SONY PS-X555ES
¥ 70,000 (around 1984)
Commentary
This is a full-auto player that thoroughly pursues the ideal of picking up all the music information engraved in the sound groove from every angle.
It is equipped with Sony's original biotracer.
This is a system that electronically controls all operations with a microcomputer that makes several hundred logical decisions every one thousandth of a second, speed and position sensors, and linear motors. With this system, the low-frequency resonance peak can be suppressed to less than 3 dB regardless of the type of cartridge installed. At the same time, the crosstalk is also improved to realize excellent low-frequency reproduction.
In addition, the wow and flutter sensation is reduced, and sound quality such as rise, localization, dynamic range and distortion sensation is improved.
Linear tracking system is adopted for the arm part.
In order to prevent rattling at the base of the tracking arm, which is a problem with this method, we have been thoroughly eliminating resonance based on the know-how obtained in the development of the biotracer. This reduces tracking error and enables clearer music playback.
The rotary system employs a 3-stage block configuration, incorporating the most advanced technologies in the development of motor technology and control system to enable the turntable to rotate quietly and smoothly.
By removing the brush and slot from the DC motor, the BSL motor which fundamentally eliminated the cause of torque unevenness, the magnet-disk speed detection which quickly catches minute rotation changes by average detection signal of high-density magnetization on the turntable with the multi-gap head, and the quartz lock which performs accurate servo by utilizing high oscillation accuracy of the crystal, stable rotation characteristics are acquired.
Equipped as standard with an MC cartridge (XL-333E) with replaceable needle using an air core 8 shape coil using samarium-cobalt.
It uses an electronic needle pressure application method that allows the needle pressure to be adjusted by the volume controller on the panel even during recording performance.
Equipped with a with a queueing mechanism that can move the tone arm left and right by button operation. The movement within 5 mm left and right is designed to move slowly so that accurate head positioning is possible.
Equipped with a quick repeat mechanism in which the arm does not return to the rest position and immediately resumes playing from the head of the record board.
Equipped with an opto-electronic disc size selector that automatically selects the size regardless of whether it is 17 cm EP or 30 cm cmLP, and the tone arm accurately leads in.
In addition, even if the start button is pressed without setting the record needle, the needle tip does not drop and returns as it is.
Equipped with a muting mechanism that cuts the output until the needle tip comes down and eliminates noise when the needle tip touches the record board.
The cabinet is made of SBMC material with strength and sufficient internal loss, and uses a large insulator filled with highly viscoelastic material.
By using RM-65 which is sold separately, it is possible to play synchronized with Sony deck.
Model Rating
| Type | Quartz Lock D. D. Full Auto Player System |
| <Turntable portion> | |
| Turntable | 32 cm Aluminum Die Cast |
| Wow and flutter | 0.015% WRMS (Rotating System) |
| Load characteristic | 0% (Needle Pressure 100g) |
| Start-up characteristic | Within 1/2 Rotation (at 33 1/3rpm) |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 78dB(DIN-B) |
| Tone Arm Section | |
| Tone arm | Linear tracking biotracer (electronically controlled tone arm) |
| Effective Length (Total Length) | 130mm(212.5mm) |
| Needle pressure adjustment range | 0.5g ~ 2.5g (Electronic) |
| Shell dead weight | 7.2g (SH-156, without fingers) |
| Usable cartridge weight limit (including shell weight) |
10g ~ 15g 14.5g ~ 19.5g (Auxiliary Weight Used) |
| Cartridge Section | |
| Cartridge | MC Cartridge XL-333E |
| Frequency characteristic | 10 Hz to 35 kHz |
| Output voltage | 0.165 mv (1 khz, 5cm/sec, 45 °) |
| Needle | 0.3x0.8 mil Oval Diamond |
| Dead weight | 3.5g |
| Exchange needle | ND-333E(¥6,000) |
| <General> | |
| External dimensions | Width 430x Height 105x Depth 425 mm |
| Weight | 7.4kg |
| Attachment | 45 Rotation Adapter Cartridge (XL-333E) Head Shell (SH-156) Auxiliary weight Cartridge mounting screw |