Sony has introduced two new Bluetooth turntables after seven years of radio silence.
The unique Sony PS-LX310BT developed a cult following in that point as one of many few worthwhile beginner-friendly Bluetooth document gamers (together with the Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-USB). Now, as an alternative of scouring Reddit for funds Bluetooth document participant suggestions, these cautiously trying to exchange their previous Sony PS-LX310BT have two direct successors as an improve possibility: The $399.99 Sony PS-LX3BT (out there to pre-order now) or the marginally extra premium $499.99 Sony PS-LX5BT (coming this spring).
Sadly, the brand new document gamers include the next worth than the unique. For reference, the 2019 PS-LX310BT prices $448, nevertheless it was out there for $199.99 for a few years.
The comparatively random announcement got here simply days after Sony introduced that it was handing its dwelling leisure enterprise (TVs, dwelling audio gear) to TCL. The information did not sound overly promising for anybody holding on to hope that Sony would ever make a brand new turntable. False alarm — the perfect Sony headphones aren’t the one technique to recognize Sony’s hi-fi experience in 2026. This is what to anticipate.
Mashable Gentle Pace
What’s totally different in regards to the new Sony Bluetooth turntables
In addition to the beloved PS-LX310BT has aged, the expertise remains to be creeping up on a decade previous. The upgraded playback tech within the 2026 fashions contains expanded assist for Bluetooth codecs like aptX and aptX-Adaptive, minimizing the quantity of essential sound particulars which are misplaced over an ordinary wi-fi connection. Each assist 33⅓ data and 45s and have built-in phono preamps to attach on to a speaker system.
The PS-LX3BT is available in a darkish grey end.
Credit score: Sony
The PS-LX5BT is available in black.
Credit score: Sony
The PS-LX5BT contains a Transferring Magnet cartridge, extra exact stylus stress, and a gold-plated audio jack that is stated to raise wired connections. That is clearly the choice geared extra towards stricter audiophiles, whereas the PS-LX3BT can be a fantastic document participant for novices.
What’s not totally different in regards to the new Sony Bluetooth turntables
What hasn’t modified in both is the actual fact the PS-LX3BT and PS-LX5BT are nonetheless each absolutely automated, belt-drive turntables. That is perhaps a bummer for some vinyl purists — the decreasing of the needle by hand and nostalgic pre-track crackling play simply as a lot of a job within the general turntable expertise as the standard of the sound itself.
Nevertheless, as analog media makes a comeback, there’s positively room out there for less complicated automated document gamers, particularly ones with Bluetooth options. With these Bluetooth document gamers, you possibly can benefit from the traditional sound of vinyl data beamed on to your favourite wi-fi headphones. And if you have already got Sony headphones, connecting needs to be even simpler.
