Save $51.99 : As of May 27 Amazon dropped the new Sony PS-LX3 Bluetooth turntable to $348. Normally you pay nearly $400 for it. This is a 13% discount and the cheapest it has ever been.
Why bother?
I tested the Sony PS-LX3BT earlier this spring. It’s still one of the top record players for people just getting started.
Sounds great. Setup is effortless. The Bluetooth works and the auto features just go. In my review I noted that going from a manual model to this felt indulgent. Genuinely bummed to send it back.
It made me feel so spoiled.
There is also a USB-B port. Use it to rip vinyl tracks onto a computer. Handy for digital backups or if you grabbed those exclusive Charli xcx singles. Digitize those B-sides right now.
The one hiccup? Price. $399 is steep against competitors. So wait for sales. Right now Amazon offers the lowest price at $348. That’s about $52 off the MSRP. Best Buy and Sony have similar deals with free shipping. Maybe a buck more. Doesn’t matter.
The heavy needle issue
One thing bugged me. The tracking force is 3.5 grams. Usually you want one to three grams to protect your records. Wear and tear is a real thing.
Is 3.5g bad? It’s not catastrophic but it’s heavier than ideal. If you’re worried look at Sony’s higher-end PS-LX5T. It has a removable cartridge and tracks at just two grams. Much gentler on the grooves.
Upgrade time?
The PS-LX5T costs more. Naturally. But it is also on sale. Amazon lists it for $473. About $27 off the standard price. Still better than deals at Best Buy or Sony direct. A tiny bit cheaper.
Pick your poison. Save fifty bucks on the basic model or spend extra for less record wear. The choice is yours.
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