Most Bluetooth turntables make you choose between convenience and quality. The PS-LX3BT is Sony’s argument that you can have both, and at £299 it makes that argument fairly convincingly.
The mechanism is fully automatic: press one button, the arm drops, plays, and returns on its own. The belt-drive system uses a solid die-cast aluminium platter for consistent rotation, and the rigid aluminium tonearm sits on a precision pivot bearing. Nothing here is flimsy.
The Bluetooth side is the real differentiator. Where most turntables in this bracket offer basic SBC or AAC connectivity, the PS-LX3BT supports aptX Adaptive, which means Hi-Res Wireless Audio to compatible speakers or headphones. You can also run a wired connection via RCA, with a built-in switchable phono EQ so it works whether your amplifier has a dedicated phono stage or not. A gain select switch with three settings (LOW, MID, HIGH) lets you match output level to your system.
It plays both 33⅓ and 45 rpm, covers the vast majority of records you’re likely to own. The dust cover is included. The whole thing is finished in a clean matte black that doesn’t announce itself.
For someone coming back to vinyl after years away, or setting up a first proper listening setup, this is a sensible, well-made starting point. It handles the technical awkwardness of vinyl without asking you to read a manual.