
Review Summary
2023-07-16T20:00:00
Had this a few months now I think I bought one of the last ones available it's now discontinued I believe which is a shame because it's fantastic, huge fan of Sony and their products, this does not disappoint.
WizardsToenail
2022-07-29T20:00:00
As I return to vinyl I was looking to have the option to store my recording on other formats. This turntable gives the option to do that as well as to listen to the vinyl as it plays. I cannot believe how quiet it is there is literally no sound in the background which allows you to listen to that warm sound.
Bedi037
2022-06-13T20:00:00
Best turntable so far. Silent smooth running with great sound and features.
Jim1959
2022-04-15T20:00:00
Brought back old memories. It is great to hear my old vinyl collection and this turntable does it justice. I do pride myself on quality. I cannot justify my overall spend on high end models, but this Sony Turntable delivers and compliments my recent rebuilt vintage speakers. The feel and build has a clever feel while operating the turntable, but become confused at the function of 'Hign Res'. The overall nostalgic sound of vinyl together with the handling the record is why I chose the Sony Turntable. So why would I rob myself by transferring the music to digital? I came across a record sleeve with a waring about tape recording. ""Taping is killing the music business". That said, finding a quite moment from my family life, I have found a reason to lock myself away to recapture my love of the vinyl records. Along with Great Sound and a Great Experience, is exactly why I don't feel that old. Love vinyl records, love the Sony PS-HX500.
Zulfrina
2021-07-14T20:00:00
I had been wanting a turntable for some time as I buy a lot of 12" vinyl from the 1980s and most of it was, and still is, unavailable on CD or as Digital Download. As I like all of my music stored digitally on my pc/phone, I needed a way to not only play it, but also record it. I had previously tried the cheap 'All In One' retro-style systems from a brand I'd never heard of, but the quality was awful (I sent it straight back!). I then toyed with buying a standard turntable to plug into my existing CD Recorder, but came across this item after searching for alternative ways of recording vinyl digitally. I have always like the quality of Sony products, so I though I'd give it a try...and I'm so glad I did. The sound quality is superb, and the software is so easy to use. I can record a high quality, lossless digital file in the time it takes to play the record, which sounds identical to the record itself. In fact, the only downside is that I've now got a CD Recorder that I'm unlikely to use ever again!
NKR69
2021-04-16T20:00:00
Bought this a few weeks ago. Easy to put together, felt very robust and the look exactly what I wanted - clean and black. Sits nicely atop my Cambridge Azur AV receiver. The sound is great with plenty of depth. Cant complain so far, looking forward to using the Hi-res software to digitise my vinyl. Great product so glad I bought it so that I can enjoy my vinyl collection again.
SfGibbs
2021-02-27T19:00:00
My old one (PS-LX60) complete his mission today (25 year), Sony is a very good quality brand on audio equipment from my experience of PS-LX60, today this new force impress me and also the DSD from Sony!
Tequila S.
2021-02-14T19:00:00
I bought tdhis to replace budget deck i previously had and the sound quality is much broader and deeper than the bidget model and I was please I invested in a more quaality product. I was surprised however that the deck does not feature an auto return arm, i.e when the music stops, the arm returns to the resting position. whilst the sound qualauty is not indoubt, i would thought that a feature that was on a budget model would also be on a a much moe expensive model. The 4 star grading reflects this, to re-iterate the sound qualuty is excellent
TheRedUn
2021-02-09T19:00:00
Easy to setup, great performance. The HD audio recording is easy to use with good results. Recommended
Durbun
2021-01-13T19:00:00
It’s a great turntable, but the lid scratches REALLY easily. Even following the cleaning instructions, it scratches. Sony don’t want to know and trying to talk to anyone there about it is impossible.
Joe76
2020-10-04T20:00:00
This product is highly recommended, it was bought as a Vinyl ripper in order to supplement a Sonos system. The big surprise, its quality shifted the whole system. My system now has an analog side that I never expected to fall in love with. I am old enough to feel a little humiliated having to recognise that millennials are right, Vinyl rocks and this turntable is god enough to enlighten me about it. Later on, taking Vinyl seriously I tried to improve my turntable, it is possible but a wee nightmare. To start, I compared the turntable to a relative's cheap 90s Sony record player, to my disappointment the motor bearing was identical and the general design too, even the old deck's straight arm was like a cheap inspired copy of the new one, so to sum up; Sony has not innovate enough on the Analog side. This is a typical 80's Sony cheap turntable on steroids, with upgraded materials such as a better made tonearm and a thicker aluminium platter. This has practical effects, the first one is that the belt which is weirdly similar to the old ones for light plates turntables. The original belt stretched rather quickly, an iPhone app registered a pathetic 0.3 wow and flutter just some month after Heavy use. I also had problems with statics, in part ought to the thick rubber mat which is a dust catcher. However this is a rather Japanese turntable trait, so I would have the same opinion even if it was a Technics. In the end I manage to upgrade it, I bought an Achromat and an upgraded elliptical stylus without changing the cartridge, in a whim I added a Cambridge Duo preamplifier. Also, I bought a new generic belt. Out of the box the sound was nice and warm but a little bit boomy, after the modifications the results are more than good. The elliptical stylus was the biggest change, in conjunct with the Achromat plays a more sophisticated sound, still warm but with taut bass; the new belt took the wow and flutter to an impressive 0.11, I also changed the turntable's location farther from the speakers. In the end, I got an "I cannot believe how much" sound, so a happy owner here. I gotta say the Sony PS-HX500 can really push beyond its class, but as it comes from the factory is not the best around at the same price bracket. The main reason is that Sony uses the AT91/3600 cart, this is the best of the cheap cartridges around but this is a Hi-Re recorder, not coming ought of the box with at least an elliptical stylus is disappointing as it means its DAC is fed low resolution analog. Sony should have already changed the cartridge to something like the ATVM95E. I did not changed the cartridges as it is difficult but if you venture into it you have the choice. Unlike other turntables the anti-skating is adjustable, so it is the counterweight and the fixed Head shell allows moving any cartridge forward or backward to help with alignment. Many cartridge alternatives are likely to be slightly taller than the 17mm of the original cartridge. In this case a mat swop will likely be a good idea, anything made of acrylic seems the way to go. In my humble opinion the plater is better than the cheaper siblings yet is one of the weakest part of the turntable. I have to praise its Phono preamp though, the Alva duo which is one of the class leaders certainly betters it, but it only provides a more extended bass and it was my less cost effective improvement. By the way, having an external phono doesn't disconnect the usb out, something I really like. I left the ripping capabilities for the end for a reason, they are beyond good and can only be praised. I do not bother in ripping albums with a CD version available but I have recorded some Vinyl at 24/48. If the Original is clean no matter how old, the results are impressive, no complaints here. Some of its recording can blow out of the water remastered versions of old songs. For the first time in ages I carry my own music on my iPhone and some of the recording are just more pleasant than Spotify or even Hi-Re streaming. If you need to record LPs I hardly believe you can better this without spending a fortune but you may wander around for a while trying to get the analog part at the level of the impressive recording capabilities. As a comment you can change speed moving a selector, this is to me essential and something that put me off from so call audiophile options, new to Vinyl people be aware this is rare a this price level and definitely a plus. On the downside not auto lift capabilities, though the tonearm is easy to position and it feels of good quality when dropping the needle. To conclude, a good out of the Box turntable with a lot of potential if you have some patience, you are unlikely to regret purchasing it.
dscot
2020-09-14T20:00:00
I used the SONYs online video to set up the turntable and all went well. I do find that the recording and editing software does leave some seemingly obvious questions unanswered. As I have only had the product for a month, maybe some more usage will resolve the issues ?
Brian n.
2020-09-06T20:00:00
So glad I bought this,no bother using Hi-Res Audio Just perfect. So pleased with it.
Wizard o.
2020-07-22T20:00:00
A great turntable and USB combination at a great price
Ashleywhw
2020-06-24T20:00:00
Bought primarily to digitise charity shop vinyl purchases. The ease of use and overall sound quality of the resultant files is outstanding. I was curious to also hear the turntable as a playback device in my hi fi set up and was astounded at the quality of reproduction. In over 40 years of hi fi ownership this product rates as one of the most outstanding buys in relation to its price. You will not be disappointed with this product.
value s.
2020-05-20T20:00:00
I brought this a month a go and I am very pleased with it
Mick 4.
2020-05-07T20:00:00
I bought this a couple of weeks ago to transfer vinyl to digital had purchased a cheaper turntable previously that sadly was faulty but due to delays in trying it out properly I let warranty lapse. This product is more sophisticated and I am learning each time I use it but it's fairly idiotproof for my needs. Will probably hook it to my very old stack in due course
Mitzi56
2020-05-02T20:00:00
My first surprise being my first record player ever is how good Vinyl can sound, in this regard this is as good as any at the price. The sound background is quiet with little hiss, the music fun, clear, spacious and the integrated phono amp useful. You do not need to invest in anything else. I was deciding between the Rega P1 and this, the set up is very similar between both including identical cartridges, with no doubt that the Rega would be a better all analog sound. Nevertheless, I went for the Sony knowing that its DAC has to be good and so it is. Ripped albums sound excellent, no identical but conserving all the dynamics that has taken vinyl back to the mainstream. There is a big but, it is borderline unacceptable that Sony is using an AT91/3600L phono, which it is been their norm since who knows in the twentieth century. The cartridge is fun and venerable, but low (17 mm), too cheap and basic for a product that is meant to be the first step on the Hi-Fi or Hi-Re ladder. Also, when you have a not adjustable height tonearm, it makes a swoop for another one a bit of a nightmare. I have seen with horror aficionados that obviously know more than me cutting their own platter mats to accommodate their favourite cartridge. Though other Audio Technica, Ortofon and Nagaoka have similar height; so it is possible to do it without going through this as weight and anti skating adjustment are included. The tonearm has small lines on the head shell that help you to aling the screws so obviously Sony wanted you to have the choice, but observing the perfect alignment of the cartridge's screws, I am opting to buy a 3rd party eliptic needle as I believe the AT91 cartridge could be improved avoiding the hassle. Going back to the product as it is, the product's manual claims a wow and flutter of 0.1%, this is better than the less of 0.2% claimed when this product was launched in 2016. If there was an update it seems nobody noticed it. I believe this figure will matter to some people but I am not expert to comment more on it. Finally Sony obviously spent the money on Sound quality but created a too understated product, the mate finish is good to avoid fingermarks but without being a Lenco it could have been shinier. The high resolution logo I believe is distracting rather than catchy. But as it comes out of the box is an all rounded winner that is impossible not to recommend.
Dave A.
2020-04-26T20:00:00
Looks really good, feels heavy and durable metal. Set up is a little complicated but if you take your time you will get there and is satisfying when you finish it. If I managed it you can. Love the built in amp so I use it with my Google home max.
crbcrabb1
2020-04-20T20:00:00
Turntable itself works but hi-res Recording software sometimes does not bring up the option to write files at the end of the lp playing
Mikeomoss
2020-04-14T20:00:00
Easy to use and install with great sound and features. Priced well and looks good (if you like plain black).
ps953
2020-01-06T19:00:00
Little frustrating to setup. Finally realized screws were loose on cartridge head shell after tightening them it was a breeze to setup I am enjoying it so far. Purchased based on stereophile and absolutes Sound reviews. So far my lps sound good and track we’ll have OT done hires vinyl transfer yet
Kappastein22
2019-12-08T19:00:00
After much research I decided to purchase this unit for my college--they have the invoice from Amazon. I am very happy with the purchase as we are in the process of making transfers from vinyl to digital for archival purposes in my next class. Simple to use and interfaces well with my PreSonus hardware and software. Worth considering for anyone.
ian81348
2019-11-02T20:00:00
Unfortunately I have not been able to spend much time using my record player, but the time that I have has been most rewarding. The sound is great and the switching between record speeds is very good.. It was easy to set up and I was using it within a few minutes.
Mate 1.
2019-05-26T20:00:00
It's a decent turntable, and is very convenient and easy to use. The built-in pre-amp and USB out make it dead easy to set up for listening and copying vinyl, which is a major plus. However, after using it at home for a week I've found little irritations which together are enough for me to trade it in for a different turntable. Firstly, the built-in pre-amp and DAC does clip with vinyl which is cut particularly loud, which means audible digital clicks during playback. Because it's all built-in and the levels are set internally there's nothing that can be done about that. Secondly, the stylus that comes with the turntable is cheap and looks like a fiddly nightmare to upgrade. The USB output can only be used with Sony's own software, which is fine but is clunky to use (no keyboard shortcuts, awkward zoom view on the recorded waveform) – it's designed not to work with any other audio recording software. Also, I've found that 33rpm runs a little bit fast (and is not adjustable). So all told it's very convenient and decent for the price point, but won't work for everyone.
MTBW
2019-05-10T20:00:00
Been pondering should I get myself a new turntable for a few years before I decided to get this one mainly to digitised some very hard to replace vinyl in hi-res (this is the only turntable that I am aware of that has the built in ADC that supports hi-res output before it reaches the computer) and the fact that the price had dropped to almost half of the original RRP. The software download was surprisingly easy to use but is basic (it does what it should do but nothing more). Setting up the turntable was easier than I thought it would be and the vinyl I had recorded so far sounds great.
player75
2019-03-29T20:00:00
Truly a great turntable sound quality very good and easy to set up also option to record your vinyl to your computer would highly recommend this Sony turntable if you love your vinyl this is the one for you
Jacko 5.
2019-03-19T20:00:00
Nice turntable, seems well made (nice and solid). Sounds Very Good ! Pity it doesn't look more STYLISH, but is a much better turntable than most with phono pre-amp and USB !
J0nB
2019-03-10T20:00:00
Simple to setup but still with great features. Clear Hi-Res sound. Easy to use. Nice digital features.
Oberörd n.
2019-03-07T19:00:00
I have had this for a couple of weeks now and it is a real pleasure to sit down after work and listen to my records on a quality piece of kit. The sound is so pure and the turntable looks great.
Jackj01
Breathing new life into vinyl
By iano
There are plenty of turntables on the market for ripping of vinyl but in most cases it's a question of quantity over quality when ripping and none use their own proprietary software so there is a learning curve when recording. The PS-HX500 addresses all those issues - it is badged as Hi-Res Audio and quite rightly so. Playing vinyl is a joy. The ripping software is exclusive for this deck and although at first it looks basic it does a fantastic job of recording vinyl and retaining the warmth ...
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Elegant minimalism, adequate sonics, solid build.
By Mutthusio
Upon opening my Sony PS-HX500, my first impression was that this is a notably solid, sleek and premium feeling turntable. It fills a curious gap in a resurgent vinyl market: as either a top-end entry-level turntable or as the first steps into higher-end audiophile territory. If you’re looking for either then the PS-HX500 is likely to deliver exactly what you want. With no auto-play you have to manually cue records, but if you can slip a record out of its cover you can cue it up, so don’t be s...
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The Way The Artists Truly Intended
Enjoy the subtlest nuances of studio-quality sound in higher than CD quality with High-Resolution Audio. Passion for music unites every component from signal to speaker so it feels like the artist is performing right in front of you.
· Internal A/D converter and USB output to easily convert vinyl to DSD
· Supports both phono and line output thanks to built-in Phono EQ
· Highly stable belt drive system to achieve natural sound reproduction
· The newly designed tonearm ensures an accurate tracking of phonograph records
Digitally Captures Analog In Its Purest Form
Turntable For Playing Vinyl And Recording In High-Resolution
Breathe new life into analog masterpieces with DSD. Just hook up the PS-HX500 turntable to your PC via USB, play a record and capture every aspect of the vinyl with DSD 5.6 MHz native conversion. Convert your precious vinyl collection into High-Resolution Audio, take it out for a walk with your Walkman or just sit back and enjoy playing your vinyl originals.
USB Digital Output
Connect The Turntable to a PC to rip your favorite tracks to music files.
Built-In Phono EQ
Supports both phono and line output so you can play through integrated amp or external phono EQ.
Vinyl Goes Portable In High-Resolution Audio
Convert Your Records To High Quality Digital Music Files
The PS-HX500 is equipped with a high-quality A/D converter. So just connect it to your PC with a USB cable and record your vinyl as High-Resolution Audio tracks. This is a great way to backup your precious vinyl collection or even take tracks outdoors with you on your Walkman.
Get Your Records Ready To Go
The Goodness Of Vinyl, Without The Bulk
The authentic sound of vinyl, with all its warmth and smoothness, can be enjoyed anytime and anywhere with digital convenience - at home, outdoors and in your car.
Transfer To Walkman And Get Going
DSD files you've recorded can be transferred to a compatible Walkman to be enjoyed outdoors. Carry that authentic analog sound with you any time, anywhere.
Take Them For A Spin
DSD files you've recorded from vinyl can be saved to a USB memory device. Just plug it into your car audio system and listen to your vinyl favorites on the road.
Advanced Features Do The Heavy Lifting
Simply connect the PS-HX500 to a PC's USB port and convert your vinyl tracks into high quality digital ones. The supplied PC application lets you rip, edit and store tracks from your vinyl records.
DSD Native AD Converter
The internal A/D converter supports native conversion from analog to DSD 2.8 MHz or 5.6 MHz digital.
"Hi-Res Audio Recorder" Free App For PC
Editing app for Windows and Mac OS X lets you easily cut unwanted parts of the recording and split tracks.
DSD For Reproduction That's Truer To The Source
DSD file format reproduces the subtlest nuances of sound, including the ambience of the performance. This purity makes it an ideal way to capture and play back the warm expression of vinyl.
High-Resolution Audio File Formats
In addition to DSD-recorded DSF files, recording and playback of PCM-recorded WAV files is also supported.
Relive The Master Performances Right Away
Integrate It Into Your High-Quality Audio System
Connecting the PS-HX500 with a high-quality audio component system enables you to enjoy all your vinyl with all the raw realism they can offer.
Sound Technologies For Analog Enjoyment
Enjoy all the smooth and warm sound expressions your vinyl is capable of; the PS-HX500 is equipped with the high-quality audio technology to make it possible.
Newly Designed Integrated Shell Type Straight Tonearm
The integrated shell improves durability and stabilizes the cartridge for superior focusing and dimensionality of sound, while its lightweight structure improves traceability.
Turntable - Stability In Motion
The turntable uses the latest techniques to deliver extremely stable rotation for optimal and natural delivery of your music.
Highly Stable Belt Drive System
The optimized spindle-bearing construction stabilizes the belt drive to achieve natural sound reproduction.
High Quality 0.20-Inch Rubber Mat
Excellent adherence to the record's surface minimizes unnecessary resonance for clean sound.
Aluminum Die Cast Platter
The high-inertia aluminum die cast platter offers superb balance between strength and mass.
What's In The Cabinet
Sony's excellent speaker technology has been incorporated in the MDF cabinet to deliver high acoustic quality.
Acoustic-Grade MDF Cabinet
The 1.18-inch thick MDF cabinet has excellent sonic characteristics for accurate soundstage reproduction.
Insulated Structure
Thoroughly insulated including rubber dampers to eliminate vibration from racks and other peripherals.
Glass Epoxy Circuit Board
Using glass epoxy resin for the circuit board helps to provide better sound quality and stability.
High Resolution Audio
From source to speaker, Sony has brought together an array of technologies for the ultimate audio experience. For High-Resolution Audio files, the digital amp and specialized tweeters reproduce every subtlety, so you can hear each note as the artist intended.
USB Turntable With High-Resolution Recording
Breathe new life into analog masterpieces with DSD. Just hook up the PS-HX500 turntable to your PC via USB, play a record and capture every essence of the vinyl with DSD 5.6 MHz native conversion. Now you can archive your precious vinyl collection to a music server or take it out for a walk with your Walkman. Combined with a high quality component system, this turntable also lets you enjoy an authentic delivery of your vinyls. Let the PS-HX500 turn your vinyls into a valuable source of High-Resolution Audio.
Built-In USB Digital Output
Simply connect the turntable to a PC and rip your favorite vinyl tracks to music files.
Built-In Phono EQ
Internal phono EQ amp lets you switch between Line and Phono output so you can play through integrated amp or external phono EQ.
LP/EP Record Playback
Two-speed turntable operates at 33-1/3 and 45 rpm so you can enjoy LP albums and EP singles.
Vinyl Lives Forever In High-Resolution Audio
The PS-HX500 is equipped with a high-quality A/D converter. So just connect it to your PC with a USB cable and record your vinyl as High-Resolution Audio tracks (up to DSD 5.6 MHz or PCM 192 kHz/24 bit quality). This is a great way to backup your precious vinyl collection or even take tracks outdoors with you on your Walkman. Enjoy the smooth, natural, warm sound of analog masterpieces with all the quality they deserve, anywhere you are.
Get Your Records Ready To Go
The authentic sound of vinyl, with all its warmth and smoothness, can be enjoyed anytime and anywhere with digital convenience - at home, outdoors and in your car.
Take Them For A Spin
Rip the tracks on your vinyl records to a PC as DSD data and then copy them to a USB memory device that can be played on a car audio system. Your favorite tunes from vinyl will be free to accompany you on your next drive.
Transfer To Walkman And Get Going
Rip the tracks on your vinyl records to a PC as DSD data and then transfer them to your Walkman. You'll be able to carry your favorite masterpieces with you for anytime anywhere enjoyment.
Store Your Collection On HDD
Just rip the tracks on your vinyl records to a PC as DSD data and then transfer them to a HDD player. High-capacity storage makes it possible for you to convert a cluttered room full of vinyl into a spacious room filled with music, with instant access and without the bulk.
DSD Native AD Converter
The internal A/D converter supports native conversion from analog to DSD 2.8 MHz or 5.6 MHz digital.
DSD (Direct Stream Digital)
Co-developed for High-Resolution Audio by Sony and Philips, the companies behind the original CD format, DSD (Direct Stream Digital) offers a revolutionary way of capturing and playing back audio. Unlike the conventional PCM format, a 1-bit DSD audio stream more closely represents the nature of an analog audio waveform. The result is all the advantages of digital audio, including a frequency response in excess of 100 kHz and ample dynamic range, but with the natural sound of an analog recording. The far less complex capture and decoding process results in audio with an immense sense of space and ultimate representation of an artist's original vision.
Integrate It Into Your High-Quality Audio System
Connecting the PS-HX500 with a high-quality audio component system enables you to enjoy all your vinyl with all the raw realism they can offer.
High-Resolution Audio File Formats
In addition to DSD-recorded DSF files, recording and playback of PCM-recorded WAV files is also supported.
Newly Designed High Sound Quality Rubber Mat
The new design has a thickness of 0.20 inch, which is the highest level in its class. Excellent adherence to the record's surface to minimize unnecessary resonance.
Highly Stable Belt Drive System
The optimized shape of the drive pulley stabilizes the belt drive for natural sound reproduction.