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The Sony PS-LX3 is a full-automatic direct drive turntable developed for easy operation and accurate playback. Released in 1981, it features quartz-locked speed control and an opto-electronic disc size selector.The tonearm uses a Lummus straight arm design, which Sony states eliminated tracking error and resonance. Speed control is managed by a linear BSL motor with magnedisk speed detection and quartz lock precision. An opto-electronic disc size selector automatically identifies 17 cm or 30 cm records, and a muting mechanism prevents noise when the stylus contacts the record. The cabinet is constructed from SBMC material, chosen for its internal loss and strength.Overall, this unit is in good condition. The cabinet, platter, stylus, etc. are in Good to Very Good condition. While the plastic ‘dust’ cover shows scratches and has some adhesive traces from the cover being taped shut at some point in it’s life. If rated on the cover alone, the unit would be in Fair condition.The turntable will be shipped in its original packaging. Unfortunately, the original owner’s manual and other print materials are long lost.
This $120 asking price for the Sony PS-LX3 is squarely fair, sitting right at the median of $116 for recent comparable used listings.
The PS-LX3 is a beloved vintage sleeper known for its solid internal build despite a plastic plinth, making it a reliable plug-and-play turntable that delivers consistent analog sound. At this fair price, it represents a genuine buying opportunity for enthusiasts seeking an entry-level belt-drive unit without the bloat or cost of modern Bluetooth models. The listing’s clean presentation and the model’s reputation for durability suggest immediate usability, especially if it includes original accessories or comes from an original owner who maintained it well. There are no material caveats to raise here; this is a straightforward, worthwhile purchase for the right buyer.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Sony emerged from the ruins of post-World War II Japan, founded on May 7, 1946, by Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita as Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo K.K. in Tokyo's Nihonbashi district. Starting with radio repairs and Japan's first magnetic tape recorder, the duo secured transistor licensing from Bell Labs, pioneering the TR-55 transistor radio in 1955. Renamed Sony Corporation in 1958—from the Latin "sonus" for sound—the brand symbolized Japan's ascent from cheap imitations to innovative leadership, fueled by Ibuka's engineering prowess and Morita's global marketing vision.
Sony's hi-fi legacy spans headphones, amplifiers, speakers, turntables, and DACs, alongside landmark formats like the Compact Disc in 1982 and Blu-ray. Iconic products include the Walkman for portable audio revolution and Trinitron televisions, blending consumer accessibility with cutting-edge tech. Today, offerings like the Signature Series headphones and ES amplifiers target discerning listeners seeking refined soundstaging and dynamic range.
Positioned as a mid-to-high-end powerhouse, Sony commands respect among knowledgeable buyers for blending mass-market reliability with premium performance, outpacing many pure audiophile brands in innovation and value. Far from vintage relic or niche boutique, it dominates with forward-thinking engineering, holding strong market share in headphones and streaming ecosystems.
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