Sony PS-HX500 turntable converts vinyl to hi-res audio

Hot on the heels of the new Technics SL-1200 turntable, comes a new turntable from Sony, the PS-HX500, that promises to get the best from your vinyl - and help you take your records with you on the move.

No, it's not a portable record player, instead it comes with a "high quality DSD native converter" that allows you to rip your vinyl to digital files in up to hi-res audio quality.

The PS-HX500 claims to be the world's first to do this and also to support double-rate and single-rate DSD files. You can also copy your vinyl records as WAV files.

It comes with PC software to enable the process, with Sony naturally suggesting "the recording process is quite simple".

The deck itself has a die-cast aluminium platter, is belt-driven - unlike the Technics direct-drive deck - and is powered by a two-speed motor. Belt-driven decks tend to be favoured for audio quality.

There's a high density 30mm plinth, plus a new tonearm, rubber mat and insulating feet. It comes supplied with a moving magnet (MM) cartridge.

The Sony PS-HX500 is due out in April with a price tag of around £400.

MORE: Technics launches Grand Classic SL-1200G turntable

Joe is the Content Director for What Hi-Fi? and Future’s Product Testing, having previously been the Global Editor-in-Chief of What Hi-Fi?. He has worked on What Hi-Fi? across the print magazine and website for almost 20 years, writing news, reviews and features on everything from turntables to TVs, headphones to hi-fi separates. He has covered product launch events across the world, from Apple to Technics, Sony and Samsung; reported from CES, the Bristol Show, and Munich High End for many years; and written for sites such as the BBC, Stuff and The Guardian. In his spare time, he enjoys expanding his vinyl collection and cycling (not at the same time).