It’s called the PS-HX500, and is designed for people who want to preserve their records in high-res quality, or just enjoy their vinyls on the go. Sony is betting the table’s analog-to-digital conversion and flexibility will differentiate it from other, similar offerings. The turntable also features anti-vibration and anti-skipping ripping. For example, CES 2015 that took place in Las Vegas too, saw a Bluetooth turntable, launched by ION audio, although it was not close enough to provide audiophiles with hi-res solutions.
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It may not look novel, but Sony’s new portable wireless speaker should sound better than ever. Much like its predecessor, Sony developed a straight tone arm with a central axis stylus that creates ideal stereo balance. Its integrated lightweight, low resonance integrated head shell also comes complete with moving magnet cartridge and produces three-dimensional sound while ensuring optimum tracking, even on warped records. A high density acoustically inert cabinet is further utilized along with insulator feet to off-set vibration and reduce resonance.
But the real selling point is digitization. In order to do this, the company made the turntable have a built-in A/D converter that instantly switches the song to the proprietary DSD format, with 5.6 MHz or WAV with 192 KHz/24-bit resolution. DSD was initially designed by Sony for its ill-fated SACD, though it still remains a hi-end, niche option among audiophiles.
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All three models feature LDAC, which Sony’s own audio coding technology for transmitting high-res audio wirelessly – reportedly three times the data rate than conventional Bluetooth.
