The turntable is something many audiophiles still enjoy using, and that is not going to change anytime soon, not with Sony pushing its PS-HX500 turntable to those who are interested.
There aren't many differences to the PS-HX500 when compared to other high-end turntables. If you want it to do the regular turntable stuff, this Sony offering will do just fine, but so will other competing products.
What the Japanese giant is betting on is the device's analog-to-digital conversion. Other competing products similar to the PS-HX500 do not come with this feature, so that's a huge defining thing Sony will surely want to transform into a selling point.
We should also note that the device features a mobile app and a desktop software for editing your favorite music. This same software can also be used to play back the sweet sound of vinyl and/or the .wav file if you choose to convert. If you're going to purchase this beauty, then chances are – or hopefully – you have a topnotch sound system at home.
The device will be available for sale this spring. Unfortunately, we have no word on pricing, but one can bet top dollar that the PS-HX500 won't come cheap.
Apart from the Sony PS-HX500, there's another turntable that showed its head at CES 2016. This one comes from Panasonic, and it is called the Technics SL-1200. This was a surprise since the last iteration was released back in 2008. DJs around the world have praised the original Technics 1200 for its direct-drive platter and high torque, and this one seems to be no different.
Panasonic played it safe by sticking closely to the original design. When it comes down to what's new, the SL-1200G differs from the Sony PS-HX500 because it comes off more like a turntable for DJs and not just something for home use. The design says it all, along with the direct-drive motor that doesn't have the iron core usually blamed for speed fluctuations. On paper, it means it should play more smoothly than the HX500 turntable.
The device also comes with rotational positioning sensors built inside to help suppress vibrations from the motor.
The question now is, when will the Technics SL-1200 be available? Well, it should be before the end of the year. Like Sony, Panasonic did not reveal an exact date, nor did the company talk about pricing. It's possible this turntable can only be afforded by those with deep pockets.
When it comes down to which of these turntables should be deemed better, well, that's difficult to answer. Both have their pros and cons, and both are probably too expensive for most.
ETC-USC | Flickr
