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

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Ratings at a Glance:

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Direct-Drive Turntable

We certainly hope you benefit from the information we provide in this article! Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

Overview Of An Ultra-Modern Turntable From Audio-Technica

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!

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.

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!

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.

• 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!

AT-LP120XUSB Direct-Drive Turntable Review

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:

Fluance RT80 Classic High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable...

Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK Fully Automatic...

Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-BK Fully Automatic...

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.

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

The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC Turntable In Review. Does It Sound As Good As It Looks?

The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC Turntable at a glance:

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC Turntable with Ortofon 2M Cartridge

Pro-Ject, the Pros of Analog

When the whole world was switching to compact discs and CD Players back in 1991, there was one company founded with the objective of bringing back analog.

After all, nothing can replace vinyl records when it comes to the quality of music. This company was Pro-Ject.

Today, we’re going to review one of their flagship units, the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC Turntable. We’ll share with you its premium features, walk you through its set-up, compare it to other similar turntables out there, and more.

We certainly hope you benefit from the information we provide in this article! Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC Turntable Overview

Debut Carbon DC Turntable – Blue

This unit is considered as one of the company’s iconic models, having been released way back in 1991 when the company was also starting out.

Pro-Ject’s main objective back then was to bring back the dying industry of vinyl records and record players and provide music lovers of a quality turntable that’s packaged for “mass market”.

The Debut Carbon model has undergone technological advances ever since. In this particular piece, it was the inclusion of a carbon tube tonearm; hence, the name.

This material has been used by other brands for tonearms before, but they have never produced it for a unit in the same price range that Pro-Ject offers.

However, it’s still important to note that this unit is still higher in price compared to other average, record players out there.

Who Is The Debut Carbon For?

Debut Carbon DC Turntable – Walnut

This unit is for music lovers who know their way around turntables already. Absolute beginners might find this piece a bit complicated to set-up and use, especially with the absence of automatic features.

However, this effort is definitely paid off by the higher quality of music you’ll get to enjoy.

If you’re looking for a piece that can upgrade your experience from an entry-level turntable, and you’re willing to pay for the extra price, then we definitely recommend this model.

What’s Included?

If you do decide to purchase one, you will receive the turntable equipped with an Ortofon 2m Red phonograph cartridge. This unit will also come with a dust cover. To learn more at what you can expect from the product, here’s a quick unboxing video:

DC Turntable Features

Debut Carbon DC Turntable – Yellow

Anyway, now that we know a little bit more about the product, let’s move and discuss its features starting with the carbon tonearm.

• Carbon Tube Tonearm: This is where this unit got its name. As we mentioned above, this construction has already been made by other units, but not in the price range that Pro-Ject offers. This tonearm provides extra stiffness, efficiently decreasing resonance for higher sound quality.
• Better Platter: Another notable feature is its wider, heavier platter that allows your records to rotate a little bit more smoothly.
• Eight Different Color Variants: We also love the fact that this unit is available in eight different colors: blue, piano black, purple, silver, gloss white, red, walnut, and yellow. We just want to give you a heads up that some colors are more expensive than others.

It would have been nice, however, if the unit was equipped with more user-friendly features given the price that it’s being sold in. In this way, even the more novice users will be able to enjoy the excellent sound quality that this unit provides.

How to Set-up and Use the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC Turntable

To learn how to set-up your new Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC Turntable so that it’s ready for use, you may follow the following video:

Pros and Cons

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC Turntable Review

What are Owners of Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Turntables Saying? >>

Comparing the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Turntable vs. Similar Units

Now that we know all about the unit, how does it measure up compared to other similar models out there? Is it better? Let’s find out.

• Denon’s DP-300F Analog Turntable

The first unit we’ve found similar in terms of sound quality is Denon’s DP-300F Analog Turntable. What we love about this product is that it has all the user-friendly features that Pro-Ject’s unit lacks.

It has an automatic start-up button that allows you to just push and play, and more impressively, it’s also equipped with an automatic tonearm that rises and returns to place after completing the track.

What’s more, is that the price is a bit lower. The only problem is that Denon’s piece has limited rotation speeds.

• Fluance’s RT81 Vinyl Turntable

For those looking for an even more affordable, yet still high-quality piece, you can look at Fluance’s RT81 Vinyl Turntable.

While it doesn’t have the carbon tube tonearm that Pro-Ject takes pride in, it’s still made of premium components such as gold-plated RCA line outputs. Both Denon’s and Fluance’s units are limited when it comes to design options, though.

• Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Direct-Drive Turntable

Finally, there’s the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Direct-Drive Turntable. We love that this product offers three-speed options, and the lowest price of al the turntables we have featured here.

It also comes with various add-ons such as different cables and other accessories. It also comes with an audio conversion and recording feature that you won’t find in the other record players we’ve mentioned.

Don’t expect the product to be made from premium components, though. You would have to check out Audio-Technica’s higher-end models.

Final Thoughts: Is The Debut Carbon DC The Right Turntable For You?

In the end, it will depend on your priorities. If you want to an upgrade from your usual fare, and you’re willing to invest a little bit of money and effort, then we definitely recommend Pro-Ject’s Debut Carbon DC Turntable.

For those who want a unit with a lot of user-friendly features, then we recommend Denon DP-300F Analog Turntable. It’s the easiest to set-up and use of all the units we’ve featured here.

Finally, if you’re looking for a unit that provides the best value for money, then we recommend the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Direct-Drive Turntable. It has a lot of features and accessories, combined with a brand renowned for its quality audio appliances.

What Do Pro-Ject DC Turntable Owners Think? >>

DP-300F Fully Automatic Turntable Review: A High-End Music Experience by Denon

The Denon DP-300F Turntable at a glance:

Denon DP-300F Fully Automatic Analog Turntable

Denon DP-300F Fully Automatic Analog Turntable

Denon is one of the leading companies in audio appliances. It was founded way back in 1910 in Japan and was one of the first manufacturers of disc records and gramophones. Hence, it’s not surprising that it is one of the most well-known brands of turntables today.

This particular model has already undergone some changes over time. In fact, it already has a model after it, the DP-400 that is also worth looking into. Compared to earlier versions, what sets 300F apart is the heavier construction around its base that efficiently reduces vibration and improves sound quality.

We certainly hope you benefit from the information we provide in this article! Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

Who Is The DP330-F Product For?

This unit is for those who really take their love for music seriously and are willing to invest in high-quality record players not just to play vinyl records occasionally or to put one on display, but to really listen to it.

We say investment because as we mentioned above, Denon’s record players, like this one, can be quite expensive. The sound quality that you will get to enjoy is incomparable to other units, though. That is unless they can match the experience and quality offered by Denon.

What are Denon DP-300-F Automatic Turntable Customers Saying? >>

What’s Included?

If you decide to purchase one, you will get the turntable that already has a moving magnet cartridge included. This type of phono cartridge has two magnets at the very end of the stylus. This allows the magnets to move as the stylus moves and generate the voltage needed to create sound.

Overview of Features

Anyway, aside from having a moving magnet cartridge, here are the other interesting features of the unit:

• Special Construction: This product, as we’ve mentioned, has a thicker, heavier base that’s specifically constructed to keep vibrations at bay. These vibrations, after all, can ruin the accuracy and quality of sound that the turntable produces.
• Automatic Startup: Not only is this unit very easy to set up but it also has an automatic startup feature that allows you to begin playing your favorite tracks with just a push of a button.
• Automatic Tonearm: Playing music is not the only automatic feature of this unit. Its tonearm also automatically rises and returns into place after your track is done. This way, you can be sure that the surface of your precious vinyl records won’t get scratched or damaged. Don’t worry, you can also lift the tonearm manually if needed.

The only feature (or lack of it) that we regret is that this unit can only play records that run at 33 1/3 or 45 RPM. It would have been nice to have other speed settings as well.

How to Set-up and Use the Denon DP-300F Fully Automatic Analog Turntable

Here’s a video that gives you a quick overview of the product as well as a tutorial on how to set it up:

Finally, in order to enjoy more quality listening time with your unit, Denon also suggests the following tips:

• Keep your stylus free of dust and debris with a small carbon fiber brush.
• Check your motor and belt regularly for signs of wear and tear.
• Don’t forget to remove the dust off the platter before and after use.

By keeping the tips we shared with you in mind, Denon ensures that you will be able to listen to your tracks longer with your record player without any issue.

The Denon DP-300F Automatic Analog Turntable vs. Similar Units

This unit by Denon is really impressive. It lives up to its brand’s name. The question is, how does the DP300-F measure up with other brands? We’ve looked at three other models to check that out.

• U-Turn Audio Orbit Plus Turntable

The first model that we’ve found is the Orbit Plus Turntable by the brand U-Turn Audio. This company is quite new in the record player scene, having only been founded via Kickstarter last 2012, but don’t underestimate their quality. Each of their units is assembled by hand.

This one, in particular, has a precision tonearm that can match the sound fidelity of Denon’s. As for the design, this unit is very minimalist and it comes in five different color variants unlike Denon’s that only comes in black.

U-Turn Audio - Orbit Plus Turntable with Built-in...

Fluance RT81 Elite High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable...

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC Turntable with Ortofon 2M...

• Fluance RT81 Vinyl Turntable

Another brand that is slowly making its mark as the decades go by is Fluance that has been founded in 1999. Their RT81 Vinyl Turntable is a high-end high-quality turntable as well, but it is significantly more affordable compared to Denon’s and U-Turn Audio’s. As for the design, it only comes in black and wood variants and both don the minimalist look.

• Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Turntable

Finally, speaking of minimalist yet elegant design, nothing beats Pro-Ject, a company known for working with the biggest names in the music industry such as Universal Music Group, Third Man Records, and the Rolling Stones. Their unit, the Debut Carbon Turntable is probably the most expensive unit we have featured in this article, but it comes in eight different color variants.

Pros and Cons

Denon DP-300F Automatic Turntable Review

Read the Latest Denon DP-300F Reviews! >>

Final Thoughts: Is The Denon DP300-F Turtable Worth Purchasing?

In the end, it will all depend on your needs and preferences. Do you want to enjoy a unit done by a high-end brand but is not as expensive as others? Then Fluance is the way to go. Meanwhile, if you’re willing to pay just a little bit more for a bigger name like Denon’s, then that’s what we recommend.

Finally, if Denon’s black turntable is not for you and you’re looking for something that comes in a color that’s a little bit more fun like purple or silver, then prepare to invest in Pro-Ject’s Debut Carbon Turntable. We hope that you have found our article helpful. Enjoy listening!

What Do Denon DP-300F Turntable Owners Think? >>

Teac TN-400S Belt-Driven Turntable at a glance:

The Teac TN-400S Belt-Driven Turntable

The Teac TN-400S – Does This Brand Name Turntable Live Up to Standards?

If you’re just starting out your adventure in vinyl, you want something that is plug-and-play ready and delivers excellent results. This player won’t disappoint.

Featuring the precise engineering that made TEAC a big brand name in the first place, the Teac TN-400S delivers amazing sound every time.

The initial set-up is easy, and from there it is just a matter of playing some tunes. To be fair, it isn’t really that hard to work a record player, but it does take a little getting used to.

Adjusting the arm as necessary produces great results but might be a little tricky at first.

Once the settings are correct though, it’s all smooth sailing. You will be able to master it in next to no time and then be looking for ways to improve your listening experience even more.

We certainly hope you benefit from the information we provide in this article! Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

The TN-400S by Teac

The TN-400S is a good turntable to start off with. TEAC is a company that has long been associated with quality sound equipment.

Made by TEAC to meet the need for affordable quality record players, this model ticks a lot of boxes. Here are some of our favorite features.

Read the Latest Teac TN-400S Turntable Reviews Here! >>

High-Quality Analog Playback

The subsonic filter and the A2D converter are two of the components that ensure a positive and complete sound experience. They filter out the lower frequency sounds to prevent too many being sent to the amp.

Playback is optimized to be as near perfect as possible.  Additional tweaks, like a low-friction spindle, ensure that things run smoothly overall.

Built-in Preamplifier

There’s no need to have a host of different appliances sitting around when they’re not strictly necessary. The built-in preamp makes it easy to connect directly to your amp.

High-Torque DC Motor

This provides all the power you need to get  those records spinning and keep them spinning. The turntable is belt-driven to ensure maximum control at any speed. There is no need to worry about intermittent signals or slipping. Playback is kept stable.

One really cool feature here is that there is also a USB port. You can now back up your vinyl onto your computer.

While saving it to digital format does flatten the sound a bit, the difference won’t be so marked that you can’t still enjoy listening to the backup on your digital music player, phone, or laptop.

The standard TEAC warranty of a year against manufacturer’s defaults stands.

One area that we do feel that we need to highlight is that replacement needles may be difficult to source in some parts of the United States.

Teac TN-400S Turntable Review: Key Points

What Do Teac TN-400S Owners Think? >>

Frequently Asked Questions:

How does the Teac TN-400S sound?

Are you ready for great audio fidelity? Then you are looking in the right place. Don’t let the low price fool you; this isn’t some crappy piece of machinery that barely holds the tune.

You can expect the fine quality of sound that Teac has become famous for at a much better price than would be the case with most other brands.

What’s the TN-400S turntable build quality like?

It’s solid. The platform itself is heavy MDF and solidly built. This reduces resonance and adds to the impressive sound quality. The lid is a strong, scratch-resistant plastic.

Overall, this is a piece of machinery that is built to deliver for many years to come.

Compare these featured models:

Denon DP-300F Fully Automatic Analog Turntable...

Teac TN-400S Belt-Driven Turntable with S-Shaped...

Audio-Technica ATLP120USB Direct Drive...

Final Thoughts: Should You Consider Buying a Teac TN-400S Turntable?

Overall, this is a good choice for the beginner audiophile and people who love to listen to music. It doesn’t have all the extras that you might get on more expensive models, but it has all the features that count.

The company’s reputation and the lower cost make this a no-brainer for us to recommend.

Teac has delivered on its promise of a high-performance turntable at a reasonable price.

The belt-driven motor is very quiet and provides more than enough power for any speed of play. The player itself can play at three different speeds.

What Do Teac TN-400S Turntable Owners Think? >>

Manufacturer Info:

Website: http://www.teac-usa.com/

About: TEAC Corporation was originally founded as Tokyo Television Acoustic Company on August 8th, 1953 by two brothers, Katsuma and Tomoma Tani.