Audio-Technica Turntables: The Ultimate Buying Guide

Note: The prices shown in this blog post reflect the prices at the time of writing. The prices are subject to change.

Introduction

The world of vinyl records has experienced a resurgence in recent years, with turntables becoming a staple in the audiophile community. Their distinctive sound and tactile experience create an immersive and nostalgic listening experience. Audio-Technica, a renowned Japanese audio company, has long been a favorite among enthusiasts for its high-quality turntables. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best Audio-Technica turntables available at Apos Audio and discuss what makes them stand out in the world of vinyl.

Audio-Technica Turntables: Quality Meets Innovation

Established in 1962, Audio-Technica has consistently delivered top-quality audio products that cater to the demands of the audiophile community. The brand's turntables are known for their exceptional build quality, innovative features, and high-performance components. Let's dive into six of the most popular Audio-Technica turntables currently on the market.

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB Turntable - Price: $339

The AT-LP120XBT-USB is a versatile and feature-packed turntable that offers excellent sound quality and modern connectivity options. Priced at $339, it's perfect for vinyl enthusiasts looking for an advanced turntable that caters to both traditional and contemporary listening preferences.

Key Features and Benefits

  • Direct-drive Motor: This turntable employs a direct-drive motor, ensuring stable rotation and reducing pitch fluctuations for an enhanced listening experience.
  • Fully Manual Operation: The AT-LP120XBT-USB allows for complete control over playback with manual start, stop, and lift/lower functions for the tonearm.
  • Bluetooth Connectivity: With built-in Bluetooth support, you can wirelessly stream your vinyl collection to compatible speakers or headphones for added convenience.
  • USB Output: The USB output allows for easy digitization of your vinyl records, letting you convert them into digital files for archiving or playback on other devices.
  • AT-VM95E Cartridge: The turntable comes pre-mounted with the Audio-Technica AT-VM95E Dual Moving Magnet cartridge, delivering high-quality sound reproduction and compatibility with various replacement styli.

Price and Availability

The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB turntable is available at Apos Audio for $339. Its mix of advanced features, modern connectivity options, and excellent performance make it an attractive choice for vinyl enthusiasts seeking a versatile turntable.

Audio-Technica AT-LP2022 Fully Manual Belt-Drive Turntable (Ship by March 2023) - Price: $1,200

The AT-LP2022 is a sleek and fully manual belt-drive turntable that offers outstanding performance at an accessible price point. Set to ship by March 2023, this turntable is designed to provide an enjoyable and immersive vinyl listening experience for less than many other top of the line options.

Key Features and Benefits

  • Belt-drive System: The AT-LP2022 features a belt-drive system that isolates the platter from motor vibrations, ensuring smooth and stable playback with minimal noise.
  • Fully Manual Operation: This turntable gives you complete control over the playback process, with manual start, stop, and tonearm lift/lower functions.
  • Switchable Phono Preamp: The built-in switchable phono preamp allows you to connect the AT-LP2022 to your home stereo, powered speakers, or other audio components without the need for an external phono preamp.
  • S-shaped Tonearm: The S-shaped tonearm ensures accurate tracking and playback while minimizing distortion.
  • AT-VM95C Cartridge: The turntable comes pre-fitted with the AT-VM95C Dual Moving Magnet cartridge, delivering excellent sound quality and compatibility with a variety of replacement styli.

Price and Pre-order Details

The Audio-Technica AT-LP2022 turntable is priced at $1,200 and is set to ship by March 2023. You can pre-order this stylish and high-performance turntable from Apos Audio to secure your unit and elevate your vinyl listening experience.

Audio-Technica AT-LP5X Turntable - Price: $449

The AT-LP5X turntable is a perfect blend of style, performance, and affordability. It's designed to deliver excellent sound quality while maintaining an attractive appearance that complements any home audio setup. Priced at $449, the AT-LP5X offers a great value for those looking to enter the world of high-quality turntables.

Key Features and Benefits

  • Direct-drive Motor: The AT-LP5X employs a direct-drive motor that provides consistent speed, reducing pitch variations that can adversely affect audio quality.
  • Fully Manual Operation: This turntable allows for complete control over the playback process, with a start/stop button and a lift/lower lever for the tonearm.
  • Switchable Phono Preamp: The built-in switchable phono preamp allows you to connect the AT-LP5X directly to your home stereo, powered speakers, or other audio components without requiring an external phono preamp.
  • J-shaped Tonearm: The J-shaped tonearm, a nod to the original Audio-Technica designs of the 1960s and '70s, helps minimize tracking errors and ensures accurate playback of your vinyl records.
  • AT-VM95E Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge: The AT-LP5X comes with the AT-VM95E Dual Moving Magnet cartridge pre-mounted on the headshell, providing excellent sound quality and compatibility with a wide range of replacement styli.

Price and Availability

The Audio-Technica AT-LP5X turntable is available at Apos Audio for $449. With its impressive list of features and solid performance, it's a great choice for both newcomers and seasoned audiophiles looking to enhance their vinyl listening experience.

Audio-Technica AT-LP7 Turntable - Price: $849

The AT-LP7 is one of the most beloved turntable in Audio-Technica's lineup, offering exceptional performance and sound quality for the discerning audiophile. This fully manual, belt-drive turntable is built with high-quality components and materials to provide an unparalleled listening experience. With a price of $849, the AT-LP7 is a premium option for those seeking a premium turntable experience.

Key Features and Benefits

  • Belt-drive System: The AT-LP7 features a precision belt-drive system that helps to isolate the platter from motor vibrations, resulting in a cleaner, more accurate sound.
  • High-density Plinth: The turntable's heavy-duty plinth is constructed from anti-resonant materials that minimize vibrations and improve overall performance.
  • J-shaped Tonearm: Like the AT-LP5X, the AT-LP7 utilizes a J-shaped tonearm to reduce tracking errors and provide precise playback.
  • VM520EB Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge: The AT-LP7 comes pre-fitted with the high-performance VM520EB Dual Moving Magnet cartridge, offering exceptional detail and dynamic range.
  • Built-in Phono Preamp: The turntable includes a built-in phono preamp that can be switched on or off, allowing you to connect it to a variety of audio systems.

Price and Availability

The Audio-Technica AT-LP7 turntable is available at Apos Audio for $849. Its premium features and exceptional performance make it an excellent choice for serious audiophiles looking to invest in a high-quality turntable.

Audio-Technica AT-LPW30 Turntable - Price: $329

The Audio-Technica AT-LPW30 is an elegant and affordable turntable designed for those who appreciate both style and performance. This fully manual, belt-drive turntable offers a clean, natural sound that complements any vinyl collection. With a price of $329, the AT-LPW30 is an attractive option for those looking to experience vinyl without breaking the bank.

Key Features and Benefits

  • Belt-drive System: The AT-LPW30's belt-drive system provides smooth and consistent platter rotation, ensuring accurate playback and reduced noise.
  • MDF Plinth: The turntable's medium-density fiberboard (MDF) plinth is designed to minimize vibrations and resonance, offering improved sound quality.
  • Straight Tonearm: The AT-LPW30 features a straight tonearm that provides accurate tracking and reduces distortion.
  • AT-VM95C Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge: The turntable comes pre-installed with the AT-VM95C Dual Moving Magnet cartridge, which offers a balanced and detailed sound reproduction.
  • Built-in Phono Preamp: Like other Audio-Technica turntables, the AT-LPW30 includes a built-in switchable phono preamp, allowing for easy integration into your audio setup.

Price and Availability

The Audio-Technica AT-LPW30 turntable is available at Apos Audio for $329. Its combination of style, performance, and affordability makes it a great choice for vinyl enthusiasts on a budget.

Audio-Technica AT-LPW50PB Turntable - Price: $449

The AT-LPW50PB is a sleek, high-performance turntable that offers a refined listening experience for audiophiles. This fully manual, belt-drive turntable features a piano black finish and a host of features designed to provide optimal sound quality. Priced at $449, the AT-LPW50PB is an excellent choice for those seeking a stylish and capable turntable.

Key Features and Benefits

  • Belt-drive System: Like other Audio-Technica turntables, the AT-LPW50PB utilizes a belt-drive system for smooth, consistent playback and reduced noise.
  • Heavy MDF Plinth: The turntable's heavy MDF plinth is designed to minimize vibrations, ensuring a cleaner, more accurate sound.
  • Carbon Fiber Tonearm: The AT-LPW50PB features a lightweight carbon fiber tonearm that provides exceptional rigidity and precise tracking.
  • AT-VM95E Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge: The turntable comes pre-installed with the popular AT-VM95E Dual Moving Magnet cartridge, offering impressive sound quality and performance.
  • Built-in Phono Preamp: The AT-LPW50PB includes a built-in switchable phono preamp, making it easy to connect the turntable to your audio system.

Price and Availability

The Audio-Technica AT-LPW50PB turntable is available at Apos Audio for $449. Its blend of style, performance, and features make it a standout choice for those looking to upgrade their vinyl listening experience.

Conclusion

Audio-Technica has established itself as a leading brand in the world of turntables, offering a diverse range of options for both newcomers and experienced audiophiles alike. Their lineup, which includes the AT-LP120XBT-USB, AT-LP2022, AT-LP5X, AT-LP7, AT-LPW30, and AT-LPW50PB turntables, caters to different budgets and performance requirements, ensuring that there is a perfect match for every listener.

By choosing an Audio-Technica turntable, you are not only investing in a high-quality audio product, but also becoming a part of the vibrant and passionate audiophile community. Apos Audio is committed to providing a seamless shopping experience, with benefits such as free shipping, price match guarantee, one-year transferable warranty, and a 45-day return policy.

We invite you to explore the Audio-Technica turntable lineup at Apos Audio and discover the perfect turntable to elevate your vinyl listening experience. Whether you are just beginning your journey into the world of vinyl or are a seasoned collector, Audio-Technica has a turntable that will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.