Updated March 2022
Update: The Sony PS-LX300USB has been discontinued by Sony. The updated and upgraded version is the Sony PS-LX310BT, which includes the USB functionality at a good price point while adding Bluetooth compatibility.
Pricing and pictures of the Sony PS-LX310BT are available on Amazon and Sony.
The Sony PS-LX300USB Stereo Turntable is a good choice for beginners looking to start small without breaking the bank.
And if you want an easy ‘plug and play’ without having to fork-out more money on extra equipment like a phono preamp.
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Even if you’re just a casual listener with a stack of old vinyl records looking for a decent turntable the Sony PS-LX300USB is a thrifty choice.
See the Sony PS-LX300USB Stereo Turntable on Amazon
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The design of this turntable is simple making it easy to set up and use right away without a hassle.
The Sony PS-LX300USB is backed by a 1 year warranty.
It’s worth noting here that Sony has released an upgraded version of this TT (learn more on Amazon).
Features of the Sony PS-LX300USB Stereo Turntable
Although this turntable does not have all of the features of the higher end turntables, it has everything a casual listener could want in a turntable.
And it works great for converting old albums to digital format using a PC and the free software included.
Speed
This turntable offers two speeds for playback, either 33 or 45 RPM. And the speed switch is adjusted manually. Most vinyl records are cut at 33 or 45 RPM, so we should have no problems spinning just about any vinyl.
The Sony PS-LX300USB can’t play at 78 RPM.
<< See the Sony PS-LX300 USB Stereo Turntable on Amazon >>
Drive
Sony went for a belt drive with this model. A benefit of a belt driven turntable is that the vinyl and tonearm are protected from vibration, making the record less likely to skip.
Belt drives tend to produce less vibration through the tonearm making for a more crystal-like sound. The belt is made of durable silicone and fits snugly around the stepped drive pulley.
Tonearm
The 7.5” straight tonearm has a pull lever and finger-lift on the side for easy handling. On contact with the vinyl, the needle pressure is measured at 3.5g and with a slight variation of 1g.
This low pressure means your vinyl is better protected without any risk of causing scratches across the record.
The Sony PS-LX300USB Stereo Turntable is a fully automatic unit. The belt will automatically begin to turn once you hit the start button. The tonearm will automatically return once the record has finished playing.
If you’re someone who falls asleep on the sofa while the record is spinning this is an upside since your record won’t run for hours while you snooze.
The one downside is, the tonearm might lift automatically a few seconds before the end of the last track.
Cartridge
This turntable comes with a cartridge and Sony stylus already mounted to the tonearm. This model does not allow for the cartridge to be replaced.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t upgrade the stylus! The standard Sony stylus N-6516 can be replaced with something more impressive like the Audio Technica ATN-91 stylus.
USB and Connectivity
This turntable features both RCA output and a USB interface making your options for getting the most out of this unit endless.
Although, some customers have complained of RCA cables being too short. Ripping old vinyls to digital format is as simple as connecting the USB to your PC and firing up the free audio software that comes free.
And although this turntable is not made for scratching or music production, you can easily use mixing software to replace ‘hardware’ for mixing, if you’re a budding DJ still learning the ropes.
Short Video on The Sony PS-LX300 USB Stereo Turntable
[youtube id=”Axf-HNW3zK4″]
<< See the Sony PS-LX300 USB Stereo Turntable on Amazon>>
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
Can I connect this directly to speakers or do I need an amplifier?
If you’re using regular speakers you will need an amplifier, if you’re using active speakers you’re good to go. This turntable as a built-in phono preamp which is an advantage if your amplifier doesn’t have phono inputs.
Does this turntable convert 78 RPM records?
No, it only plays at 33 or 45 RPM. So you won’t be able to play 78 RPM records successfully.
Is there any software included with this turntable?
Yes, Sound Forage Audio Studio software is included. You can also find a bunch of free software online to use if you choose.
Does this come with USB Interface?
Yes, it sure does!
Does the Sony PS-LX300 have a headphone jack or RCA to 3.5mm adapter?
No, this turntable does not have either of these options.
Should You Buy the Sony PS-LX300USB Stereo Turntable?
If you’re looking for a decent caliber turntable designed for easy use to play your old vinyl records, then this turntable might be just what you’re looking for.
The sound quality is pretty damn good so you can really enjoy listening to your vinyls and you won’t have to split hairs worrying about damaging them.
Its USB connectivity makes it super easy to transfer the audio from vinyl to digital format so you can enjoy your old records in the car, on a plane or even on the subway.
The Sony PS-LX300USB is overall an outstanding low-cost option turntable.
Update:
It’s worth noting here that Sony has released a new higher-end TT than this one (learn more on Amazon). For not much more in the price, you’ll get a better TT all round. It’s got way more upgrade options and insanely good recording software.
It’s also designed with an acoustic base. And it looks stylish to say the least.
Check out my review of the Sony PSHX500.
PS-LX300 USB Stereo Turntable on Amazon
Not a comment, but a question: can I be listening to the music via the pre-amp and an external amplifier and speakers while an MP3 recording is being made?
Also, can I record directly to a USB flash drive and transfer the file to my computer later?
Thanks for the help.
Hi Martin,
To make MP3 recordings your PC will need to be hooked up to your turntable via the USB jack. You should have no problem listening to tracks via the external amp and speakers while recording.
If you have an extra USB connection, just pop your flash in and choose to save your files to the USB.
Hope this helps.
Does Sony make a turntable that allows you to use your own cartrige and stylus?
My Sony ps-lx300usb is stuck playing 33 1/3 records at 45 rpm. I have adjusted everything and purchased and installed a new belt. Any suggestions?
So I put this in the closet for some time. Where does one find the software mentioned in the video? I have no software in the box and when I connected to my computer no sound, ability to record etc. I’m about to by another device thinking I can’t connect as shown, since it did not work in the past. Tried to connect via Roxio on laptop but no go. Any help appreciated.
How is this turntable compared to the audio technica at-lp-USB? Are there any differences?
Will this turntable work with wireless, bluetooth speakers? Thanks.
I’m strongly considering this Sony turntable. Thanks for the review, it’s helped me make up my mind.
It’s a pity that it can’t rip vinyl but then again what’s the point of a turntable if you can simply convert the tracks to MP3 and listen that way.
I guess the whole point is to actually enjoy the sound of the vinyl on a turntable. I can always buy the MP3’s of tracks I want.
Anyway, it’s great that you have highlighted the needle upgrade. Thanks!
Hey Kristofer.
Thanks for your comment. I tend to agree on the ripping point you make. But I guess it’s different strokes.
I like the Sony as a good quality entry level unit. And if you get deeper into it you can always sell the Sony and spoil yourself with a high end unit.
Enjoy!
Do you have software compatible for a macOS?
Is there software compatible for a macOS?
Hi Amber,
Yest the disk included with the Sony is compatible with MacOS. So you’d be good to go.
Sorry this does not work with Mac OS
Hi Trevor,
The Sony PS-LX300 USB does work with the generic USB Audio Codec which is compatible with MAC.
Just picked up this same turntable for cheapmoney, but when getting home noticed that the stylus/cartridge doesn’t ride on the record. It hovers about a quarter inch higher. Any suggestions.
Hi Patrick,
Thanks for your question.
So, your TT’s tonearm is static so there are no adjustments for balancing needed. It’s likely that the cue mechanism needs some cleaning. They sometimes get stuck from old grease. Cleaning it with alcohol and q-tips should do the trick.
I’m assuming it didn’t come with it’s owner’s manual. But I’ve found one on Vinyl Engine for you. Here’s the link…
https://www.vinylengine.com/library/sony/ps-lx300usb.shtml
You’ll need to sign up for a free account to download it. These instructions should show you how to open it up.
Hope this helps.
Question. Only just learnt I need an amplifier too. I have NO idea what to get. Help☆
Hi Sue,
Thanks for your comment.
I depends on what components you have now. I use a stereo receiver although mine is from the 70s. There are some great modern options that will give you what you need. Look for a the phono input you need to hook up your TT. A grounding wire should eliminate any hum with your deck.
And if you want to you could hook up your entire home audio and visual system to this baby.
Depending on what you want to spend on grounding wire, there are loads of options you can look at on Amazon. But to be honest, you could go with the least expensive options and still have a quality grounding wire.
Once you’ve hooked everything up just remember to switch the internal phono amp off. There should be a switch at the back of your deck to do this.
I hope this helps, let me know if you have any other questions.
Enjoy the music!
Hi! I need to change my standard Sony stylus and I’d like to ask, which types are compatible with the cartridge besides ATN-91? I’ve checked DN-239, DN-251 (DN-251S), STY-155 and they seem pretty much similar. Thanks in advance for your response.
Hey Tomi,
Although they may look pretty similar, you run the risk of them not being suitable for your cart. You might consider going for an upgrade to your stylus. You get to keep the cart you have and just pop the new stylus on.
LP Gear make a great upgrade to the ATN 91 that work well with your deck.
You can check them both out on Amazon.
This one has no stylus guard.
This one has the built-in stylus guard.
Hope this helps. 🙂
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a
friend who has been conducting a little research on this.
And he in fact bought me lunch because I stumbled upon it for him…
lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending the time to talk about this topic here on your internet site.
Hey Vinyl Chick!
Great review thanks – very useful and speaks in easy to understand language; great for a turntable moron like me. Question for you: If the cartridge is not replaceable does that make the whole unit redundant when it fails?
Many thanks, hope you guys are still around!
Hi Chrissy,
I’m always around! Thanks for the kind words, I’m pleased this review helped you.
If the cartridge is not replaceable it only means you can’t change it. But you can pop a new stylus (needle) on it when it’s time for a new one. The Sony can take a better stylus than the factory fitted one though. So although there aren’t major upgrades you can do with this one, you can improve it slightly.
Hope this helps. 😉
How do you record individual songs form an album or do you have to download thee whole album as 1 MP3? I want to be able to have each song separate in order to choose which one to play. I’ve tried to download and it all runs together