Top rated turntables: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBTUSB

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The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBTUSB offers a seamless blend of modern technology and classic analogue charm.

First visual impressions will be of a well-crafted turntable. Its sleek, matte-black finish and robust construction, afford the machine a sense of durability and professionalism.

On a practical level, the controls such as the speed selector buttons and pitch control slider are tactile and responsive, providing a satisfying hands-on user experience.

Name: AT-LP120XBTUSB
Website:  Amazon.com
Price: US $399
Owners: Audio-Technica

Overall Rank: 4.7/5

Turntable features

Dimensions: 22 x 18 x 10 inches (558.8 x 457.2 x 254 mm)

Weight: 17.64 lbs (8 kgs)

Finish: Black

Motor: Direct drive; High torque DC servo motor

Phono Preamp: Built-In Switchable Phono Preamp (see below)

Power usage: 2.75 W

Speeds: 33⅓, 45 and 78 rpm

Stylus/Cartridge: AT-HS6 universal ½”-mount headshell and AT-VM95E Dual Magnet phono cartridge with 0.3 x 0.7 mm elliptical stylus

Platter: Anti-resonance, die-cast aluminium with felt mat

RCA: Detachable RCA output cable (40” long dual RCA male to dual RCA male)

USB: Yes

Bluetooth: Yes

Operation: Manual, so no auto stop or auto return

Speed change: Push-button

Included accessories

45 RPM spindle adapter

counterweight for accurate tonearm tracking

felt mat

removable hinged dust cover

power cable

USB-A to USB-B cable (6.5”)

grounding lug plus cable to eliminate ground hum

Special features

Adjustable dynamic anti-skate control

Variable pitch control with quartz speed lock

Stroboscopic platter with speed indicator

Removable plug-type target light for easier cueing in low light

Balanced S-shaped tonearm with hydraulically damped lift control and lockable rest

Review

Audio-Technica is a trusted name in the world of vinyl turntables. This machine, launched in 2020 lives up to the trust that the very mention of the brand name elicits.

It offers a fully manual experience along with analogue (RCA) and USB connections with added Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. As a result, all listening/recording options are available, from wired or wireless speakers and headphones, to computers, home stereos, and so forth.

It features a belt drive with speeds up to 78 rpm catered for. The headshell is the AT-HS6 universal ½ inch mount headshell. The cartridge is the AT-VM95E dual moving magnet phono cartridge featuring a 0.3 x 0.7 mm elliptical stylus. It is also compatible with any VM95 Series replacement stylus, which offers a wide choice of options to suit your budget and aural requirements. In this case, the headshell is removable, which allows you to switch it for one to match your precise requirements.

Considerable focus has been placed on noise reduction, both in the design and construction of this machine. To wit, it features an anti-resonance, die-cast aluminium platter with a felt mat and a damped base construction for reduced low-frequency feedback distortion. The S-shaped tonearm features a hydraulically damped lift control (and a lockable rest).

There is a built-in switchable phono preamplifier for phono- or line-level output. This means that an external preamp can be used if desired, by selecting the phono-level output.

The platter is stroboscopic with a speed indicator and the turntable also features variable pitch control with a quartz speed lock and a removable plug-type target light to facilitate easier cueing in low-light conditions. Don’t spoil that ambience!

Pros and cons

Pros	Cons
aptX Bluetooth streaming means minimal delay Integrated, switchable phono stage Makes digital copies via USB output Good sound for the price Durable High-quality construction User friendly Easy set up Versatile, can be used in different systems Can play 78 rpm records Anti-skating keeps the needle and arm in balance for the highest possible sound quality	Not the most dynamic-sounding turntable around Wireless performance sounds a little closed-in Expensive No auto stop or auto return The stylus supplied is not the most robust Bluetooth compatibility can be tricky Customer service is not the best Lacks features compared to similarly priced units The motor can be distracting

Recommendation

While the AT-LP120XBTUSB is perhaps not the most budget-friendly turntable on the market, users do describe it as lacking features, e.g., auto stop or auto return. However, its build quality, sound quality, wireless capabilities, and USB recording functionality do indicate a robust unit. Along with the ability to change the cartridge to suit your preference, it is worth serious consideration as an upgrade from an entry-level turntable.

The Audio-Technica LP120XBTUSB manages to balance tradition and innovation. The combination of decent sound quality, wireless convenience, and USB connectivity makes it an excellent choice for novice vinyl enthusiasts with a larger budget. Seasoned audiophiles may find it is not quite the ticket due to doubts that certain users have expressed over sound quality.

That said, this turntable will enable your rediscovery of those precious vinyl records that have been littering the loft or attic. Also, its digital connectivity will open up new avenues for enjoying and preserving your music.

If you have enjoyed this article or have anything you would like to add to the debate, please leave me a comment below.