Seven years after the debut of the PS-LX310BT, Sony is back in the entry-to-midrange vinyl fight with two new Bluetooth turntables: the PS-LX3BT at $399.99 and the step-up PS-LX5BT at $499.99. These aren’t nostalgia plays—they’re calculated moves into one of the most brutally competitive corners of hi-fi, where Audio-Technica, Pro-Ject, and Fluance have spent years eating market share with well-sorted, value-driven decks.
Sony’s challenge is simple and unforgiving: deliver modern convenience without sounding disposable, and prove it can still matter in a category where buyers are more informed, more demanding, and far less brand-loyal than they were in 2019.
What the PS-LX3BT and PS-LX5BT Have in Common
The PS-LX3BT and PS-LX5BT both feature one-button, fully automatic playback and Bluetooth aptX and aptX Adaptive transmission for listening through compatible wireless speakers or headphones. Wireless vinyl is no longer a novelty at this end of the market—Sony is joining a growing field of turntables that now treat Bluetooth as a baseline convenience rather than a gimmick.
Both models also include a USB output with three-level gain control for digitizing records to a computer or flash drive, along with an aluminum platter, a factory-fitted cartridge (details pending), and a transparent dust cover for everyday protection. Support is provided for 33⅓ and 45 RPM playback on 7-inch and 12-inch records, and Sony notes that both turntables ship in recycled packaging.
PS-LX3BT
This turntable is clearly aimed at vinyl newcomers and listeners who want a simple, no-drama way to play records without climbing the audiophile learning curve.
The PS-LX3BT emphasizes ease of use and a clean, understated design intended for everyday living spaces. Setup is minimal thanks to the included audio cable and a built-in phono stage, allowing it to connect directly to powered speakers, receivers, or wireless gear without additional components. Fully automatic operation and stable tracking make it a low-maintenance option for casual listening, prioritizing convenience and consistency over tweakability or enthusiast features.
PS-LX5BT
The PS-LX5BT sits clearly above the PS-LX3BT in Sony’s lineup, adding structural and mechanical upgrades aimed at listeners who want more than plug-and-play convenience. Key refinements include a more rigid one-piece chassis, an aluminum tonearm, a rubber platter mat, and revised internal circuit design intended to improve stability and consistency during playback.
Sony positions the PS-LX5BT as a lower-noise design, with added attention paid to vibration control to help preserve detail and timing. A higher-grade factory-installed cartridge is used here, targeting better tracking and a broader, more dimensional presentation than the entry model—making this the option for listeners who sit down and actually listen, rather than treating vinyl as background décor.
For wired systems, a gold-plated output jack supports a higher-quality physical connection, while the restrained, minimalist industrial design avoids visual excess and keeps the focus on build quality and playback stability. It’s still approachable, but clearly aimed at buyers who want cleaner performance and fewer compromises than the entry-level model offers.
Comparison
| PS-LX3BT (2026) | PS-LX5BT (2026) | PS-LX310BT (2019) | |
| Product Type | Turntable | Turntable | Turntable |
| Price | $399.99 | $499.99 | $449.99 |
| Drive system | Belt-drive | Belt-drive | Belt-drive |
| Cartridge Type | MM (Moving Magnet) | MM (Moving Magnet) | MM (Moving Magnet) |
| Speeds | 33 1/3 rpm, 45 rpm | 33 1/3 rpm, 45 rpm | 33 1/3 rpm, 45 rpm |
| Exchangeable Head Shell | No | No | No |
| ARM Pipe Material | Aluminum Component Alloy | Aluminum Component Alloy | Aluminum |
| Earth Terminal | No | No | No |
| Platter | 11.65” dia. aluminum die-cast | 11.65” dia. aluminum die-cast | 11.65” dia. aluminum die-cast |
| 45 rpm adaptor | Not Indicated | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Return | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Start | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Stop | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Standby | Not Indicated | Not Indicated | No |
| Phono Output | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Line Out (Built-in phono pre-amp) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Terminal or Cables | Standard Jacks, RCA cable | Gold-Plated Jacks RCA Cable | Standard Jacks, RCA cable |
| Phono/Line Selector Switch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Gain Select | Low (-4 dB) / Mid (0 dB) / High (+6 dB) | Low (-4 dB) / Mid (0 dB) / High (+6 dB) | Low (-4 dB) / Mid (0 dB) / High (+6 dB) |
| Tracking Force | Not Indicated | 3.5±0.5 g | Not Indicated |
| USB connector | Output port Type-B | Output port Type-B | Output port Type-B |
| Bluetooth (Transmitter) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Requirement | AC 100-240 V 50 / 60 Hz | AC 100-240 V 50 / 60 Hz | AC 100-240 V 50 / 60 Hz |
| Power Consumption | 1.8 W | 1.8 W | 1.8 W |
| Dimension (WHD inches) | 17 x 4-5/8 x 14-1/2 | 17 x 4-5/8 x 14-1/2 | 17 x 4-3/8 x 14 1/2 |
| Dimension (WHD mm) | 430 mm x 117 mm x 366 mm | 430 mm x 117 mm x 366 mm | 430 mm x 108 mm x 367 mm |
| Weight (pounds) | 7 Ibs 11.5 oz | 7 lbs 15 oz | 7 Ibs 11.5 oz |
| Weight (kg) | approx. 3.5 kg | approx. 3.6 kg | approx 3.5 kg |
The Bottom Line
Sony’s re-entry into the turntable market comes at a transitional moment for the company. With Sony and TCL operating under a memorandum of understanding that could eventually place Sony’s TV and home audio business under TCL’s majority control, every legacy product category is likely to face closer scrutiny. That said, any joint venture is not expected to take effect until late 2027, giving Sony time to execute its current strategy without immediate disruption.
In the near term, the PS-LX3BT and PS-LX5BT represent a sensible expansion beyond the long-running PS-LX310BT, adding choice, refinement, and clearer product segmentation while maintaining Sony’s emphasis on convenience and flexibility. The challenge is that Sony is not widely regarded as a core turntable brand, and it enters a crowded entry-level market dominated by six or seven established players with strong reputations, deep dealer networks, and consistently positive reviews. Whether these new models can gain traction will depend less on brand nostalgia and more on real-world performance, reliability, and value in a category where competition is relentless and buyers are better informed than ever.
Pricing & Availability
- Sony PS-LX3BT – $399.99 at Amazon (available February 2, 2026)
- Sony PS-LX5BT – $499.99 at Sony (available Spring 2026)
- Sony PS-LX310BT – $448 at Crutchfield | Amazon (available now)
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