| Notes | The PS-X800 is considered one of the finest, if not the finest, linear tracking turntables ever built. The idea is that linear tracking would eliminate tracking errors and inner-groove distortion that is common with traditional tonearms. This approach more closely follows the cutting arms in record pressing plants, and promises the highest quality sound.
The Sony PS-X800 features a unique servo controlled linear tracking tonearm designed to duplicate the movement of the head which cuts the record master.
Compared with a pivoted arm, a linear tracking arm has a very small tracking error which means greatly reduced harmonic distortion, improved tracking ability and channel separation.
The horizontal and vertical movement of the tonearm are monitored by Sony's Biotracer sensors, and this information is transmitted to the tonearm by linear motors to suppress resonance at low frequencies and to obtain the maximum signal to noise ratio.
The tonearm balance and stylus force are electronically controlled by adjusting current to the linear motor for vertical movement.
The PS-X800 is a fully automatic system with feather-touch controls.
Record size is automatically set by a photo sensor, a muting system is activated when the tonearm is lifted and speed and direction of tonearm movement are easily controlled with the arm direction and fast buttons.
The unit is powered by Sony's linear torque BSL motor with speed governed by a very stable quartz oscillator and magnetic speed monitoring system.
The PS-X800's cabinet is made from a special inorganic (non-plastic) moulded compound with low 'Q' and newly developed resilient feet, effectively minimizing outside vibrations and acoustic feedback.
Specifications
Platter: 32cm aluminium alloy die-cast
Motor: Linear torque BSL motor
Drive system: direct drive
Control system: quartz lock control, magnedisc servo control
Speeds: 33.33 and 45rpm
Wow and flutter: 0.015% WRMS
Signal to noise ratio: 78dB
Automatic system: lead in, return, reject, repeat, record size selection, zero-balance
Tonearm: electronic linear tracking
Effective length: 180mm
Stylus force range: 0.5 to 3g
Cartridge shell weight: 7.2g
Cartridge weight range (inc headshell): 10 to 29g (with extra weight)
Dimensions: 440 x 120 x 445mm
Weight: 11.6kg |
