Sony PS-LX55 User manual

SONY:
STEREO TURNTABLE SYSTEM
PS-LX55/LX55C
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly.
This manual should be retained for future reference.
-
1909 Wi Gane Ornranratian

This instruction manual covers the P'S-LX55 and the PS-LX55C.
The PS-LX55 is not supplied with a cartridge, while the PS-LX55C is
supplied with a VL-45G cartridge.
When differences occur, they are clearly described in the ap-
propriate section.
OWNER’S RECORD
The model and serial numbers are located at the rear. Record these
numbers in the spaces proviced below. Refer to them whenever you
call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.
Model No. Serial No.
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not ex-
pose the unit to rain or moisture.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage”
within the 2roduct’s enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of elec-
x tric shock to persons.
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and mainte-
nance (servicing) instructions in the literature
\ accompany ng the appliance.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Location and function of ControlS 00.0.0... cece cece cence nent eee ee es 5
GONMECTIONS feo ste fase faite caentaas sate be cust ennae manda nel cd pageey aie 6
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Preparation
Auto play
To begin record play at a particular point—Manual play
To move to a different part of a record while the record
is playing
To lift up the stylus during play
To stop during play
To repeat play
TIPS ON rECOrd NANGING ee eee eee e eee e et eens eee ee ete cette nee ees 8
How the auto record size selection WOrKS .............ececeeeeneeeee ees 9
Replacingthe stylus: cceq a. cotssanetcsanedsasana et cee hanna anieiaas 353 9
Tracking force fine adjUStMeNt ........... cee ceceseee eens teen enea snes 10
Synchronized play of the turntable and a cassette deck ............ 10
Maintenance cd di sngeceniiancuaass ches centouaeineasaeseeae soutien 1
SPECIFICATIONS sh2 ges ci seks vices vcasie Stvale uceriit caleiceteras etineaanag v4 tetia cies a
Trouble Checks: siscvlencicuoctiale sain deco icaede ev hee barnees back cover

FEATURES
Linear tracking tonearm
A
linear
tracking
tonearm
is
designed
to
duplicate
the
movement
of
the
head
which
cuts
the
record
master.
Compared
with
a
pivoted
tonearm,
a
linear
tracking
arm
has
a
very
small
tracking
error
(which
means
greatly
reduced
harmonic
distor-
tion)
and
almost
no
pressure
on
the
inside
wall
of
the
groove
(which
means
improved
tracking
ability
and
channel
separation).
Front panel operation with the dustcover closed
The
ARM
TRANSPORT
buttons
allow
you
to
move
the
tonearm
easi-
ly
over
the
desired
point
of
the
record
with
the
dust
cover
closed.
Start/stop
of
the
record
play
and
tonearm
up/down
can
also
be
con-
trolled
using
the
buttons
on
the
front
panel.
Fully automatic system
The
movement
of
the
turntable
anc
the
tonearm
is
controlled
bya
microcomputer
and
is
activated
by
the
“feather-touch”
function
buttons
on
the
front
panel.
Automatic record size selection
The
record
size
is
automatically
set
by
a
photo
sensor
system.
If
no
record
is
on
the
turntable,
the
tonearm
will
not
descend
but
will
automatically
return
to
the
arm
rest.
Muting system
A
muting
system
activates
when
the
tonearm
is
lifted
and
is
deac-
tivated
after
the
tonearm
lowers
onto
a
record
so there
is
no
need
to
turn
the
amplifier
volume
down
every
time
a
stylus
is
placed
on
a
record.
Linear torque BSL motor
Direct
drive
system
with
Sony’s
unique
BSL
(brushless
and
slotless)
motor
which
has
an
extremely
low
noise
level
and
whose
smoothness
virtually
eliminates
wow
and
flutter.
Its
high
torque
assures
a
quick
start
to
33
'/3
rpm
after
only
a
half
revolution.
Synchronized operation with the Sony cassette decks
When
the
tonearm
lowers
onto
the
lead-in
groove
of
a
record,
the
cassette
deck
standby
mode
is
released
and
the
record
mode
assumed.
When
play
finishes,
the
cassette
deck
is
automatically
set
first
in
the
record
muting
mode,
then
in
the
pause
mode.
This
synchronized
operation
is
possible
with
Sony
cassette
decks
equipped
with
a
four-pin
remote
control
jack
which
is
connected
with
the
Sony
RM-65
synchro
remote
control
unit.
PRECAUTIONS
On safety
@ Operate the unit only on 120 V ac, 60 Hz.
e@
Should
any
solid
object
or
liquid
fall
into
the
cabinet,
unplug
the
unit
and
have
it
checked
by
qualified
personnel
before
operating
it
any
further.
@ Unplug the unit from the wall! outlet if it is not to be used for an
extended
period
of
time.
To
disconnect
the
cord,
pull
it
out
by
the
plug. Never pull the cord itself.
@The unit is not disconnected from the ac power source (mains) as
long as it is connected to the wall outlet, even if the unit itself has
been turned off.
On installation
@ Place the turntable on a level surface.
@ Avoid placing the unit near electrical appliances (such as a televi-
sion,
hair
dryer,
or
fluorescent
lamp)
which
may
cause
hum
or
noise.
@ Place the turntable where it will not be subject to any vibration,
such as from speakers, slamming of doors, etc.
@Keep the unit away from direct sunlight,
temperature, and excessive dust and moisture.
extremes of
On dust cover removal
Open the dust cover fully and slide it upward with both hands.
On repacking
Do
not
throw
away
the
carton
and
packing
materials.
It
is
an
ideal
container
in
which
to
transport
the
unit.
When
shipping
the
unit
to
another
location,
repack
it
as
illustrated
on
the
carton
box.
Before
repacking,
secure
the
tonearm
using
the
arm
clamp,
spacers
and
transit
screws
as
illustrated
on
page
4.
For the customers in the USA
For
detailed
safety
precautions,
see
the
leafiet
“IMPORTANT
SAFEGUARDS”.

CARTRIDGE INSTALLATION
The screw cannot
be inserted from
this side.
For the PS-LX55: acartridge with! J@]) label (optional) can be in-
stalled. =
For the PS-LX58C: The supplied cartridge has been installed
correctly at the factory. So the installation procedures should
be skipped unless you replace the cartridge.
The TaD) label indicates that a cartridge is a standardized 2)
alligin
Wee.
First
remove
the
cartridge
”
Plug the cartridge into the tonearm
locking screw.
and tighten the cartridge locking
screw firmly.
TURNTABLE ASSEMBLY
Remove all packing material and wire off the cabinet.
Save the packing box and materials for possible future use.
Follow the numbered sequence.
4 Remove the arm clamp and spacers.
Before connecting the power cord to an ac outlet, be sure to remove
the arm clamp and spacers.
Arm clamp
Save these screws, arm clamp and spacers, since they will be re-
quired when repacking.
Remove the two transit
screws,
Align the holes in the rubber mat
with the holes in the platter.
Match the projection
with the hole.
3 Place the platter
on the motor ae
To an ac outlet
os DS
x ys" bakes
<<
L—N
in
2 Connect the power cord to an ac outlet and press the
POWER switch. The tonearm moves to the armrest.
After having assembled the turntable, make sure that the tracking
force adjustment ijever is set to the center position (see page 10).

LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF CONTROLS
The photo below shows the assembled PS-LX55C turntable.
—_—_———
1) Auto record size selection ———=——__
holes and lamp
a ,
Center spindle ———
2 ] Rubber mat we
7
© Power switch
4 ) SFEED selector and indicators
QO Synchro remote
2
control
jack
(rear)
Tracking force
adjustment fever
Cartridge locking screw
Cartridge
@ startistop button
and indicator
@prereat button and indicator
@ RM LIFTER button © 4RM TRANSPORT buttons
@ Auto record size selection holes and lamp
Record size is automatically selected by a beam transmitted from a
lamp through the holes on the rubber mat and the platter to the
photo detectors underneath the platter. When no record is on the
platter, the tonearm will not lower onto the turntable.
@ Rubber mat
Place the rubber mat so that the holes for auto record size selec-
tion on the rubber mat and on the platter are matched correctly.
© POWER switch
Press to turn on the turntable. To turn the turntable off, press it
again.
@ SPEED selector and indicators
Selects the record speed. When the POWER switch is turned on,
the speed is always 33/3 rpm and the indicator on the right il-
luminates. When the selector is pressed, 45 rpm is selected and the
indicator on the left illuminates.
© REPEAT button and indicator
Press this button to repeat play. The indicator illuminates and
repeat play continues until this button is pressed to stop it. If the
START/STOP button is pressed during repeat play, the tonearm
returns to the arm rest and the turntable stops rotating.
@ ARM LIFTER button
This button lifts and lowers the tonearm.
When the tonearm is on the arm rest, it cannot be lifted up with this
button.
@ Synchro remote control jack (rear)
Synchronized recording from disc to tape is possible on specified
Sony cassette decks by using the optional RM-65 synchro remote
control unit.
© STARTISTOP button and indicator .
Press this button to start the record playing, and the indicator il-
luminates. To stop during play, press it again.
© ARM TRANSPORT buttons
To move the tonearm inwards, press the «@ button. To move it out-
wards, press the ® button. The tonearm is raised automatically
and continues to move while the button is depressed. The tonearm
will stop when the button is released. For fine adjustment of the
tonearm drop-point over a record, press and immediately release
the appropriate button. This button is useful for beginning a record
partway through, or for skipping to another selection.

CONNECTIONS
e@ Turn off the amplifier before making connections.
@ Be sure to insert the cable connectors firmly into the jacks.
Loose connections may cause hum and noise.
@ Connect the red plug of the connecting cord to the right-channel
jack [R] of the amplifier and the white plug to the left-channel jack
{L]. Otherwise, the right and left channels will be reversed.
@ Leave a little slack in the connecting cord to allow for inadvertent
shock or vibration.
Turntable
a =) to an ac outlet
Synchro remote control jack
See page 10.
AC OUTLET
Amplifier
i Tom olavevaremialele) 6s)
to an ac outlet
eae

RECORD PLAYING
PREPARATION
When the POWER switch is turned on, the record speed will always
be 33/3 rpm unless the SPEED selector is pressed to select 45 rpm.
Depress to turn
on
the
power.
Set
the
input
selector
to
PHONO.
3 Turn down the volume.
For 17 cm (7 in.) records
Qe 45-rpm adaptor
(supplied)
Qriace a record on the platter.
For 30 cm (12 in.) records
Notes
@
Transparent
records
and
25
cm
(10
in.)
records
cannot
be
played
automatically.
To
play
a
25
cm
record
or
a
transparent
record,
follow
the
instructions
on
page
9.
@ Badly warped records may not be played, since they touch the tonearm.
Depress to turn
on the power.
AUTO PLAY
Press the START/STOP button,
and the record playing will begin.
stop and the tonearm will automatically return to the arm rest.
Note
Turn
off
the
POWER
switch
after
the
tonearm
returns
to
the
arm
rest.
If
the
POWER
switch
is
turned
off
while
playing
or
while
the
tonearm
is
returning
to
the
arm
rest,
the
tonearm
will
stop
at
that
point,
and
will
continue
returning
to
the
arm
rest
when
the
POWER
switch
is
turned
on
the
next
time.
While
the
tonearm
is
returning,
the
START/STOP
button
does
not
activate
the
record
playing.
When the tonearm reaches the end of the record, the turntable wiil

TO BEGIN RECORD PLAY AT A PARTICULAR POINT— Manual play
ernie
Move the tonearm over the desired point of the record,
pressing the <4 buttor. For fine adjustments, press and
immediately release the <4 button or the ® button.
2 Press the START/STOP button.
ON
fan
| °oDV
The turntable starts rotating, the
stylus lowers onto the record and
playback starts.
START/STOP
When
the
tonearm
reaches
the
end
of
the
record,
the
turntable
will
stop
and
the
tonearm
will
automatically
return
to
the
arm
rest.
TO MOVE TO A DIFFERENT PART OF A RECORD WHILE THE
RECORD IS PLAYING
Keep the appropriate ARM TRANSPORT button pressed until the
tonearm reaches the desired position. For fine movement, press
and immediately release the appropriate button. To lower the
tonearm onto the record, press the ARM LIFTER button.
TO LIFT UP THE STYLUS DURING PLAY
To lift the stylus from a record for a moment and then start playing
from the same point, press the ARM LIFTER button. To lower the
tonearm onto the record, press the button again.
TO STOP DURING PLAY
Press the START/STOP button. The turntable will stop rotating and
the tonearm will return to the arm rest.
TO REPEAT PLAY
Press the REPEAT button either before or after starting play. The
tonearm continues repeat play unless the button is pressed again
to turn off the repeat function. To stop during repeat play, press the
START/STOP button.
Note
Transparent records and 25cm (10 in) records cannot be played
repeatedly.
TIPS ON RECORD HANDLING
e@ Before playing, clean the record with a record cleaner or soft
cloth. If a spray cleaner is used, make sure that it has dried com-
pletely before playing the record. Playing the record before the
cleaner has dried may damage the record,
It is a good idea to clean the record again before putting it away.
@ Handle a record by its edges and do not touch the grooves.
Fingerprints on the record surface may encourage an accumula-
tion of dust, resulting in impaired tone.
@Use a commercially available anti-static spray to neutralize the
Static electricity on a record.
e@Avoid exposing a record to direct sunlight or sources of heat,
such as a hot-air duct.
@Store your records vertically. They should not be compressed.

HOW THE AUTO RECOR
When the START/STOP button
is pressed, the tonearm goes
automatically into the lead-in groove, whether the record is 30cm
or 17cm. A beam from the lamp is
the rubber mat and the platter te
tivate the auto-record size selecti
Rubber mat
Outer holes
for 30 cm
records
1c
Lamp
Photo ~
detectors
transmitted through the holes on
2 the photo detectors which ac-
on.
om Inner holes for
; se 30 cm and
—<X 17 cm records
: Platter
J
a |
both inner and outer holes are covered
so no beam is transmitted to the photo
detectors.
the inner holes are covered so a beam
is transmitted through the outer holes
to the photo detector.
a beam is transmitted through both
the inner and outer holes to the photo
detectors. Even if the START/STOP
button is accidentally pressed, the
tonearm does not lower.
REPLACING THE STYLUS
The stylus will lose its effectiveness and begin to damage records
after about 400 hours of use.
For the VL-45G cartridge (supplied with the PS-LX55C) an ND-145G
replacement stylus is available at your Sony dealer.
s very delicate.
follows.
Handle the stylus carefully as it i
Install the replacement stylus as
First remove th
locking screw and remove
the cartridge.
2 Cartridge
SIZE SELECTION WORKS
When a 25 cm record is to be played,
the tonearm lowers to the same point
that it would if a 30 cm record were on
the piatter, since both the inner and
outer holes are covered. To play a
25 cm record, move the tonearm over
the lead-in groove with the ARM
TRANSPORT buttons and press the
START/STOP button.
At the end of the record, the tonearm
will automatically return to the arm
rest.
When a transparent record is to be played,
a beam passes through both the inner
and outer holes to the detectors so the
tonearm does not lower onto the
record. To play a transparent record,
move the tonearm over the /ead-in
groove with the ARM TRANSPORT but-
tons, press the ARM LIFTER button to
lower the stylus and press the
START/STOP button.
In this case, auto-return will not ac-
tivate at the end of the record. Press
the START/STOP button to return the
tonearm to the arm rest.
When a badly warped record is to be played,
a beam may pass through the holes to
the detector(s) and cause a maifunc-
tion of the auto-record size selection.
Plug the cartridge into the tonearm and tighten
the cartridge locking screw firmly.
The screw cannot be
inserted from this side.
Detach the stylus assembly
and insert a new stylus into
the cartridge.

TRACKING FORCE FINE ADJUSTMENT
The tracking force has been correctly adjusted at the factory. Make
fine adjustment only when the tracking force is so light that the
stylus skips grooves.
Slide the tracking force adjustment lever
towards + (forward) for heavier tracking
force or towards — (backward) for lighter
tracking force.
SYNCHRONIZED PLAY OF THE TURNTABLE AND A CASSETTE DECK
— with an RM-65 synchro remote control unit connected
Record recording starts only when the START/STOP or ARM
LIFTER button is pressed. When the tonearm lowers onto the
Cassette decks which can be used with your turntable for
record, the cassette deck goes into the record mode and when the
tonearm is lifted up, the deck goes into the auto record muting
mode for four seconds, then into the pause mode.
this special synchronized operation are those Sony models
which are equipped with a 4-pin remote control jack.
An RM-65 synchro remote control unit (optional) is required
to connect the turntable and the cassette deck.
CONNECTION AND PREPARATION
to the
recording to the PHONO
outputs inputs
RECORDING
Desired action
To record from the beginning of a
record...
To lift up the tonearm to move to a dif.
ferent point on a record...
ee ee ee
To record from a point some way in the
record..
To stop feédrainig-ducing. rec during record play...
When record play ends...
Note:
10
(4 Turn th the power on
ie
ies
:
and set the input >|
i
selector to PHONO. | record speed.
riers, pone
unit
Sew Turn the power on, place a
record, select the correct
RM-65 synchro
remote control
(optional)
4 Set the SYNCHRO switch
to ON.
Turntable operation
Press the START/STOP button.
| 2} Adjust the recording level
i and set the cassette deck in the |
record standby mode by
pressing the record and forward
buttons together with the pause
button.
|
Cassette deck
ier
to the remote
control jack
to the
LINE IN
jacks
Cian
Synchronized operation of the cassette deck
When the tonearm lowers onto the record, the
pause mode is released and recording begins.
Press the ARM TRANSPORT buttons.
Move the tonearm to the desired point and
press the START/STOP button.
Press the START/STOP button.
The tonearm returns automatically to the
arm rest.
When the tonearm is lifted up , auto record
muting activates for four seconds, then the
pause mode is assumed.
When the tonearm lowers onto the record, the
pause mode is released and recording begins.
When the tonearm is lifted up, auto record
muting activates for four seconds, then the
pause. mode is assumed.
When the tonearm is lifted up, auto record
muting activates for four seconds, then the
pause mode is assumed.
Be sure to set the SYNCHRO switch of the RM-65 to OFF when you do not want to use the synchronized play function.

MAINTENANCE
Stylus
Before playing a record, clean the stylus with a soft brush. Brush
the stylus from back to front. Never attempt to clean the stylus with
your finger tip. If a fluid stylus cleaner is used, make sure not to
moisten the stylus too much.
Cabinet
Clean the cabinet and dust cover periodically with a soft dry cloth.
If the stains are difficult to remove, use a cloth moistened with a
mild detergent solution. Do not use solvents such as alcohol, ben-
zine or thinner, since they will damage the finish.
Rubber mat
When the rubber mat becomes dirty, wipe it gently with a soft cloth
slightly dampened with water.
Lubrication
The turntable requires no periodic lubrication. The motor shaft is
lubricated at the factory for the life of the turntable.
SPECIFICATIONS
Turntable
Platter 30 cm (12 in.!, aluminum-alloy diecast
Motor Linear torque BSL (brushless and slotless)
motor
Drive system Direct drive
Control system FG servo control system
Speed 3343 rpm, 45 rpm
Wow and flutter 0.03% (WRMS) *, 0.035% (WRMS)
+0.045% (DIN)
Signal-to-noise ratio 75 dB (DIN-B)
Automatic system Lead-in, return, repeat, arm up/down, record
size selection
Tonearm
Type Linear tracking tonearm
Pivct-to-stylus length 75 mm (3 in.)
Tracking error +0.1°
Tracking force adjustment range +0.259
Usable cartridge plug-in type, 6g
Cartridge VL-45G (Supplied only with the PS-LX55C)
Type Moving magnet type
Frequency response 10 Hz to 20 kHz
Output voltage 3.5 mV at 1kHz, 5cm/sec., 45°
Load impedance 47 kilohms
Tracking force 1 to 1.5g (1.25 g recommended)
Stylus Sony ND-145G
Weight 6g
* This new measuring method concerns only the turntable assembly, in-
cluding the platter. It excludes wow and flutter caused by the tonearm, the
cartridge, or the record. Measured by ob:aining signal from magnetic pick-up
head.
General
Power requirements 120 V ac, 60 Hz
Power consumption 10W
Dimensions
(14 x 33/8 x 14 in.)
including projecting parts and controls
With the dust cover opended
390 mm
360 mm
(14%4 in.)
Weight
carton
Supplied accessory 45-rpm adaptor (1)
Design and specifications subject to change without notice.
Approx. 355 x 85 x 355 mm (wih/d)
(15 in)
Approx. 4 kg (8 lbs 13 02), net
Approx. 4.7 kg (10 lbs 6 02), in shipping
11

TROUBLE CHECKS
The following trouble checks will help you correct most common
problems encountered with a turntable system. Should any pro-
blem persist after you have made these checks, consult your
nearest Sony service facility.
Before proceeding with these trouble checks, first refer to the con-
nections and the operating procedures.
TROUBLES CAUSES
The tonearm does not lower
onto the record.
— Transparent or warped record
— A rubber mat other than the
one supplied being used.
The tonearm always lowers
on the point for 30 cm
records.
xs Incorrect placement of the
supplied rubber mat
Impaired tone quality — Improper tracking force
= Dusty stylus
Worn stylus
Auto return does not operate — A record with shallow return
at the end of play.
tridge with low tracking
force
No audio from one channel — Loose connection of phono
cord
Dirty terminals of the car-
tridge
Loose attachment of the car-
tridge to the tonearm
Steady low-pitched humming — Loose attachment of the car-
sound tridge to the tonearm
skating; tonearm not advanc-
Groove skipping ; tonearm — Improper tracking force
ing :
Turntable not level
\
Defective record
Loud rumble or low-
frequency howl *
— The turntable is subjected to
external vibration.
x The turntable is placed too
near the speaker.
* This is called “acoustic feedback” and is caused when vibrations from the
speakers are transmitted througn the air or via solid objects (such as the
shelves, the cabinet, the floor, etc.) to the turntable, where they are picked up
by the stylus, amplified and reproduced through the speakers once again.
Sony Corporation Printed in Japan
grooves being played by a car-
WHAT TO DO
—— See page 9.
Use the supplied rubber mat.
Align the holes in the rubber mat with the holes of
the platter.
Adjust the tracking force, referring to page 10.
Clean the stylus with a soft brush from back to
front.
The stylus life is approx. 400 hours. Replace with a
new Stylus, referring to page 9.
Apply more tracking force.
Connect the cord firmly.
Clean the terminals with a soft dry cloth.
Fix the cartridge to the tonearm firmly.
Fix the cartridge to the tonearm firmly.
——_——— Apply proper tracking force. (See page 10.)
Place the turntable on a level surface.
Place the turntable on a solid surface free from ex-
ternal vibration.
Locate the turntable as far away from the speaker
as possible.
3-773-225-21 (1)