Pros
Easy setup with video instructions
Bluetooth capability
Great sound quality with stock cartridge
High-quality features like direct drive and adjustable arm
Well-packaged and aesthetically pleasing design
Anti-skate function performs well
No turntable noise in digitized files
Competitively priced
Good for both experienced users and beginners
Solid build and weight
Comes with useful features like attachable light for needle placement
Excellent surface noise reduction
USB connection available for digitizing vinyl
Sturdy and durable design
Convenient Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
Confusing connection instructions
No cushioning or smooth landing for the lid
Manual tonearm return
Main Product Advantages
10 Adjustable Arm and Anti-Skate
The turntable's adjustable arm and anti-skate features receive praise for their effectiveness in preventing skipping and distortion, improving overall playback quality.
9 Sound Quality
The Audio-Technica ATLP120XBTUSB Turntable has excellent sound quality, even with the stock cartridge. Users report it has significantly reduced vinyl surface noise compared to older models.
9 Direct-Drive Motor
The turntable features a direct-drive motor with strobe control, eliminating the need for belts and ensuring accurate rotation speeds with no audible noise.
9 Price vs. Value
Many users consider the turntable to be well-priced for the features and quality it offers, making it a solid investment for vinyl enthusiasts.
8 Bluetooth Capability
The turntable offers Bluetooth connectivity, which allows for wireless pairing with devices like headphones and speakers. However, some users have faced challenges pairing the turntable with laptops.
8 Ease of Setup
Most users found the turntable easy to set up, with straightforward directions. However, some noted that the instructions could be clearer, especially regarding the connections in the back.
8 Aesthetics and Build Quality
This turntable has a stylish and sturdy design. Its weight and solid construction provide stability during playback, and features such as the attachable needle light add convenience.
7 USB Connectivity
The turntable offers USB output for digitizing vinyl records. While functional, this feature is not as highlighted by users compared to other features.
7 Phono/Line Selector Switch
The placement and design of the Phono/Line selector switch can be confusing for some users. A more intuitive design with clearer instructions would benefit beginners.
6 Lack of Automatic Features
Some users missed having automatic features like auto stop and smoother lid operation, making it less convenient for those used to more automated equipment.
Product Overview
The Audio-Technica ATLP120XBTUSB Wireless Direct-Drive Turntable, Black is a fully manual turntable that successfully combines classic analog playback with modern technological conveniences. Modeled after the popular AT-LP120XUSB, this turntable introduces Bluetooth wireless connectivity alongside existing analog and USB outputs.
Performance and Features
This turntable is driven by a specially designed DC servo direct-drive motor, coupled with an adjustable dynamic anti-skate control. It accommodates 33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM records. Audio output quality remains high-fidelity, ready to be output to any preferred device. The inclusion of both RCA output cable with a built-in selectable phono preamp, and a USB connection, ensures versatile connectivity to home stereo systems, powered speakers, or computers for digital audio file conversion.
Bluetooth Connectivity
A significant advantage of the ATLP120XBTUSB is its Bluetooth wireless technology, making it easy to pair with wireless speakers, headphones, or other compatible devices. Support for the high-quality Qualcomm aptX audio codec ensures detailed and quality playback.
Design and Craftsmanship
The turntable features an S-shaped tonearm with adjustable tracking force and an AT-HS6 universal ½"-mount headshell equipped with an AT-VM95E Dual Magnet phono cartridge. This cartridge, a product of Audio-Technica's more than 50 years of expertise in phono cartridge design, delivers high performance and versatility. It includes a 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus and is compatible with any VM95 Series replacement stylus, suiting various budgets and applications.
Additional Professional Features
Other notable features include a die-cast aluminum platter with felt mat, start/stop button, selectable high-accuracy quartz-controlled pitch lock, and pitch change slider with a +/-10% adjustment range. Users will also appreciate the stroboscopic platter with speed indicator, a removable plug-type stylus target light, an external power supply, and a removable hinged dust cover.
Conclusion
The Audio-Technica ATLP120XBTUSB turntable offers an impressive blend of traditional turntable qualities with modern technological enhancements, catering well to both audiophiles and casual listeners. Its array of connectivity options, especially the addition of Bluetooth, combined with its high-quality build and audio performance, make it a standout choice in the turntable market.
