Great for Beginners, This Record Player Won’t Break the Bank, Is Easy to Set up, and Offers a Lot for the Money

3 min readThe Sony PS-LX5BT record player offers Bluetooth connectivity with a built-in preamp and powered speaker, or the ability to connect to a separate preamp. The turntable has auto start and stop buttons that control the platter and lift and drop the tonearm.This model also has separate modes for 7- and 12-inch records.The right record player is more than just a platter and a tonearm. It should fit your needs and preferences as a music listener and be adaptable if you want to change your setup. Once I finally had space for a better speaker system, I wanted to upgrade listening from using the preamp integrated into my record player to a separate one. That said, I didn’t want to invest in a new turntable to make that happen. The Sony PS-LX5BT is the kind of turntable that changes with you. With Bluetooth connectivity and a built-in preamp you can turn on or off, it’s easy to listen any way you please.ProsAutomatic start and stop buttonsPlays via Bluetooth connection or using an external or built-in preampConsBluetooth sound quality not quite as good as wiredKey SpecsBelt or Direct DriveBeltWeight12.78 lbDimensions17 x 14.5 x 4.6 in.Speed Options33 1/3 and 45 rpmThe record player is also remarkably simple to set up and use and has different settings for 7- and 12-inch records. With automatic features that start and stop the music, you can literally play a vinyl record with nothing more than one push of a button. Considering all of this, as well as the record player’s relatively affordable price, the Sony PS-LX5BT is well suited for a beginner or someone who’s still fairly young in their vinyl-collecting journey.Setup Takes Less Than Five MinutesAfter opening the box, I noticed right away that the record player was mostly assembled, so there were no small or delicate parts that needed to be attached. Other models I’ve tested, including our best overall pick, the Fluance RT87, required me to assemble the tonearm and manually set the counterweight. With the Sony, I was able to connect the belt drive, place the dust cover, plug it in, and put on a record in about five minutes.Tom PriceThe entire turntable was set up and ready to play in just five minutes.It was nice not having to worry about zeroing in on the exact weight for the counterbalance or aligning the legs to level it out. It reminds me of the beginner record player I started with back in high school, but its build and sound quality are considerable improvements over that old player.It Has Customizable Listening OptionsOne of the features I found most welcome was the variability of listening options. Fast and easy connection to a Bluetooth speaker is great for anyone, particularly new vinyl collectors or anyone throwing a party. The Sony was quick to connect to mine, and I didn’t notice any significant loss in overall sound quality. TheThe record player also offers a traditional, cable-connected listening experience. If you want to plug directly into a powered speaker, it comes with a built-in preamp, and if you want to further customize your listening, you can flip the preamp off and use your own external option.The Sound Quality Rivals More Expensive ModelsFrom a pure sound quality standpoint, I was pleasantly surprised by this record player, especially considering it costs under $500. For this test, I chose Rumours by Fleetwood Mac. Throughout the record, the word that kept coming to my mind was “balanced.” The record sounded crisp and clean without any snaps, crackles, or pops. The playback was smooth and easy.Tom PriceThe tonearm automatically lifts and drops with a press of a button.Once I flipped to the B-side (“The Chain”), that balanced sound was appreciated even more. I could hear the thumping bass and the noodling on the guitar in perfect harmony with the beautiful vocals. While it didn’t elevate the music to new heights, nothing was left on the plate either.Final ThoughtsThe Sony PS-LX5BT is a record player with functionality that delighted me and sound that surprised me. It plays with just one press of a button; connects to Bluetooth speakers, wired speakers, and preamps; and even resets the tonearm when a record is done. That said, if you’re looking for hi-fi audio quality and a sturdier build as part of a permanent listening station, the Fluance RT87 or Denon DP500BT might be a better fit. Considering how affordable it is, it’s hard to think of a record player better suited for beginner vinyl collectors.Shop the Sony PS-LX5BT Record PlayerOther Record Players We RecommendFluance RT87 Reference High Fidelity Record PlayerDenon DP-500BT Hi-Fi Bluetooth TurntableAudio-Technica AT-SB727 Sound Burger Portable TurntableTom Price is a reviews editor for Popular Mechanics while also contributing to Runner's World, Best Products, and Bicycling. Here at Popular Mechanics, Tom loves testing out home appliances, smart tech, gear for city life and outdoor adventures, small gadgets like watches and multitools, and anything else you can find piled up at his hoarder's nest of a desk. Prior to working here, Tom attended NYU, graduating with a degree in English and a minor in creative writing. He also wrote for Best Reviews, The Daily Beast, and other publications covering tech, fitness gear, gadgets, and lifestyle products. Furthermore, he covered startup news, pop culture, and even professional wrestling. To follow more of his work, check back here for new stories.John Gilpatrick is a Senior Reviews Editor for Popular Mechanics, covering tools, home appliances, yard and garden accessories, and smart home tech. He previously worked for Men’s Health and has bylines on numerous other websites, covering topics as disparate as nutrition, tech, and pet care. He is also a former film critic who’s unusually fond of the Star Wars prequels, and he appeared on Pop Culture Jeopardy in 2025 while wearing jorts and a fanny pack. He is a member of the Online Film Critics Society (OFCS).