Sony PS-X6 Setup guide

SONY:
AUTOMATIC STEREO TURNTABLE SYSTEM
PS-X6
3-X7
Owner’s instruction manual
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.
This instruction manual covers both the PS-X6 and the PS-X7,
which differ only in the arm pipe, shell and rubber mat. There
are no differences in their operation.
© 1977 by Sony Corporation

OWNER’S RECORD
The model and serial numbers are located at the rear.
these numbers in the spaces provided below.
Record
Refer to them
whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.
Model No. PS-X6.X7 Serial No.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Features .
Warning .
Precautions. Wogd
Notes on installation .
Parts identification .
Turntable assembly.
Cartridge installation. . . . .
Tonearm assembly and adjustment. .......
Connections ........ sds orf relat ate deen ce gt 28
Record playing. .....
Tips on record handling .
Tonearm drop-point adjustment
Maintenance. ........
Repacking for shipment
Specifications
Trouble checks.
DMA AHP HBRWWW WW
ee eee ae -- OCOO0C fo

FEATURES
PS-X6, PS-X7 FEATURES
@ Automatic turntable—auto start, auto stop, auto return, and
auto repeat functions are activated by merely touching the logic
controlled START/STOP switch and the REPEAT switch.
@ The Crystal 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.
e@With a newly developed BSL. (brushless and slotless) Motor
having a torque of 1 kg-cm, excellent starting characteristics with-
in a third revolution at 33 1/3 are obtained.
@A servo system, which consists of a turntable with a magnet
coated rim and an 8-pole magnetic pick-up head, and the BSL
Motor free from torque irregularity, assure minimal wow and
flutter and a high signal-to-noise ratio. The turntable attains
nominal speed almost immediately after changing from 33 1/3 rpm
to 45 rpm or vice versa.
e@Luminous Sensor (photoelectric circuit) is employed for a
smooth arm return, which eliminates mechanical force on the
cartridge or tonearm.
@ The automatic operation system is designed so as not to affect
the tonearm if you accidentally touch it while it is moving in the
auto start or auto return mode, or in case you change the record
size selector position during an operation mode.
@ Acoustic material SBMC (Sony Bulk Mold Compound) is used
in the constructions of the frame, to reduce outside vibration
effects to a minimum.
@ Newly developed resilient feet effectively prevent acoustic feed-
back.
ADDITIONAL PS-X7 FEATURE
@ An arm pipe made of carbon fiber suppresses resonance inter-
ference.
@ Fluid-filled rubber mat absorbs any disc vibration.
WARNING
eTo
prevent
fire
or
shock
hazard,
do
not
expose
the
unit
to
rain
or
moisture.
eTo
avoid
electrical
shock,
do
not
open
the
cabinet.
Refer
servicing
to
qualified
personnel
only.
PRECAUTIONS
e@ 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
@ Place the turntable on a level surface.
@ Avoid placing the unit near electrical appliances (such as a
television, hair dryer, or fluorescent lamp) which may cause hum
or noise.
@ Avoid any vibration such as from speakers, slamming of doors,
etc.
@ Keep the unit away from direct sunlight, extremes of tempera-
ture, or excessive dust and moisture.
@ Allow 10cm (4inches) clearance behind the unit so that the
cover can be opened.
—
425mm (1634inches)
| -
= =
We 2 425mm (16%inches)
@
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
counterclockwise
until
the
unit
is
level.
Be
sure
not
to
pinch
or remove
the
rubber.
Resilient Foot

PARTS IDENTIFICATION
The picture below shows the appearance
Shell Stands
45-rpm Adaptor —
Center Spindle——————
Stroboscope
Rubber Mat
45-rpm Button——-———
33-rpm Button—-————
Neon Lamp
4
z
Resilient Foot
- The photograph shows the PS-X6.
TURNTABLE ASSEMBLY
Do not connect the power cord or the connecting cords until after finishing the assembly.
of the assembled turntable.
Remove all packing material and clean the cabinet.
® ge Eas
Ea TaN ei
ia
Magnetic coating
Head
5
Tonearm Drop-point
Adjustment Hole
Lateral Balancer (fixed)
Counterweight
Tracking-force Ring
Cueing Lever
Anti-skating Compensator
Arm Rest
Shell
Finger Lifter
Record
Size
Selector
Power Switch
Start “Stop Switch
Repeat Switch

@ Remove the red-painted transit screws. Store them in the
holes on the label. (These screws will be required when repack-
ing.)
@ 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.
e@ When handling the rubber mat of the PS-X7, take care not to
bend it. If the surface of the mat is not level, place it on a Jevel
surface until it becomes level.
To remove the dust cover
Open the dust cover fully and slide it as illustrated while holding
it with both hands.
a
on
CARTRIDGE INSTALLATION
A cartridge weighing between 2.5and 9.5g can be mounted with
the supplied shell. Heavier cartridges from 8 to 14.5 g can be
mounted using the extra weight (supplied).
@ Select the most suitable length of cartridge mounting screws
according to the height of your cartridge. (Three pairs of screws
of various lengths are 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 49 mm (1 15/16 inches).
ment is then complete.
made later.
The temporary overhang adjust-
More precise adjustment should be
Fasten the screws lightly so that the
cartridge can slide for adjustment.
® Connect the lead wires of the shell to the corresponding pins
on the cartridge.
Wires Cartridge pins
Whites coe vee Sea Ss L (left channel signal)
BlU@)..0.25 a clatt ase idee LE or G (left channel ground)
Reding: gates Sa et nt R (right channel signal)
Green ............. RE or G (right channel ground)
@ Shell stands are provided on the base of the turntable for extra
mounted cartridges.

TONEARM ASSEMBLY AND ADJUSTMENT
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 lower the Cueing
Lever.
@ Plug the Shell into the Tonearm and turn the Locking Collar
counterclockwise until the Shel! is firmly locked.
© Insert and turn the Counterweight counterclockwise several
turns. (The Tracking-force Ring turns simultaneously.)
@ Remove the stylus guard, if fitted.
Counterweight
hm
To use a cartridge weighing
between 8 - 14.5g, add the
supplied extra weight.
Be sure to insert the extra
weight fully to the end.
Match the guide pin on the shell
ed with the upper slot of the arm. -
Longitudinal balance adjustment *1
For this adjustment, connect the power cord and turn on the
POWER Switch.
@ Set the Record Size Selector to the MANUAL position. .
@ Touch the START/STOP Switch. The turntable will start rota-
ting. After several rotations of the turntable, turn off the POWER
Switch and at the same time stop the turntable by hand; do
not turn off the START/STOP Switch. This will cause the Tone-
arm Platform to lower and permit a more positive longitudinal
balance adjustment.
© Be sure that the Anti-skating Compensator is set at “O”.
@ Release the Tonearm from the Arm Rest and set the Arm Rest
as illustrated.
Anti-skating
compensator
0
Pull up the upper
portion of the arm rest
and turn it
clockwise so that
you can perform the
following adjustment
C7) easily
© Turn the Counterweight as required until the Tonearm is in
a horizontally balanced position. (The Tracking-force Ring turns
simultaneously.)
Release your fingers and check the balance.
Repeat this step until the arm balances.
Hold the tonearm lightly
to prevent bumping
the stylus tip.
li Position the Tonearm above the
cut-out to observe the balance.
Ye
x Correct balance
Ph Move the weight forward.
—__* Move the weight backward
© 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.
Do not move the
counterweight.
Tracking-force Ring
@ Pull up the Arm Rest and turn it counterclockwise so that the
Arm Rest returns to its original position. 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 3 grams.
Tracking-force ring will
turn at the same time

Overhang check *3
Check that the stylus overhang is set correctly by using the
Alignment Protractor supplied. Be sure that the Record Size
Selector is set at MANUAL position.
@ Place the hole of the Alignment Protractor over the Center
Spindle.
@ Release the clasp of the Arm Rest and lift up the Cueing
Lever. The Tonearm Platform will rise.
© 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 thick lines drawn
on the Alignment Protrator as shown in the center illustration.
lf they are parallel, the stylus overhang is set correctly.
6 If the Shell is not parallel, readjust the stylus overhang.
1) Loosen the cartridge mounting screws and slide the cartridge
in the required direction.
2) Re-tighten the screws.
3) Recheck the balance and tracking-force adjustments.
Overhang is too long.
Slide the cartridge
backward.
—t—Correct overhang
Overhang is too short.
Slide the cartridge forward.
After the adjustments are compiete, install the stylus guard.
Anti-skating compensation *4
Turn the Anti-skating Compensator so that the guide mark is
aligned with the tracking-force value used.
Lateral balance adjustment *5
This is fixed, and requires no adjustment.
Lateral
Balancer
(fixed)—~--
After the tonearm adjustments
When the Tonearm adjustments are completed, push the POWER
Switch again and touch the START/STOP Switch to stop the
turntable rotation. This will cause the Tonearm Platform to
rise and be ready for record playing.
*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 "0".
*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.
overhang
center spindle arm ipIvot
off-set angle
stylus tip
stylus tip
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
*5 Lateral balance
A lateral balancer (fixed) is provided to prevent the tonearm from moving inward
or outward.

CONNECTIONS
@When connecting to an accessory ac outlet on the amplifier
use an unswitched type outlet.
@ Check that the phono cord and power cord are not caught
under any foot of the cabinet.
eLeave a little slack in the connecting cord to allow for inad-
vertent shock or vibration.
a
power cord
phono cord
to phono inputs to an ac outlet
PHONO
© +
white... to L
AC OUTLET
ground wire
. rear view of amplifier
to a ground terminal
RECORD PLAYING
AUTOMATIC PLAYING
Amplifier setting
@Lower the amplifier volume and set the input selector to
PHONO. Turn on the amplifier.
e@After the Tonearm has lowered onto the record, adjust the
volume and tone of the amplifier.
Player Setting
@ Perform the following preparatory steps.
Place a record.
- For 17cm (7-inch) records, put
the supplied 45-rpm adaptor
over the center spindle. Lower the Cueing Lever.
Remove the stylus guard
and release the clasp of the
Arm Rest.
Push the POWER Switch
Select the correct position of
the Record Size Selector
according to the record size.
Push either the "33" or “45” -rpm
Button according to the record speed.
@ Touch the two metallic strips of the START/STOP Switch.
The Lamp will illuminate and play will begin automatically.
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.
START/STOP
REPEAT
-A}
Touch the two metallic strips.
NOTES
e@Turn off the POWER Switch after the Tonearm returns fully
to the Arm Rest. If the POWER Switch is turned off while the
Tonearm is still moving in the return operation, the unit may not
start correctly the next time.
@ Be sure to secure the Tonearm to the Arm Rest with the clasp
when not in use. This insures that the safety device will function
to prevent the Tonearm from moving if you mistakenly touch the
START/STOP Switch with no record on the platter.

e@lf the Lamp goes out just after touching the START/STOP
Switch to start the Tonearm, it indicates that the unit had been
in the return mode when the power was cut off. In this case,
touch the START/STOP Switch again, and the Lamp will light up
and the Tonearm will start.
TO STOP DURING PLAY
Touch the START/STOP Switch. The Start Lamp wil! go out,
and the Tonearm will return to the Arm Rest.
0
owALY : .
Touch the two metallic strips.
START/STOP
REPEAT
REPEAT PLAYING
Touch the START/STOP Switch and then the REPEAT Switch.
The Repeat Lamp will illuminate and the unit will repeat the same
record.
REPEAT STAR
7
Touch the two metallic strips.
n~
To stop repeat playing, touch the REPEAT Switch again. The
Repeat Lamp will go out, and after the record is played, the
Tonearm will return to the Arm Rest.
MANUAL PLAYING (TO START PLAYING PART-WAY ON THE
RECORD)
Perform the preparatory steps, except that for the Record Size
Selector setting, as shown in step @ under “Automatic playing”.
Then continue with the following steps:
@ Set the Record Size Selector to the MANUAL position.
@ Bring the Tonearm to the position you desire over the record.
© Touch the START/STOP Switch. The turntable will start rotat-
ing, the Tonearm will lower itself, and play will begin. When
the Tonearm reaches the end of the record, it will automatically
rise and return to the Arm Rest, and the turntable will stop.
NOTES
@lf you touch the REPEAT Switch in manual playing, the Repeat
Lamp will illuminate but the repeat function will not operate.
After paying, the Tonearm will return automatically to the Arm
Rest, but the turntable will continue rotating. In this case, touch
the START/STOP Switch to stop the turntable.
@lf 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 mecha-
nism.
CUEING LEVER
Usually, keep the fever lowered. To lift up the stylus or to
change the listening point during playing, lift the Cueing Lever
up. The Tonearm will rise. To start playing again, lower the
Cueing Lever toward you.
Cueing Lever
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 45 rpm and the lower for 33 1/3 rpm.
e Always view the stroboscope with the light of the neon lamp
provided, not with the light of a fluorescent lamp. This is be-
cause the neon lamp is energized by a 120-Hz pulse from the
built-in crystal oscillator and assures precise speed indication
regardless of any line-frequency deviation.
SARS > >
&
t:
PS
: 33 14 -rpm
Neon Lamp
TIPS ON RECORD HANDLING
Before playing
e@ 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.
e@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.

PSO aE NL RN AA Malena a ad Oa
Sa oa te
Phen res oon ees
AA gd idl a aera he ue
When record playing
@ lt 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. Don’t place
anything on the dust cover.
@ While playing, never attempt to move the turntable or touch
the tonearm.
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.
@When not using the turntable, close the dust cover.
Other precautions
@Don't put anything but records on a turntable.
e@Don’t place anything but the spare cartridges and 45-rpm
adaptor on the turntable deck.
TONEARM DROP-POINT ADJUSTMENT
At the factory, the tonearm has been adjusted to have the
correct drop point in the automatic playing mode.
If this needs to be readjusted, proceed as follows.
@ Remove the rubber cap of the tonearm drop-point adjustment
hole located at the left side of the arm base.
@ Insert the supplied screwdriver into the hole.
To change the drop point inward... Turn the screw slightly
counterclockwise.
To change the drop-point outward ... Turn the screw slightly
clockwise.
@ Once it is properly adjusted with a 30cm (12”) record, the
drop point will be correct for 17 cm (7”) and 25cm (10”) records
as well.
Rubber cap
10
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) is the idea! 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 showh in
the illustration. .
e@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.

‘SPECIFICATIONS
Turntable Automatic player
Platter 31.7.cm (12 1/2”), aluminum-alloy diecast
Motor DC servo-controlled motor (brushless
and slotless)
Drive System Direct drive, crystal lock control system
Speed 33 1/3rpm, 45 rpm
Starting characteristics comes to nominal speed within a third
revolution (33 1/3 rpm)
+0.045% (DIN)
0.025% (WRMS)
73 dB (DIN-B)
within 0.0003%
at 150g tracking force
0%
within 0.003%
Wow and flutter
S/N ratio
Initial drift
Load characteristics
Speed deviation
Tonearm
Type
Pivot to stylus length
Overall arm length
Overhang 16.5 mm (21/32”)
Tracking error +3°, —1°
Tracking-force adjustment range
0-3 g
Shell weight 10.5g
Cartridge weight range 2.5-9.5g
8~-14.5g (with extra weight)
Statically balanced, universal pivot
216.5 mm (8 1/2”)
300 mm (11 7/8’)
General
Power requirements 120V ac, 60 Hz
Power consumption 8W
Dimensions
Approx.
445
x
150x375
mm
(w/h/d)
(17
1/2x
5
7/g
x
14
3/4
inches)
Approx. 10.3kg, net (22 Ibs 12 02z)
Approx. 12.1kg, in shipping carton
(26 Ibs 11 oz)
45-rpm adaptor
Extra weight
Alignment protractor
Screw driver
Cartridge mounting screws (3 pairs)
Shell
Weight
Supplied accessories
Design
and
specifications
subject
to
change
without
notice.
TROUBLE CHECKS
The
following
chart
will
heip
correct
most
problems
which
may
occur
with
the
unit.
If
the
problem
persists
after
you
have
made
these
checks,
consult
your
Sony
Service
Station
or
Sony
dealer.
Impaired tone quality
@Turntable not level
@ Unit incorrectly placed on or near a speaker
eDusty stylus
@ Worn stylus or defective record (The stylus life is approx. 400
hours of playing time.)
@lncorrect cartridge installation
elmproper tonearm balance
e@lmproper tracking force
e@lmproper setting of the Anti-skating Compensator
e|lmproper turntable speed
No audio from one channel
e@loose attachment of the shell to the tonearm
@Loose connection of phono cord
@Low volume level setting for one channel of the amplifier
e@lncorrect connection of the shell lead wires
Groove skipping, Tonearm tends to skate out, Tonearm does
not advance (record repeats)
e@ Turntable not level
e@ Defective record
@ External vibrations
e@improper tracking force
e@!mproper setting of the Anti-skating Compensator
Steady low-pitched sound (hum)
@Lloose ground wire connection to the amplifier
@Loose connection between the shell and the tonearm
@ Incorrect connection of the shell lead wires
@ Transit screws not removed
Loud rumble or low-frequency “‘howl’’ which occurs when
playing a record at high sound levels (acoustic feedback*)
@Put the turntable on a sturdy surface.
@Put the turntable as far away from the speakers as possible.
@l|f the above does not rectify the problem, try commercially
available acoustic insulators designed to be put between the feet
and shelf.
* Acoustic feedback: The vibration of speakers is transmitted through the air
or via solid objects (shelves, cabinets, floor, etc.) to the turntable, picked up by
the cartridge stylus, amplified, and again reproduced through the speakers.