Sony PS-X555ES turntable

The linear tracking tonearm is a major technological achievement in turntable design that has recently become both highly successful and quite popular. The reason for its nearly universal appeal is simple - it plays records exactly as they were originally cut, thereby eliminating tracking error, and improving both stereo separation and overall sonic fidelity. Unfortunately, despite its benefits, the linear tracking tonearm alos produces an unwanted (and often audible) side effect - resonance. The Sony PS-X555ES uses microcomputer technology to control resonance.

The Problem of Low Frequency Resonance

A conventional tonearm pivots at a stable, reinforced point. By contrast, the linear tracking tonearm moves along the groove towards the center of the disc as it plays. This means that it lacks a rock-solid foundation. Since this is the key to fighting the low-frequency resonance that's fairly common during disc playback, linear tracking tonearms are prone to this type of distortion.

Resonance can actually be quite disturbing in a listaning situation - its manifestations include distortion, rumble, howl, and an overall dulling of the musics impact. It's a serious problem with all linear tracking turntables - except those equipped with Sony's unique Biotracer tonearm. The Sony Biotracer is the first - and to date, the only - linear tracking tonearm that effectively combats the effects of low-frequency resonance.

Biotracer Technology for Improved Performance

How  does the PS-X555ES control resonance? It thinks. The Biotracer tonearm of the PS-X555ES is a dynamic device that is constantly driven by two microcomputer controlled motors. When the microcomputer senses any variation from the correct tonearm position, it instantly alerts the motors 9one for horizontal motion, one for vertical), and instructs then to adjust the tonearm's motion. Not only does this ingenious system relieve resonance problems associated with the linear tracking design, it also helps combat distortion caused by warps and eccentricities in the disc itself. And previously annoying imperfections such as tonearm skating and improper stylus force adjustments are automatically corrected as well.

The Biotracer Supports Freedom of Choice

And the Biotracer does still more. With most turntables, your choice of cartridges is greatly limited - the tonearm accepts only a narrow range of cartridge mass and compliance. Butthat's not the case with the Biotracer. Because it is so effective in overcoming low-frequency resonance, the Biotracer permits you to install just about any cartridge you like. With most turntables, the choice of cartridge must be based on the equipment - with the PS-X555ES, you can select your cartridge according to its sonic characteristics.

Incorporates Many Other Design Innovations

Furthermore, all the special technology that's made Sony turntables so popular is also found on the PS-X555ES. That includes our Brushless Slotless (BSL) motor, recognized for its accuracy and reliability. Plus, Sony's quartz lock direct drive with magnedisc servocontrol ensures rotational precision. And height-adjustable gel-filled feet, combined with Sony's non-resonant SBMC base, resist acoustic feedback.

Naturally, all the convenience and performance features that have made the linear tracking design so popular are included in the PS-X555ES. For example, you can control the movement of the tonearm without ever raising the dust cover, and without risking damage to the record or the stylus - cueing and indexing are accomplished with front-panel feather-touch controls.

Specifications:

Tonearm Section

Tonearm Type:  Tangential Biotracer

Effective length:  130 mm (5-1/8")

Overall Arm length:  213 mm (8-3/8")

Tracking Error:  ±0,07°

Tracking Force Range:  0,5 - 2,5 grams

Cable Capacitance:  60 pf/meter; (87,5 pf total)

Usable Cartridge Weight (including Headshell):  10 - 19,5 grams

Supplied headshell:  7,2 grams

Turntable Section

Motor:  Linear BSL

Drive System:  Direct-drive

Control System:  Quartz lock control, magnedisc servo control system

Wow and Flutter:

WRMS :  0,025%

FG Direct :  0,015%

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  78 dB (DIN-B)

Speed Accuracy:  better than 0,0003%

Start-up Time (at 33-1/3 rpm):  1/2 rotation

Platter Diameter:  320 mm (12-5/8 inches)

Platter Weight;  1,2 kg (with rubber mat)

Speeds:  33-1/3 and 45 rpm

Electromagnetic Breaking:  yes

Power Requirements:  AC 120 Volts , 60 Hz

Power Consumption: 23 Watts

Dimensions (W x H x D):  430 x 100 x 425 mm (17" x 4" x 16-3/4")

Weight:  7,4 kg (16 lb 5 oz)