: moving magnet (MM), preinstalled
• Tonearm: high-precision aluminum
• Platter: die-cast aluminum
• Mat: high-grip rubber

Audio performance

• Tracking force: 2.0 g ± 0.5 g
• Gain control: adjustable (LOW / MID / HIGH)
• Audio circuitry: low-noise audiophile design
• Sound reproduction: balanced, rich sound without distortion
• Built-in phono preamplifier: yes, switchable Phono / Line

Connectivity

• Bluetooth output: yes
• High-resolution wireless audio: aptX Adaptive compatible (available with aptX Adaptive compatible devices)
• Wired outputs: RCA line level
• Connectors: gold-plated
• Phono / Line switch: yes
• USB output: no

Construction and design

• Chassis: minimalist structure reducing vibrations
• Materials: high-quality aluminum and plastic
• Dust cover: removable, high transparency
• Finish: black
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 430 x 118 x 367 mm
• Weight: 5.8 kg

Box contents

• Sony PS-LX5BT turntable
• Dust cover
• Aluminum platter
• Anti-slip mat
• 45 RPM adapter
• RCA audio cable
• AC power adapter
• Preinstalled cartridge
• User manual