Sony PS-LX3BT review: Still the best record player for beginners

After seven years — a metric eternity in tech time — Sony has finally ventured back into the world of Bluetooth turntables. This spring, the company released the Sony PS-LX3BT ($399.99) and the Sony PS-LX5BT ($499.99), a pair of replacements for its original PS-LX310BT record player. These newcomers have big shoes to fill. Long regarded as one of the best beginner-friendly turntables, the PS-LX310BT was a popular, perennial favorite for its easy setup, fully automatic operation, and minimalist look. It also helped that it was easy to find on sale for under $200 in its later years. Admittedly, I never rode the PS-LX310BT hype train. The record player I've used for the past 10-odd years is an entry-level wired, manual turntable that's served me well for the most part, save for some occasional needle issues. I like it a lot... or at least, I thought I did until I used the new PS-LX3BT for a month (the cheaper option). It made me feel so spoiled that I was genuinely bummed to ship it back at the end of my testing period. If you're a vinyl novice in the market for a solid plug-and-play turntable, your search still ends with Sony. The PS-LX3BT ships in a few parts and looks a little inti

Apr 18, 2026 → Apr 18, 2026