Experience the warmth and richness of vinyl records with the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct-Drive Turntable. This fully manual turntable plays 33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM records with a DC servo direct-drive motor and adjustable dynamic anti-skate control. But that is not all – it also includes a USB output that allows you to easily convert your vinyl records to digital audio files with the included Audacity recording software.
The turntable features a detachable dual RCA output cable and a built-in selectable phono preamp, so you can connect directly to your home stereo system. The S-shaped tonearm has adjustable tracking force and the AT-HS6 universal ½ in. mount headshell comes with the AT-VM95E Dual Magnet phono cartridge, which is compatible with any VM95 Series replacement stylus.
Other features include a die-cast aluminum platter with felt mat, start/stop button, high-accuracy quartz-controlled pitch lock, pitch change slider control with +/-8% or +/-16% adjustment ranges, stroboscopic platter with speed indicator, and a removable hinged dust cover.
Get ready to rediscover your vinyl collection with the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct-Drive Turntable – the perfect blend of classic style and cutting-edge tech.
Key Technical Specifications:
- 33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM
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The setup process is a breeze, even for newbies. The turntable comes with clear instructions and all the necessary components. You need to assemble the platter, attach the tonearm, mount the headshell, install the cartridge, and plug in the power cord. The external power supply ensures a stable power source and eliminates any electrical noise. Once done, you’re good to go!
User Interface:
The user interface is intuitive and simpler. This turntable has a start/stop button, selectable high-accuracy quartz-controlled pitch lock, pitch change slider control with +/-8% or +/-16% adjustment ranges, and a stroboscopic platter with speed indicator. The S-shaped tonearm with adjustable tracking force ensures precise tracking and reduces record wear. The removable plug-type stylus target light illuminates this record surface, making it easier to cue tracks.
Usability:
The turntable’s usability is exceptional. The die-cast aluminum platter with a felt mat provides a smooth and stable rotation. The AT-VM95E Dual Magnet phono cartridge with 0.3 mil x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus delivers high-fidelity sound reproduction with warm lows, clear mids, and crisp highs. The selectable phono preamplifier allows you to switch between phono and line-level output, making it compatible with a wide range of systems. The USB output for digital audio file conversion is a bonus, allowing you to preserve your vinyl collection in digital format.
Overall User Experience:
The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK turntable offers a great user experience. It combines vintage aesthetics with modern features, making it a perfect choice for vinyl lovers. The fully manual operation puts you in control of the playback process, providing a more immersive and engaging experience. The adjustable dynamic anti-skate control ensures accurate tracking and prevents record skipping. The removable hinged dust cover protects this turntable from dust and damage when not in use.
Experience Vinyl Like Never Before with Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Turntable
If you are a music aficionado, you can’t deny the appeal of vinyl records. The crackling sound and warm tones take you on a nostalgic journey. While digital music is convenient, it can never replicate the experience of vinyl. This is where Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK turntable comes in. With its vintage design and contemporary features, it offers the best of both worlds. Let’s see how it compares to other turntables in the market.
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC Turntable
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC Turntable is a popular choice among vinyl enthusiasts. It has a sleek design with a carbon fiber tonearm and a heavy steel platter. This turntable offers excellent sound quality with its Ortofon 2M Red cartridge. However, it lacks some features that Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK offers. For example, it doesn’t have a USB output for digital conversion, nor does it have adjustable anti-skate control. Also, the setup process is more complicated than Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK, and it doesn’t come with a pre-mounted cartridge.
Rega Planar 1 Plus Turntable
Rega Planar 1 Plus Turntable is another contender in the market. It has a minimalist design with a high-gloss acrylic laminated plinth and a Rega Carbon cartridge. This turntable features a built-in phono stage and a high-quality DC motor. However, it doesn’t have a USB output for digital conversion, nor does it have adjustable anti-skate control. Also, the tonearm is preset, so you can’t adjust the tracking force or VTA. The turntable has a higher price point than Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK.
Fluance RT85 Reference High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable
Fluance RT85 Reference High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable is a premium turntable with a solid wood plinth and a high-performance Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge. This turntable features an isolated motor to reduce vibration and a speed control system for accurate playback. However, it doesn’t have a USB output for digital conversion, nor does it have adjustable anti-skate control. Also, the setup process is more complicated than Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK, and it doesn’t come with a pre-mounted cartridge. The turntable has a higher price point than Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK.
Verdict
While all the turntables mentioned above have their merits, Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK offers the best reasonable investment. It has a vintage design with modern features, making it a perfect choice for vinyl lovers. The turntable offers excellent sound quality with its AT-VM95E Dual Magnet phono cartridge and adjustable anti-skate control. It also has a USB output for digital conversion, rendering it effortless to preserve your vinyl collection. The setup process is simpler, and the user interface is intuitive. Overall, Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK provides an exceptional user experience at an affordable price point.
Pros
- Offers the best reasonable investment among its competitors
- Vintage design with state-of-the-art features, making it perfect for vinyl lovers
- Excellent sound quality with its AT-VM95E Dual Magnet phono cartridge
- Adjustable anti-skate control for better sound accuracy
- USB output for digital conversion, rendering it effortless to preserve vinyl collection
- Simpler setup process and intuitive user interface
Cons
- Some may find the vintage design not as sleek as other turntables in the market
- May not have as high-end features compared to some premium turntables
- May not offer as much customization options as some other turntables
To wrap it up, the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct-Drive Turntable is an excellent choice for vinyl lovers who want a vintage design with modern features. It offers great reasonable investment compared to its competitors and has excellent sound quality with its AT-VM95E Dual Magnet phono cartridge. The adjustable anti-skate control adds to the accuracy of the sound, and the USB output makes it easy to preserve your vinyl collection.
While some may find the vintage design not as sleek as other turntables on the market, it still has a unique appeal that many will appreciate. Additionally, it may not have as many high-end features or customization options as some premium turntables, but for its price point, it offers an impressive range of features.
Overall, the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct-Drive Turntable is perfect for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use turntable that delivers great sound quality and offers digital conversion capabilities. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced audiophile, this turntable will satisfy your needs without draining their wallet.
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Emy –
I’m going to buy my first record player and this model looks just the way I want it. I can’t agree that it has a “vintage” design though. It looks cool and quite modern in my opinion, and it has the most important feature I look for when choosing a turntable. According to its specifications, the AT-LP120XUSB-BK delivers hi-fi quality sound. I don’t see any Bluetooth support, but that’s not an important feature for me.