The PS-LX310BT turntable is recognized for its innovations and features – but how does it sound? Find out in this Sony PS-LX310BT review.
Ease of Use
(5.0) From initial setup to automated playback in just minutes |
Build Quality
(4.3) Purists may want an upgradeable cartridge and a heavier build |
Sound Quality
(4.5) Minor loss of detail and clarity in upper ranges, improved with an external amp |
Value for Money
(5.0) Great feature combination and ease of use with all your audio devices |
Sony PS-LX310BT Fully Automatic Turntable Review
Sony PS-LX310BT Turntable Overview
The PS-LX310BT developed by electronics giant Sony Corporation is a near-perfect combination of the natural, warm quality of vinyl sound with digital music convenience.
Seamless Bluetooth technology allows you to wirelessly pair the turntable with up to 6 devices, including headphones, soundbars, and speakers.
You can also use USB connectivity to digitize your favorite records and enjoy them on the go.
For ease of use, the tonearm is automated to find the groove when you press the “start” button and automatically return at the end of your favorite record. It has a built-in output to plug into your existing sound system.
The Sony PS-LX310BT has a belt-drive mechanism with a die-cast aluminum platter for excellent stability in terms of the build quality.
Using lightweight aluminum, the platter is robust complementing the sleek, minimalist design of the turntable itself.
The dust cover has a thick construction that reduces acoustic pressure and provides improved stability with less distortion.
It also sports a sleek redesigned tonearm made of sturdy aluminum with improved traceability that captures all the nuances in your records.
Easily adjust line or phono out, or use the built-in gain control to adjust your playback.
Highlights
The Sony PS-LX310BT was honored with an Innovation Award at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Showcase and recommended by the 2020 Men’s Health Tech Guide.
A well-conceived turntable recognized for its minimal design, clean, classic sound, and the convenience of Bluetooth and fully automatic playback.
The redesigned tonearm of the PS-LX310BT creates rich, clear sound, and the robust platter and dust cover provides excellent stability.
It has a sleek, classic look and pairs wirelessly with your favorite Bluetooth audio devices, or use the USB port to digitize your favorite music.
Who Get’s the Most Out of This Unit?
The Sony PS-LX310BT is designed for people who want to enjoy the warmth and purity of vinyl music without all the complexity.
In profile, it has a clean minimalist design and seamless integration with your existing audio playback devices.
The fully automatic arm and auto-stop give you a hands-free experience, creating clear, natural sound.
As we researched this Sony PS-LX310BT review, we found it’s not really designed for audiophiles. It doesn’t have gold RCA cables or other features that contribute to mitigating internal signal distortion.
The MM cartridge is good but not great, and many vinyl lovers prefer to drop the needle themselves.
Main Features
The Sony PS-LX310BT has wired or wireless playback that quickly connects to your existing audio system and sound devices.
It’s remarkably fast and easy to set up, with a one-step fully automatic playback that has you listening to music in just minutes.
The gain switch lets you adjust the gain to match your records, it has a neatly-stored 45 RPM adapter, and a USB port enables you to digitize your vinyl music.
Other significant features include the redesigned tonearm, aluminum platter, and thick dust cover. All designed to improve stability, reduce distortion, and promote clarity in your vinyl records.
Sony PS-LX310BT Highlights
- Redesigned sturdy aluminum tonearm for improved traceability and playback
- Thick dust cover reduces acoustic pressure and improves stability
- One-step playback and auto stop
- Connect with speaker wires or use Bluetooth to play records through your favorite headphones, speakers, or soundbar
- Die-cast aluminum platter for improved stability and clarity
The Unboxing Experience
Here’s a great video that shows how easy it is to set up the Sony PS-LX310BT and start enjoying your records in just minutes.
Sony PS-LX310BT Key Points
The Good
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- Seamless integration with existing digital speakers and audio systems
- Clear, warm sound with excellent stability and quality
- USB port for digitizing your record collection
The Not So Good
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- Proprietary tonearm shape makes it impossible to upgrade the cartridge
- Some people prefer to drop the needle themselves, rather than using the automated system
Other Turntables to Consider
When comparing the Sony PS-LX310BT to similar turntables, there are three main factors to consider:
Tonearm and Cartridge
In this price range, many competitor turntables, such as the Denon DP-300F, have a tonearm that is fully adjustable and can be re-balanced if you change or upgrade.
With the PS-LX310BT, tonearm adjustability is just as minimal as its design.
Having said that, it does share the Audio-Technica ATN3600L MM-type cartridge with the Denon DP-300F as an OEM replacement.
Sound Isolation
In comparison, competitor turntables like the Fluance RT80 have superior built-in features to help isolate unwanted interference and vibration.
Features like a sound isolation plinth, grounding terminals, gold-plated RCA lines, and other elements that help reduce distortion and improve the signal-to-noise ratio.
These features make a subtle difference in audio quality that may appeal to audiophiles.
USB and Bluetooth Capabilities
Audiophiles who want more features, upgrades, and options may want to consider the Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT.
It has all the features of the PS-LX310BT, along with more of the high-end features they are looking for.
Though it lacks USB, the AT-LP60XBT does offer belt-drive, fully automatic operation, Bluetooth connectivity, and an adjustable tonearm.
Sony PS-LX310BT Review – Final Thoughts
Throughout this Sony PS-LX310BT review, overall we found it to be a high-quality turntable that integrates quickly and seamlessly into your digital music ecosystem. This lets you enjoy the warmth and quality of vinyl records with all the convenience of wireless connectivity via Bluetooth.
Vinyl purists may prefer a turntable with more audio quality features, like the Fluance RT80 or the Audio-Technica LP60XBT. Still, people who want a great mix of price, quality, and convenience will be more than satisfied with the Sony PS-LX310BT.
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- Ease of Use
- Build Quality
- Sound Quality
- Value Factor
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