Sony PS-X9

PS-X9 was difficult for anyone to have spent much time in front of considering that maybe 250 (max) were ever built for the world. It was a "statement" piece that Sony had hoped to get into the broadcast market. I have seen pricing all over the map - one in Germany was listed a few years ago at 18,000 Euro but I doubt it sold. Most common pricing was in the 8,000 - 12,000 USD range.

I've owned mine since 1983 ... and have used it since 1981 at audio shows when I was a product specialist for Sony. It truly is a magnificent beast and the built-in HA-55 head amp is incredible. Mine was mounted with the XL-88D MC (which unfortunately suffered a broken cantilever that was going to require a second mortgage to repair).

I do not ever recall being able to switch tonearms on this - if someone has, it's a Frankenstein. 

Nearly 40 years later and it still keeps perfect speed and sounds incredible. Mine has the dust cover, a second high-density platter mat, plus the hardwired stop/start remote (socket can be wired into a broadcast control board) 

I have thought of selling - and targeting the $10k range  - but at 32Kg for the table alone, shipping gets expensive. You'd be closer to 40Kg as you would probably want to crate it. The original packing was very good, but mine had deteriorated over time - and for the longest time, I had no intention of selling. 

There were a couple of reviews out there. When I find them, I will post the links

Even X 5,6, and 7 were great !
Sony no baloney .

@betamax - in the event you want to sell your TT, contact me, maybe we can agree on a transaction.

As previously posted, I ended up purchasing the following;

1.  Final Audio VTT-1 - this thing is a monster and plays wonderful.         3 arm capacity.    
2.  Verdier Plantine - @ CT0517 - has been extremely helpful in                regards to set up. A lively TT, I highly recommend.
3.  Basis Audio 2500 with the vacuum platter option. 

While at the Florida audio show, I auditioned a DSA phono and purchased the unit here on Agon.

I need to upload some pictures of my set up...

Thank you all for your input.

Jose

DSA phono.... Very nice unit.  I had the benefit of an in-home demo courtesy of the designer, who is quite a nice chap.  He couldn't wean me from tubes, but these days I have a more open mind. Good choice.

@jg2077 Thank you. I will probably be deciding at some point soon. I am just in the process of selling off my record collection and suspect that the equipment will follow not long after.

Just as an FYI, I have the technical/service manuals for the X9 as well

Chris (aka betamax)