Can't recognize Sony mount - please help me

[briansoul]

Hi,
can someone help me finding if this turntable needs a p-mount cartridge or a standard one? Thanks you! Cheers!

http://www.vinylengine.com/library/sony/ps-lx44.shtml

[JaS]

The picture in the manual shows a single screw fixing in the top of the cartridge. If that's right it's neither a 1/2" or a T4P mount

Regards,
JaS

[fscl]

From the exploded view from the service manual, it appears that the cartridge can be removed by loosening this screw.......

After removal, dDoes the cartridge look like:

http://www.turntableneedles.com/Cartrid ... p_690.html *

As this is the cartridge that goes with the ND-155 stylus referred to in the VE library:

http://www.lpgear.com/product/SNY155.html *

I'm wondering if there is a standard 1/2" x center screw headshell adaptor mounting, a la Dual (as the headshell appears fixed to the tonearm), holding in the Audio Technica. Pictures help.

Good luck

Fred

* Note: For illustration purposes only.....

[briansoul]

Yes, I think it's exactly as you say, fscl. It's a single screw, the headshell is fixed to the tonearm and holds the audio technica, which is the very same model of the one you linked (http://www.turntableneedles.com/Cartrid ... p_690.html) .

I would like to change the cartridge (upgrading to a better one). May you suggest me some good models that would mount this way? Tomorrow i will also post some photos of the cartridge in detail, to show it better.

Thanks everyone

P.S. Sorry for my english, it's not my mother tongue

[fscl]

....snippage......

I would like to change the cartridge (upgrading to a better one). May you suggest me some good models that would mount this way? Tomorrow i will also post some photos of the cartridge in detail, to show it better.

Thanks everyone

P.S. Sorry for my english, it's not my mother tongue

According to the turntable database:

http://www.vinylengine.com/turntable-da ... hanger=any

1/2 way down.....

This Sony tt was sold in 1990, well into the CD era.....

By the 1990s the price for consumer CD players were US$ 250 - 300 range...

In 1990, Sony still had their direct drive Biotracer tonearm turntables for audiophiles, ie PS - X800, PS - X555es.... These Sony high end tts were JY150,000-X800, 84,700-X555es(1989)List respectively (according to the Vintage Knob).

Unfortunately, since CDs were becoming quite popular, Sony knew they could not sell many tts for any more than their CD players (no pops clicks) and the LX 44 was still kept in the product line for sale to entry level users. This is a budget plug and play turntable for the low end. The specs on this unit are not very good and from the looks of the tonearm, it is fixed / specifically designed for the cartridge, hence the lack of any moveable counterweight to accommodate different / better cartridges.....

According to what I've seen on the Audio Technica website, the original stylus is a 0.6 conical stylus. This should still sound quite acceptable on this tt provided the stylus is not damaged / worn. The LX 44 was built to a price point starting from the cartridge enabling Sony to maintain margins for low end tts.

Try living / playing LPs with this turntable for a while to make sure you want to get involved with vinyl media / playback. If you do like it, then upgrade to an entirely different turntable capable of accepting better cartridges.

Personally, I would not sink / throw money at any upgrades for the PS - LX 44.

Good luck.

Fred

[briansoul]

Ok, I'll follow your suggestion, I won't upgrade it. Now the question is an old one: what of these used but fully working turntable is the best deal? And what cartridge would you choose (I mainly listen to bowie, roxy music, the smiths, eno, the velvet underground)?

Technics SL-BD20 - 50 €
Dual cs 503 - 75 €
Dual CS 1254 - 78 €
Akai ap-001c - 80 €
Technics SL303 - 90 €
PIONEER PL210 - 90 €
TECHNICS SL-QD22 - 110 €
Technics SL-L20 - 115 €
Technics sl-dl 5 - 120 €
Pioneer pl4 - 120 €


Cheers.

[fscl]

Best to start a new topic with this list of tts in the turntable section in front of fresh eyes. Do any have cartridges? mounted / included?

Hopefully, you will receive good advice on best value.

I usually find tts at garage sales at much lower prices and try to restore / optimize.

You can also try googling each of the models listed and find how other owners like their units. Also, putting the model in the VE search box for members assessment.

Good luck.

Fred

[briansoul]

Ok, thanks, I'm going to post a new topic! Thanks for your advice.

[fscl]

Since you are looking @ turntables priced in Euros I figure you're across the pond somewhere. Check this current topic out, plenty of great advise and possibly closer to you:

viewtopic.php?f=18&t=49826

Good luck.

Fred