Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Review

The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB was one of the best models we tested and offers the easiest and best overall experience. Unless you're willing to put in a little extra effort for slightly better sound quality the AT-LP120XUSB is the best turntable available for less than $500.

Performance Comparison

The AT-LP120XUSB received one of the top overall scores in our testing. Below we describe its performance in all of our individual testing metrics.

Sound Quality

The AT-LP120XUSB occupied the second step on our sound quality podium with a score of 8 out of 10.

We were quite impressed by the AT-LP120XUSB's sound quality in our testing. It was able to produce a clear, well defined sound that was also quite full. When compared to a standard mp3 it had noticeably more depth. The only model we tested that sounded better than the AT-LP120XUSB was the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon, which sounded just a bit clearer and had a slightly bigger dynamic range. Those differences were only really apparent in strict, side-by-side listening sessions. In isolation the AT-LP120XUSB sounded great and we doubt anyone would be disappointed by its sound.

Component Quality

The AT-LP120XUSB was one of the best built models we tested, lagging behind only the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon.

The AT-LP120XUSB is the only model we tested that uses a direct drive, but it still seemed capable of dampening any motor vibrations. This may be due to its heavy aluminum platter and felt mat. The only model with a better platter is the U-Turn Audio Orbit Plus, which has a heavy acrylic platter, but the AT-LP120XUSB still sounds better. We liked its AT95E Dual Magnet Cartridge. The metal tonearm is a bit on the heavy side, but with a good balancing job it has a nice supple feel. The carbon tonearm of the Debut Carbon was noticeably better in this capacity, but not so much so that it's worth upgrading for that component alone.

User Friendliness

The AT-LP120XUSB was the most user friendly model we tested, earning the top score of 9 out of 10 in this metric.

The AT-LP120XUSB is incredibly adjustable, sporting pitch control, speed settings for 33's, 45's, and 78's, and an automatic speed change function that detects what type of record you're using and adjusts speed accordingly. All of this adjustability is controlled with a clear and intuitive interface. It does not have automatic cueing, but its tonearm has a cue lever that lowers the needle down slowly, so you don't have to do it by hand. On top of all this the AT-LP120XUSB offers digital conversion. This process is somewhat time-consuming but a nice option to have in case you come across a rare record that you want to digitize.

The only way you could improve upon the AT-LP120XUSB's user-friendliness is to add an automatic tonearm, so you could push a button and have the tonearm move into place and lower the needle automatically. This is a great feature for new vinyl enthusiasts. However, its cue lever makes cueing fairly easy, even if it's not fully automated. You just have to swing the tonearm into place and then pull the cue lever as opposed to having a motor swing the cue lever around.

Vibration Resistance

The AT-LP120XUSB was an average performer in our vibration resistance testing with a score of 6 out of 10.

This score puts it even with the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon, the other model that led our sound quality testing. It was fairly easy to get the AT-LP120XUSB to skip when bumping into the table it was placed on. However, it stood up to most stomping and dancing in its general vicinity. The only model that could really pass the bumping the table test was the Fluance RT81. It still skipped with a strong bump, but was able to play through most moderate bumps.

Value

The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB offers high-quality sound at a mid-range price. It's a great value for anyone looking for great sound from a top-tier turntable.

Conclusion