Home / Technology / Sony's New Turntable: Great Sound, Big Questions
Sony's New Turntable: Great Sound, Big Questions
20 Jul
Summary
- The turntable offers capable audio performance with Bluetooth.
- Its launch price of $399.99 was considered high for its features.
- Construction feels cheap, with extensive use of plastic materials.
Sony's PS-LX3BT, released on February 2, 2026, aims to capture the entry-level turntable market with its plug-and-play design and Bluetooth capabilities. Priced at $399.99 / £299 / AU$469 at launch, it faces criticism for being significantly overpriced compared to similarly featured competitors.
The turntable offers fully automatic operation and aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, providing low-latency, high-resolution streaming. It also includes a built-in, switchable phono preamp with gain control, contributing to its warm and clear sound quality.
Despite its capable audio performance and user-friendly features, the PS-LX3BT's construction is a major point of contention. The chassis is notably light, with almost every element made of plastic, leading to a cheap feel that undermines its premium price point.
Sony's approach to stylus replacement is also criticized as anti-consumer, with the company preferring users to go through official channels for replacements. While post-launch price adjustments have made it more palatable, the core value proposition remains questionable against better-built alternatives.
