Subj : I tested the entry-level turntable that everyone raves about, and To : All From : TechnologyDaily Date : Mon Nov 24 2025 18:45:09 I tested the entry-level turntable that everyone raves about, and I totally get it Date: Mon, 24 Nov 2025 18:30:00 +0000 Description: Sony's PS-LX310BT turntable is a delightfully cheap record player that's an absolute dream to listen to once you've set it up FULL STORY ======================================================================Sony PS-LX310BT: Two-minute review I'd heard of the Sony PS-LX310BT by reputation, before I'd heard it with my own ears: TechRadars own esteemed audio editor, consider it one of the best turntables for entry-level vinyl fans. And thats how it ended up in the living room currently being lived in by me, a person who thought a B-Side was just a track designed for insects. Let's get something abundantly clear: the big selling point of the Sony PS-LX310BT is chiefly its price; this is an affordable turntable that may not offer the same sonic dexterity as pricier options, but also doesnt cost you the same as a mid-level car to purchase it. And it's got a great rep not just at TechRadar but among those who know about these things . For me, the price isnt the only factor that makes this a great entry-level position. Once youve set the thing up which may take one or two missteps compared to the easiest options Ive tested, but is still fairly simple its a dream to use. Press button to play. Press button to stop. If you love vinyl audio for its hands-on approach, you might feel redundant when it comes to this Sony deck, but turntable newbies will find it a lot less scary to operate because you'll never actually need to touch the tonearm, or lower a headshell and needle onto a delicate sliver of vinyl and potentially hear it scratch. Its easy to like the look of the PS-LX310BT too. Sure, its understated in the exact same way that almost every other turntable is, but a design like that screams sonic excellence irrespective of price. It goes without saying that deep-pocketed audiophiles should skip over this option; it doesnt offer the audio nuance (or the five-figure price point) that top-end vinyl aficionados will be looking for. And some novice buyers will find that it doesnt offer the connectivity options required for them, with Bluetooth and RCA but no simple 3.5mm out. But for most newbies, its a dream. Sony PS-LX310BT review: Price and release date Released in April 2019 Typically sells for $449 / 179 / AU$399 Now available for around $199 / 179 / AU$395 The Sony PS-LX310BT was released in April 2019, so its not exactly one of the newest turntables on the market although six years in analog audio isn't a long time at all. And perhaps because of this, its still officially ranged by Sony, as one of only two turntables on its store. The recommended retail price of the deck is $449 / 179 / AU$399 thats not a typo, its a lot pricier in the US although at the time of writing, its hard to find it for full price. Instead, Ive found the PX-LX310BT going for roughly $199 / 179 / AU$395 in sales, which seem to happen very frequently. It goes without saying that you should try to pick this turntable up in said sales if you can. But either way, the price marks this as a fairly entry-level turntable; its not the cheapest Ive ever seen, but its still a more affordable option for people who dont need audiophile-grade kit, and it still looks the business. (Image credit: Future) Sony PS-LX310BT review: Specs Dimensions 43 x 36.7 x 10.8cm Motor Belt drive Platter Aluminum Phono preamp Yes USB NA Bluetooth 4.2 Speeds 33, 45RPM Stylus Not specified Extras 45RPM adapter, attached RCA cable, rubber mat (Image credit: Future) Sony PS-LX310BT review: Features Not the easiest set-up (but also not the hardest) Simple and easy to operate, though a tiny bit slow Some connection options, but not 3.5mm Newbies setting up the Sony PS-LX310BT might find it a little fiddly during the set-up process; you only have to attach the platter and mat and set the pulley belt, but I somehow managed to unknowingly twist the belt during placement which took a tiny amount of deconstruction to fix. I also religiously forget to remove the stylus cover every time I want to listen, but I cant mark Sony down for that. At least Sony doesnt require you to do anything to the cartridge or counterweight or anything like that, and the entire set-up process took me under 15 minutes. And once youve done the initial set-up, its really easy to listen thanks to Sony's use of an automatic system in the PS-LX310BT. Press play to play, or stop to stop, and the tone arm will move all on its own. I do find the turntable a little slow to react to these button presses, and if I wanted music on quickly Id place the arm myself because I'm experienced in such things. Thankfully this is a valid option too, with the platter spinning automatically if the tonearm is raised. Connections wise, there are wired or wireless options. Wirelessly, you can connect devices such as headphones via Bluetooth, and I found it a quick and reliable connection. You can connect up to eight devices this way, but I dont know anyone who isnt a tech journalist who owns this many wireless gadgets. Wired, you can use the built-in RCA cable which plugs into the left and right jacks of an amplifier or stereo speaker. Theres no 3.5mm jack in the turntable for you to plug in your wired headphones. In this way, it slightly limits who can use the wired connection you need compatible tech, or at least an adaptor. Features score: 4/5 (Image credit: Future) Sony PS-LX310BT review: Sound quality Energetic audio Some detail missing Avoid Bluetooth if you can Not wanting to upset audiophiles (and being indecisive), I tested the Sony PS-LX310BT alongside multiple devices, including wired and Bluetooth. Theres a lot of energy in music played through the turntable; evidently the understated design contrasts the music played out. The Polices Zenyatta Mondatta felt playful and fun, and Al Stevens ode to the feline annum reveals the singers vocal range and zest well, with glissandos and harmonies far more audible than if you just listened on Spotify. Youre sadly not getting quite the level of clarity that you would on a well, a non entry-level setup, with some detail lost, especially in the mids. But its still decent for the money, and theres a reason that cut-price music-lovers have been turning to the PS-LX310BT for over half a decade. Note to Bluetooth users: I did find that the speaker peaked Bluetooth-connected devices on occasion, which isnt something Ive found as much from other Bluetooth turntables Ive tested. (Image credit: Future) Sound quality score: 4/5 Sony PS-LX310BT review: Design Minimal, understated look Buttons hidden on front edge Dust cover could open further The Sony PS-LX310BT has a minimalist look, going for the black on black (on silver) look, small unadorned dials and buttons and a businesslike tonearm. I like ornamentation as much as the next guy, but this product hits that audio equipment serious aesthetic pretty square-on. The turntable measures 43 x 36.7 x 10.8cm, and weighs 3.5kg; it wasnt too heavy to stop me toting it around my apartment when I wanted to connect it to various speakers and devices dotted in different rooms. That height includes the dust cover, which you dont have to use (TechRadar's audio editor never fits them, and removes them if they're pre-fitted), but Id recommend. My tiniest-violin-in-the-world opinion is that it would have been nice if the dust cover would open a little wider, to make getting vinyl records onto the mat a little easier. The almost-straight, no-nonsense tonearm was light and easy to manipulate, though some audio purists might take chagrin at the lack of a counterweight. Sony has hidden most of the PS-LX310BTs buttons on the front edge. This is where youll find the buttons to play, to stop and to move the tone arm up and down. On the top theres only the Bluetooth pairing button,, a dial to set the vinyl speed and the speed rotary knob. There is also a little hidey-hole on the right edge for the 45RPM adaptor, something I only noticed after 10 days of the adaptor being plonked awkwardly on the turntables body. (Image credit: Future) Design score: 4.5/5 Sony PS-LX310BT review: Value While the Sony PS-LX310BT is priced as an entry-level device, and has a feature set to match, there are a few areas in which it stands out from the budget crowd. The ease of use and svelte design are two such departments, but these are hardly small perks, with the aluminum platter, bespoke (though un-removable) cartridge and lightweight tonearm keeping better care of your records than some super-cheap options might. My only small value concern is this: you either need to connect it to a Bluetooth device, or something which accepts RCA-in, so your wired headphones will need an adaptor to work. But that's hardly a deal-breaker. Value score: 4/5 (Image credit: Future) Should I buy the Sony PS-LX310BT? Sony PS-LX310BT score card Attributes Notes Rating Features It's easy to use and misses some of the complications of more premium alternatives. 4/5 Sound quality The sound is energetic and zingy, though with some missing clarity. 4/5 Design It's understated, with a smartly-thought-out design. 4.5/5 Value Several aspects, including the price, make it a good entry-level pick. 4/5 Buy it if You want a first-steps turntable If expensive turntables put you off, this cut-price alternative will be a great option instead and it's Sony, with all of the gravitas that name carries. You're scared of using turntables It's simple when you get used to it, but if you'd rather an automated way to play vinyl, then this option is great. You have compatible pieces of audio kit (or don't mind using Bluetooth) Hey, I don't mind using Bluetooth, but some vinyl fans turn their nose up at it. If you insist on wired connections, then you'll need something that can take RCA. Dont buy it if You want to manually operate your turntable I've seen a few people unhappy at the PS-LX310BT because its automated process cuts them out of the vinyl playing process. I understand. You're building an audio empire If you're an audiophile with cash to burn, then you should put something at the center of your sound system that's a little pricier. View Deal Sony PS-LX310BT review: Also consider Sony PS-LX310BT Majority Folio Audio-Technica AT-LP70XBT Dimensions 43 x 36.7 x 10.8cm 412 x 323 x 142mm 110 x 400 x 330mm Motor Belt drive Belt drive Belt drive Platter Aluminum Die-cast metal Aluminum Phono preamp Yes Yes Yes USB No Die-cast metal No Bluetooth 4.2 Die-cast metal 5.2 Speeds 33 1/3, 45RPM 33 1/3, 45RPM 33 1/3, 45RPM Cartridge Not specified AT3600L AT3600L Extras 45RPM adapter, attached RCA cable, rubber mat Dust cover, rubber mat, 45 adapter, RCA cable. 33 1/3, 45RPM Majority Folio This more affordable turntable has a built-in speaker, and while it's good, it makes it a better pick for first-time turntable users who don't already have a Hi-Fi set-up in place. Read our Majority Folio review here. Audio-Technica AT-LP70XBT Our favorite budget turntable, the AT-LP70XBT undercuts the Sony's MSRP in some countries, though costs more than its deal price. It's another solid beginner turntable with better Bluetooth transmission. Read our Audio-Technica AT-LP70XBT review here. How I tested the Sony PS-LX310BT (Image credit: Future) Tested for ten days Inputs included a series of vinyl records Outputs include headphones and a speaker via Bluetooth, and speakers via cable The Sony PS-LX310BT review process covered ten days, not including the time it took to write the review itself. I have a decent-sized collection of vinyl which I used for this testing. As mentioned, after running it in for 48 hours, I listened on multiple devices including a pair of speakers via the RCA connection, a smaller speaker via Bluetooth and a pair of headphones, also via Bluetooth. I've been tested tech for TechRadar for nearly seven years, which has included many audio players and another turntable; I've also used turntables and other Hi-Fi kit outside of reviewing. First reviewed November 2025 ====================================================================== Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/audio/turntables/i-tested-the-entry-level-turntable- that-everyone-raves-about-and-i-totally-get-it --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 (Linux/64) * Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100) .