Sony PS-LX5BT Bluetooth turntable review: Impressive sound but high price for limited customization

At a glance:

• Sony's PS-LX5BT offers high-quality sound with Bluetooth aptX Adaptive connectivity and easy setup
• The turntable lacks adjustable anti-skate and tracking force, limiting customization options for audiophiles
• Priced at $500 (currently discounted to $475), it's positioned above entry-level models but may not justify the cost for experienced vinyl enthusiasts

What is the Sony PS-LX5BT?

In a world dominated by streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, vinyl records continue to thrive as a physical audio medium. Last year, vinyl record sales surpassed $1 billion for the first time this century, demonstrating that music enthusiasts still value the tangible experience of collecting and listening to records. With this resurgence, turntables have evolved to include modern features like Bluetooth connectivity and USB outputs, bridging the gap between analog and digital listening experiences.

The Sony PS-LX5BT is positioned as an "upgrade to your vinyl journey," targeting listeners who are beyond beginners but not yet seasoned collectors or audiophiles. Sony has designed this turntable with a one-piece body and an aluminum tone arm, which significantly reduces vibrations and skips during playback. The build quality is substantial, suggesting durability for regular use while maintaining the aesthetic appeal that vinyl enthusiasts appreciate.

Features and Performance

The PS-LX5BT incorporates hi-res wireless audio through Qualcomm's aptX Adaptive technology, supporting frequencies of approximately 96kHz/24bit. This ensures that Bluetooth streaming maintains high-quality audio fidelity, a crucial factor for listeners who demand premium sound. The setup process is notably straightforward, with the reviewer noting it as "perhaps the easiest turntable I've ever assembled," particularly when it comes to installing the belt, which can be a challenging task for many users.

One convenient feature is the autoplay functionality, which automatically raises the tone arm and queues to the first track at the press of a button. While vinyl purists may prefer manual operation, this automation appeals to those seeking a more convenient listening experience. The turntable offers dual output options: a traditional phono output for connecting to quality speakers and Bluetooth for casting to modern devices like Sonos speakers or wireless headphones, providing versatility in different audio setups.

Listening Experience

During testing, the reviewer evaluated the turntable with both vintage and contemporary vinyl records. On the Beatles' "White Album," a vintage record with extensive play history, the PS-LX5BT delivered remarkably clean audio, with minimal surface noise. The reviewer noted missing some of the characteristic crackling and popping sounds that often accompany older records, though this didn't detract from the overall impressive sound quality.

Modern recordings also performed exceptionally well. Bob Moses' "Days Gone By" sounded "crisp, bubbly even" on the electronic-based tracks, while Taylor Swift's "Evermore" featured "clean and sharp" vocals that brought a fresh quality to the album. The turntable demonstrated its ability to handle various music genres and recording eras with consistent performance, showcasing its versatility across different musical styles and production qualities.

Digital Conversion Capabilities

A standout feature of the PS-LX5BT is its USB output, which allows users to connect the turntable to a computer for digitizing vinyl records. While this functionality may not appeal to the average listener, it offers significant value for specific use cases. DJs can utilize this feature to extract samples for their productions, while collectors can digitize their vintage collections to enjoy on-the-go without risking damage to the original records.

The inclusion of USB recording capability positions the PS-LX5BT as a bridge between analog and digital worlds, addressing the needs of listeners who want to preserve their vinyl collections in digital formats. This feature adds practical value beyond basic playback, potentially justifying part of the premium price point for users with specific digitization requirements.

Limitations for Audiophiles

Despite its strengths, the PS-LX5BT has notable limitations that may deter experienced vinyl enthusiasts. The turntable lacks adjustable anti-skate and tracking force controls, which are standard features on higher-end models. These adjustments are crucial for optimizing cartridge performance and extending record life, particularly with different record pressings or stylus types.

The PS-LX5BT comes with an MM cartridge in the AT-3600 variant, which is adequate but not exceptional. For many vinyl enthusiasts, the ability to customize or upgrade the cartridge is an important consideration when selecting a turntable. This limitation, combined with the fixed settings, means the PS-LX5BT may not satisfy those seeking more control over their audio setup or planning to invest in premium cartridges.

Value and Alternatives

The Sony PS-LX5BT is priced at $500, currently discounted to $475 on Sony's website. While the build quality and audio performance are impressive, the reviewer questions whether the price is justified given the limited customization options. For listeners seeking an easy upgrade from a basic entry-level turntable without requiring extensive setup knowledge or customization, the PS-LX5BT offers a compelling package with its sound quality and convenience features.

As a more affordable alternative, the reviewer recommends the Audio-Technica AT-LP70XBT, priced at $348. This competing model provides similar Bluetooth functionality at a significantly lower price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers who still want wireless connectivity and decent sound quality. For those prioritizing customization and audiophile-grade components, higher-priced models with adjustable features would be more appropriate despite the additional investment.