Sony's New Bluetooth Turntable Impresses, But Lacks Customization

The PS-LX5BT offers great sound quality and easy setup, but its lack of adjustable features may not justify the $500 price tag.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:05am

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An extreme close-up of the Sony PS-LX5BT turntable, featuring its clean, minimalist design with smooth matte surfaces and subtle metallic accents, conceptually representing the high-quality engineering and audio performance of this modern vinyl playback device.Sony's latest Bluetooth-enabled turntable delivers impressive sound quality, but its lack of customization options may limit its appeal to more seasoned vinyl enthusiasts.Chicago Today

Sony's latest turntable, the PS-LX5BT, is an impressive upgrade for those looking to get into vinyl listening. With its one-piece body, aluminum tone arm, and hi-res wireless audio, the turntable delivers excellent sound quality on both vintage and newer records. However, the lack of adjustable anti-skate and tracking force, as well as the $500 price tag, may be a turnoff for more experienced vinyl enthusiasts seeking greater customization options.

Why it matters

The PS-LX5BT represents Sony's efforts to bring vinyl playback into the 21st century, with features like Bluetooth connectivity and USB output for digitizing records. As vinyl sales continue to grow, this turntable caters to both newcomers and casual listeners looking for an easy-to-use, high-quality option. But its limitations may disappoint more seasoned vinyl collectors and audiophiles.

The details

The PS-LX5BT features a one-piece body and aluminum tone arm, which helps reduce vibrations and skips. It also includes hi-res wireless audio with Qualcomm's aptX Adaptive, allowing for ～96kHz/24bit playback. Setting up the turntable is described as the easiest the reviewer has encountered, particularly when it comes to installing the belt. While purists may dislike the autoplay feature, the reviewer appreciated the convenience of the tone arm automatically lifting and cueing the first track. The turntable offers both a phono output and Bluetooth connectivity, giving users flexibility in how they connect it to their audio system.

  • The PS-LX5BT was released in 2026.

The players

Sony

The Japanese electronics company that developed the PS-LX5BT turntable.

Qualcomm

The semiconductor company that provides the aptX Adaptive wireless audio technology used in the PS-LX5BT.

Audio-Technica

The audio equipment manufacturer that produces the AT-LP70XBT turntable, which is recommended as a more affordable alternative to the PS-LX5BT.

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The takeaway

The Sony PS-LX5BT is a well-designed and impressive-sounding turntable that caters to those looking to upgrade their vinyl listening experience. However, its lack of adjustable features and $500 price tag may be a deterrent for more experienced vinyl enthusiasts seeking greater customization options. For those on a tighter budget, the Audio-Technica AT-LP70XBT is presented as a more affordable alternative that still delivers quality sound.