Sony PS-X5 Record Player Repair - This Issue Drove Me NUTS!!!

Sometimes repairs don't go quite as you thought they would! What turned out to be a very simple fix presented itself after I attempted far more complicated fixes. I guess I can say I have a restored record player now! I listed to a few albums since finishing this video and am happy to report the turntable works very well.

[alanrutlidge]

Firstly I'll preface my reply by saying I fully support the fact that you made an attempt at repairing your Sony turntable. It is pleasing to see younger people prepared to step outside of the current popular realm of just swapping out entire PCB assemblies rather than trying to diagnose the problem to an individual component or components. I applaud the fact you actually admitted that you took the wrong pathway to resolving the problem which as it turns out was a dirty contact on an inexpensive open construction carbon track trim pot. For an experienced tech this would have come as no surprise. Whilst it's a common fault that causes the speed fluctuation it's not the only part that can fail that can cause the same symptoms. It's good to see you using the service manuals. IMHO Sony service manuals are up there with the best. Their extensive voltage and waveform references are invaluable in trouble shooting

Well I sincerely hope you've learnt something because that was the end of the accolades. Here comes some sage advice which you can either choose to consider or dismiss. I've noticed a disturbing trend on your electronic repair videos of just randomly replacing parts for what an informed and experienced technician would consider unnecessary. Examples are replacing capacitors without and evidence of why you are doing so except condemning them to e-waste for no other reason other than their apparent age. Sure capacitors, especially electrolytics have a life expectancy just has you will have. Not all electrolytic capacitors just suddenly fail at or about the same time. Yes, certain brands and types have developed bad reputations of failing early in their lifetime and well before their expected MTBF. Many work perfectly well past their expected MTBF. So where does one go to find out this information? The Badcaps forum is a good starting point but as with all internet sources not everything you read is 100% true. To sort the correctly functioning capacitors from the bad ones you need to invest in a half decent LCR meter. The DER DE5000 is a very good meter for the modest asking price and well worth checking out its features. I have several LCR meters but this is my goto on the workbench. Check eBay pricing to include the TL-21 and TL-22 accessories. Expect to pay around USD150 shipped. Don't pay the ridiculous $425 asking price on Amazon.

I can't for the life of me understand the rationale behind changing out the power supply diodes. Makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. The PSU appeared to be functioning correctly.

1. You commenced your trouble shooting correctly by confirming through observation the fault symptoms. But sadly it went astray from there onwards. Here's some additional tips you might find helpful -
2. Obtain a copy of the service manual and any available supplementary service notes.
3. Visual inspection. This is where you look for dead obvious clues as to what might be wrong. e.g. bulging capacitors, dry joints, burned components, blown fuses etc.
4. Check key voltages are within specification.
5. Check waveforms.
6. Attempt to isolate the fault to a particular section of the circuit.
7. Apply your knowledge and analytical skills.
8. Test the suspect component(s) to determine if they are faulty and warrant replacement.
9. Don't shotgun replace parts. It's completely unnecessary and wasteful. Besides you learn nothing in the process.
10. Document your findings for future reference. This assists you in developing your analytical skills.

Finally, I wish to see you succeed. The constructive critique is offered with the aim of helping you become a better tech. The industry desperately needs young people able to diagnose and repair to the component level which sadly is becoming a lost skill. If you find yourself faced a with particular fault that's difficult to nut out feel free to reach out to me. I owe everything I know to people who took the time and effort to not just show me how to repair audio equipment but also the rationale behind the approaches taken to the fault diagnosis processes. Everyday you will learn a new skill and acquire new knowledge. I've been working in the industry for decades and I learn something new and useful every day. Food for thought.

[reinkansman]

I like the way you keep any wrong assumptions in your videos for transparency. It adds to your credibility.

[schweatty]

I'm not saying you are a beginner, but this is exactly why I tell beginners not to shotgun recap. You were able to diagnose the problem you had created for yourself, but beginners usually can't and it ends up in the landfill. Thank you for the frank discussion on the mistakes that happen a lot when fixing things that youtubers rarely leave in their videos

[stevephilipczak]

I watched this video because I have a PS-X6 on my bench with a similar problem. Firstly, I must say, that I applaud this young fellow for having the patience and desire to go as far as component level trouble shooting. Most younger folks would have just tossed it and bought something new. These older Sonys are worth trying to save. Yes, they are over-engineered, but they are also over-built and way better quality compared to any normal priced entry level TT from today. If you have the scratch for a VPI or a SOTA or something else in that league, that's great - they're fantastic units. But most normal younger folks aren't going to be looking at that stuff. So, attempting to save a table like this is a noble venture. As far as some people beating this young guy up for replacing the hold on a second! It's HIS turntable. He's not charging someone else for "wasted" parts and labor. Yes, he probably should have done some more research first, BUT, now that it's fixed - guess what? He don't have to worry about the caps going bad in the near future. So, what was the harm?
Lighten up a bit. This is a likable kid - doing something worthwhile, and willing to spend the time to share his experiences. I think that's quite commendable. Carry on!

[jackgabbert]

Aidan,
Kudos to you for the courage to own it and publicly display your oversight.
Nice backtracking to reaveal the via - trace damage.
Regards,
Jack

[insolentstickleback]

I learn things on every video you share, and sincerely appreciate it. Thank You 👍🏻

[Mrsteve]

You learn, and we learn as well. All good!

[janicehopkins]

In a previous comment, I compared you to Bob Ross. That is a huge compliment. Watching a Bob Ross episode is like pure meditation. I don't meditate, but I can watch a Bob Ross show... or "ah" fixit! Love seeing you logically try to diagnose a problem and how to fix it. Like a puzzle. I love puzzles. Keep up the great work.

[DIDSworkedoutforyou]

those turntables are good, this was when sony had good hi-fi components, i have to admit that in the 90´s i bought a sony ES integrated amplifier but other components were really bad, not all but normally only top end material were really good, others not so good, nice work .Regards and a covid free year or better health to you and your family

[ROGERS_A]

Glad i found your video. I have a Sony PS-X7 turntable. I have had it for over 30yrs. But i haven't been able to enjoy it much at all. If it hasn't been turned on for a while it will spin for 10 – 20 minutes then stop. I press the start button again and it spins for 1 – 2 seconds and stops.

That is my problem that i have always had with this. Your video gave me an insight (at least) on how to approach trying to fix this. I’d rather have it be an easy fix… but if not - i’ll have to get it done by a pro. I have found schematics of the PS-X7, but i’m not too sure i will be able to understand them very well. If you have advice or info i would appreciate it. thank you.

[AngeloKagadis]

I'm having the exact same problem with my PS X7, your tutorial is by far the best one I've seen! Hopefully my issue will be resolved as well!

[bubblehead]

Appreciate your honesty in sharing your learning experience.

[Poppinwheeeeellllllieeeeez]

If you like technical audio repairs "12 volt vids" is a good channel.

[thomaskendall]

Back in the day, I had one of those Sony PS-X5 turntables. It worked fine for about seven years, then it got a case of the "yips" like yours, but much worse. I liked everything about the turntable: nearly zero rumble, good arm for a Shure V-15 III, no apparent wow or flutter (until the "yips, " that is). So I spent more on repairs than I paid for the TT in the first place. Every time the "yips" would return a few months after being repaired. I finally gave up on it. BTW, the speed control pot was replaced twice. Great TT — except for being over-engineered. Good luck with yours!

[brooklynbummer]

I have the Sony PX 55 and love it, a great performer with many years of service.

[jonpatrick]

Good luck on your move to Montana!!! Thanks for showing the Sony ps-x5 repair. I have one. My first good turntable that didn't skip if I walked around. I have the Sony ps-x70 now as my main one, but probably won't get rid of the x-5.. It's really an awesome tt. Thanks again.

[crimsonghost]

Long story short: I bought an old Technics belt drive that had speed issues and I was planning on using it for parts with the tonearm tube being mainly what I was after. I got it home to test it and noticed I could make it go crazy when I touched the adjustment knows. So I cleaned the pots inside and the table still works fine. I only paid $20 for it and instead of parts I have a great working turntable.

[kkoller]

Well I just let the video play before I opened my mouth just to see if you figured out the real you did.... and you learned something....good job! I had similar speed control problems with several of my vintage direct drive turntables including my Sony PS-X7....and what I learned long ago is go after the simple things first....in this case "Clean those adjustment pots" then adjust the speed per manufactures specs. I've had my PS-X7 now for 12 years and the speed has been dead on since cleaning those pots when I first picked her up!

[davidclark]

I bought mine new in 1977 paid 350.00 for it. The speed started fluctuating like yours plus I would touch the tonearm and would hear a buzz. A bad ground. Cost 150.00 to get it fixed. That was three years ago and has been going great ever since. Great video I could never have fixed it myself.

[cooper]

Good job. Yes always a good idea to clean the pots before digging in. I have a PS-11 which would spin at about 1000 rpm for no apparent reason. Bad comparator transistors in the speed control were the culprit even though they tested fine in circuit. Unfortunately direct drive TTs can have similar speed issues and are generally hard to diagnose.