Sony reveals turntable PS-HX500 at CES

At the CES this year, Sony revealed a turntable, called the PS-HX500, designed for aficionados who want to preserve their records in high-res quality, or just enjoy their vinyls on the go.

The product is expected to ship this spring, though the price has not been disclosed.

Users can plug the device into their laptop and transcribe vinly into digital files (WAVs or Sony's proprietary format), or just play high quality audio via a connected speaker system.

According to commentators, the new turntable was Sony's statement that it was getting serious about high-quality audio. The PS-HX500 was released today at Sony's CES keynote.

The product is targeted for music enthusiasts who collect and enjoy LP recordings and provides them with unprecedented flexibility and performance, as also a number of other key benefits.

The HX500 is the first turntable to combine Sony state-of-the-art digital technology with a new advanced design.  Its built-in A/D converter supports hi-res digital transfers in either native DSD (up to 5.6 MHz) or WAV files (up to 192 KHz/24-bit resolution).

This enables users to digitally store their favourite music from vinyl recordings and play them for personal use on virtually any compatible Hi-Res Audio device.

"Sony is dedicated to providing audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike with a wide range of hi-res audio solutions that can meet virtually every lifestyle need," said Yamato (Tank) Tanikawa, Director, Home Entertainment & Sound, Sony Electronics. "Our new PS-HX500 turntable serves as an important bridge that connects the growing number of vinyl record collectors to the convenience and sound quality afforded by hi-res audio."

The HX500 comes with a newly developed app with exclusive software that allows simple and intuitive editing on either PCs or Macs. Users can conveniently combine tracks from both sides of an album or multiple tracks can be split and saved.

A special driver is also provided for recording compatible DSD streams.

Additionally, the HX500 incorporates the type of quality analog components associated with reference standard turntables.

A new Sony developed straight tone arm designed with the stylus located in the central axis of the arm helps achieve superb stereo balance. Its integrated lightweight, low resonance integrated head shell also comes complete with moving magnet cartridge and produces three-dimensional sound while ensuring optimum tracking, even on warped records.

A two-speed belt drive system is also used which includes an aluminum die cast platter and thick (5mm) rubber mat to help stabilize disc rotation and minimize vibration.

The built-in phono equalizer incorporates special parts selected for their sound quality, which are mounted on a glass epoxy circuit board to improve structural rigidity.

A high density acoustically inert cabinet is further utilised along with insulator feet to off-set vibration and reduce resonance. Even the dust cover is designed to minimise vibration.