Sony vs Teac Bookshelf Speakers

Sony and Teac both sell Bluetooth products, but they serve different rooms. Sony's options here are the SASW7 wireless subwoofer at £249, the PSLX3BT full automatic turntable at £299, the PSLX5BT Bluetooth turntable at £399 and the SARS8.CEJ rear speakers at £449. Teac offers the TN-180BT semi-automatic turntable at £194, the TN-280BT manual model at £319 in black or walnut, and the TN-400BT-X belt-drive model in walnut at £499.

Sony's technology is about wireless home cinema and Bluetooth vinyl. The SASW7 is a 100W wireless subwoofer, the SARS8.CEJ supports IMAX Enhanced surround for rear speakers, and the PSLX5BT and PSLX3BT stream vinyl over Bluetooth. Teac's turntables also stream over Bluetooth, but the emphasis is on the mechanics: the TN-180BT is semi-automatic, the TN-280BT is manual for hands-on playback, and the TN-400BT-X uses a belt drive. Sony's products need a compatible Sony system, while Teac's turntables need speakers or an amplifier.

Sony suits people who already own a BRAVIA soundbar and want deeper bass or wireless surround, along with a turntable for vinyl. Teac suits vinyl lovers who want a stylish, well-built turntable to pair with speakers or an amplifier they already have, and it starts £105 below the PSLX3BT. Teac also offers a choice of manual or semi-automatic operation. Buyers who want a fully automatic, all-wireless vinyl set-up will find Sony the simpler choice. Buyers who want a turntable without an amplifier should note that both brands need speakers or a sound source at home, and that Sony's rear speakers and subwoofers are a separate purchase.

Bottom line: choose Sony if you own BRAVIA kit and want wireless bass, rear speakers or a fully automatic Bluetooth turntable; choose Teac if you already have speakers or an amplifier and want a stylish manual or semi-automatic turntable from £194.