Sony PS-X7. Worthwhile in 2024?

[Dudeman7]

There is a Sony PS-X7 for sale locally and it seems to be in very good condition. The seller says that everything works but I suspect that this unit hasn't been serviced.

After reading the threads here regarding the auto functions breaking down and speed issues, as well as the feet needing to be reinforced and the original gel-filled platter mat getting lumpy, would it still be a good turntable compared to others currently available?

It is pretty expensive and I already have a couple solid turntables that I really like, a Dual 1019 and a Pioneer PL-516.

Is the Sony a big enough step up in performance compared to what I already have, in your opinion?

 

[Mr.Heatsink]

If i recall correctly, that model Sony would be a small step up in performance from the two you already have. I'm sure the more knowledgeable AK'ers will chime in on this.

 

[Mr.Heatsink]

FWIW, i have a Technics SL-1700 & a Pioneer PL-560. But always wanted that Sony because i thought it was a good looking table with similar performance.

 

[mcgjohn]

There is a Sony PS-X7 for sale locally and it seems to be in very good condition. The seller says that everything works but I suspect that this unit hasn't been serviced.

After reading the threads here regarding the auto functions breaking down and speed issues, as well as the feet needing to be reinforced and the original gel-filled platter mat getting lumpy, would it still be a good turntable compared to others currently available?

It is pretty expensive and I already have a couple solid turntables that I really like, a Dual 1019 and a Pioneer PL-516.

Is the Sony a big enough step up in performance compared to what I already have, in your opinion?

Really depends on how you define a big step up in performance. The X7 is a nice table but comparable to other mid priced tables of the day. The arm height is not adjustable so limits you on what carts you can use. When new the gel filled platter matt work well. Over time if not stored correctly the gel would get lumpy in the rubber sandwich. The X7 is pretty reliable once a person cleans out all the old grease which turns to wax and replaces it with fresh lubricant.

Not sure what "pretty expensive" translates into but if you want a step up I would look for a good 1200 mk 2 or mk3. On these you can add all the KAB goodies to which really raises their level of performance.

 

[gary7]

Look for a well kept Technics SL-1600 MK2. Features of the 1200 plus full auto. Nice tables.

 

[Legrace]

I've owned many TT over the years, including one of these X series Sony TT and definitely one of the better ones thanks to superb speed regulation, nice graphite arm, and heavy base. Not needing any upgrades as performance out of the gate is first rate.

 

[Dudeman7]

Thanks all. I appreciate the input.

Without getting into the specifics of cost, I will say that the seller is asking several hundred for this one. That being the case, if the PS-X7 isn't a huge improvement over what I've got, I'll likely pass.

Cheers!

 

[app4dstn]

Thanks all. I appreciate the input.

Without getting into the specifics of cost, I will say that the seller is asking several hundred for this one. That being the case, if the PS-X7 isn't a huge improvement over what I've got, I'll likely pass.

Cheers!

I have an x-7, 1019, have had the pl518 in the past, currently have a pl514.

I’d say that when at top condition the x7 owes no apologies. That’s a big if/when though as you note. I’m thankful all the electronics were good and the only issues were mechanical/structural on mine. Knowing what I know now, I’d definitely acquire another x-series TT as a project at a low cost.

At retail/refurb price? Yeah that’s risky. Switches, motor… I’m screwed if those ever fail… plenty of Dual parts available but an x series repair probably requires sourcing another unit.

It’s got great drive, sturdy as heck, big deep sound. And the potential to become a metal carcass with one power surge hit.

I think you’d do right to pass on this one. Maybe a different one will fall out of the sky…fingers crossed.

 

[app4dstn]

Really depends on how you define a big step up in performance. The X7 is a nice table but comparable to other mid priced tables of the day. The arm height is not adjustable so limits you on what carts you can use. When new the gel filled platter matt work well. Over time if not stored correctly the gel would get lumpy in the rubber sandwich. The X7 is pretty reliable once a person cleans out all the old grease which turns to wax and replaces it with fresh lubricant.

Not sure what "pretty expensive" translates into but if you want a step up I would look for a good 1200 mk 2 or mk3. On these you can add all the KAB goodies to which really raises their level of performance.

I’d be curious to hear a buffed out 1200 with fluid damping. And how that compares to the x7.

to me this seems the more sensible path for DD at that level. I’m enamored with denon DP but I also see it as a time bomb. another ownership hazard. Technics seems ubiquitous and owner friendly. Friendlier.

 

[Blue Shadow]

Look for a well kept Technics SL-1600 MK2. Features of the 1200 plus full auto. Nice tables.

Long story...Picked up an X7 years ago, plastic never off the dust cover, hitch in its giddy-up. Tested with a meter without minigrabbers, popped a component, bought minigrabbers. Found the bad resistor and back in business. Functions were not quite right and a cleaning of the old grease fixed that. Recapped the unit and did the upgrades? that dshoaf recommended for the feet and such. Brother wanted a table gave it to him. I have better tables, fancy hotrods with separate tonearms and junk. I wanted a semi/full auto for those times I need that feature. X7 was gone for a while.

Found a 1600 Mk2 and bought the whole lot he was selling, amps, tuner, tt and such cause I didn't want to compete for certain pieces. Used this one as needed.

Brother returned the X7 with that hitch in the speed and I cleaned the pots and got it up and running right. He doesn't have a rig set up so I kept the Sony and the Technics. Like em both enjoy using the Sony more than the 1600 II.

Last week nephew, brother's son, wanted a TT. I could not decide which to let him have. Reluctantly gave him the Sony because I had given it to his dad and that seems right. Now I have to refresh the Technics.

I would probably have kept the X7. Like the way it operates, keeping the arm lifted unless it is playing a record. Put in 'Manual,' position the arm, press go and then clean the record and sit and enjoy.

These two are top class auto tables from back in the day. Don't know the Sony's after this model, maybe they got a bit better but the X7 is a keeper table well worth a pile of money today, better than most anything new for under a grand. Sold for 350 in 77-78 and worth that today.

It would be a step up from the tables you have

 

[belyin]

I have a PS-X5. I also have a PS-X70 which is the next generation iteration of the PS-7, and I feel it is a real step up from the earlier model. While the motor system are similar, the latter has a larger platter (and heavier) and a longer, better arm with on-the -fly VTA adjustment.

 

[Dudeman7]

Long story...Picked up an X7 years ago, plastic never off the dust cover, hitch in its giddy-up. Tested with a meter without minigrabbers, popped a component, bought minigrabbers. Found the bad resistor and back in business. Functions were not quite right and a cleaning of the old grease fixed that. Recapped the unit and did the upgrades? that dshoaf recommended for the feet and such. Brother wanted a table gave it to him. I have better tables, fancy hotrods with separate tonearms and junk. I wanted a semi/full auto for those times I need that feature. X7 was gone for a while.

Found a 1600 Mk2 and bought the whole lot he was selling, amps, tuner, tt and such cause I didn't want to compete for certain pieces. Used this one as needed.

Brother returned the X7 with that hitch in the speed and I cleaned the pots and got it up and running right. He doesn't have a rig set up so I kept the Sony and the Technics. Like em both enjoy using the Sony more than the 1600 II.

Last week nephew, brother's son, wanted a TT. I could not decide which to let him have. Reluctantly gave him the Sony because I had given it to his dad and that seems right. Now I have to refresh the Technics.

I would probably have kept the X7. Like the way it operates, keeping the arm lifted unless it is playing a record. Put in 'Manual,' position the arm, press go and then clean the record and sit and enjoy.

These two are top class auto tables from back in the day. Don't know the Sony's after this model, maybe they got a bit better but the X7 is a keeper table well worth a pile of money today, better than most anything new for under a grand. Sold for 350 in 77-78 and worth that today.

It would be a step up from the tables you have

Thanks for that. In your opinion, do you think it would be worth over 5 bills in original, not restored condition?

 

[Mr.Heatsink]

Really depends on how you define a big step up in performance. The X7 is a nice table but comparable to other mid priced tables of the day. The arm height is not adjustable so limits you on what carts you can use. When new the gel filled platter matt work well. Over time if not stored correctly the gel would get lumpy in the rubber sandwich. The X7 is pretty reliable once a person cleans out all the old grease which turns to wax and replaces it with fresh lubricant.

Not sure what "pretty expensive" translates into but if you want a step up I would look for a good 1200 mk 2 or mk3. On these you can add all the KAB goodies to which really raises their level of performance.

I have an x-7, 1019, have had the pl518 in the past, currently have a pl514.

I’d say that when at top condition the x7 owes no apologies. That’s a big if/when though as you note. I’m thankful all the electronics were good and the only issues were mechanical/structural on mine. Knowing what I know now, I’d definitely acquire another x-series TT as a project at a low cost.

At retail/refurb price? Yeah that’s risky. Switches, motor… I’m screwed if those ever fail… plenty of Dual parts available but an x series repair probably requires sourcing another unit.

It’s got great drive, sturdy as heck, big deep sound. And the potential to become a metal carcass with one power surge hit.

I think you’d do right to pass on this one. Maybe a different one will fall out of the sky…fingers crossed.

I'd say no for the reasons listed above. If it were me $400 tops because it will need some type of work, at the very least a tune up & a new cart possibly. Good luck!

 

[flavio81]

It is pretty expensive and I already have a couple solid turntables that I really like, a Dual 1019 and a Pioneer PL-516.

Is the Sony a big enough step up in performance compared to what I already have, in your opinion?

I'm a Sony fan but no, it wouldn't be a big or massive step up. Maybe even not a step up at all.

If it was a Sony PS-X70 or -X50 the story would be different.