Sony is making the most of the resurgence in vinyl with a new turntable that can convert your record collection into digital high-resolution files.
Available from April and retailing for £400, the PS-HX500 comes with a DSD native converter, which gives the user the option to copy analogue tracks to a PC as a digital file, up to high-resolution audio quality.
This allows the user to take their music from their vinyl collection and play it on a compatible PC, mobile, portable music player, or in their car.
Sony said the PS-HX500 is the world’s first turntable to support the double-rate and single-rate DSD (5.6MHz/1bit, 2.8MHz/1bit) audio format.
Using the PS-HX500 PC application software, vinyl can be converted to high-resolution audio files on the user’s PC and edited in post-production.
The record player also comes with an integrated phono preamp, allowing direct connection to an external amplifier. It has a straight tonearm, with the stylus tip located in the central axis, which, said Sony, ensures excellent stereo balance.
The arm also features an integrated round headshell that is said to minimise resonance. An anti-skating device is incorporated into the arm assembly, along with a cueing system. A moving magnet cartridge is supplied, with tracking force and balance easily adjustable, said Sony.
The PS-HX500 has an aluminium die-cast platter and is belt-driven by a two-speed motor. A high-density 30mm acoustic plinth is featured, along with a newly designed, 5mm rubber mat and four insulator feet.
