This is our review of the Sony PS LX300USB Turntable
Are you contemplating buying the Sony PS LX300USB turntable?
As a recording musician, I spend a lot of time sweating over mixes.
So, when I relax with my vinyl collection, I understand the importance of an excellent sound system. I want to listen to music as the creator intended it to be heard.
With a thousand bucks, it’s easy to create an outstanding rig. But, like many, I have a budget.
When audio big hitters Sony have an affordable turntable on the market, it’s natural to want to take it for a spin. So I did!
But is the Sony PS LX300 record player any good?
With the attractive price tag comes cost-cutting. But, on the whole, Sony PS LX300 delivers high-grade audio and a solid level of performance.
In this review, I’ll deep dive into appearance, features, performance, sound, and more. Leaving no stone unturned, you’ll discover if this record player is for you.
Let’s get started with the Sony PS LX300USB review.
Sony PS LX300 USB Review
The sky’s the limit with the price of record players. Look at the price of the SME Model 30/12 for some perspective.
You can pick up a Sony PS LX300USB for around $200. So, there’s no denying the price point is appealing. But how does Sony keep prices low? And is the cost-cutting at the detriment of performance?
Appearance
The aesthetics of the turntable matter. You’ll want it to look the part.
But—beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It’s all about your personal taste.
The Sony PS LX300USB is a simple design. The ergonomic controls are straightforward. Some users will love its back-to-basics approach, others may prefer more detail.
This is a shallow player measuring under 10cm in depth. Combined with the black finish—it looks sleek.
On closer inspection, you’ll see that they make the casing out of cheap plastic. But even though I find the dials fragile, it still looks smart and tidy.
You can remove the plastic dust cover. If you’re anything like me, you’ll want an unobstructed view of a spinning vinyl as part of the listening experience. So this is a welcome feature.
But there are basic details missing. In particular, a lack of an LED light to state the turntable is on. The absence of this feature is noticeable.
If you want simplistic aesthetics and shallow dimensions. The Sony PS LX300USB could be what you’re looking for.
And considering the price, many users can overlook the pitfalls in favor of saving a few extra bucks.
Features
The Sony PS LX300USB isn’t a feature-rich turntable. It’s ideal for the beginner who doesn’t want a record player full of gimmicks.
The automatic cueing system is a feature bound to make beginners rejoice. With a simple press of a button, the stylus will drop onto the record. So if you’re cautious of placing a stylus, here’s a solution.
The delicate approach protects vinyl in the long term. So what’s not to like? Of course, there are the traditionalists that enjoy the ritual of placing the stylus. But, others will see this as a savvy feature.
There are two-speed settings. Both 45RPM and 33.3RPM are accessible by a button on the front. So if your collection comprises 7″ and 12″, this player has you covered.
You also have USB capabilities. If you fancy digitizing your collection—it’s a straightforward task on both Mac and PC. This way you can take the warmth and crackle of your vinyl collection wherever you go.
But the big question is. As households modernize, is the PS-LX300USB still relevant?
There’s an evolution in the way of the PS LX310BT. And with Bluetooth connectivity, this model could be a sounder long-term investment.
The PS LX310BT is a revived version of the PS LX300USB in every way. Not only complete with Bluetooth connectivity but this is a sweet-looking turntable.
It takes contemporary design to the next level. And if I was being truthful, I think this turntable makes the PS LX300USB look dated.
So, it may be worth checking out the PS LX310BT.
Performance
Sony has a big reputation. So does the PS LX300USB perform as expected?
The PSLX300 makes use of a belt drive as opposed to a direct drive. As you power up this turntable, it spins with low mechanical noise. The belt itself absorbs some vibration for further noise reduction.
The built-in preamp reduces the need for external pre-amplification. So, if you’re looking for a quick and easy setup, the PS LX300USB has advantages.
The cartridge is a stock Sony component. The diamond stylus is a star performer. But, if you were to consider upgrading the cartridge. The lack of counterweight means the tracking is difficult to get right.
Compared to the updated PS LX310BT, I find the tonearm is flimsy.
For me, the sturdy aluminum tonearm construction on the updated model outperforms the original for stability.
The PSLX300 is a classic case of you paying for what you get. At this price, expect negatives.
But, all in all, it’s a respectable record player. The platter is of good stock and it’ll spin with an admirable fluency considering the price point.
Sound
How does the Sony PS LX300USB sound?
A stylus made of diamond is going to perform. The PS LX300USB stylus collects all the nuances of vinyl groove information. This means there’s intricate detail.
You can’t ignore the importance of the turntable to sound quality. But, there are other factors that contribute to a great system.
None more so than the speakers. The PS LX300 doesn’t have built-in speakers. There’s also no headphone jack, nor volume controls. You should consider this if you’re setting your system from scratch.
Nevertheless, the dual RCA output offers a connection to most external speakers.
I can’t help but think that with its sleek design, pairing the upgraded PS-LX310BT with Audioengine A5+ is a killer combo.
This combo does it for me because they look pleasing together. But beyond that, I love the studio-like detail in sound.
Is the Sony PSLX300USB a Good Turntable?
The Sony PS LX300USB performs to a desirable standard considering the price. The design is simple and the sound quality is good. However, upgraded models make the original look dated. In particular, the Sony PS LX310BT outperforms the original PS LX300USB. So while the PS LX300USB is good, the PS LX300USB has a more contemporary design and more rounded sound quality.
Is the Sony LX300USB a Belt Drive?
The Sony LX300USB operates on a belt drive system. With the motor situated towards the side, it spins the platter through a rubber belt. The isolated motor and absorption traits of the belt results in less vibration. Therefore, it’s a low noise option compared to direct drive turntables in a similar price bracket.
How Big is the Sony PSLX300 Record Player?
The Sony PS-LX300USB is a streamlined turntable. The dimensions are as below:
- Height: 34.29 cm / 13.5 inches
- Width: 39.88 cm / 15.7 inches
- Depth: 9.91 cm / 3.9 inches
- Weight: 6 pounds / 96 ounces
Conclusion
Over the coming years, you may see this record player become rarer. Should you get one while you can?
The Sony PS LX300USB may now have younger, more stylish siblings. But, it’s a no-frills, back-to-basic belt-drive turntable that’s low in mechanical noise.
The diamond stylus picks up fine groove detail delivering an expert sound quality when paired with a suitable set of speakers.
And these are attributes that never go out of fashion. For a retro loving beginner—the PS LX300USB might be ideal. And let’s not forget, you can pick up one for cheap!
But, with turntables like the PS LX310BT and LP120XBT-USB in a similar price range. It faces stiff competition.
If you want a longer-term investment, it’s hard to look past the PS LX310BT and LP120XBT-USB. These record players have the edge with Bluetooth connectivity.
Offering a peak sleekness, the PS LX310BT is going to be a talking point in any room. Beyond the aesthetic, the sturdy aluminum tonearm gives you faith that it’ll be spinning records for years to come.
Hopefully, you now have an idea of which record player is most suited to you. Good luck whichever way you decide.
So all that remains—kick back and enjoy the music.
