Sony PS-X50 Setup guide

SON Yo
STEREO TURNTABLE SYSTEM
PS-X50
Owner’s instruction manual page 2
Before operating your new Sony turntable, please read this
manual completely to become familiar with all its features and
capabilities.
Keep this manual handy for future reference.
Mode d’emploi_ page 12
Avant de faire fonctionner l'appareil, lisez attentivement ce
mode d’emploi pour se familiariser avec toutes ses caracté-
ristiques. Conservez ce manuel pour toute référence ultérieure.
Bedienungsanleitung Seite 22
Bevor Sie die Anlage in Betrieb nehmen, lesen Sie bitte diese
Bedienungsanleitung volistandig durch, damit Sie mit den be-
sonderen Einrichtungen und Méglichkeiten Ihrer neuen Sony-
Klangeinheit vertraut werden.
Bewahren Sie.diese Anleitung gut auf, um spater jederzeit darin
nachschlagen zu kénnen.
Manual de instrucciones pagina 32
Antes de manipular su nuevo tocadiscos Sony, lea por favor de-
tenidamente este manual a fin de familiarizarse con todas las
particularidades y capacidades del mismo.
Conserve este manual para futuras referencias.
© 1978 by Sony Corporation

English
FEATURES
@The X’tal lock system maintains the turntable at an accurate
nominal speed under voltage or temperature variations or aging,
and shows excellent initial drift and load/speed characteristics.
@ Direct drive system with the Sony’s unique linear BSL (brush-
less and slotless) motor, resulting in extremely smooth torque
and start-up characteristics.
@High precision speed monitoring system, utilizing 5-pole mag-
netic pick-up head and pulse coated platter rim for electronic
speed sensing.
@The J-shaped tonearm using a long span trunnion perform sen-
sitively and is adjustable in height to adapt any cartridge. The
supplied lightweight aluminum alloy headshell is connected firm-
ly to the shell from plug from four directions by the newly
developed locking collar.
e@Control switches located on front of base, permit dust cover
to remain closed during operation.
@ The cabinet made from a special inorganic (non-plastic) molded
compound with low “Q” and newly developed resilient feet ef-
fectively minimize outside vibrations and eliminate acoustic feed-
back.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PrOCAUtIONS: 6.25 win 8.6 se Oe toe Ye eee eR 2
Noteson, installation:s i... 668 wis coe oe we ew 3
Operatihig: VOAGE oo sssecse geist sa) ie kaw Grate” Sve es ee ee 4
Partéidentification:s: i ite as Swe eee eS OS 4
Turntable assembly. .... 2... .. 2... ee ee eee 5
Cartridge installations. «6 <i 6 <a 4 es Bw s, Se ws 5
Tonearm assembly and adjustment. ............ 6
Conhections yaw oes ACRE ew RE ORS BE RS 8
RECO PAYING) 0 6 sv Geese ar te weep Cen sanes ele Ge dos Woe! We 9
Tips on record handling! ¢. 646.6 66 a woe ae sere 2 es 10
Maintenances: occ ee eke ee oes BAL ew 10
Repacking for shipment ............+.22e0085 10
Specifications: s.6 5% 2% wil Se Ra sie SK SPS RGD S 10
TKOUDIOLONEOKG 6 5.5 sy hse Give a /en voy» coh tote! EGY Sadia Gr 11
WARNING
@To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain
or moisture.
@To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet.
servicing to qualified personnel only.
Refer
PRECAUTIONS
@ Check that the operating voltage for your unit is identical with
that of your local power supply.
@ Should any liquid or solid object 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 grasping the plug. Never pull it out by the cord.

NOTES ON INSTALLATION OPERATING VOLTAGE
@Place the turntable on a level surface. Before connecting the unit to the power source, check that the
@ Avoid placing the unit near electrical appliances (such as a voltage selector setting is correct for your power supply. If the
television, hair dryer, or fluorescent lamp) which may cause hum selector must be reset, disconnect the ac power cord and set
or noise. the selector to the proper voltage using a screw driver.
@ Avoid any vibration such as from speakers, slamming of doors, (The voltage selector is located at the rear panel.)
etc.
@ Keep the unit away from direct sunlight, extremes of tempera-
ture, or excessive dust and moisture.
g 120(__[}220
@Allow 10cm (4 inches) clearance behind the unit so that the
cover can be opened.
@The turntable has resilient feet that isolate the mechanism
from external shock and vibration. Use them in locked position,
but when placing the turntable on an uneven surface, turn each-
foot until the unit is level.
Resilient Foot

PARTS IDENTIFICATION
The picture below shows the appearance of the assembled turntable.
Rubber Mat
Center Spindle
45-rpm Adaptor Shell Stand
Resilient Foot
Power Switch Cueing Lever
Speed Selectors Start/Stop Button
Stroboscope Reject Button
Counterweight
Tonearm Platform Height
Adjustment Knob
Tracking-force Ring
Tonearm Platform Tonearm Height
Adjustment Konb
Arm Rest Height —Anti-skating
Adjustment Knob Compensator

TURNTABLE ASSEMBLY
Do not connect the power cord or the connecting cords until
after finishing the assembly.
Remove all packing material and clean the cabinet.
@ Remove the red-painted transit screws. Save these screws,
since they will be required when repacking.
@ Carefully place the platter on the motor board by matching
the center hole and the center spindle.
@Do not touch the magnetic coating with your fingers or damage
the magnetic pick-up head.
© Place the rubber mat on the platter.
To remove the dust cover
Open the dust cover fully and slide it as illustrated while holding
it with both hands.
CARTRIDGE INSTALLATION
For the customers who purchased the non-European model:
Please skip this section and proceed with the following tonearm
assembly and adjustment.
A cartridge weighing up to 8.5 g can be mounted with the sup-
plied shell.
Heavier cartridges from 8 to 16.5g can be mounted using the
extra weight (supplied).
@ Install the cartridge into the shell with the supplied mounting
screws so that the distance between the shell end and the stylus
tip is approx. 49 mm (1 15/16 inches), The temporary overhang
adjustment is then complete. More precise adjustment should
be made later.
;-———~ Fasten the screws lightly so
that the cartridge can slide
for adjustment.
approx. 49 mm
(115. inches)
@ Connect the lead wires of the shell to the corresponding pins
on the cartridge.
Wires Cartridge pins
White . cis ae eee ne L (left channel signal)
Ble: sc wicete.W pede wae LE or G (left channel ground)
Rede <2 nese pieew oe R (right channel signal)
Gree, é.atece.s Katerice So RE or G (right channel ground)
@A shell stand is provided on the base of the turntable for an
extra mounted cartridge.

TONEARM ASSEMBLY AND ADJUSTMENT
Do not connect the power cord or the connecting cords until the
assembly and adjustments are complete.
The following procedures should be performed on a level surface.
Be careful not to damage the stylus tip while making adjust-
ments.
When a cartridge is replaced, readjustments are required.
Preparation
@ Secure the Tonearm to the Arm Rest and set the Cueing Le-
verto[ ¥ ].
@ Plug the Shell into the Tonearm and turn the Locking Collar
counterclockwise until the Shell is firmly locked.
@ Insert and turn the Counterweight counterclockwise several
turns. (The Tracking-force Ring turns simultaneously.)
Arm Rest
Counterweight
To use a cartridge weighing
between 8— 16.5g, add the
supplied extra weight
Be sure to insert the extra
weight fully to the end
Cueing Leve
@ Remove the stylus guard, if fitted.
Longitudinal balance adjustment *1
@ Be sure that the Anti-skating Compensator is set at “O”.
Release the Tonearm from the Arm Rest.
Anti-skating
compensator
"0"
@ Turn the Counterweight as required until the Tonearm is in
a horizontally balanced position.
Release
your
fingers
and
check
the
balance.
Repeat
this
step
until
the
arm
balances
pres
BG
Correct
balance
BZ
i
Move
the
weight
forward
© While holding the Counterweight at the balanced position,
separately turn the Tracking-force Ring until the “O” indication
meets the center line on the Tonearm. Recheck the balance.
Move the weight backward
Center line
Do not move
the counterweight
Tracking-force Ring
@ Secure the Tonearm to the Arm Rest again.
Tracking-force adjustment *2
Turn the Counterweight counterclockwise so that the recom-
mended tracking-force figure for your cartridge is aligned with
the center line on the Tonearm. The maximum tracking force
available is 2,5 grams.
Tracking-force ring will —
turn at the same time
Overhang check *3
For the customers who purchased the non-European model:
Please skip this section and proceed with the following anti-
skating compensation.
Check that the stylus overhang is set correctly by using the
“235” Alignment Protractor on the back of the rubber mat.
@ Place the rubber mat upside down.
@ Bring the Tonearm above the cross point of the two fine
lines, and carefully lower the stylus on the cross point with the
Cueing Lever.
@ Check to see that the Shell is parallel to the lines drawn on
the rubber mat as shown in the center illustration. If they are
parallel, the stylus overhang is set correctly.

Overhang oO
is too long
Slide the
cartridge backward
—+—Correct
Overhang
is too short
Slide the cartridge
forward
Anti-skating compensation *4
Turn the Anti-skating Compensator so that the guide mark is
aligned with the tracking-force value used.
—— Anti-skating
Compensator
Tonearm height adjustment
@ Place a record on the platter and lower the cartridge onto a
record.
@ Release the Tonearm Height Adj. Knob toward you and move
it in the required direction so that the tonearm becomes parallel
to the turntable.
@ Calibration is in mm,
© When the adjustment is complete, lock the Knob.
@ Lift up the Tonearm from the record surface by setting the
Cueing Lever to the[ ¥ ] position. Be sure that the distance be-
tween the stylus tip and the record is 5 to 10mm. If not, adjust
the height of the Tonearm Platform by loosing its screw as
illustrated. Adjust so that the Tonearm Platform do not swerve
from a concentric circle.
Arm Rest height adjustment
When the Tonearm height is changed, the Arm Rest height
adjustment is also required.
@ Be sure that the Tonearm Platform is up.
@ Pull up the upper portion of the Arm Rest and turn it clock-
wise. Place the Tonearm on the Arm Rest.
® Loosen the screw so that no clearance is left between the
Tonearm and the Arm Rest. Retighten the screw.
*1 Longitudinal balance adjustment
While playing the record, the weight of the tonearm is supported by the arm
pivot and only tracking force is applied to the stylus tip. To accomplish this, the
tonearm must first be balanced horizontally, with the tracking force indicator set
at “O”.
*2 Tracking force
After the longitudinal balance adjustment, apply the recommended tracking force
weight so that the stylus tip will trace the music groove accurately.
*3 Overhang
In record playing, because of the pivoted design of the tonearm, the stylus tip
can be perfectly tangent to the music groove at only one point of the record.
At all other portions of the record, there is a slight deviation of the stylus from
tangency. This is called the tracking error, and introduces minute errors in the
amplitude and timing of the reproduced signal as compared to the original, and
other forms of distortion which may be introduced depending on the cartridge
and stylus design.
Tracking error is minimized by the selection of an optimum “off-set” angle and
“overhang” distance. Overhang is the distance between the stylus tip and the
center spindle. This overhang adjustment is made at the time of installing a
particular cartridge, while the off-set angle is fixed by the manufacturer of the
tonearm.
*4 Anti-skating compensation
While the record is being played, the frictional force between the record groove
and the stylus produces a force that tends to drive the tonearm toward the center
of the record. The anti-skating compensation cancels the above mentioned
force, and is applied in accordance with the tracking force.
Incorrect anti-skating compensation results in sound distortion and uneven wear
on both the stylus and the record.

CONNECTIONS
eCheck that the phono cord and power cord are not caught
under any foot of the cabinet.
@Leave a little slack in the connecting cord to allow for inad-
vertent shock or vibration.
bos
power cord
phono cord
to an ac outlet
to phono inputs
white... to L PHONO
L
R
red..... toR
pF ahr
ground wire
to
a
ground
rear
view
of
amplifier
terminal
RECORD PLAYING
Follow in sequence the numbered operations of the diagram.
@ Push the POWER Switch.
@ Place a record on the platter.
@For 17cm (7-inch) records, put the supplied 45-rpm adaptor.
© Push the SPEED Button (“33"- or “45”-rpm) according to the
record speed.
© Remove the stylus guard while keeping the Tonearm on the
Arm Rest.
© Set the Arm Rest as illustrated.
@ Set the Cueing Lever to [ ¥ ].
@ Push the START/STOP Button, LED Lamp illuminates.
© Bring the Tonearm above the lead-in groove of the record.
© Set the Cueing Lever to [ w ]. The Tonearm will lower on
the record and playing will begin.
@ When the Tonearm reaches the end of the record, it will auto-
matically rise and return to the Arm Rest, and the turntable will
stop.

To stop during play
Push the REJECT Button.
to the Arm Rest.
The Tonearm automatically returns
@To lift up the Tonearm manually, use the Cueing Lever (see
“Cueing lever’).
NOTES
elf you bring the Tonearm too near the label of the record
while the turntable is rotating, the Tonearm may return to the
Arm Rest as a result of having activated the automatic return
mechanism.
@Do not push the REJECT button when the Tonearm is locked
on the Arm Rest.
Cueing lever
This lever is used to lower the Tonearm when playing, or to
raise the Tonearm manually during play or to change the lis-
tening point.
Stroboscope and neon lamp
The Crystal Lock System assures precise turntable speed. This
is verified by viewing the neon lamp stroboscope pattern, which
will appear stationary at the correct speed. The upper line is
for 45rpm and the lower for 33 1/3 rpm.
@The neon lamp is energized by a 120 Hz pulse from the built-
in crystal oscillator and assures precise speed indication regard-
less of any line-frequency deviation.
TIPS ON RECORD HANDLING
Before playing
@ Clean the stylus, using a soft brush (stylus brush, artist’s paint
brush, etc). Brush the stylus from back to front. Never attempt
to clean the stylus with your finger tip.
@For routine cleaning of records, the use of a barely damp soft
cloth (gauze, etc.) or a fluid type cleaner will be effective. If a
spray type record cleaner is used, make sure that the cleaner
has dried completely before playing the records. Playing the
record before the fluid 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 don’t touch the music grooves.
Finger prints on the record surface may induce an accumulation
of dust, resulting in impaired tone.
When record playing
@ It is recommended that you reduce the amplifier volume before
you lower the tonearm onto the record.
e@While the turntable is energized, don't attempt to stop or
reverse the turntable by hand.
e@During play, be sure to close the dust cover.
anything on the dust cover.
e@While playing, never attempt to move the turntable or touch
the tonearm.
Don't place
After playing
@ Avoid exposing records to any source of heat, such as direct
sunlight, a hot-air duct, etc. Store records vertically without ap-
plying any pressure or inclining to either side. This will minimize
any warpage.
e@When not using the turntable, close the dust cover.
Other precautions
@Don’t put anything but records on a turntable.
@Don't place anything but the spare cartridges and 45-rpm
adaptor on the turntable deck.

MAINTENANCE
@Clean the cabinet and dust cover periodically with a soft dry
cloth. Do not use solvents such as alcohol, benzine or thinner,
since they will damage the finish.
@When the rubber mat becomes dirty, wipe it gently with a
soft cloth slightly dampened with water.
@No lubrication is required for this turntable. The motor shaft
is factory lubricated for the life of the turntable.
REPACKING FOR SHIPMENT
The original shipping carton and packing material (which we
asked you to save) are the ideal container for use in shipping
the unit for repair work, or to another location. To secure the
maximum protection, it must be repacked in this material pre-
cisely as before. The proper repacking procedure is shown in
the illustration.
@Clip the tonearm to the arm rest and bind it there with a
tape.
@Fasten the transit screws in their original position by referring
to the illustration of “TURNTABLE ASSEMBLY” to secure the
inside parts to the cabinet. Turn the screws fully clockwise.
10
SPECIFICATIONS
Turntable
Platter 32cm (12 5/g in.), aluminum-alloy
diecast
Motor Linear BSL (brushless and slotless) motor
Drive system Direct drive, crystal lock control system
Speed 33 1/3rpm, 45 rpm
Starting characteristics
Comes to nominal speed within a
second revolution (33 1/3 rpm)
+0.045% (DIN)
0.025% (WRMS)
75 dB (DIN-B)
0% at 150g tracking force
return, reject
Wow and flutter
Signal-to-noise ratio
Load characteristics
Automatic system
Tonearm
Type Statically balanced, universal
Pivot-to-stylus length 235mm (9 1/4 in.)
Overall arm length 330 mm (13 in.)
Overhang 14mm (9/16 in.)
Tracking error +2°27' —1°30'
Tracking force adjustment range
0-2.5g
Shell weight 11g
Cartridge weight range
(including shell weight)
11-19.5g
19-27.5g (with extra weight)
General
Power requirements
Power consumption
120, 220V ac~ adjustable, 50/60 Hi
12W
Dimensions Approx. 480x165x420 mm (w/h/d)|
(18 18/16 x 6 1/2x 16 8/16 in.)
including projecting parts and controlfi
Weight Approx. 11.5kg (25 lbs 6 oz), net
Approx. 13kg (28Ibs 11 02), in
shipping carton
45-rpm adaptor
Shell
Extra weight
Supplied accessories
Whilst the information given is trué at the time of printing, smi
production changes in the course of our company’s policy |
improvement through research and design might not necessarl
be indicated in the specifications.
We would ask you to check with your appointed Sony dealer,
clarification on any point is required.