Sony has announced two new Bluetooth turntables: the fully automatic PS-LX3BT and the more advanced PS-LX5BT. Sony announced them in Japan on January 23, 2026, with a February 14 Japanese launch, followed by announcements and availability in other markets. In the United States, the listed MSRPs are $399.99 and $499.99 respectively.
They are Sony’s first new mainstream turntable models since the PS-LX310BT arrived in 2019—not Sony’s first turntables in decades. The PS-HX500 launched in 2016, and the PS-LX310BT remained part of Sony’s lineup.
What Sony announced
PS-LX3BT: the simpler beginner model
The PS-LX3BT is designed around easy, automatic playback. It starts and stops records with one-button operation, uses a belt-drive mechanism, and supports 33⅓ and 45 rpm records in 7-inch and 12-inch sizes. Bluetooth transmission and a built-in phono equalizer let it connect either to a compatible wireless speaker or headphones, or to an amplifier through the supplied audio cable.
Sony lists a U.S. MSRP of $399.99. Sony’s store showed temporary lower prices during 2026, including approximately $329.99–$349.99 at different times; those were observed sale prices, not a permanent MSRP. Product details are available at Sony’s PS-LX3BT page.
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- EASY OPERATION: Effortlessly enjoy your favorite records with one-step auto start, stop and return.
- WIRELESS CONNECTION: Connect to wireless speakers, headphones, soundbars, or other Bluetooth enabled devices.
- WIRED CONNECTION: Enjoy a simple wired connection to receivers, powered speakers, and other components with built-in audio cable.
- HIGH QUALITY AUDIO: Built-in switchable phono EQ allows the turntable to connect to a home stereo, powered speakers, or another component, with or without a dedicated phono input.
- TRANSPARENT DUST COVER: Showcase your vinyl collection with a clear dust cover that protects your turntable without hiding your favorite records.
PS-LX5BT: more flexible hardware
The PS-LX5BT keeps full automation, belt drive and 33⅓/45 rpm playback, but adds features aimed at a more ambitious system. It has a pre-fitted moving-magnet cartridge, an aluminum tonearm, a vibration-reducing chassis, a rubber mat, detachable wired audio cables and a gold-plated output jack.
Its built-in phono stage has a Phono/Line selector and three gain settings—Low, Mid and High. Bluetooth supports SBC, aptX and aptX Adaptive, subject to what the receiving speaker or headphones also support. A USB-B output can feed a computer for vinyl recording, although Sony says the USB cable is sold separately. Sony lists a U.S. MSRP of $499.99; a roughly $449.99 store price was a temporary 2026 observation. See the official PS-LX5BT listing.
Rank #2
- SONY USA Authorized - Includes Full USA Warranty | Wireless Bluetooth Vinyl Streaming – Enjoy the rich warmth of analog records with modern flexibility. Seamlessly stream your vinyl collection to Bluetooth-enabled speakers, soundbars, or headphones, or connect via wired output using the built-in switchable phono/line preamp for universal system compatibility.
- Fully Automatic One-Touch Operation – Effortless start, stop, and tonearm return at the press of a button. The precision automatic mechanism protects your records and stylus while delivering a smooth, hassle-free listening experience ideal for both beginners and audiophiles.
- Precision Belt-Drive Performance with Premium Components – Engineered with a vibration-reducing belt-drive system, die-cast aluminum platter, and pre-mounted moving magnet cartridge to ensure stable rotation, accurate speed (33⅓ & 45 RPM), and detailed, balanced analog sound right out of the box.
- INCLUDED IN THE BOX: Sony PS-LX3BT Bluetooth Turntable | Transparent Dust Cover | Aluminum Platter | Rubber Slip Mat | Power Supply | Adaptor for 7" Records | Dust Cover Attachment Pieces (x2) | User Manual / Quick Start Guide
- BUNDLE INCLUDES: PreSonus Eris 3.5 Powered Active Near Field Studio Monitors, Pair | Deco Gear Vinyl Care Bundle: Cleaning Kit, Stroboscope, Record Stabilizer
PS-LX3BT versus PS-LX5BT
| Feature | PS-LX3BT | PS-LX5BT |
|---|---|---|
| Audience | First-time listeners | More developed wired or wireless systems |
| Operation | Fully automatic | Fully automatic |
| Speeds and sizes | 33⅓/45 rpm; 7-inch and 12-inch | 33⅓/45 rpm; 7-inch and 12-inch |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth; one-step pairing emphasized by Sony | SBC, aptX and aptX Adaptive |
| Phono stage | Built in | Built in; Phono/Line selector and Low/Mid/High gain |
| Wired output | Supplied, non-detachable cable | Detachable cable; gold-plated jack |
| USB recording | Not established in the U.S. product information | USB-B output; cable sold separately |
| Cartridge | Basic supplied cartridge; exact specification should be checked in the manual | Pre-fitted, pre-adjusted moving-magnet cartridge |
| U.S. MSRP | $399.99 | $499.99 |
Automation is not the dividing line: both models are fully automatic. The meaningful differences are the PS-LX5BT’s cartridge, chassis and tonearm design, gain control, detachable cable, USB connection and broader Bluetooth codec support.
What “Bluetooth turntable” means here
Both decks transmit the record’s audio to a compatible Bluetooth speaker, soundbar, headphones or other playback device. They do not receive music from a phone, and neither includes built-in speakers. Bluetooth compatibility is negotiated with the receiving device; an aptX-capable turntable can fall back to SBC if the speaker or headphones do not support aptX or aptX Adaptive.
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- EASY OPERATION: Effortlessly enjoy your favorite records with one-step auto start, stop and return.
- WIRELESS CONNECTION: Connect to wireless speakers, headphones, soundbars, or other Bluetooth enabled devices.
- IN THE BOX: Sony Full Auto Playback Turntable with Bluetooth Connectivity Black - Transparent Dust Cover - Aluminum Platter - Rubber Slip Mat - Power Supply - Adaptor for 7" Records - Dust Cover Attachment Pieces (×2) - User Manual / Quick Start Guide
- BUNDLE INCLUDES: Deco Gear Vinyl Record Cleaning Kit 3-in-1 Velvet Brush, Stylus Brush
- 2 Year Premium Extended Service Protection Plan
Wireless playback adds a digital transmission stage, so it is not an all-analog signal path. For the most direct connection, use the wired output and select the correct phono or line mode on the turntable and amplifier.
Setup issues that matter
Amplifier has no sound
- Use Line when connecting to a normal line input such as AUX.
- Use Phono only when the amplifier or receiver provides its own phono stage. Sending a pre-amplified Line signal into a conventional phono input can overload the input.
- Powered speakers can connect directly; passive speakers require an amplifier or receiver.
Bluetooth will not pair
- Pair with a Bluetooth audio playback device, not automatically with a phone, computer or television. Sony’s support guidance for the LX-series specifically describes playback-device pairing.
- Check the receiver’s supported Bluetooth profile and codec.
- Use the wired output when wireless pairing or volume behavior is unreliable.
Computer recording
The PS-LX5BT’s USB-B connection can send audio to a computer, but Sony says the new models do not support high-resolution recording and do not reproduce the PS-HX500’s DSD workflow. Dedicated recording software is not included; Sony points users toward third-party software such as Audacity, and a USB cable must be purchased separately. Consult Sony’s current support FAQ for operating-system details.
Rank #4
- Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Performance: The Sony PS-LX3BT is a fully automatic two-speed (33-1/3 & 45 RPM) belt-drive turntable designed for effortless playback with one-button operation. Its aluminum platter ensures smooth, stable rotation, delivering warm, clear analog sound with minimal vibration and consistent performance.
- Wireless Bluetooth & Easy Connectivity: Features Bluetooth with aptX support for wireless streaming to speakers or headphones, plus wired RCA output with switchable phono/line level. Includes built-in preamp, USB output for vinyl-to-digital conversion, and a fixed headshell MM cartridge for balanced, detailed sound.
- Precision Turntable Engineering: The Sony PS-LX3BT features a DC servo motor, aluminum platter, and durable tonearm designed to provide smooth rotation, stable playback speed, and reduced vibration. Its fully automatic mechanism offers reliable operation while preserving consistent audio quality across your vinyl collection.
- All-in-One Waith Record Cleaner Kit: Keep your vinyl collection in pristine condition with this 4-in-1 kit featuring a flat velvet record brush, cleaning fluid, duster, and stylus cleaning gel. Removes dust, dirt, and debris from records and turntable needles, restores sound quality, and protects albums for long-lasting performance, perfect for audiophiles.
- Bundle Includes: Sony PS-LX3BT Fully Automatic Two-Speed Turntable with Bluetooth, AC Power Adapter, Hinged Dust Cover, 45 RPM Adapter, Waith Vinyl Record Cleaner Kit, Cleaning Brush, Cleaning Liquid, Elegant Box, Record Brush, and Stylus Gel.
Important limits before you buy
- Neither model plays 78 rpm records. Sony documents only 33⅓ and 45 rpm operation.
- Automatic mechanisms are convenient but provide less hands-on control than a manual deck for cueing, tracking-force adjustment and cartridge alignment.
- A replaceable stylus is not the same as an easily upgradeable cartridge system. Check Sony’s manual and mounting geometry before planning cartridge changes.
- Neither turntable contains speakers, so a complete system needs powered speakers, Bluetooth headphones or speaker, or an amplifier and speakers.
How this changes Sony’s lineup
PS-LX310BT
Sony’s U.S. category pages continued to list the PS-LX310BT alongside the new models, at an observed $449.99. That does not prove whether production will end. The LX310BT already offers automatic operation, Bluetooth, USB output and a built-in phono stage, so an owner should not assume the PS-LX3BT is a substantial upgrade. The newer LX5BT has a clearer feature-based case through its cartridge, gain controls, codecs and detachable wired connection. Sony’s existing product page is here.
PS-HX500
The PS-HX500, announced in 2016, was built around recording records to high-resolution formats including DSD. The PS-LX5BT is not its replacement: its USB function is conventional computer recording, and Sony says the new decks do not support hi-res recording. The new pair is primarily about convenient playback, wireless connectivity and automatic operation. Sony’s original HX500 announcement is archived at Sony Japan.
Best Value
- Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Performance: The Sony PS-LX3BT is a fully automatic two-speed (33-1/3 & 45 RPM) belt-drive turntable designed for effortless playback with one-button operation. Its aluminum platter ensures smooth, stable rotation, delivering warm, clear analog sound with minimal vibration and consistent performance.
- Wireless Bluetooth & Easy Connectivity: Features Bluetooth with aptX support for wireless streaming to speakers or headphones, plus wired RCA output with switchable phono/line level. Includes built-in preamp, USB output for vinyl-to-digital conversion, and a fixed headshell MM cartridge for balanced, detailed sound.
- 4-Inch Deep Bass Powered Bookshelf Speakers (Pair): These bookshelf speakers feature a 4-inch bass driver and 1.25-inch silk dome tweeter for deep bass, clear midrange, and superior stereo sound. Equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 and dual RCA inputs, they easily connect to smartphones, tablets, laptops, or audio devices for music, movies, gaming, and more.
- All-in-One Waith Record Cleaner Kit: Keep your vinyl collection in pristine condition with this 4-in-1 kit featuring a flat velvet record brush, cleaning fluid, duster, and stylus cleaning gel. Removes dust, dirt, and debris from records and turntable needles, restores sound quality, and protects albums for long-lasting performance, perfect for audiophiles.
- Bundle Includes: Sony PS-LX3BT Fully Automatic Two-Speed Turntable with Bluetooth, AC Power Adapter, Hinged Dust Cover, 45 RPM Adapter, 2 Powered Bookshelf Speakers, Waith Vinyl Record Cleaner Kit, Cleaning Brush, Cleaning Liquid, Elegant Box, Record Brush, and Stylus Gel.
Who should choose each model?
Choose the PS-LX3BT if
- This is your first turntable.
- You want one-button automatic playback and mainly plan to use Bluetooth.
- You want the lowest-priced new Sony option.
Choose the PS-LX5BT if
- You want both Bluetooth and a conventional wired connection.
- Your receiving device supports aptX or aptX Adaptive and you want that option.
- You value the supplied moving-magnet cartridge, gain adjustment, detachable cables and more substantial construction.
- You intend to record vinyl to a computer through USB.
Consider another turntable if
- You want manual cueing and extensive tonearm or cartridge adjustment.
- You need 78 rpm playback.
- You want DSD or genuinely high-resolution archival recording.
- You require a completely analog signal path or are seeking the greatest feature value rather than automatic Sony operation.
Bottom line
Sony’s PS-LX3BT and PS-LX5BT are a genuine return to new mainstream turntable releases after the 2019 PS-LX310BT, but they are a lineup refresh rather than a confirmed replacement for every older model. The LX3BT is the straightforward automatic Bluetooth choice. The LX5BT earns its higher price through better supplied hardware, wired flexibility, gain control, USB recording and broader codec support. Neither is a 78-rpm, manual or DSD-archiving deck.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
