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

Product Information

Featuring a direct drive motor, the AT-LP120XUSB gives superb pitch stability. It also gives the swift start and stop times needed for complete control when mixing. Presumably the LP120XUSB is different enough to the Technics to prevent Audio-Technica getting sued, but quite where the significant visual differences lie is beyond me. The Gold are hand selected from Silver production runs which meet higher test specifications. Approximately 5% of the run usually exhibits these specs and become a Gold. Of course, one record player looks pretty much like the next in the same way that one car looks broadly like another. So as far as the S-shaped tonearm, stroboscope, stop/start button and pitch control are concerned, at first (and second) glance they’re pretty familiar. The same goes for the die-cast aluminium anti-resonance platter. Speaking of connections, the power cord and dual RCA output cable are removable on this model, which not only serves to protect them from wear and tear if the turntable is constantly being moved about, but also reduces the level of vibration inside the unit, making for a slightly more satisfying listening experience.

This was helped by an infusion of air and space across the entire soundstage which helped to open up the music while providing a more organic feel to the shy bass guitar and a sense of focus around the ride cymbal.The stereo should be good enough to not be outplayed by the AT-LP120. Good enough to keep the AT-LP120 reasonably honest… With the basic features and sound quality already covered in our review of the AT-LP120XUSB, we won’t repeat ourselves too much here, but it’s worth a reminder of the versatility of the connectivity options. Traditionally, turntables only offered a low-level ‘phono’ output which could be plugged into a DJ mixer or the phono input of a sound system. The AT-LP120XUSB also offers a built-in pre-amp and line level output, which doesn’t require a specialist DJ mixer or phono input. Alternatively, you can connect via USB to a computer using the turntable’s audio interface, which is a handy option if you want to digitise your vinyl collection.

Firstly, the AT-LP120XUSB features a new DC servo direct-drive motor, the phono amplifier has been “improved” along with the area around the base of the tonearm. The headshell has also received attention. But when it comes to sound and sonic performance, the AT-LP120 sounded a bit dull, dark and muted to me. It didn’t give the music the “liveliness” and “openness” that I had hoped for. The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB is a manual turntable specifically designed for audiophiles and music enthusiasts. It features an aluminium platter and offers three nominal speeds: 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM. The turntable is equipped with a DC servo motor, which ensures smooth and precise rotation. The AT-LP120XUSB (just like its predecessor before) steers away from this by giving you a fully manual record player.That will music that you’ll want to preserve not only for yourself, but future generations. And really, the only way to do that is through copying the vinyl music from the AT-LP120XUSB to your computer. A felt mat is included – something I much prefer to the terrible moulded rubber options you often see at this price point – plus a hinged lid.

The 120x is more realistic, though. The 120x adds far more space and air in the soundstage and the upper mids provide extended dynamic reach. In fact, the dynamic range from the 120x is extended either end with bass being both organic but more precise.And it all sits on four big, extremely compliant, rubbery feet. As such, there’s a welcome degree of “give” should the turntable be leaned upon at any point. The feet also help reject vibration, which can only be a good thing. Understand though, that this is actually a good thing. When a record player is fully automatic, it usually means it’s built with lighter and cheaper materials to help aid the automatic mechanisms inside it. Sure, it’s convenient, but you often sacrifice quality to get more convenience. Now, however, I think with the releases of the Audio-Technica ATLP120X and the Audio-Technica ATLP140XP, the company seems to want to be able to have one record player cater to more of the beginner crowd, and the other record player cater more to the DJ crowd.

That big, fat 'USB' in the title indicates that this turntable, like its forebear, can be connected up to a PC or Mac for converting your vinyl records (via the included Audacity software) into digital format. This will seem kind of pointless to some people – after all, the vast majority of mainstream music is already available to play through streaming services. But it's handy if you have a rare Five Finger Death Punch EP that you're desperate to play on your bus ride to work. It may not be the best Audio Technica turntables on the market, but it’s certainly one of the best one for the money. Best Selling Turntables The Rega doesn’t have it all its own way though because the 120x does well around the lower frequencies, both in bass terms but also the lower end of the mids. The bass guitar provided more presence from the 120x while the aggression in the acoustic guitar strums where better appreciated via the 120x. Do speakers come with the AT-LP120X? Well, yes, but it’s part of a bundle and you’ll have to be willing to spend a little bit more money, of course. The latest turntable to take inspiration from the SL1200 is the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB. Despite this, the Audio Technica – as befits a company with more than a bit of experience where turntables are concerned, of course – has enough going on to make a distinct case for itself, not least of which is its full suite of functionality.But the higher output level of the VM540ML and the fact that it is an Audio-Technica product that potentially will be easier to fit and align on my AT-LP120 are two small factors that make the VM540ML the one that I will choose. Still, going the direct drive route with the AT-LP120XUSB allows for the turntable itself to start up fast and the record speed will be a bit more consistent because it’s not relying on additional parts to spin the platter that can, over time, wear out and need to be replaced. Rega, for example, has reduced the features list to almost zero. You get an on/off switch but that’s your lot. Changing speed even means moving the belt to a different notch on the pulley. Most of the build budget has gone into the development of the Rega tonearm – and a fine specimen it is too. In pure sonic terms, the Rega emerges as the best of the bunch, despite the 120x offering a couple of sonic highlights in comparison.