Wanted: Your thoughts on the Sony PS-1800A TT

[Rex Everything]

I am looking for thoughts and impressions of the Sony PS-1800A turn table from owners and former owners.

I have found one locally and was curious if I should add it to my Sony rig or wait for a different model.

TIA

 

[Jovinyl]

I have PS-1800. Not sure if they are similar. Got A pic.

 

[absolon]

Spec-wise, it's a nice TT with a pretty good arm but the linkage on the magneto-diode actuated auto mechanism can be a bit finicky if it's worn. Same motor as the PS-3000 and slightly lighter platter; specs are close.

Biggest drawback is the lack of cueing; it operates by positioning the arm over the record and turning it on with the speed switch which starts the motor and drops the arm. It auto-returns at record end and has a push-button reject on the front to end during play but no other facility to lift and drop the arm other than the arm lift on the headshell. From experience, you will get good at it with a little practice and this is the closest you'll get to the 3000 or 2250 for less than a couple of hundred..

I like mine, but it's not my favourite TT. Worth it if the lack of cueing isn't a problem for you and the price is right (sub-$100 level).

The PS 1800 is the same but for the case and dust cover.

 

[Rex Everything]

Thanks Absolon, this was the info I was needing. I appreciate it. If it stays as cheap as it is now I'll probably grab it otherwise I'll hold off for a better model as I have several nice TT's at the moment.


Jovinyl, let's hear about your PS-1800 now that we know they are essentially the same table.

 

[absolon]

Here are some photos of it sporting a Sony XL33L LOMC:

 

[Jovinyl]

Very Similar. I thought It was better turntable than I would normally buy at the time. But price was right used. I don't remember If it came with a purchase of records or thrown in for a few bucks more. I liked it and put it in system, maybe a belt drive 1300, my thought. I did mess up the auto return function by not waiting and lifting it myself. I still have it and will get it fixed and matched up to something one day. It's a keeper.

 

[WhiteSE]

I have that TT and find it quite good...steady speed and good looking!

 

[Rex Everything]

Thanks for the info guys, I appreciate it.

The seller ended the auction early so I won't be getting a shot at this one.

 

[thomash85715]

I had one bought new in 1972; loaned it to my brother; his wife called a local religious affiliated thrift shop and had it hauled away with some old furniture. I did not speak to her for six months. It was and always will be a beautiful piece of work from that era even if the isolation was bad and the arm just an arm. Hold on to one if you can get it is my advice. --Tom

 

[danj]

I owned one some years ago and liked it a lot. It now resides in an audio museum in southern Oregon along with several other similar vintage turntables - many of them Sonys.