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)