For some reasons, after 8-track and cassette tapes were booted, vinyl refuses to let up – thanks to the growing number vinyl record collectors with an undying love for LPs. While a handful of makers are churning out turntables to keep vinyl lovers happy, Sony is not about to sit back and watch its competitors savor the LP cake. The Sony PS-HX500 Hi-Res Audio Turntable is the latest in the Japanese electronics giant’s arsenal that will vie for a piece of that sweet, refused-to-die media. Introduced at this week’s CES, the HX-500 touts hi-res audio capability that will allow enthusiasts to leverage on the built-in A/D converted to turn vinyl recordings into digital copies, in either native DSD or WAV formats, for use on hi-res audio devices.
A newly developed app allows users to edit the ripped tracks on either PC or Mac, and if so desired, make the recordings DSD streams-compatible. That’s the digital side of the story. On the turntable aspect, HX500 touts artisan-like build, which includes Sony developed straight tone arm with stylus located in the central axis for superb stereo balance, integrated lightweight, low resonance integrated head shell with moving magnet cartridge for three-dimensional sound and optimum tracking, a two-speed belt drive system, aluminum die-cast platter paired to 5mm thick rubber mat to stabilize disc rotation and minimize vibration, built-in phono equalizer on glass epoxy circuit board for structural rigidity, and finally, rounding up with a high-density acoustically inert cabinet with insulator feet to further off-set vibration and reduce resonance.
Sony PS-HX500 Hi-Res Audio Turntable will be available this Spring for a yet-to-be-announced price. In the mean time, you can pop by Sony CES’ booth (#14200) at LVCC and in the Venetian Tower in suite 30-111 to see it in person. More images after the break.
