Sony is back in the turntable game for the first time in a few years, and this time, they’re aiming squarely at folks who want an easy, flexible way to enjoy records, whether through traditional speakers or wirelessly over Bluetooth. The two new models, the PS-LX3BT ($399 at Amazon) and PS-LX5BT ($499), are fully automatic, belt-driven turntables designed with convenience and modern connectivity in mind.

So, what’s new, and what’s the difference between the two? Let’s break it down.

Both turntables are designed to take the hassle out of vinyl. With the press of a button, the tonearm automatically lifts, moves over the record, drops into place, and returns when the album’s over. You don’t need to manually handle the arm, which makes these decks especially friendly for newcomers or anyone who prefers a more hands-off experience.

There’s also a switch for selecting record size (7" or 12") and speed (33⅓ or 45 RPM), and each model comes with a 45 adapter in the box. A transparent dust cover keeps things clean without hiding your colored vinyl.

Vinyl fans will be thrilled that both models include Bluetooth with aptX Adaptive, so you can stream your records wirelessly to a Bluetooth speaker, soundbar, or headphones, with no need to run long RCA cables or buy extra adapters. And since aptX Adaptive supports higher-res audio (up to 96kHz/24-bit), you’re not stuck with low-bitrate sound either.

You can pair each turntable with up to eight Bluetooth devices, so switching between living room speakers and bedroom headphones is a breeze.

If you’d rather plug the turntable into an amplifier or powered speakers, no problem. Both models include a built-in phono preamp (also called an EQ stage), which lets you connect to almost any setup, no separate phono input required.

There’s a three-level gain control (low, mid, high) to help match your output level depending on what you’re plugging into. It’s a simple but useful feature that helps avoid volume mismatches.

And if you’re looking to digitize your vinyl collection, both turntables include a USB output, so you can connect directly to a computer and convert records to digital files.

The PS-LX3BT is a direct replacement for Sony’s popular PS-LX310BT ($448 at Amazon), which had been around since 2019. It keeps the fully automatic playback and adds the same Bluetooth and USB options we just mentioned.

This model uses a moving magnet (MM) cartridge with a tracking force of 3.5 grams, which is considered gentle enough for regular records while still tracking well. The tonearm is aluminum, and the platter is silver-colored aluminum with a rubber slip mat for stability.

One thing to note: the audio cables are hardwired, meaning you can’t swap them out if you want longer cables or higher-end interconnects.

The PS-LX5BT takes the same foundation and builds on it with a few upgrades. The cartridge is still moving magnet, but it tracks lighter at 2 grams and is described as a bit more precise—potentially pulling more detail out of your records.

The platter here is black aluminum with a thicker rubber mat, which may help with vibration damping. The tonearm features a precision pivot bearing for smoother movement.

The other big difference is in connectivity. The LX5BT offers detachable RCA outputs with a gold-plated jack, so you can use your own cables if you’re connecting it to higher-end audio gear. That added flexibility might matter if you’re planning to use it with a full stereo setup.

Visually, the LX5BT is also all-black, compared to the dark grey finish of the LX3BT.

Sony hasn’t said exactly who makes the cartridges on these turntables, but there’s one important thing to know: you can’t swap them for third-party cartridges like those from Ortofon or Audio-Technica. If your stylus wears out or the cartridge needs replacing, you’ll have to go through Sony customer service, and only with the same model.

That’s fine for most casual users, but it could be a dealbreaker for vinyl veterans who like to customize their setups or try different cartridge brands.

Sony’s PS-LX3BT and PS-LX5BT offer two new options for people who want to enjoy vinyl without the usual setup hassle. With Bluetooth streaming, built-in phono stages, USB recording, and fully automatic playback, both models offer a mix of old-school listening and modern convenience.

The LX3BT will likely appeal to beginners or those who just want something that works out of the box. The LX5BT adds a bit more polish, detachable cables, lighter tracking force, upgraded platter, but the core experience is similar.

Just keep in mind the cartridges are proprietary, and you’ll need to go through Sony if you need a replacement.

The PS-LX3BT is available now for $399 at Amazon, and the PS-LX5BT is expected to ship in April for $499. That puts Sony squarely in the same conversation as the Audio‑Technica AT‑LP120XBT ($499 at Amazon), Pro‑Ject T1 ($449), and Denon DP‑300F ($499), all popular options in this part of the market.

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