Sony PS-X800 turntable

 

The Perfect Match - The Biotracer Tonearm and Tangential Tracking

The PS-X800 is designed for audiophiles and music lovers who will settle for nothing but the very best reproduction of music from their record collection. Careful attention was given to each detail of the PS-X800 to make it the new standard against which every other turntable will have to be measured.

Outstanding Features:

Tangential Biotracer tonearm for minimum distortion, excellent soni performance

Biotracer tonearm elicits the best performance from the widest variety of cartridges

Biotracer actively damps tonearm/cartridge resonance and achieves wide stereo separation

Biotracer controls tracking force, anti-skating and tonearm automatic functions

 

Tonearm

Advanced fully automatic operation is silent and responsive for total convenience

Automatic zero-balance for fast interchange of cartridges

Tonearm may be "indexed" left and right at high or low speed without lifting dust cover.

Feather-touch controls respond to the slightest finger contact for fast, effortless function selection

Automatic record-size selector permits precise and safe indexing

Audio muting circuit provides silence during start, return, and cueing phases

Luminous end-of-disc sensor frees the tonearm from mechanical linkages for improved reliability

Capable of operation in synchronization with selected Sony cassette decks using the optional Sony RM-65

Repeat mode for continuous music

Accepts universal headshells and cartridge/headshell combinations

 

Turntable

Quartz lock with Magnedisc servo control prevents even minute speed variations caused by external factors

The Sony Linear Torque BSL motor designed for uniform and smooth delivery

Of torque

Electromagnetic braking provides rapid and smooth half of platter rotation

Sony Bulk Molding Compound base is both rigid and acoustically inert to reduce feedback

Adjustable, gel-filled feet isolate turntable from external vibrations

 

The tangential Biotracer tonearm

The Sony PS-X800 is the first turntable to combine the advantages of tangetial tracking with the low-frequency performance of a stable tonearm foundation. Like other straight-line tracking turntables, the X800 uses a tonearm mounted on a moving platform. However, unlike any other tangetial arm in the world, the tonearm of the X800 incorporates Sony's innovative Biotracer design.

The Biotracer's automated Motional Feedback (MFB) system constantly senses and corrects for tonearm vibration. For this reason, the arm provides all the advantages of a solid foundation: full-bodied, detailed low frequencies. And you get the reduced distortion, and improved stereo separation associated with tangential tonearms.

 the Biotracer tonearm of the PS-X800 is the first design to fulfill the promise of straight-line tracking. Quite clearly, the combination of the Biotracer tonearm and the tangential configuaration results in a joyful musical experiance.

 

Uni-Motion design for superior precision

He tangential Biotracer arm provides still more benefits. Other straight-line tracking arms require some slight tracking error to keep the arm moving forward. These tonearms are in a constant state of correcting tracking error. In contrast, the PS-X800 incorporates Uni-Motion design. Uni-Motion brings the tonearm slowly towards the center of the record, even when no tracking error is detected. As a result, the tangetntial Biotracer maintains superior groove tangency. Phase differences between the stereo channels are dramatically reduced. This results in a stable stereo image, with outstanding spatial characteristics.

As a final measure of precision, the vertical tonearm bearings, so important to tonearm function, are made to extremely close dimensional tolerances. Situated in Sony's long-span pivot, they provide the final assurance of exquisite performance.

The PS-X800, with its Biotracer tonearm and straight-line tracking displays exceptionally lower distortion, extraordinary stereo separation and greatly improved reproduction of the inner grooves of all records,  most important, the Biotracer tonearm is unique in providing the solid, vibration-free tonearm base necessary for superior music reproduction.

 

Specifications

Operation Type: Fully-automatic

Tonearm

Type:  Tangential Biotracer

Effective Length:  180 mm (7-1/8 ")

Overhang:  0 mm (0 ")

Tracking Error:  ±0,05°

Usable Cartridge Weight (including headshell): 10 -17g; 16 - 23 g; 22 - 29 g

Supplied Headshell:  SH-156 (7.2)

Effective Mass (without cartridge): 

Turntable

Drive System Motor Direct, BSL - Yes

Magnedisc Servo Control - Yes

Quartz Lock, with Indicator - Yes

Wow and Flutter

WRMS :  0,025%

DIN-45507 :  ±0,03%

FG Direct Measurement:  0,015%

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (DIN-B): 78 dB

Speed Accuracy:  better than 0,003%

Start-up Time at 33-⅓ rpm:  1/2 rotation

Platter Diameter:  320 mm (12-5/8")

Platter Weight (with rubber mat):  1075 kg (3 lb 14 oz)

Speeds:   33-⅓ and 45 rpm

Electromagnetics Breaking:  Yes

Others

Power Requirements:  AC 120 V

Power Consumption:  45 Watts

Dimensions (W x H x D):  440 x 120 x 440 mm (17-5/16" x 4-3/4" x 17-5/16")

Weight:  11,6 kg (25 lb 10 oz)

Sony Biotracer tonearm

Biotracer.  The World's Most Advanced Tonearm

 

The tonearm problem - every tonearm functions to hold the cartridge, enabling the cartridge to trance the record groove. While this task is simple to describe, doing the job well is anything but simple. To prevent sonic coloration, the tonearm must be strong, a requirement that suggests heavy-duty construction. Yet some cartridges require low tonearm mass. At some frequencies the tonearm must be inert and immune to vibration - while at others it must move without resistance. And the tonearm must handle the imperfections of real-world records; warp and inaccurate centering.

All of the traditional methods of coping with these problems have dealt in pure mechanics. Sony has now taken a bold step beyond mechanics to find a solution to the troubles that have puzzled designers since the first turntables were presented to the world.

 

The Biotracer solution

Conventional tonearms are passive objects moved only as a result of external force. In contrast, Sony's new Biotracer tonearm is radically different. The Biotracer moves under the constant control of two separate motors that are guided by a "brain" - a sophisticated multi-function micro-computer. As a result the Biotracer tonearm is an active contributor to exquisite performance. In fact, it is the solution to a number of problems that have plagued turntable designers and music lovers.

The Biotracer damps resonance

It is an unfortunate fact that many cartridge/tonearm combinations produce unwanted resonances which distort the music. The Biotracer tonearm damps these unwatnted resonances consistently. Music reproduction is crystal clear and undistorted.

 

The Biotracer accepts the widest variety of cartridges

The problem of resonance limits even the finest conventional tonearms to a relatively small number of compatible cartridges. The Biotracer's ability to damp the unwanted vibrations of tonearm resonance means that you are free to choose from the widest variety of cartridges - moving magnet or moving coil - including the latest high-compliance models.

The Biotracer reduce modulation noise

In conventional tonearms, unwanted stylus motion results in modulation noise - a blurring of proper musical pitches. The Biotracer tonearm dramatically reduces such noise, for clear, crisp sound.

 

The Biotracer provides added precision

As music lovers are awere, the anti-skating and tracking force systems of conventional tonearms cannot be completely accurate. This is because record warps and eccentricities tend to alter the effective forces. You get mistracking and premature record wear. The Biotracer tonearm senses and immediately corrects for such external influences, automatically. You get perfect tracking. As an added benefit, you can even vary the tracking force while the record is playing, for the clearest possible sound.

The Biotracer tonearm does more than incorporate the latest in magnetic, microprocessing and electro-mechanical technology, it ends the long-standing compromises embodied in conventional tonearms, its precise operation, response to command and its extraordinary contribution to musical sound represent a significant advance in the state of the art..

 

Sony PS-X500 turntable

Extraordinary Performance with the Biotracer Tonearm

All of the performance and convenience features of the automatic-lift PS-X500 complement the Biotracer tonearm incorporated in both of these remarkable components.

 

The conception of the Biotracer tonearm represents a sharp departure from conventional wisdom. The common approach to tonearm dsign involves eleborate, separate mechanisms that deal individually with stylus force, skating force and tonearm/cartridge resonance. In contrast, the Biotracer tonearm in the PS-X500 deals with all of these functions in an integrated, unified fashion. There is no manually adjustable anti-skating control, no mechanical linkages for cueing, automatic indexing or automatic shut-off.

PS-X500 features manual operation with automatic tonearm lift and motor-shut-off at end of play

 

Specifications

Turntable Platter:  320 mm (12-5/8 in.), aluminum-alloy diecast

Motor: Linear BSL (brushless and slotless) motor

Drive System:  Direct drive

Control System:  Quartz lock control, magnedisc servo control system

Speed: 33-1/3 rpm, 45 rpm

Starting Characteristics:  Comes to nominal speed within a half revolution (33-1/3 rpm)

Wow and Flutter:  0:015 (WRMS)* 0.025% (WRMS) ±0.03% (DIN)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  78 dB (DIN-B)

Load Characteristics:  0% up to 150 g stylus force (at lead-in groove of a record)

Speed Deviation:  Within +0.003%

Tonearm

Type:  Electronic tonearm

Pivot-to-Stylus Length:  216.5 mm (8-5/8 in.)
Overall Arm Length:  295 mm (11-5/8 in.)

Overhang:  16.5 mm (24/32 in.)

Tracking Error:  +3°,-1°

Stylus Force Adjustment Range:  O-3g

Cartridge Shell Weight:  5g

Cartridge Weight range (including supplied cartridge shell):  7,5-12,5g (12-17 g with extra weight)

General

Power Requirements

Type 1:  220V AC

Type 2:  240 V AC

Type 3:  110 - 120 or 220 - 240 V AC adjustable 50/60 Hz

Power Consumption:  13 W

Dimensions Approx. (W x H x D) :  430 x 120 x 385 mm  (17 x 4-3/4 x 15-1/4 in.) including projecting parts and controls

Weight Approx.:  8.3 kg (18 Ibs 5 02), net

 

Sony PS-X600 turntable

 

All of the performance and convenience features of the fully-automatic PS-X600 complement the Biotracer tonearm incorporated in this remarkable components.

Outstanding Features

Biotracer tonearm elicits the best performance from the widest variety of cartridges

Biotracer actively damps tonearm/cartridge resonance and achieves wide stereo separation

Biotracer controls tracking force, antiskating and tonearm automatic functions

 

Turntable and Construction

 

 

Quartz lock with Magnedisc servo control prevents even minute speed variations caused by external factors

The Sony Linear Torque BSL (brushless, slotless) motor designed for uniform and smooth delivery of torque

Electromagnetic braking provides rapid and smooth half of platter rotation

Sony Bulk Molding Compound base is both rigid and acoustically inert to reduce feedback

Adjustable gel-filled feet isolate turntable from external vibration

Tonearm may be "indexed" left and right at high or low speed without lifting dust cover

Automatic record-size selector permits precise and safe indexing

"Repeat" mode for continuous music

Capable of operation in synchronization with selected Sony cassette decks using the optional SONY RM-65

Tonearm and Functions

Advanced fully-automatic operation is silent and responsive for total convenience

Feather touch controls respond to the slightest finger contact for fast effortless function selection

Audio muting circuit provides silence during start, return and cueing phases.

Luminous end-of-disc sensor frees the tonearm from mechanical linkages for improved sensitivity,

 

Specifications

Turntable

Platter:  320 mm (12-5/8" ) aluminum-alloy diecast

Motor:  Linear BSL motor

Drive System:  Direct drive

Control System:  Quartz lock control, magnedisc servo control system

Speed:  33-⅓ and 45 rpm

Starting Characteristics:  comes to nominal speed within a half revolution (33-⅓ rpm)

Wow and Flutter:  0,015 WRMS (±0,03% DIN)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  78 dB (DIN-B)

Load Characteristics:  0% up to 150 g stylus force (at lead-in groove of a record)

Speed Deviation:  within ±0,003%

Automatic system :  Lead-in, return, reject, repeat, record size selection, anti-skating

Tonearm

Type:  Electronic tonearm

Pivot-to-stylus length:  216,5 mm (8-5/8")

Overall Arm Length:  295 mm (11-5/8")

Overhang:  16,5 mm (21/32")

Tracking Error:  +3°, -1°

Stylus Force Adjustment Range:  0 - 3 g

Cartridge Shell Weight:  5 g

Cartridge Weight Range (including Shell):  7,5 - 12,5 g (12 - 17 g with extra weight)

General

Power Requirements:  110 -120 or 220 - 240 V AC 50/60 Hz

Power Consumption:  16 W

Dimensions (W x H x D):  430 x 120 x 385 mm (17 x 4-3/4" x 15-1/4")

Weight:  8,5 kg (18 lbs 12 oz)

Garrard SLX-2 turntable

 

Growing up these days means growing up with sound. And now, more than ever before, people can grow at their own pace in their listening interests and the equipment they listen to. Many excellent "growth" systems need a fine record playing source but have gone without one of sufficient calibre because the cost was prohibitive.

Garrard has changed all this with the SLX-2 Automatic Turntable Module that strikes more than a happy medium in quality at an equally happy cost. All the basics of our best machines are here, including Garrard's exclusive Synchro-Lab Motor, for synchronous power, to guarantee perfectly constant record speed whatever the voltage or operating conditions. And the sleek tubular aluminum tonearm beautifully pivoted on precision ball bearings. There's a built-in calibrated gauge for correct stylus pressure setting, and an adjustable counterweight for perfect balance and tracking without distortion. The single lever cueing/pause control that gently raises and lowers the tonearm, protects the grooves and the stylus. Then there are all the operating conveniences, oversized turntable, single control for setting speed and record size, separate spindles for automatic and manual play, the unique swingaway overarm for unobstructed single record handling, the premounted coordinated base with convenient spindle storage compartments, and the versatile 3-position dust cover of heavy tinted styrene.

To top it off - a specially selected pre-installed magnetic cartridge with high compliance diamond stylus assembly makes the SLX-2 ready to plug in and play superbly through any high fidelity receiver.

 

SLX-2 Automatic Turntables features:

Complete with injection molded base and 3-position styrene dust cover

Synchro-Lab silent, constant speed motor

Kinetically-balanced turntable

Ultra-low mass tubular aluminum tonearm

Ball-bearing pivotry

Specially selected pre-installed magnetic cartridge

High compliance diamond stylus assembly

Precision tonearm adjustment calibrated at the factory

Built-in stylus pressure and counerweight adjustments

Oversized turntable mat with distinctive aluminum trim ring

Unique swingaway overarm for playing single records manually

Single lever cueing/pause control permitting safe tonearm handling, accurate "instant replay" or pausing

 

Specifications

Speeds:  33-⅓, 45 snd 78 rpm

Power Source:  110 volts, 60 cycles AC (50 cycle pulley available)

Dimensions (W x H x D):  16" x 8" x 15-1/4"

Garrard SLX-3 turntable

 

There are quiet excitements far from the modding crowd. Two people on the same wavelength, free to admit to each other they also like some of the deeper things, a quiet evening with some music, a magnificent - or corny - record shared together. There's a word for it; compatibility.

And you can see it reflected in the music system, component quality stereo, perhaps, good enough to make a loving sound pleasing to a cultivated ear.

Such a turntable is the Garrard SLX-3, most conveniently a pre-assembled module, it is as compatible a pre-assembled module, it is as compatible with the finest equipment it plays through as the couples that enjoy its music. It is a synchronous automatic turntable, has every professional feature the most advanced units in the Garrard component series have. The Synchro-Lab motor that guarantees perfectly constant speed and unwavering musical pitch, the record safety platform for safe, gentle two-point support in automatic play, the neat finger tab levers on the control escutcheon that run all the manual and automatic operations as if from a cockpit. The ultra-low mass aluminum tonearm. Studio cueing and pausing with viscous damped very gentle tonearm set-down both in manual and automatic play. And of course, the latest high compliance full range magnetic cartridge with elliptical diamond stylus and all the Garrard refinements for perfect tracking, the calibrated stylus pressure gauge with quick-reading window scale, the fully adjustable counterweight, the anti-skating control of patented sliding weight design.

 

SLX-3 Module Features:

A superb instrument with the most advanced Garrard automatic turntable:

Wired, ready to plug into any TV, radio, tape or cassette system with appropriate preamp

Oversize kinetically balanced lightweight turntable with handsome mat and aluminum trim

Silent Synchro-Lab constant speed motor

Exclusive two-point record support

Adjustment of latest instrument design for stylus tracking force, counterweight, and anti-skating

Pencil thin ultra-low mass tubular aluminum tonearm meticulously balanced for flawless tracking

Fully-damped single control cueing and pausing

Viscous-damped slow and gentle descent of tonearm during manual and automatic play

Finger-tip tab controls

Fine magnetic stereo cartridge with elliptical diamond stylus

Coordinated base and dust cover

 

Specifications

Speeds:  33-⅓, 45 and 78 rpm

Power Supply:  100 - 130 Volts 60 cycles AC (50 cycle pulley available)

Dimensions Cabinet: (W x H x D):  16-3/4" x 8-1/4" x 15-3/4"