As someone who has made a career writing about technology, I find it fascinating how vinyl has not only made a comeback, but is now a premium audio experience.
When I was a kid, I remember buying my very first record. I had some money from my birthday or Christmas, and I bought the single of Lay Your Hands on Me by Bon Jovi. I think I probably still have it in storage somewhere.
I've wondered about getting back into vinyl, but the sheer volume of space it requires has kept me away. Sony's new premium wireless turntables could make me rethink that, though.
Sony has announced two new turntables – the PS-LX3BT and PS-LX5BT – both designed to make vinyl listening as simple as possible.
Both models support Bluetooth with aptX, aptX Adaptive, and Hi-Res Wireless Audio. That makes these easily partnered with a good pair of Bluetooth headphones.
The PS-LX3BT is the entry-level model at $469, perfect for anyone just getting started with vinyl. It's got one-button full auto playback, meaning you just pop the record on and press play. Gone are the days of messing about with tonearms or speed settings.
It comes with a built-in phono equaliser and an attached audio cable, so you can start listening straight away.
If you want something a bit more serious, the PS-LX5BT steps things up for $599. This one's built for people who really care about audio quality.
It's got a rigid one-piece body, aluminium tone arm, and a high-grade cartridge that Sony reckons delivers rich sound with a wide soundstage. The gold-plated audio jack is a nice touch if you want to go wired for the best possible quality.
Both turntables can play 33⅓ and 45 RPM records, and they've got USB output with three-level gain control for digitising your collection.
The aluminium platter and transparent dust cover are standard on both, and they arrive in recycled packaging.
The space issue is still a problem. Records take up a lot of room, and I'm not sure my home can handle another collection to go along with my Star Wars Lego helmets and my board games.
But these turntables make the actual listening experience so much simpler that it's tempting to give vinyl another go.
Both the PS-LX3BT and PS-LX5BT will be available in Australia from mid-February 2026.
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