The Sony PS-LX300USB turntable, as per its name, is a budget turntable with USB capabilities.
Sony PS-LX300USB Drive Belt Replacement. Written By: Michelle Jakab (and one other contributor). Battery Fix Kits for Mac. Shop Fix Kits. The Sony PS-LX300USB turntable, as per its name, is a budget turntable with USB capabilities. I wish turntable model numbers weren't so difficult to type. The Sony PS-LX300USB is such a mouthful that owners probably carry around pictures of their turntable in their wallets, as showing would be easier than reeling off the name of this Sony turntable.
I wish turntable model numbers weren't so difficult to type. The Sony PS-LX300USB is such a mouthful that owners probably carry around pictures of their turntable in their wallets, as showing would be easier than reeling off the name of this Sony turntable.
The Sony PS-LX300USB – Let Down By Its Software
Despite its name, the Sony PS-LX300USB turntable does an adequate job of its intended task of ripping vinyl to mp3. The problem is its included software, Sound Forge Audio Studio. People buying USB turntables are unlikely to be looking for a premium turntable; they are more likely to look for a turntable that will get occasional use, but primarily be a workhorse for archiving old vinyl collections. It stands to reason, then, that ease of use is extremely important. Competitor options, such as the included sotware with the Numark TTUSB, are more intuitive and hands off. Of course, if the user were to use the free-to-download Audacity (which does a superior job of ripping than any commercial bundled software), then there is no problem. The main downfall of the included Audio Studio is its ability to split ripped tracks easily – in Audacity, this is a breeze. Beware also that the software does not work on Mac, so an alternative ripping software will need to be used. On Mac, the software Vinyl Studio will serve you well.
Some users have experienced poor customer service with Sony. If customer service is something you feel like you may need to consult, such as if you find using software and electronics difficult, then seek other options from different manufacturers such as Audio Technica or Numark. The manual is fine, however, and should provide enough detail for the majority of users.
Positives of the Sony PS-LX300USB
On the positive side, the Sony PS-LX300USB is reasonably priced and looks different to the silver turntables that are based on the Technics SL-1200, such as the Audio Technica AT-LP60. This is a welcome change, but the turntable does not achieve the (impossible at this price) feat of looking expensive.
The turntable includes a switch for switching between USB and phono outputs, which allows it to be plugged in to either a phono input or standard auxiliary input. The sound it produces is warm and enticing, if a little thin. For this price, the Sony PS-LX300USB does a really good job of holding speed, which is handy when archiving your records. Don't expect this turntable to be a piece of hifi equipment and you won't be disappointed. It is a tool for converting vinyl to mp3, and it does that job adequately and reliably, one you are used to the software.
The Sony PS-LX300USB is a well-built for the price turntable that will adequately archive your LP collection. If you can get used to the software, or use a different one, the Sony PS-LX300USB turntable provides the hardware required to put all of your old records on to your computer.
Related Articles
- Cheap USB TurntablesCheap USB turntables are affordable ways of turning your record collections in to mp3 files. The 3 turntables on our list will all do the job ably. Read More →
- Sony PS-LX250H Turntable ReviewThe Sony PS-LX250H turntable is a dirt cheap turntable that provides some unique looks and features compared to its competitors. Read More →
- Digitise Vinyl Without USB TurntablesHow to record vinyl to your computer without resorting to inferior quality USB turntables. Use your current turntable to turn your LPs in to mp3s. Read More →
Updated: October 2019.
The Sony PS-LX300USB Stereo Turntable is a good choice for beginners looking to start small without breaking the bank.
And if you want an easy ‘plug and play' without having to fork-out more money on extra equipment like a phono preamp.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you! Read my disclosure for more info.
Even if you're just a casual listener with a stack of old vinyl records looking for a decent turntable the Sony PS-LX300USB is a thrifty choice.
See the Sony PS-LX300USB Stereo Turntable on Amazon
Product Name | Sony PS-LX300USB Stereo Turntable |
Brand | Sony |
Speed | Plays at 33 and 45 RPM |
Drive | Belt Drive |
Built-in Phono Preamp | Yes |
Mode | Fully Automatic |
Wow & Flutter | 0.25% |
Warranty | 1 Year |
The design of this turntable is simple making it easy to set up and use right away without a hassle.
The Sony PS-LX300USB is backed by a 1 year warranty.
It's worth noting here that Sony has released a new higher-end TT than this one (learn more on Amazon).
Features of the Sony PS-LX300USB Stereo Turntable
Although this turntable does not have all of the features of the higher end turntables, it has everything a casual listener could want in a turntable.
And it works great for converting old albums to digital format using a PC and the free software included.
Speed
This turntable offers two speeds for playback, either 33 or 45 RPM. And the speed switch is adjusted manually. Most vinyl records are cut at 33 or 45 RPM, so we should have no problems spinning just about any vinyl.
The Sony PS-LX300USB can't play at 78 RPM.
Drive
Sony went for a belt drive with this model. A benefit of a belt driven turntable is that the vinyl and tonearm are protected from vibration, making the record less likely to skip.
Belt drives tend to produce less vibration through the tonearm making for a more crystal-like sound. The belt is made of durable silicone and fits snugly around the stepped drive pulley.
Tonearm
The 7.5' straight tonearm has a pull lever and finger-lift on the side for easy handling. On contact with the vinyl, the needle pressure is measured at 3.5g and with a slight variation of 1g.
This low pressure means your vinyl is better protected without any risk of causing scratches across the record.
The Sony PS-LX300USB Stereo Turntable is a fully automatic unit. The belt will automatically begin to turn once you hit the start button. The tonearm will automatically return once the record has finished playing.
If you're someone who falls asleep on the sofa while the record is spinning this is an upside since your record won't run for hours while you snooze. Kaysound mk 4902 manual.
The downside is, the tonearm might lift automatically a few seconds before the end of the last track.
I wish turntable model numbers weren't so difficult to type. The Sony PS-LX300USB is such a mouthful that owners probably carry around pictures of their turntable in their wallets, as showing would be easier than reeling off the name of this Sony turntable.
The Sony PS-LX300USB – Let Down By Its Software
Despite its name, the Sony PS-LX300USB turntable does an adequate job of its intended task of ripping vinyl to mp3. The problem is its included software, Sound Forge Audio Studio. People buying USB turntables are unlikely to be looking for a premium turntable; they are more likely to look for a turntable that will get occasional use, but primarily be a workhorse for archiving old vinyl collections. It stands to reason, then, that ease of use is extremely important. Competitor options, such as the included sotware with the Numark TTUSB, are more intuitive and hands off. Of course, if the user were to use the free-to-download Audacity (which does a superior job of ripping than any commercial bundled software), then there is no problem. The main downfall of the included Audio Studio is its ability to split ripped tracks easily – in Audacity, this is a breeze. Beware also that the software does not work on Mac, so an alternative ripping software will need to be used. On Mac, the software Vinyl Studio will serve you well.
Some users have experienced poor customer service with Sony. If customer service is something you feel like you may need to consult, such as if you find using software and electronics difficult, then seek other options from different manufacturers such as Audio Technica or Numark. The manual is fine, however, and should provide enough detail for the majority of users.
Positives of the Sony PS-LX300USB
On the positive side, the Sony PS-LX300USB is reasonably priced and looks different to the silver turntables that are based on the Technics SL-1200, such as the Audio Technica AT-LP60. This is a welcome change, but the turntable does not achieve the (impossible at this price) feat of looking expensive.
The turntable includes a switch for switching between USB and phono outputs, which allows it to be plugged in to either a phono input or standard auxiliary input. The sound it produces is warm and enticing, if a little thin. For this price, the Sony PS-LX300USB does a really good job of holding speed, which is handy when archiving your records. Don't expect this turntable to be a piece of hifi equipment and you won't be disappointed. It is a tool for converting vinyl to mp3, and it does that job adequately and reliably, one you are used to the software.
The Sony PS-LX300USB is a well-built for the price turntable that will adequately archive your LP collection. If you can get used to the software, or use a different one, the Sony PS-LX300USB turntable provides the hardware required to put all of your old records on to your computer.
Related Articles
- Cheap USB TurntablesCheap USB turntables are affordable ways of turning your record collections in to mp3 files. The 3 turntables on our list will all do the job ably. Read More →
- Sony PS-LX250H Turntable ReviewThe Sony PS-LX250H turntable is a dirt cheap turntable that provides some unique looks and features compared to its competitors. Read More →
- Digitise Vinyl Without USB TurntablesHow to record vinyl to your computer without resorting to inferior quality USB turntables. Use your current turntable to turn your LPs in to mp3s. Read More →
Updated: October 2019.
The Sony PS-LX300USB Stereo Turntable is a good choice for beginners looking to start small without breaking the bank.
And if you want an easy ‘plug and play' without having to fork-out more money on extra equipment like a phono preamp.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you! Read my disclosure for more info.
Even if you're just a casual listener with a stack of old vinyl records looking for a decent turntable the Sony PS-LX300USB is a thrifty choice.
See the Sony PS-LX300USB Stereo Turntable on Amazon
Product Name | Sony PS-LX300USB Stereo Turntable |
Brand | Sony |
Speed | Plays at 33 and 45 RPM |
Drive | Belt Drive |
Built-in Phono Preamp | Yes |
Mode | Fully Automatic |
Wow & Flutter | 0.25% |
Warranty | 1 Year |
The design of this turntable is simple making it easy to set up and use right away without a hassle.
The Sony PS-LX300USB is backed by a 1 year warranty.
It's worth noting here that Sony has released a new higher-end TT than this one (learn more on Amazon).
Features of the Sony PS-LX300USB Stereo Turntable
Although this turntable does not have all of the features of the higher end turntables, it has everything a casual listener could want in a turntable.
And it works great for converting old albums to digital format using a PC and the free software included.
Speed
This turntable offers two speeds for playback, either 33 or 45 RPM. And the speed switch is adjusted manually. Most vinyl records are cut at 33 or 45 RPM, so we should have no problems spinning just about any vinyl.
The Sony PS-LX300USB can't play at 78 RPM.
Drive
Sony went for a belt drive with this model. A benefit of a belt driven turntable is that the vinyl and tonearm are protected from vibration, making the record less likely to skip.
Belt drives tend to produce less vibration through the tonearm making for a more crystal-like sound. The belt is made of durable silicone and fits snugly around the stepped drive pulley.
Tonearm
The 7.5' straight tonearm has a pull lever and finger-lift on the side for easy handling. On contact with the vinyl, the needle pressure is measured at 3.5g and with a slight variation of 1g.
This low pressure means your vinyl is better protected without any risk of causing scratches across the record.
The Sony PS-LX300USB Stereo Turntable is a fully automatic unit. The belt will automatically begin to turn once you hit the start button. The tonearm will automatically return once the record has finished playing.
If you're someone who falls asleep on the sofa while the record is spinning this is an upside since your record won't run for hours while you snooze. Kaysound mk 4902 manual.
The downside is, the tonearm might lift automatically a few seconds before the end of the last track.
Cartridge
This turntable comes with a cartridge and Sony stylus already mounted to the tonearm. This model does not allow for the cartridge to be replaced.
But that doesn't mean you can't upgrade the stylus! The standard Sony stylus N-6516 can be replaced with something more impressive like the Audio Technica ATN-91 stylus.
USB and Connectivity
This turntable features both RCA output and a USB interface making your options for getting the most out of this unit endless.
Although, some customers have complained of RCA cables being too short. Ripping old vinyls to digital format is as simple as connecting the USB to your PC and firing up the free audio software that comes free.
And although this turntable is not made for scratching or music production, you can easily use mixing software to replace ‘hardware' for mixing, if you're a budding DJ still learning the ropes.
Short Video on The Sony PS-LX300 USB Stereo Turntable
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
Can I connect this directly to speakers or do I need an amplifier?
Sony Ps Lx300usb Driver
If you're using regular speakers you will need an amplifier, if you're using active speakers you're good to go. This turntable as a built-in phono preamp which is an advantage if your amplifier doesn't have phono inputs.
Sony Ps Lx300usb Manual
Does this turntable convert 78 RPM records?
No, it only plays at 33 or 45 RPM. So you won't be able to play 78 RPM records successfully.
Is there any software included with this turntable?
Yes, Sound Forage Audio Studio software is included. You can also find a bunch of free software online to use if you choose.
Does this come with USB Interface?
Yes, it sure does!
Does the Sony PS-LX300 have a headphone jack or RCA to 3.5mm adapter?
No, this turntable does not have either of these options.
Should You Buy the Sony PS-LX300USB Stereo Turntable?
If you're looking for a decent caliber turntable designed for easy use to play your old vinyl records, then this turntable might be just what you're looking for.
The sound quality is pretty damn good so you can really enjoy listening to your vinyls and you won't have to split hairs worrying about damaging them.
Its USB connectivity makes it super easy to transfer the audio from vinyl to digital format so you can enjoy your old records in the car, on a plane or even on the subway.
The Sony PS-LX300USB is overall an outstanding low-cost option turntable.
Update:
It's worth noting here that Sony has released a new higher-end TT than this one (learn more on Amazon). For not much more in the price, you'll get a better TT all round. It's got way more upgrade options and insanely good recording software.
It's also designed with an acoustic base. And it looks stylish to say the least.