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Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Review [Direct Drive Turntable]

This Audio-Technica player may be loaded with great modern features, but is it the right turntable for you? Find out in our expert Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB review!

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Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Review: An All-In-One Solution To Modern Turntables

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Ratings at a Glance:

Audio-Technica Direct-Drive Turntable with USB - Plays Vinyl Records,...

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Direct-Drive Turntable

EASE OF USE

4.5 out of 5 stars

4.5 / 5

Many functionalities managed by simple controls

BUILD QUALITY

4.8 out of 5 stars

4.8 / 5

Great looks, low profile, and removable dust cover

SOUND QUALITY

4.7 out of 5 stars

4.7 / 5

Clear sounds especially with quality external speakers

VALUE FOR MONEY

4.6 out of 5 stars

4.6 / 5

Less affordable but more features than some options

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Overview Of An Ultra-Modern Turntable From Audio-Technica

Audio Technica logo

When it comes to adding a turntable to your collection, there is no shortage of options. Furthermore, all the options range from feature heavy sound systems to stripped down classics.

Audio-Technica’s AT-LP120XUSB Turntable tries to mix modern and vintage features into one easy to use package. Better yet, it attempts to do all that while looking like a million bucks.

With a built in dust cover and low profile, it is hard to find anywhere this 3-speed turntable wouldn’t fit in well. Just add the external speakers of your preferred size and volume and you have quite the sound system at your disposal!

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Getting To Know The AT-LP120XUSB From Audio-Technica

While this turntable from the Audio-Technica company doesn’t feature things like a built in cassette deck, CD player or radio, it’s no slacker. It is meant to be the turntable for vinyl record fans that also want modern connectivity.

The compact size and dust cover also make it suitable for a wide variety of environments from small bed rooms to large living rooms.

Unlike some other Audio-Technica products, it’s important to remember this turntable is not bluetooth connectable. But there is certainly no shortage of ways to connect this to external speakers.

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Audio-Technica Direct-Drive Turntable with USB - Plays Vinyl Records,...

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Are Owners Happy with the AT-LP120XUSB Turntable Features?

Who Is This Unit Best Suited For?

Even without bluetooth connectability, this product still suits a wide variety of music fans. Most importantly, the AT-LP120XUSB is great for long time record collectors who want to backup their collection digitally.

Thanks to the USB out and included software, you can convert your vinyl collection to MP3 for storage on your computer.

Furthermore, because of some included features, this turntable seems to target long time record collectors.

With lots of user friendly controls from the heyday of record players, this feels like a great option for those who know their way around a record player or turntable.

Unboxing The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB

When you purchase this Audio-Technica Turntable you’ll get a useful assortment of accessories.

A USB connection cable will help you use the included Audacity software to convert records to MP3. For external speakers you also get a dual RCA output wire.

For powering the system, you’ll find an AC wall adapter as well. A 45 RPM adapter, counterweight, felt mat, and removable dust cover round out the accessories!

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Features & Highlights

There is quite a bit to go over here, as you get a lot of great features here. First off, this Audio-Technica turntable has 3 speeds, 33 ⅓, 45, and 78 rpm, to choose from.

Playback controls with a quartz speed lock allows for variable pitch control thanks to the stroboscopic platter. A target light even allows for easy visibility and cueing in the dark.

There’s even a built in preamp in the AT-LP120XUSB. All that and you can still connect to a computer via USB to copy your vinyl collection over as MP3 files? There is a ton packed into this compact turntable.

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Audio-Technica Direct-Drive Turntable with USB - Plays Vinyl Records,...

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  • 3-speed options
  • Variable pitch control
  • Target light for easy cueing
  • Built-in preamp
  • Durable, removable dust cover
  • Lockable arm rest with anti-skate control

How To Get The Most Out Of Your AT-LP120XUSB

Admittedly, there is a bit more going on here than your average turntable. That may seem a bit overwhelming for those who are new to the turntable world.

Even though this is a great option for long time users, beginners should find their way easily. Check out this helpful unboxing and set up video below!

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AT-LP120XUSB Direct-Drive Turntable Review

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What We Like

      • Compact, durable construction
      • Classic looks
      • Accessories included
      • 3-speed turntable

What We Don’t Like

      • No bluetooth connectivity
      • Less affordable than some

What Do Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Direct-Drive Turntable Owners Think? >>

What About Alternatives?

Looking to save a few bucks without compromising most features? Check out the Fluance RT80, another belt-drive turntable.

It brings over many great features like an S-type arm, built-in preamp, and durable construction. It’s an even smaller profile as well that still has a built in dust cover to protect your investment.

Love Audio-Technica but looking for something more simple? They’re sub-$100 AT-LP60X-BK is another option worth looking at.

Also missing bluetooth capability, it still packs solid build quality with a dust cover and 2-speed options. The stripped down controls may also be even easier for those new to the vinyl record world.

If bluetooth connectivity is important or even necessary to you, try the AT-LP60XBT-BK.

This fully wireless belt-drive turntable has all the same features as the previous alternative, just with bluetooth built-in.

Best of all, it is still a good bit cheaper than the AT-LP120XUSB!

Compare these similar turntables:

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Final Notes On The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Turntable

Overall, this Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Direct-Drive Turntable is a feature packed product. While it costs above $200 and has many budget alternatives, you do get a lot of function for the price.

Things like variable pitch control and target lighting just aren’t available on the alternatives. Plus, the ability to download a vinyl record as an MP3 adds plenty of value.

For those with large collections, you’ll likely save money on online downloads or maybe even subscription services needed to digitally access your favorite music.

It’s hard to argue how much you get for the price, even if the AT-LP120XUSB does seem a bit overwhelming at first.

Audio-Technica Direct-Drive Turntable with USB - Plays Vinyl Records,...

Check Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Availability Here! >>

  • Ease of Use
  • Build Quality
  • Sound Quality
  • Value Factor
4.7

Summary

Overall Score:

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Steve Bee is a musician, audiophile, author and publisher. Drawing on his extensive experience with audio equipment and music, Steve and his team share insight into the world of vinyl and audio.

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