Sony PS-X500 - User Manual

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Sony PS-X500 and is the answer not in the manual?

Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

This document describes the Sony PS-X500 Stereo Turntable System, a high-fidelity record player designed for optimal sound reproduction and user convenience.

Function Description

The Sony PS-X500 is a direct-drive stereo turntable system designed for playing vinyl records at two speeds: 33 1/3 rpm and 45 rpm. Its primary function is to accurately reproduce audio from records through its advanced tonearm and platter systems. The turntable incorporates a quartz-lock and magnedisc servo system to ensure precise and stable rotational speed, minimizing wow and flutter. The Biotracer electronic tonearm is a key feature, actively monitoring and controlling horizontal and vertical movement to suppress resonance and maximize the signal-to-noise ratio. The system also includes automatic arm lift at the end of a record and electronic stylus force and anti-skating adjustment for optimal tracking.

Important Technical Specifications

Turntable Section:

Platter: 32 cm (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.
Speeds: 33 1/3 rpm, 45 rpm.
Starting Characteristics: Reaches nominal speed within half a revolution (at 33 1/3 rpm).
Wow and Flutter: 0.015% (WRMS), 0.025% (WRMS), ±0.03% (DIN). This indicates extremely low speed variations, contributing to stable sound.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 78 dB (DIN-B), signifying a very clean audio output with minimal background noise.
Load Characteristics: 0% up to 150 g stylus force (at lead-in groove of a record).
Speed Deviation: Within ±0.003%.

Tonearm Section:

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 (21/32 in.).
Tracking Error: +3°, -1°.
Stylus Force Adjustment Range: 0-3 g.
Cartridge Shell Weight: 5 g.
Cartridge Weight Range (including supplied cartridge shell): 7.5-12.5 g (standard), 12-17 g (with extra weight).

General:

Power Requirements: Type 1: 220 V ac; Type 2: 240 V ac; Type 3: 110-120 or 220-240 V ac adjustable, 50/60 Hz.
Power Consumption: 13 W.
Dimensions (W/H/D): Approx. 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 lbs 5 oz) net; Approx. 9.8 kg (21 lbs 10 oz) in shipping carton.
Supplied Accessories: 45-rpm adaptor (1), Extra weight (1), Cartridge shell (1), Cartridge mounting screws (1 set).

Usage Features

Biotracer Electronic Tonearm: This innovative feature uses sensors to monitor horizontal and vertical tonearm movement. Linear motors then actively control the tonearm to suppress low-frequency resonance, resulting in superior sound quality and an excellent signal-to-noise ratio.
Automatic Arm Lift and Stop: At the end of a record, an optical sensor detects the end groove, automatically lifting the tonearm and stopping the turntable, preventing unnecessary stylus wear and record damage.
Electronic Stylus Force and Anti-Skating Adjustment: Stylus force is electronically controlled via a knob, allowing for precise adjustment even during record playback. The anti-skating force is automatically set in conjunction with the stylus force, ensuring optimal tracking and minimizing distortion.
Quartz Lock and Magnedisc Servo System: This system ensures highly accurate and drift-free platter speed by referencing a stable quartz oscillator and a magnetic pick-up head that reads pulse signals from a magnetic coating on the platter's edge.
Linear BSL Motor: Sony's unique Brushless and Slotless (BSL) direct-drive motor provides high torque for quick starts (reaching 33 1/3 rpm in half a revolution) and an exceptionally high signal-to-noise ratio, virtually eliminating wow and flutter.
Instantaneous Start of Play (Cueing): The powerful starting torque of the turntable allows for immediate playback from any desired point on a record. Users can manually cue the tonearm to a specific groove, then initiate playback instantly by pressing the MOTOR ON/OFF button.
Adjustable Feet: Resilient feet isolate the turntable mechanism from external shock and vibration. They can be turned to level the unit on uneven surfaces.
Voltage Selector: For international compatibility, a voltage selector on the rear panel allows adjustment for 110-120 V or 220-240 V ac power supplies (Type 3 models).
Overhang Check: An alignment gauge on the underside of the rubber mat helps users correctly install the cartridge for optimal overhang, which is crucial for accurate tracking and minimizing tracking error.

Maintenance Features

Stylus Cleaning: Before playing a record, the stylus should be cleaned with a soft brush, brushing from back to front. Users are cautioned against touching the stylus with their fingers or excessively moistening it with fluid cleaners.
Cabinet and Dust Cover Cleaning: The cabinet and dust cover should be cleaned periodically with a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn stains, a cloth moistened with a mild detergent solution can be used. Solvents like alcohol, benzine, or thinner are explicitly warned against as they can damage the finish.
Rubber Mat Cleaning: If the rubber mat becomes dirty, it should be gently wiped with a soft cloth slightly dampened with water.
No Periodic Lubrication Required: The turntable's motor shaft is factory-lubricated for the life of the turntable, eliminating the need for user lubrication.
Repacking Instructions: The manual emphasizes retaining the original carton and packing materials for safe transport. Specific instructions are provided for securing the tonearm and transit screws when repacking the unit.