Sony PS-LX250H - Review & Test!

We have issues...loud annoying issues! See what I mean in today's Record-ology where we attempt a review and demo of an $8 Sony PS-LX250H from 2001!
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[@RC-74]

I have both of these turntables, both of which were presents from my sons. They are both still in use as of today; the 250H is upstairs connected to my vintage system which includes CD, Cassette, and tuner and the 300USB is downstairs in my office. I use it to record from since I feel it is more reliable and has the USB connection to my computers (one imac, one Linux, and one pc). I have replaced styli, and belts only. Have kept them clean and am happy with their performance. I'm 74 and suffer a little hearing loss at certain frequencies thanks to being a morse code operator years ago in the US Navy, so I don't need to spend big bucks on the finest sounding systems! Color me happy with both turntables.

[@uploadtime1780]

Thank you for your service.

[@ArthurJS123]

Picked one of these up at the local Savers for $11 today. A little plastic polish on the dust cover, some cleaning of the stylus, and resetting the belt, and it works perfectly. I did also set the pitch control using the recessed wheels on the bottom inside. Complete with the mat, and 45 adapter. Best $11 ever spent. It’s my 4th turntable, but as great as it sounds, who knows, it may go up the food chain. And my only true automatic machine. I love it.

[@Recordology]

Awesome!!!!

[@ArthurJS123]

@@Recordology I had no clue it was the same machine till I had it out on the front porch doing the cleaning of it. Then when I saw the model number, I remembered, have to say, hard to beat for the price!

[@rustyperry9414]

I bought this model back in 2000 for around 80 dollars. It was fine turntable for a few years....I never had issues with the tonearm not lifting high enough. Then got Sony's 350H in 2005; this model is very similar design to AT 120, fully manual turntable. All I've ever done is upgrade the cartridges over the years, and it's been a fine turntable for 17 years.

[@vasquezovj65]

Everybody that heard and saw that needle shoot across that record lost about 0.3 % from their lifespan. 😖

[@TMI2024-t5t]

The Sony has character.

[@cuoresportivo155]

You can manually cue it with the up/down button. Same as a lever. 6:42 . If you keep the cue up, it doesn't matter where in the cycle the platter is, it can just finish it up in the air.

[@BokBarber]

Ah the Sony PS-LX250H. My first ever "good turntable". Quite the step up from the Red Ed style tables.

[@Recordology]

Indeed!

[@Apo458]

I laughed so hard at your reaction of the tonearm not lifting high enough during the auto-return, but at the same time I felt so bad because of those poor records

[@jmi5969]

I didn't. Sometimes my super-duper-high-tech vintage table does the same. And there are exactly zero mechanical links to be fixed. All electronic. Perhaps, some capacitor in the arm control circuit is dying, or maybe an intermittent contact fault... and I have precisely zero clues as to how to get inside this behemoth.

[@GK-rw2op]

@@jmi5969 19:46 LOL

[@janjohansson2567]

Just found one of those myself - mine lift the arm properly when going home, had a look at what might be causing it. The cue and the auto-home lift the arm through different mechanisms, so it's expected cue works even though the other doesn't. The largest metal plate (visible at 9:32) moves as it changes mode. The end of it is angled, visible briefly at 27:05, when it goes into return mode the plate should move far enough towards the center of the disc, the angled section becomes below the pin with the spring so it becomes "free" to expand, which will raise the arm. I'm guessing there is a mechanical error around there, maybe the spring is too lose or something is stuck prevening that pin to fall, or something is incorrectly calibrated so that the metal plate is not moved far enough. Pressing the Start-button and manually rotating the spindle should allow fairly easy troubleshooting. The three screws at the bottom adjustments adjust various aspects of the return mechanisms, at least one is for calibrating when it's reached the end of the disc (so if it stops too early, or never stops, this one needs adjustment for sure), and at least one is for home position (so this one needs adjustment if it "misses" or "overshoots" the parked position). One of them adjusts a switch, not sure what this switch does since everything is entirely mechanical, maybe it ensures audio is only passed through while it's in the correct mode? Just found one of these myself in the recycling room where I live... broken stylus, missing adapter, belt was there and seems fine but had come off and become tangled, really scratched up lid, but otherwise in great condition. Haven't tried it with a a proper stylus and disc yet though...

[@analogidc1394]

Radio Shack sold the same turn table during the late 90's as an Optimus LAB-1100. I remember spending a lot of my time constantly readjusting the pitch. The motor speed would start to vary daily. However the auto return worked perfectly! lol

[@TorontoJon]

I bought a Sony PS-LX250H turntable new back in 2001 for about $80 on eBay. It seemed to work well for quite a while, but then there were times when the turntable would activate the auto return randomly for no good reason, so it would not always play a full side of a record and I also felt that the stylus dropped onto records a bit harshly and not as soft a landing as I would have preferred. Other than those issues, it was very easy to set up and operate as a fully automatic belt-drive turntable and had the option of a phono setting for amplifiers or a line out setting for newer amps or receivers that did not include a phone pre-amp. It was a generic model that was not only made for Sony, but also for Denon and other familiar brands.

[@marktubeie07]

19:47 😂😂😂😂 wasn't expecting that, hysterical !

[@brianstewart5380]

Great video, I too like the auto players. For the dust covers you can use a headlight restoration kit to clean them up. I bought a Technics SL1900 with a scratched up dust cover and I happen to have a Mothers headlight restoration kit so I thought I would give it a try and it took out all of the scratches. The cover now looks as clear as the day it was new. If you have several covers to clean up it's well worth the cost.

[@Eric_Olsen]

You reviewed one of the turntables I have my other one is a Surewood ST-801 made in Japan

[@paulpoco22]

As far as no off/on button goes, if powered from the Receiver then it should have at least 2 plugs on the back. I have the 1979 Sony PS-T20 direct drive, so no belts to worry about.

[@paulpoco22]

The best part of this video is the auto return scratching across the record.

[@LiamYL-sh1ml]

Y'know those all-in-oneturntable? They've got this big ol' cover attached to them, and it can really mess with your turntable's sound quality. Like, if you stick your record player right up against a wall, that big cover on the turntable is gonna catch all the sound waves that the system is putting out. It can make your music sound all muddy and even echoey.

Itis sad that charity shops do not exist in Argentina. That turntable costs 150 dollars here and in bad shape. I was born in the 40s, may be vintage is older than 21 years. I have turtables from the late 50´s bought by me...Cheers from frozen Patagonia.-

[@cmvb69]

These aren't too bad, its a great first turn table, I replaced the rca cables with thicker ones, you'll have to open it up to do but wasn't that bad and helped the sound out alot

[@thepirategamerboy12]

This is my turntable! Found it while thrifting about 4 years ago for I think $5 and just needed a new belt and stylus. Otherwise all good.

[@greggaieck4808]

Record ology your Sony ps lx 250 record player is cool

[@djijspeakerguy4628]

The ps-lx300usb actually has the preamp switch on the back, not under the platter, just a little detail that’s different between the two models.

[@GaryKeepItSimple]

That TT is obviously related to the Aiwa I did from 1985. They have been making the same fundamental design for SOOO many years. I can have a look and see what is required to adjust the lift if you want me to. Nice video. I shall have to remember to check the auto lift and Manual lift if I get any TT from now on. . so thanks for that. The Board on the transformer was a simple 4 diodes and a capacitor looking at your video. Cheers. PS the preamp on My Aiwa was OK but I bypassed it internally as It did not have a switch. The sound was so much better after doing that .

[@VictoryHighway]

This was my first turntable that I bought myself.

[@adrianandkatrinadove203]

just before watching this video,i was out in the garden and Avha dog was barking at a tree....i told her to stop barking at the incorrect tree and concentrate on barking at a tree that deserved to be barked at...that turntable would be fabulous for anyone with an Elton John vinyl collection....a very interesting video...not watched anything from your good self in a while,and really hope your gifted vinyl was not damaged...i remember the show you did,when you first got those records.

[@alexdolling]

Just a note about the colour versus the record - in the uk when this was made it would have been called ‘brown goods’ and you can see why. You think they’re black but it’s more like bronze/brown

[@bobsbits5357]

hi have a mate who works in the same kind of shop you got this from he said all the gear ends up on ebay as they get good money for things

[@Roberob1189]

Walmart?? Really? I live here on Long Island Ny and there a bunch of Walmart’s here. All of them have records but no accessories or carts/stylus etc. not even record cleaning fluid. That’s awesome yours have all that.

[@ricardodifirenze3855]

Just picked one up for 2.99. It seems they thought it was broken. The belt simply fell off. It’s in about the same condition though lol

[@Yardbirds777]

So, I think I've commented before that my turntable is a Trio/Kenwood KD1033 which I bought in 1976.....but hubby (Rich's) turntable is a Sony PS - LX300 usb, which we must've bought in 2017/18. It lives in the living room along with his BSR autochanger record deck. It only cost us £110 brand new back in 2017/18. Rich's Sony has been totally reliable since we bought it and sound wise is fine. I, though, prefer my trio. It's heavier and feels better built. (lasted since 1976.) I can put different cartridges on it. I have a Nagaoka MP110 at the moment. It has an adjustable counterweight and anti skate. .....I would like to replace the Sony with an Audio Technica ATLP120 - but - the Sony is so reliable that I've just no excuse to replace it. (damn!) I would recommend the Sony for any one just starting out collecting records. A no fuss turntable.

[@lesgl]

I bought one of those to digitise vinyl in the early 00's..did the job and had a nice warm sound

[@jacob_n_r_z8755]

How do i find the right measurement for a rubber belt for a turntable?

[@arturc1305]

put the belt on the turntable, it can't be too tight, but it has to be tight

[@plan7a]

Regarding the platter mat - a hole reinforcer on the front and on the back will rectify this; as it is exactly the correct size. (This is also useful if you ever get a record with a cracked or broken hole [If it has the small hole, that is; 45, 33 & 78 will work just as well], just saying!). I guess the kick-start will be a quirk for this one, until a smaller/tighter belt is purchased. Not sure about the lift off from the record though, that's more difficult. Perhaps a thinner platter mat? Other than that - no idea. Alternatively you could simply press the return just before it slams into the label? It seemed to work okay when you tried it elsewhere.

[@aaronthompson5691]

The control layout is exactly the same as the Audio-Technica AT-LP60, and the area under the platter, and the underside of the platter are identical. Sister unit with a Sony design aesthetic, but essentially the exact same thing, I'd say- which is a good thing. Why mess with a tried and true Hanpin (probably the OEM) design?

[@neilmansfield8329]

This is a great record player

[@erikmolnar6585]

Ive had 2 of those record players. They are okay but Ive always had to adjust the pitch because they alwayd spin a little faster than 33 rpms. Maybe 34. Plus you can tweak the 45 rpm adjustment to make it spin at 78rpms. Not sure if you mentioned that as im just skipping through since im familar with this deck.

[@johnmarchington3146]

I wonder if that RET adjustment - I assume it is an adjustment - on the bottom would fix the arm return problem. As it stands, it's terrible for the discs. Other than that it struck me as an amazing buy for $8.

[@MMID303]

I laughed so hard at the return. Like one of those cartoon sound effects 😂

[@Recordology]

lololol

[@louoldschool7047]

I have one just like it and it works great. you need a new belt

[@creeder44]

I tried to comment right after this went up, but KZbin blocked me for some reason. Just wanted to say thanks for featuring Laura's album, but not for the heart attack your TT gave me. If viewers only knew how much time, money and effort went into making that album the highest quality, including an artisan pressing on 180-gram virgin vinyl with lined sleeve. That poor vinyl isn't a virgin anymore. BTW, Laura cracked up laughing, but I'd warned her what to expect.

[@jpdrums2112]

looks exactly like my Pioneer Pl- 990...except for the stroboscope, wich is a great feature with this kind of turntable.

[@KR1275]

It is the same tt indeed. Also available from Denon, Marantz, Teac etc. All made by Hanpin in China.

[@user-kq8fr9wu2m]

How do you install the belt?

[@glengoogling7597]

Loved your reaction 😖 to the low-flying, scratch-o-matic return! 😅 I bought a battleworn Sony for $10 at Goodwill, but the later one with USB to rip with Audacity.

[@GK-rw2op]

But how does it compare to a Linn LP 12 ?

[@Hogstuff]

That's not a fair comparison at all. The Linn model is way higher end

[@rachelrodgers9171]

It looks like a kid played with that turntable.

[@arunsabherwal6256]

Hi do you have video or can suggest a workaround /solution to repair or replace the dust cover hinges of this T/T ?

[@Recordology]

That is a good question! I have not done a video on that yet… My recommendation would be to find a similar unit and swap the hinges. There was somebody here on KZbin recently who had a similar problem and was able to machine new aluminum hinge mounts… Forgot the channel name exactly but it was a guy from the UK

[@Meeskait1992]

What kind of needle are you using?

[@chrisguevara3828]

“That makes me die inside “ 😅😅😂😂

[@paulfinn3067]

what needle does this use?

[@SQDLVR]

Oh man, I had that turntable before. Ugh!

[@rachelrodgers9171]

The newer Sony has a bit of a different ''head'' on its tonearm, and also the cartridge looks nicer.

[@stevesstuff1450]

The cartridge on both is exactly the same: The Audio Technica AT3600L.

[@greggaieck4808]

Record ology join your utube videos are awesome

[@SteveWillette-wo7qv]

JYK motor? Sounds like a Zipper Co. HAHAHA Elucidate please. Suitcase players? Makes the setup sound a little cheesy but I guess a decent motor would be a decent motor. Is it? Have a 250 no H so I assume it's older. Gotta see if it's worth refurbing.

[@Trance88]

All I can say is...Ouch!

[@japantour9136]

Wow very good nice ＋👍🔔

[@MuzikJunky]

A standard Chinese piece of shit that’s available from so many brands these days. The 1980s were a golden age for turntable innovation, which makes me sad when you remember Sony’s incredible Biotracer line. Could you possibly review the new Dual CS 429, even though it’s belt drive? Peace.

[@arnoldtolker3505]

OMG! 🥵

[@theshadowman1398]

Anything belt driven should be avoided

[@windymiller6908]

Rubbish. Many of the finest decks available are belt drive.

[@dametalone]

These are junk, even if you are "starting out". Just for the sheer fact that these things track your records so heavy that they will actually damage them. If you want to start off on something cheap, at least get an audio technica pl 60.

[@Recordology]

Ryan I'm not sure how this would ruin records. It tracks perfectly within the range of the 3600L just like the LP60 & LP60X - in fact I'm pretty sure they are all made by Hanpin.

[@dametalone]

@@Recordology the tracking weight on these things is a out 3 grams where the lp60/120 Is 1.5 to 2 depending on your cartridge.

[@Recordology]

The LP 60 has a permanently affixed audio technica 3600L cartridge just like this unit. It’s the exact same one. That cartridge is designed to track between 3 and 4 g nothing less.

[@thepirategamerboy12]

Yeah, gotta spend at least 1k to start out, anything else will destroy your records.