I purchased this turntable from Amazon.com for a few reasons: I needed a decent 'table that would spin my humble and meager collection of 78 rpm records. I sold my Technics 1200 M3D(MK2) years ago for financial reasons(to this day, I regret selling it) and cannot afford nor stomach what the gouging current prices are for the venerable and legendary "wheel of steel"(since Panasonic pulled the plug last year).New old stock supply prices are insane and to find a "gently" used one(from a non-dj,audiophile only owner)is no easy feat. I did some research before finally buying the AT LP-120 ( that is, I read the positive reviews from customers on Amazon.com and also on YouTube).Furthermore, I went directly to Audio Technica's website to get the performance specs for this turntable.Technical performance specs on anything will either tell you a whole lot, or ,nothing,really---I will explain later.Also, all other so-called lesser professional turntables in this price range(or costing more) by other companies,simply put, are garbage when compared to the AT LP120(from both build to performance qualities---or lack of(Crosley, are you kidding me?!).I got the turntable because,well,the price was right(it didn't break the bank). Lastly,if and when I decide to digitze my vinyl collection, it is nice to have those USB and PC connection options open to me. Although, I have not tested or utilized any of those functions on the AT-LP120,yet. So far,consumer reviews seem to be mixed on the whole USB and Audacity system and software features for digitizing ( I've read everything from ok sound quality to poor sound quality to making people just ditch the whole feature and strictly use the turntable for vinyl playback only). As a vinylphile, my review,thus,will only reflect the regular analog functions and qualities of the AT LP120.
I have owned the AT LP120 for the past few weeks and have come to my own conclusions. They are based on my own personal experience what the AT LP120 is and what it is not. I have also been a vinyl-phile for nearly 30 years; I live and breathe the vinyl medium---for me it never "died" nor went away(even with the rise and acceptance of all current digital formats).Over the years, I have had my share of the low fi to mid-fi vinyl gear(have yet to own a high end audiophile turntable with the hefty price tag to boot, I'm sure) and currently still own a few(Denon, JVC, Technics). On that note, I will start with what the AT LP-120 is not.
It is NOT the Technics 1200 MK2 performance-wise nor construction-wise.At the price point the AT LP120 sells for, I don't expect it to perform sonically,mechanically or electronically like a 1200 and nowhere near like an audiophile 'table;That would be ludicrous.That said, it is NOT going to perform like an $800 to an $80,000 turntable(yes,they do exist through a company called Rockport).It's a 1200 ONLY in appearance. I believe that this is what disappoints a lot of current and former Technics owners when they buy the Audio Technica AT LP-120. The Technics 1200 MK2 had a long(over 30 year)successful history of production and Panasonic used higher grade materials and construction standards in Japan.The 1200 also yielded VERY admirable technical performance specs which in turn meant better sonic playback characteristics than the AT LP-120. The AT LP-120 is not very well damped, even though it is heavy (at or over 25 lbs.). It is made of a sturdy plastic composite(for the plinth) with a heavy steel plate on the inside---this is where that hefty feel comes from.The plate is at the bottom, so that is why when you do even a light finger tap on top of the turntable, while playing a record, you will hear a dull "thud" through your speakers. However, who in the world pounds or sucker punches a turntable when playing vinyl? Still, a well damped turntable is necessary if you dee-jay or have limited room space and must place it near your speakers as those vibrations will be picked up by the plinth and tonearm,out the speakers,muddying the sound/music. In this category, the AT does an acceptable job if you do not do the finger-tap test on the plinth(but,again,who beats up a turntable?). I also tested my AT LP-120 for its quartz speed accuracy(very simple to do visually using the stroboscope dots---that's what they are there for to verify complete accuracy). I also did this because I previously saw another owner's AT LP-120 on YouTube not being quartz accurate...Well, it is and it isn't and this is what I found out. If you play a record and have the quartz system engaged,stare at the stroboscopic dots for just a little over a minute or two. I noticed that after this amount of time,I began to see the dots barely,but still noticeably, drift out of synch with the quartz circuit. With my experience with any other direct drive quartz-timed turntables I have owned, the speed was dead accurate; ZERO drifting of the strobo-dots. That's what quartz speed accuracy means and that's what it is designed to do. The AT-LP 120 lacks this required speed accuracy refinement. Does this create some sort of noticeable and audible effect or defect? No. However, it places in my mind as to how long the quartz system in my AT LP-120 will last---will that drift become more noticeable both visually and aurally over time? I hope not.But wait, it gets better. I then removed the vinyl record and supplied felt mat. I let the turntable platter spin in the quartz mode and after a minute or two there was NO dot speed drift.However,the dots are absolutely not still in the quartz mode when playing at the 78 rpm speed;I am not sure if this is a design flaw or if at 78 rpm the turntable was designed not to include that stroboscopic quartz display for whatever technical reason. As for the minimal quartz dot drift at the 33 and 45 speeds,what this told me was that the AT engineers did not take into account the weight or mass of the mat and record and tonearm to compensate for this stroboscopic dot drift... The DC motor on mine makes a slight cogging sound effect that is transmitted through my speakers if I play the quiet portion of a disc loudly(the blank space between songs). Some direct drive systems do cog, but the better built ones with better motor noise isolation material are a lot more silent or not noticeable at all(even with a stethoscope you can't hear the motor).On the AT LP-120, it's a very minute pulsating sound that is masked when the music is playing so this is not a major problem.Again, does this mean that with time that sound will get louder? The motor and spindle bearing-shaft assembly is fastened to the top round black metal plate of the plinth with four screws only,so that would account for possibly any motor noise/vibration not to be properly isolated. The aluminum platter is light and does ring when tapped on;A heavier or thicker platter would mean better sound dampening and better resistance to unwanted vibrations(from the motor and from the speakers). Also, the platter is not machined to perfectly flat specs;There is a slightly noticeable wobble(other reviewers have noticed this,too)---I can see the platter,as it rotates,slightly rise up and down.However, this does not create any audible effects or sound distortions...Until,I used the 78 speed;Obviously, the cartridge and tonearm rise up and down but not enough to skip off the platter with enough proper tracking.There is a tad of a light bumping sound...if you pay close attention to it. However, most 78's I have are noisy to begin with. While the AT LP120 does have acceptable torque for quick start ups, it is very susceptible to being easily slowed down and even stopped if you brush-clean a record while it is spinning.A Technics 1200 would maintain perfect speed and pitch and just fight me while I would brush clean a record while it spun---THIS is just one of the qualities dee-jays love about a torquey direct drive!Again, one must remember these are two different animals with similar coats. Overall, mechanically, the AT LP-120 is not a super quiet machine with regards to motor and rumble noise.Audio Technica did not include the rumble spec on their data sheet as most turntable manufacturers do---the lower the number the better performance and quieter sonic background so that all you ever hear is just the music,even with very low and almost quiet musical passages.I am now using a heavier aftermarket rubber mat that has decreased most of the inherent motor noise and rumble effect. The bottom line is that,in this case, Audio Technica's performance numbers/specs,while somewhat not the best I have seen for a quartz direct drive, do not impede this turntable from doing its job;The job it is set out to do and that is provide a pleasing tonal and sonic level.
FINALLY, now to the good stuff. This is what the AT LP-120 IS and why I like it ! Let me just say that the AT LP-120 changed my perspective on what a $200 turntable can do soundwise even if its performance specs and build specs may not be the best or anywhere near audiophile standards---this is not designed, manufactured, sold, or marketed as an audiophile-grade turntable to begin with and is simply listed as "professional"---when you compare it to the much lower stuff that is out there.My point is that the numerical specs and data one sees on the AT LP-120(when comparing to other turntables,like the Technics 1200) should NOT deter or hinder a person into buying this good quality turntable. If you look and listen for the imperfections(assuming you know what to look for), you will find them. In addition, the included and premounted cartridge and stylus do a decent job.Bass is tight or firm,mids are decent(you can tell that the mids are tipped upward and make vocals more pronounced),highs are acceptable but do not sound natural---cymbals have an artificial sound, if that makes sense. Yes, it is required to track more on the heavier side for optimal performance. However I have been tracking it at close to 2 grams with no audible degradation(sibilance,innergroove distortion or mistracking). I did test the AT LP-120 with an AT 440ML cartridge/stylus setup and liked what I heard---better stereo imaging and separation, but the highs were bright(a characteristic of the AT 440ML).So,yes,using a better quality cartridge and a thicker mat (rubber, NOT the felt kind) will yield VERY good playback results. I don't recommend spending a large sum on a high end cartridge as (with my experience in the past) that might reveal the AT LP-120's sonic shortcomings...Even though the turntable is a manual operated affair,and not a semi or full automatic, this is more desireable when you start to get into professional mid hi-fi to audiophile hi-fi turntables; One less function to break as most automatics that use gears and linkages gum up or freeze up over time.Most automated arms also add unwanted extraneous mechanical sounds or sonic degradation to the playback---There were only a few audio hi-fi companies back in the day that used very sophisticated,independently, and reliable motor driven automatic arms such as Denon,JVC, and a few older Technics (non-1200) models. Those automatic arms and features were marvels on some of those turntables.Appearance-wise, the AT LP-120 is a very attractive looking piece of analog audio gear, even though the aesthetic design is not original and strongly resembles the Technics 1200 MK2.Overall, it physically looks great as the focal point to anyone's audio component system setup---it just looks expensive and did I mention it is fun to listen to and use?---It plays 78 rpm vintage records!The Technics can be sent to a special aftermarket company for 78 rpm modification---but that costs about as much as a whole new AT LP120...The cueing lever mechanism is one of the smoothest I've ever used on a manual turntable;It truly gently places the stylus in the groove with precision and ease.
There are a few quirks and kinks that could definitely be worked out by Audio Technica with a tighter qc implementation.However, the parameters for the technical range specs are such for AT LP-120 that they do not hinder it from being a reliable and decent quality performer; In other words, under normal,casual playback conditions for the non-audiophile this is a very cool turntable to set up,use, and listen to(also, someone just getting back into vinyl or approaching this medium for the first time will be surprisingly pleased)! If you are on the opposite end of the spectrum and in search of analog sonic perfection or audiophile grade quality, you will be somewhat disappointed.Unless,as an audiophile, you are using it as a secondary turntable, then you will know what to expect and will thoroughly enjoy it as I have. If you are considering to use the AT LP-120 for dj record scratching purposes, it will reveal its shortcoming concerning its torque; The motor is not that quick and the platter is very light(for normal playback startups,the torque is up to par,but NOT for "scratchin')---it simply does not have the high torque capability of a Technics 1200 and most other dj turntables. Also, the reverse function is not the quickest when going from forward to reverse and vice versa as on other dj styled turntables.However, for normal dj playback applications,this turntable unit will perform respectively.
I have purchased audio equipment in the past in which the manufacturer may not have used esoteric,exotic, or even super grade materials like the more refined and high end competitors. However, it was in the execution and accuracy of the design and production on how those less expensive materials were best used. THAT is what yielded such great audio quality results that rivaled,and in some cases,surpassed those of a better or higher quality name brand.The reason for the four star review is because this is an area where AT could still make some improvements with the AT LP-120.
There is a newer model of this item:
What do customers buy after viewing this item?
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Videos
Page 1 of 1Start OverPage 1 of 1
Videos for this product
0:28
Click to play video
Customer Review: It is what I hoped for
Julia Stormy Meadows
Videos for this product
0:12
Click to play video
Customer Review: I really like this turntable
Nicholas Driscoll
Videos for related products
1:28
Click to play video
Crosley Vinyl Record Player - easy set up -incredible sound!
Sibbys World
Videos for related products
2:19
Click to play video
This is not a toy. Shock absorbing legs
Should I Get It Reviews
Videos for related products
3:29
Click to play video
WOW! FLUANCE Turntables & Speakers - Great Products & Value!
Family First
Videos for related products
1:25
Click to play video
Fluance Reference High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable Record Players
Fluance Audio
Videos for related products
1:38
Click to play video
Why I LOVE This Record Player + How it Works!
Alec Etc.
From the manufacturer
Specifications
- Type: 3-speed, fully manual operation
- Motor: DC motor
- Drive Method Direct Drive: Direct drive
- Speeds: 33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM
- Pitch Variation: +/-10% or +/-20%
- Turntable Platter: Die-cast aluminum
- Starting Torque: >1.6 kgf-cm
- Braking System: Electronic brake
- Wow and Flutter: <0.2% WRMS (33 RPM)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >50 dB
- Output Level: Pre-amp "PHONO": 2.5 mV nominal at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec
- Output Level: Pre-amp "LINE": 150 mV nominal at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec
- Phono Pre-Amp Gain: 36 dB nominal, RIAA equalized
- USB Function: A/D, D/A - 16 bit 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz USB selectable; Computer interface - USB 1.1 Compliant Windows XP, Vista or MAC OSX
- Power Supply Requirements: 115/230V AC, 60/50 Hz
- Power Consumption: 11W
Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB
Direct-Drive Professional Turntable (USB and Analog), Silver
This professional stereo turntable features a high-torque direct-drive motor for quick start-ups and a USB output that connects directly to your computer. Other features include: forward and reverse play capability; cast aluminum platter with slip mat and a start/stop button; three speeds 33/45/78; selectable high-accuracy quartz-controlled pitch lock and pitch change slider control with +/-10% or +/-20% adjustment ranges; and removable hinged dust cover. A selectable internal stereo phono pre-amplifier allows the turntable to plug directly to components with no dedicated turntable input. A USB cable and adapter cables are included along with Mac- and PC-compatible Audacity software to digitize your LPs.
Winner of numerous industry awards, Audio-Technica manufactures products that set quality, durability and price/performance standards for live sound tours, broadcast and recording studios, corporate and government facilities, house-of-worship venues, and more. A-T microphones are chosen for critical government installations such as the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Audio-Technica microphones and wireless systems are also selected for major broadcast music events, including the Grammy Awards and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.
If you are purchasing the product for a sales area outside the U.S., you should consider purchasing the turntable from your sales region. This unit is set to operate on 120V AC.
- Accessories Included: Headshell/cartridge; AC line cord; dual RCA (female) to 3.5 mm (1/8") mini-plug (male) stereo adapter cable; dual RCA (female) to 3.5 mm (1/8") mini-plug (female) stereo adapter cable; 45 RPM adapter; USB cable; recording software
- Convert your vinyl records to digital audio files
- Mac- and PC-compatible Audacity software digitizes your records
- Fully manual operation
- Selectable 33/45/78 RPM speeds
- Professional anti-resonance, die-cast aluminum platter with slip mat
- ½” mount universal headshell with AT95E Dual Magnet phono cartridge and long-life diamond stylus
- Balanced S-shaped tone arm with hydraulically damped lift control and lockable rest
- Built-in switchable phono pre-amplifier with RCA output cables
- Stroboscopic platter with speed indicator
- Forward/reverse operation and variable pitch control with quartz speed lock
- Popup stylus target light for easier cueing in low light
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT-LP60 | AT-LP60-USB | AT-LP60-USB Roland R-MIX Bundle | AT-LP120-USB | AT-LP120-USB Roland R-MIX Bundle | AT-LP1240-USB | |
| Color(s) Available: | Silver, Black, Blue, Red | Silver | Silver | Silver, Black | Silver | Black |
| Type: | Belt drive turntable, fully automatic | Belt drive turntable, fully automatic | Belt drive turntable, fully automatic | 3-speed, fully manual operation | 3-speed, fully manual operation | 3-speed, fully manual operation |
| Speeds: | 33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM | 33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM | 33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM | 33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM | 33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM | 33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM |
| Motor: | DC servo-controlled | DC servo-controlled | DC servo-controlled | DC motor | DC motor | 16-pole, 3-phase, brushless DC motor |
| Turntable Platter: | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum | Die-cast aluminum | Die-cast aluminum | 332 mm dia. die-cast aluminum |
| Wow and Flutter: | Less than 0.25% (WTD) @ 3 kHz (JIS) | Less than 0.25% (WTD) @ 3 kHz (JIS) | Less than 0.25% (WTD) @ 3 kHz (JIS) | <0.2% WRMS (33 RPM) | <0.2% WRMS (33 RPM) | < 0.1% WRMS (JIS WTD) with 33 RPM |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio: | >50 dB (DIN-B) | >50 dB (DIN-B) | >50 dB (DIN-B) | >50 dB | >50 dB | > 55 dB (DIN-B) |
| USB Function: | None | A/D, D/A: 16 bit 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz USB selectable; Computer interface: USB 1.1 Compliant Windows XP, Vista or MAC OSX | A/D, D/A: 16 bit 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz USB selectable; Computer interface: USB 1.1 Compliant Windows XP, Vista or MAC OSX | A/D, D/A - 16 bit 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz USB selectable; Computer interface - USB 1.1 Compliant Windows XP, Vista or MAC OSX | A/D, D/A - 16 bit 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz USB selectable; Computer interface - USB 1.1 Compliant Windows XP, Vista or MAC OSX | A/D, D/A - 16 bit 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz USB selectable; Computer interface - USB 1.1 Compliant Windows XP or above or MAC OSX or above |
| Accessories Included: | Dual RCA (female) to 3.5 mm (1/8") mini-plug (male) stereo adapter cable; dual RCA (female) to 3.5 mm (1/8") mini-plug (female) stereo adapter cable; 45 RPM adapter | Dual RCA (female) to 3.5 mm (1/8") mini-plug (male) stereo adapter cable; dual RCA (female) to 3.5 mm (1/8") mini-plug (female) stereo adapter cable; 45 RPM adapter; USB cable; recording software | Roland R-MIX Audio Processing Software; Dual RCA (female) to 3.5 mm (1/8") mini-plug (male) stereo adapter cable; dual RCA (female) to 3.5 mm (1/8") mini-plug (female) stereo adapter cable; 45 RPM adapter; USB cable; recording software | Headshell / cartridge; AC line cord; dual RCA (female) to 3.5 mm (1/8") mini-plug (male) stereo adapter cable; dual RCA (female) to 3.5 mm (1/8") mini-plug (female) stereo adapter cable; 45 RPM adapter; USB cable; recording software | Roland R-MIX Audio Processing Software;Headshell / cartridge; AC line cord; dual RCA (female) to 3.5 mm (1/8") mini-plug (male) stereo adapter cable; dual RCA (female) to 3.5 mm (1/8") mini-plug (female) stereo adapter cable; 45 RPM adapter; USB cable; recording software | Slip mat; dust cover; platter; 45 RPM adapter; counterweight; headshell; power cord; USB cable; dual RCA (female) to 1/8" (3.5 mm) mini-plug (male) stereo adapter cable; dual RCA (female) to 1/8" (3.5 mm) mini-plug (female) stereo adapter cable; dual RCA (male) cable with integrated ground wire; stylus target light; Audacity software (CD) |
Compare with similar items
Some kind of test override title
Some kind of test override Some kind of test override link text
For 5 Years It Has Exceeded My Original Expectations, Direct Drive Simplicity, Good Vibration Isolation, Sounds Great
Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2017
The Audio Technica AT-LP120-USB Direct-Drive Pro Turntable is perfect for my living room home theater. I've been using it for almost 5 years and it has been perfect and exceeded my expectations. The USB connection is nice for ripping albums to MP3. Plays my vinyl collection perfectly with fully manual operation.This turntable is connected with my Denon AVR-X2200W receiver. It does not have a low-level phono input so I enabled the pre-amp built into the turntable/ This works perfectly with an aux input on my Denon.I LIKE:+ The AT95E Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge Sounds Great!+ Direct Drive Platter+ Easy Assembly/Setup+ USB Output For Ripping Vinyl To MP3+ The Silver/Black Color Scheme Looks Nice+ Good Vibration Isolation (little nubbins on the bottom of the feet do a great job!)+ Power Cord Is Plenty Long: Thoughtful!+ Speeds Include 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM+ Pitch Control to fine tune platter speed+ 45 Single Adapter IncludedI DON'T LIKE:- No Automatic Lift At The End Of The Album (Thump-Thump-Thump)ASSEMBLY:Assembly was simple and the enclosed instructions were clear and step-by-step. No tools needed. The beltless direct drive does not use a belt. Just drop it into place. Drop the thick rubber mat onto the platter and that part is done.Next install the counterbalance on the tone arm and the moving magnet phono cartridge. Both mount easily following instructions. Remember removing the guard on the cartridge. Next zero the arm (get it so it balances then set the pressure at 1.5 grams and set the anti-skid to 1.5 too. The tone arm is setup.Finally drop the lid in place with the hinges placed in the obvious slots of each, then check the settings for pre-amp on the back. The default is for pre-amp off so I needed to turn it on for the aux input of my Denon receiver.If you plan to use the USB output you might want to plug the B end of the cable into the socket at the back of the turntable.OPERATION:Lift the lid (stays up by itself, of course). Place a record on the turntable, Set the speed if not already set, set your receiver input to the one used for your turntable and use the lift to gently drop the needle at the start of the album. After that just enjoy!I used the USB output to rip a few albums back when I first got the turntable. The included software worked fine on my Windows 7 Pro laptop and got the job done. It's been a while since the last time I used that.CONCLUSIONS:I got this turntable so I can play my vinyl collection on my living room home theater system. It has been a perfect fit for years now and sounds great. The lack of automatic start/stop is a little annoying with the end of the album thump-thump-thump. It has lots of advanced features I don't usually use like pitch control. reverse spin and the strobe.The AT-LP120-USB does everything I need and my only wish is to have auto-lift at the end of the album. Even with that one consideration the AT-LP120-USB has fully exceeded my expectations over the years I've been using it. My vinyl collect sounds great and I've had no problems in 5 years. For me that's 5 stars!
Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2017
Images in this review
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Top reviews from other countries
Samuel Kim
Excelente toca-discos
Reviewed in Brazil 🇧🇷 on August 18, 2019Color: BLACKVerified Purchase
Arismar Sousa
Excelente Toca Discos
Reviewed in Brazil 🇧🇷 on June 16, 2021Color: BLACKVerified Purchase
friendly quaker
i would have liked less noise
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on December 16, 2016Color: SILVERVerified Purchase
Thesouthpolelf
Quality turntable, excellent price.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on November 16, 2016Color: SILVERVerified Purchase
A R Goodwin
Paired with Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 Speakers (Walnut) + Rotel RA-01 amp
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on January 21, 2015Color: SILVERVerified Purchase
