Sony PS-LX300USB USB Stereo Turntable System - Black

This record player skips really, really badly. Had the previous Sony Turntable (without the USB) for years and it worked great. But this one I've had for months and it skips all of the time. Piece of junk.

I have had the turntable for a couple weeks, as of 12/26/08. It was easy to physically install via the USB cable to my PC. The software installed easily enough. I would recommend following the instructions carefully and then do a reboot before attempting to record. I have recorded about 12 albums so far. My biggest issue is that the software defaults to saving as a "wav" file, which is huge. Every time I use the software I have to remember to change to saving as an "mp3", which is a pain. You can record the whole side of an album and then the S/W detects the tracks. This works about 80% of the time. On live albums there is no quiet period between the tracks so it can't autodetect them, so you get one giant track. You can then manually cut it into tracks using the S/W, but it is a pain. I now just save as one track, import into iTunes, and use the Get Info to list the track names in the comments. Overall I'd give this an A+ for value.

I haven't had a turntable for years, but I still have five feet of shelf space dedicated to rare vinyl recordings. I sold my last turntable, a Bang & Olufsen, when I discovered that my new audio system lacked a phono input. I finally decided that it was time to get some of that rare music on iTunes. I have never gone wrong with a Sony purchase and to be able to purchase equipment and software for $109 delivered was quiet a surprise. I've paid more than that for a stylus! Installation of the software and equipment is a snap, it even has RCA out which is more of an eyesore since I doubt anyone has plans to use the turntable on their audio system. It has faux professional styling with it's metal platter and front feet. Actually, it is a fairly standard semi-automatic turntable like might be included with a cheaper system of the eighties -- but that's all it has to be since the software can enhance and restore the recording. Only downside for me is that Mac software is not available.

I received this from my wife as a Christmas present yesterday so I cannot vouch for its reliability. I can, however, describe how to get past the sound through the PC problem.

As someone previously described the process I will use their process except change the order because that is important:

Under Control Panel (Windows XP) and Sounds and Audio Device Properties:

Sound Playback: [enter your default sound card as Audio Output] Note that the installation software for Audio Studio LE changed this so that when you plug in the USB cable it will default to USB Audio CODEC. This is WHY your PC sound quits working.

Make sure Sound Recording is set to: USB Audio CODEC

MIDI Music Playback: Miscrosoft GS Wavetable SW Synth [I don't think this one makes any difference but it is where mine is at and it is working]

On Audio Studio LE; Click "Tools" then "vinyl recording and restoration" AND be sure "monitor recording level" is checked.

Make sure that the Sound and Audio Device properties are done BEFORE you call up the Sony software because it seems to NOT recognize changes in Windows once you have activated it.

I only gave this a 3 rating because the instructions are so poorly written. Those of you who have a working turntable and a sound card with a line in input do not need this device. All you need is a set of patch cords that will go to the line in from your stereo. (Note that you can NOT run it directly from the turntable to the line in because you need a higher voltage input (at least a pre-amp level). You also need a program that has "line in" as an option for recording. Windows Media Player does not have this option.

This turntable works well, and the software bundled with the unit is reasonably easy to use and runs fine. I have another Sony turntable hooked to my audio system but found it too cumbersome to use to digitize my records. The USB connection on this unit is just what the doctor ordered. I'm having fun. The only problem is getting the software to recognize tracks, but found a pretty simple work-around. Other than that, no problems.