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Is the Sony PS-LX350H any good?

O

Owen Musser

New Member
I'm trying to get my first turntable. I found a Sony PS-LX350H in my parents' attic. Reviews seem to be neutral leaning negative... I tested it and it sounds ok, but I don't really know about this kind of thing. Is it worth it to search craigslist, etc. for a better turntable? Are there any upgrades that could make this one better? Thanks all

EDIT: link to specs https://www.vinylengine.com/library/sony/ps-lx350h.shtml
 
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Owen: Oh, well, it's one of the earliest major-brand-labelled Hanpin Technics-SL12x0-look-alikes I'm aware of - see there: http://www.hanpin.com.tw/Products/02_BJ-25.html

Not sure, how much it was over in the US, but over here it seemed a bit too expensive to me for a belt-driven model with comparatively cheapish arm, especially as at that time the original Technics SL-12x0II was still available for roundabout twice as much (without cartridge, though, but good cartridges also still were quite a bit cheaper then...) - and at the time you could also still get a Technics SL-BD20 for less, which is at least as good as the PS-LX350H. So in my view that Sony simply wasn't a very attractive model, although it's certainly not the worst turntable one could imagine.

I'd suggest to consider trying it with a better, but still attractively priced cartridge like for example an AT-VM95ML. Then you could see, if that combination already plays nicely enough for your taste - if so, good, if not, you can still grab a more substantial, classic turntable model with better arm, that would also be well-suited for working with the AT-VM95ML, like for example a Technics SL-Q2, a Pioneer PL-510A, a JVC QL-F6 or a Dual CS604 just to name a few examples.

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini


belated edit: typo extermination *sigh*
 
Last edited:
lini said:
Owen: Oh, well, it's one of the earliest major-brand-labelled Hanpin Technics-SL12x0-look-alikes I'm aware of - see there: http://www.hanpin.com.tw/Products/02_BJ-25.html

Not sure, how much it was over in the US, but over here it seemed a bit too expensive to me for a belt-driven model with comparatively cheapish arm, especially as at that time the original Technics SL-12x0II was still available for roundabout twice as much (without cartridge. though, but good cartridges also still were quite a bit cheaper then...) - and at the time you could also still get a Technics SL-BD20 for less, which is at least as good as the PS-LX350H. So in my view that Sony simply wasn't a very attactive model, although it's certainly not the worst turntable one could imagine.

I'd suggest to consider trying it with a better, but still attractively priced cartridge like for example an AT-VM95ML. Then you could see, if that combination already plays nicely enough for your taste - if so, good, if not, you can still grab a more substantial, classic turntable model with better arm, that would also be well-suited for working with the AT-VM95ML, like for example a Technics SL-Q2, a Pioneer PL-510A, a JVC QL-F6 or a Dual CS604 just to name a few examples.

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini
Click to expand...

I see. Thanks for the advice. I'll look into cartridges!
 
I have repaired several of these Chinese-made Sony tables. When they are set up correctly and using a good cartridge, they sound incredibly good compared to other more expensive tables. After disassembling these tables, I was astounded at the cheap parts, almost all plastic, used in the construction. It has to use the smallest motor that I've seen in a good-quality belt drive model. Apparantly, engineers have figured out how to make a turntable from the least expensive parts available, and have it operate and sound good. No small achievement! My major complaint is the anti-skating adjustment. On all the models brought in for service, usually broken belts, none of them had an effective anti-skate correction. The 350H utilizes a "cat's whisker" filament spring to press against the tonerm pivot to counteract the inward force pulling the arm toward the spindle. However, on none of the models that I repaired did the adjustment have any effect. The units came shipped with Audio-Technica AT3600 magnetic cartridges, which were the least expensive magnetic available, costing approx. $17. in 2000. When replaced with an upgrade cartridge, properly adjusted for overhang, tracking error (null points), and generally 2 grams tracking force, these tables sound very good. They had a MSRP of $250. in 1999-2000. You could get them from J&R in New York for around $175. I fixed one last month and except for the bad belt, it worked perfectly. The sticker on the back said "April 2001". Not bad for a 22 year old table. The table appears to be heavy, but this is due to a large flat steel plate in the bottom section of the base. For the money, I give it a B+. If the anti-skating was working, I'd give it an A-
 
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