Rating of The Best Audio-Technica Record Players

You already feel this. You sit back in your cozy armchair after a working day, sip your favorite drink wrapped in the homey and warm tune that comes from the best Audio-Technica turntable.

Indeed, Audio-Technica turntables have proved their performance and reliability over the years. Being established in Tokyo in 1962 by Hideo Matsushita to provide everyone with first-rate audio, this company has now turned into the mark of exceptional quality.

The brand produces versatile devices in various styles to fit your interior, budget, and aesthetic feel.

Let’s cut out wordy explanations and get down to business. In this Audio-Technica turntable review, you will take a look at the top models in different price segments and learn how to pick the right record player that would meet your criteria.

Our pick

Audio-Technica AT-LPW50PB

Best Audio Technica turntable

The AT-LPW50PB is a fully manual, belt-drive turntable that gives you optimal high-fidelity audio reproduction from vinyl. Read the full review.

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Audio Technica turntables comparison table

Benefits of Audio Technica vinyl players

Audio-Technica has a huge and loyal following for a good reason. Firstly, A-T vinyl playing machines are widely accessible. Of course, you can purchase the unit online, but what’s the point if you can easily find one in the local tech store, saving some bucks on the delivery?

Secondly, even the most expensive Audio-Technica turntable still stays on the affordable side while maintaining an excellent build and sound quality.

Besides, A-T vinyl players are available in different styles, so you will effortlessly find the one that corresponds to your taste.

But that’s not all. There are plenty of automatic devices in the product line, which means that minimal tuning is required. You just plug the machine in and enjoy your favorite sound without any tricky adjustments.

How I tested Audio-Technica record players

I took all the models listed in this review for a spin to compare Audio-Technica turntables and provide you with comprehensive product reviews.

Of course, it’s impossible to estimate the performance of the record players without additional devices. I relied on the following items during my test:

• Stereo receiver: Yamaha R-N303
• Phono preamplifier: Emotiva XPS-1
• Speaker wire – AudioQuest Type-9
• Stereo speakers:
  1. Bookshelf
     • Klipsch RP-600M
     • PreSonus Eris E3.5
  1. Floor Standing
     • Polk Audio TSi500

To reach an unbiased verdict, I listened to the music passages of different genres, including rock, pop, classic, indie folk, and electronic.

• Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon [1973]
• Dvorak – Symphony No.9 [2016]
• Bon Iver – Bon Iver [2011]
• Radiohead – In Rainbows [2007]
• Stravinsky – The Rite of Spring [2017]
• Daft Punk – Random Access Memories [2013]
• John Williams – Jurassic Park [1993]

Best Audio-Technica turntable reviews

Best under $500

Audio-Technica AT-LPW50PB – best overall

Get a thrill out of the design and sound of this Audio-Technica AT-LPW50PB model.

Being fully manual and belt-driven, it delivers high-fidelity and meaty sound. The thickness of the plinth is 1,2 inches (30 mm), ensuring resonance-free performance.

Unlike Audio-Technica AT-LP7, this model has a straight carbon-fiber tonearm with a hydraulically damped lift control to ensure that you can lower and raise it safely at any point. A dual moving magnet phono cartridge with an ½”-mount headshell allows for flawless record playback.

The motor proved to work quietly. The device produces a detailed and huge sound with warm tones, similar to live music. However, I’ve noticed a slight humming noise, and I blame isolation for that. The in-built phono preamplifier delivers a decent sound. But you can switch it off if you would like to connect to a more powerful one.

Audio-Technica AT-LP1240-USBXP – professional DJ turntable

Fire up the rave with this pro-level Audio-Technica AT-LP1240-USBXP that has been designed for DJs.

A direct-drive, multipole motor has three levels of speed capacity (33/45/78 RPM) to give a buzz even to the most demanding DJs. Moreover, it’s compatible with third-party apps to transfer vinyl records into digital tunes.

An S-shaped tonearm with lift control, anti-skate, lockable rest, and a phono cartridge ensure smooth groove playback. A built-in phono preamplifier along with detachable RCA output cables increase compatibility with DJ mixers.

Unlike AT-LPW40 produced by this manufacturer, AT-LP1240-USBXP has a forward-reverse operation and pitch control to help you create some of the most melodic grooves.

When testing this turntable, I especially enjoyed the high-torque quality. The device starts and stops in a split second. It also provides deep performance, and I even noticed instruments I couldn’t hear when listening to digital tracks. However, the tonearm is not as solid as I expected, and it lacks some weight.

Best under $300

Audio-Technica AT-LPW40 – under $300

The sophisticated Audio-Technica AT-LPW40 will help you have a fabulous time listening to your vinyl records.

The motor has a two-speed capacity (33-1/3 and 45 RPM) controlled by a speed-sensor system that ensures a balanced and even platter rotation speed. A die-cast aluminum platter with a rubber mat guarantees that no motor vibrations disrupt the playback. Next, an AT-VM95E cartridge with a 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus provides quick signal processing and rapid sound delivery.

In contrast to the automatic Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT, the reviewed model features a fully manual, belt-drive operation system that allows more precise tuning.

The most striking element of this device is the design. The medium-density fiberboard plinth imitates the look of the walnut wood.

In contrast to the automatic Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT, the reviewed model features a fully manual, belt-drive operation system that allows more precise tuning.

The thing №1 I love about this device is its gorgeous design – it boasts an elegant medium-density fiberboard plinth that imitates walnut wood. Looks brilliant!

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB – for DJs

Make the juicy beats fill the dance floor with this Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB designed for DJs.

Featuring three speed options (33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM), a powerful in-built preamp, and an improved anti-skate mechanism, this record player will ensure you enjoy every second of playback. It also allows converting vinyl tunes to digital files using compatible software. The device has a USB port and a detachable RCA cable to connect to your computer or stereo systems.

In contrast to the AT-LP1240-USBXP DJ turntable with a multipole motor, a DC servo motor powers this player to respond rapidly to your start and stop requests. Besides, pitch control is more convenient than in the product mentioned above.

This turntable revealed the whole complexity of the track I was listening to, intensifying build-up points and balancing drums with other instruments. However, I was not completely satisfied with the tonearm headshell that failed to make proper contact at first. But I easily fixed the problem by inserting it multiple times. The absence of a reverse play feature didn’t disappoint me because, let’s be honest, no one really uses it.

Best under $200

Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT – budget

Would you like to rediscover the world of vinyl, but you have a limited budget? Consider this Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT that stays on the affordable side while delivering outstanding sound quality.

Thanks to the belt-drive system, the device produces a clear and vibration-free sound. There are two speed options – 33-1/3 and 45 RPM for optimal playback of your favorite tracks. A built-in preamp can be switched on and off for a more customized experience.

Compared to AT-LPW40WN, this one is automated, which means you minimize the risk of damaging the stylus or vinyl. Thus, it’s a great choice for beginners. They both have a die-cast aluminum platter that ensures a resonance-free listening experience.

The sound that comes from the device has an insignificant level of wow and flutter, which could be traced during string, guitar, flute, brass, or piano solos, so I connected it to a wireless speaker over Bluetooth for a better listening experience. I’ve also noticed that the company uses an improved tonearm base and headshell, which reduce the problem with resonance and additional sound.

Best premium

Audio-Technica AT-LP7

The Audio-Technica AT-LP7 turntable is a fantastic option for renewing the vinyl-listening experience.

It is fully manual and features a belt-drive system that allows getting the purest sound. There are two speed settings: 33-1/3 and 45 RPM to ensure precise playback speed. The motor features a speed-sensor system to spare you from the hassle of maintaining the right platter rotation speed.

Compared to Audio-Technica AT-LPW50PB with a die-cast aluminum platter with a rubber mat, this device features a 0,8 inches (20 mm) thick polyoxymethylene platter that pairs better with a vinyl record player.

I heard the melodic structure of every track, however, I felt a bit overwhelmed by the intensiveness of the bass sound, which is exemplified by double bass and drums.

I enjoyed the running speed and the whisper-quiet work of the motor. There is a J-shaped tonearm with precision breakings, which do a great job at mitigating tracking errors. However, my only concern with this tool is the speed selector knob that feels flimsy. But in general, the build and components are impressive.

What to look for when choosing an Audio-Technica turntable?

You are dying to unpack the box with your brand new vinyl player and finally take your analog listening experience to a new level. But wait, you’ve got to consider some stuff when picking between the best Audio-Technica turntables. Read on to learn how to make the right choice.

Drive system of the record player

There are two types of Audio-Technica turntables: belt-driven and direct-drive.

Since belt-driven vinyl players have a motor located offset and attached to the platter with an elastic (usually rubber) belt that absorbs any vibrations, the device produces a better sound. However, the belt wears out over time. These units also have a lower torque, which might insignificantly affect the playback speed.

The platter is directly attached to the motor in a direct drive turntable, ensuring a rapid start-up time and stronger torque. But there might be additional noises and vibrations from the motor, which impacts the sound quality.

System type of turntable: manual or automatic

Turntables have two system types: manual and automatic.

With a manual turntable, you’ve got to lower the tonearm to get the device playing and then bring it back into the resting position when you are done. An automatic record player will do this job for you.

As you are considering these two options, you’ve got to keep in mind that there are more manual devices on the market. Manual record players also produce a better sound as they have fewer things that can interfere with the performance. Automatic turntables reduce the risk of damaging the vinyl and stylus, but they tend to be more expensive.

Built-in phono preamp

A phono preamp increases the audio signal the turntable produces. Some Audio Technica devices come with a built-in phono preamp, while others do not have one.

The greatest advantage of the turntable with a built-in phono preamp is that the item can be directly connected to stereo receivers, speakers, and other audio systems without any additional devices. This allows you to save money and space.

However, you can find options that do not have a phono preamp, giving you the freedom to pick the one that would enable you to customize the sound quality.

Required connections

Depending on the turntable features, there might be different inputs and outputs. For example, the device might have PHONO, DVD, CD, BLUE-RAY, CBL/SAT, and other connectors. Some gadgets allow connecting to headphones via a mini-stereo connector (⅛ inches – 3.5 mm) or to any other device like a laptop via USB. You can even connect to the speaker or any other tool wirelessly if the turntable has a Bluetooth feature.

How much do I need to spend on a vinyl player?

Even though some of the budget Audio Technica record players deliver awesome beats, the cost of the gadget frequently defines the quality of the components like a platter, tonearm, cartridge, and the availability of advanced features that would gladden your ears.

If you are just starting your acquaintance with vinyl players, you definitely should avoid complex and expensive turntables. The products within the $200-300 price category would work fine for you.

In case you are on close terms with audio devices and already have some equipment at hand (like a phono preamp or HI-FI stereo system), you’d better align the quality of your new turntable with those gadgets.

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