Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Manual Direct-Drive Turntable (Analogue & USB)

Product Information

According to the instructions that were provided with the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK, all we had to do to convert vinyl records to digital audio was to connect the turntable via USB and download Audacity recording software. No deposit required up front, pay the balance in full before the end of the 6-month period and there is no interest to pay whatsoever. The AT-LP120XUSB features a new DC servo direct-drive motor, along with adjustable dynamic anti-skate control and selectable phono preamplifier. A built-in phono stage means you don't have to have a hi-fi or speaker with a phono pre-amp built-in - any AUX input will work fine. The only model with a better platter is the U-Turn Audio Orbit Plus, which has a heavy acrylic platter, but the AT-LP120XUSB still sounds better.

While this may not seem like a big deal in terms of the catalogue offered by streaming services today, it makes sense when you want to save a rare gem to listen to on your MP3 player or smartphone. Company registration number: 01402643) only offers products from Creation Consumer Finance, Klarna and Paypal Credit. It’s an odd choice, and serves to somewhat diminish the high-end feel and presentation of the player, which otherwise looks really nice. The base is also damped to prevent low-frequency feedback colouration and the anti-resonance, die-cast aluminium platter is of a professional standard. You can connect the turntable to a PC to digitise vinyl records using the freely available Audacity program, among others.Doing a sense check I found that the tonearm was moving outwards both at the edge of the record and the centre, when dropped between grooves. I'd hoped those with more modest budgets (and knowledge) might benefit from knowing about the changes to the LP120XUSB, and how they lead to better sound in spite of some lighter duty materials. Converting analog audio to digital was then as simple as selecting the turntable as our input device. The AT-LP120XUSB is incredibly adjustable, sporting pitch control, speed settings for 33's, 45's, and 78's, and an automatic speed change function that detects what type of record you're using and adjusts speed accordingly. If you’d rather spread the cost over 36 months, you can set up a loan repayment plan when the payment-free period comes to an end at 19.

Alternatively, the switchable design enables you to use your own preamp or connect straight to a speaker/amp with it’s own in-built phono stage. Every upgrade Audio Technica made to the LP120XUSB is a nice improvement that offers the opportunity to make it sound better.It's not only a nice upgrade from the former AT-95E, but there are three impressive full diamond shank ("nude") stylus upgrades that are plug and play replacements - 1. This hints at a move towards blending and listening rather than scratch DJing, which is backed up by the slightly lower starting torque of the new motor. Whether mixing, chilling or archiving your discs, the Audio Technica LP120XUSB is always at its best.