Updated: 12/12/2022

Question: How do I select the Audio-Technica Turntable that’s right for me?

Answer: When selecting an Audio-Technica turntable, you should consider the following features to ensure you get the turntable that’s best suited to your needs:

• Ease of setup and use
• Automatic or manual operation
• Speed requirements (33/45/78 RPM)
• Permanently attached or replaceable cartridge

Ease of Setup and Use

Most of our turntables are simple to set up and use. Except for the AT-LP140XP turntable, all models include a built-in phono preamplifier. The preamplifier permits connection of the turntable to devices with or without a set of dedicated PHONO input jacks. In addition to the typical dual RCA-style plugs, some models also feature USB connectivity for ease of use with a computer for those wishing to digitize their vinyl. Some models provide the added convenience of a wireless connection to a Bluetooth receiving device. All 60 Series turntables feature an integrated headshell/cartridge with a replaceable stylus (stylus ONLY), and the tracking force (stylus pressure) comes preset from the factory. There is no need to calibrate (balance) the tonearm and set the tracking force before use. All other models feature a removable headshell with a replaceable cartridge and a tonearm with adjustable tracking force and an anti-skate control.

Automatic or Manual Operation

The fully automatic 60 Series and AT-LP3 turntables allow the user to simply press the START button and walk away. The tonearm will automatically lift out of the rest, set down on the record, then return to the rest and stop spinning when the record is finished. All other models are fully manual in operation, meaning you will have to manually lift the tonearm off the rest and set the arm down on the record. When the record is finished, you will also have to manually lift the arm off the record, return it to the rest then press a STOP button or power down the turntable to prevent it from spinning. Automatic models are popular for casual listening applications, while manual models are commonly used for more discriminating listening or professional broadcast/DJ applications.

Speed Requirements

All models offer the two most common speeds, 33-1/3 and 45 RPM, and a few models offer a third speed of 78 RPM. Please note that the older (pre-1958) 78 RPM records will typically be the thick, heavy, shellac-type records and will require a special stylus (needle) to be played. We offer styli with a 3.0 mil diameter conical tip for these types of records.

Permanently Attached or Replaceable Cartridge

All models include a preinstalled cartridge with stylus. The cartridge on 60 series turntables is integrated into the tonearm and therefore the stylus only is replaceable, not the entire cartridge with stylus. All other turntables have user-replaceable cartridges, and most of these cartridges can be upgraded to a higher level of performance simply by replacing their stylus assemblies with a higher model replacement stylus used in that cartridge family.

AT-LP60X Series Automatic Belt-Drive Turntables

• Lightweight
• Easy setup
• Fully automatic operation
• DC servo motor
• Belt drive
• Plays 33 and 45 RPM records
• Straight tonearm with integrated cartridge
• Preset tracking force
• Integral cartridge with replaceable 0.6 mil conical stylus (model ATN3600L)
• Built-in switchable RIAA phono preamplifier (MM)
• Detachable 3.5 mm stereo mini-plug to dual RCA audio cable
• Removable hinged dust cover
• AT-LP60XHP adds the convenience of a front-panel headphone jack with volume control. Includes ATH-250AV headphones
• AT-LP60XBT (Wireless & Analog) adds Bluetooth wireless transmission for wired or wireless use
• AT-LP60XUSB(USB & Analog) adds the convenience of a USB connection for digitizing your vinyl when used with a computer and compatible recording software of your choice
• AT-LP60XBT-USB (Wireless, USB & Analog) adds the convenience of a USB connection for digitizing your vinyl when used with a computer and compatible recording software of your choice, as well as the convenience of a wireless connection via Bluetooth to a Bluetooth speaker or headphones.

AT-LP3XBT Automatic Belt-Drive Turntable (Wireless & Analog)

• Lightweight
• Easy setup
• Fully automatic operation
• DC servo motor
• Belt drive
• Plays 33 and 45 RPM records
• Straight tonearm with removable angled AT-HS3 headshell
• Includes AT-VM95C cartridge with 0.6 mil conical stylus
• Stylus overhang adjustment guide provided
• Adjustable tracking force and anti-skate control
• Wide range of VM95 Series replacement styli available
• Built-in switchable RIAA phono preamplifier (MM)
• Detachable dual RCA audio cable with integrated ground wire
• Convenient wireless connection to speaker or headphones via Bluetooth
• High-fidelity audio over Bluetooth connection
• Removable hinged dust cover
• Also available in white

AT-LPW30 Manual Belt-Drive Turntable

• Easy setup
• Fully manual operation
• DC servo motor
• Belt drive
• Plays 33 and 45 RPM records
• Straight aluminum tonearm with removable angled AT-HS4SV headshell
• Includes AT-VM95C cartridge with 0.6 mil conical stylus
• Stylus overhang adjustment guide provided
• Adjustable tracking force and anti-skate control
• Wide range of VM95 Series replacement styli available
• Built-in switchable RIAA phono preamplifier (MM)
• Detachable dual RCA male to dual RCA male audio cable with integrated ground wire
• Removable hinged dust cover
• Anti-resonance MDF plinth with simulated black wood veneer
• Height-adjustable feet

AT-LPW40WN Manual Belt-Drive Turntable

• Easy setup
• Fully manual operation
• DC servo motor with Active Speed Stabilization
• Belt drive
• Plays 33 and 45 RPM records
• Straight carbon-fiber tonearm with angled AT-HS4 headshell
• Includes AT-VM95E cartridge with 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus
• Stylus overhang adjustment guide provided
• Adjustable tracking force and anti-skate control
• Wide range of VM95 Series replacement styli available
• Built-in switchable RIAA phono preamplifier (MM)
• Detachable dual RCA male to dual RCA male audio cable with integrated ground wire
• Removable hinged dust cover
• Anti-resonance MDF plinth with simulated walnut wood veneer
• Height-adjustable feet

AT-LPW50PB Manual Belt-Drive Turntable

• Easy setup
• Fully manual operation
• DC servo motor with Active Speed Stabilization
• Belt drive
• Plays 33 and 45 RPM records
• Straight carbon-fiber tonearm with angled AT-HS4 headshell
• Includes black AT-VM95E cartridge with 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus
• Stylus overhang adjustment guide provided
• Adjustable tracking force and anti-skate control
• Wide range of VM95 Series replacement styli available
• Built-in switchable RIAA phono preamplifier (MM)
• Detachable dual RCA male to dual RCA male audio cable with integrated ground wire
• Removable hinged dust cover
• Anti-resonance 30 mm thick MDF plinth with high-gloss, piano-black finish
• High-isolation, height-adjustable feet

AT-LPW50BT Manual Belt-Drive Turntable (Wireless & Analog)

• Easy setup
• Fully manual operation
• DC servo motor with Active Speed Stabilization
• Belt drive
• Plays 33 and 45 RPM records
• Straight carbon-fiber tonearm with angled AT-HS4SV headshell
• Includes black AT-VM95E cartridge with 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus
• Stylus overhang adjustment guide provided
• Adjustable tracking force and anti-skate control
• Wide range of VM95 Series replacement styli available
• Built-in switchable RIAA phono preamplifier (MM)
• Detachable dual RCA male to dual RCA male audio cable with integrated ground wire
• Convenient wireless connection to speaker or headphones via Bluetooth
• Removable hinged dust cover
• Anti-resonance 30 mm thick MDF plinth with rosewood veneer finish
• High-isolation, height-adjustable feet

AT-LP120XUSB Manual Direct-Drive Turntable (Analog & USB)

• Fully manual operation
• DC servo motor with variable pitch control and quartz speed lock
• Stroboscopic platter with speed indicator
• Direct drive
• Plays 33, 45 and 78 RPM records (requires 78 RPM stylus)
• S-shaped tonearm
• Removable AT-HS6 headshell
• Includes AT-VM95E cartridge with 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus
• Adjustable tracking force and anti-skate control
• Wide range of VM95 Series replacement styli available
• Built-in RIAA phono preamplifier (MM)
• Damped-base construction for reduced low-frequency feedback
• Removable stylus target light
• Detachable dual RCA male to dual RCA male audio cable with integrated ground wire
• USB connection for digitizing vinyl (requires computer and recording software)
• Removable hinged dust cover
• Height-adjustable feet

AT-LP120XBT-USB Manual Direct-Drive Turntable (Wireless, Analog & USB)

• Fully manual operation
• DC servo motor with variable pitch control and quartz speed lock
• Stroboscopic platter with speed indicator
• Direct drive
• Plays 33, 45 and 78 RPM records (requires 78 RPM stylus)
• S-shaped tonearm
• Removable AT-HS6 headshell
• Includes AT-VM95E cartridge with 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus
• Adjustable tracking force and anti-skate control
• Wide range of VM95 Series replacement styli available
• Built-in RIAA phono preamplifier (MM)
• Damped-base construction for reduced low-frequency feedback
• Removable stylus target light
• Detachable dual RCA male to dual RCA male audio cable with integrated ground wire
• Convenient wireless connection to speaker or headphones via Bluetooth
• High-fidelity audio over Bluetooth connection
• USB connection for digitizing vinyl (requires computer and recording software)
• Removable hinged dust cover
• Height-adjustable feet

AT-LP140XP Manual Direct-Drive Professional DJ Turntable

• Fully manual operation
• High-torque DC servo motor with variable pitch control and quartz speed lock
• Direct drive
• Forward/reverse directions
• Rubber-damped aluminum platter with stroboscopic speed indicator
• Plays 33, 45 and 78 RPM records (requires 78 RPM stylus)
• S-shaped tonearm with adjustable height
• Removable AT-HS6 Headshell
• Includes AT-XP3 DJ cartridge with 0.6 mil conical stylus
• Adjustable tracking force and anti-skate control
• Wide range of XP and VM95 Series replacement styli available
• Damped-base construction for reduced low-frequency feedback
• Pop-up stylus target light
• Detachable dual RCA male to dual RCA male audio cable with integrated ground wire
• Removable hinged dust cover
• Height-adjustable feet

AT-LP1240-USBXP Manual Direct-Drive Professional DJ Turntable (Analog & USB)

• Fully manual operation
• Super high-torque DC motor for demanding applications and long life
• Forward/reverse directions
• Dual Start/Stop buttons
• Adjustable Start and Stop speeds
• Rubber-damped aluminum platter with stroboscopic speed indicator
• Plays 33, 45 and 78 RPM records (requires 78 RPM stylus)
• S-shaped tonearm with adjustable height
• Removable AT-HS1 headshell
• Includes high-output AT-XP5 DJ cartridge with 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus
• Adjustable tracking force and anti-skate control
• Wide range of XP and VM95 Series replacement styli available
• Built-in switchable RIAA phono preamplifier (MM)
• Damped-base construction for reduced low-frequency feedback
• Removable stylus target light
• Detachable dual RCA male to dual RCA male audio cable with integrated ground wire
• USB connection for digitizing vinyl (requires computer and recording software)
• Removable dust cover

AT-LP5X Manual Direct-Drive Turntable (Analog & USB)

• Fully manual operation
• Low-noise DC motor
• Direct drive
• Plays 33, 45 and 78 RPM records (requires 78 RPM stylus)
• J-shaped tonearm minimizes tracking errors
• Removable AT-HS6 headshell
• Includes black AT-VM95E cartridge with 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus
• Adjustable tracking force and anti-skate control
• Wide range of VM95 Series replacement styli available
• Built-in switchable RIAA phono preamplifier (MM and MC)
• Damped base construction for reduced low-frequency feedback
• Detachable dual RCA male to dual RCA male audio cable with integrated ground wire
• USB connection for digitizing vinyl (requires computer and recording software)
• Removable hinged dust cover
• Height-adjustable feet

AT-LP7 Manual Belt-Drive Turntable

• Fully manual operation
• DC motor with speed sensor
• Belt-drive
• Plays 33 and 45 RPM records
• J-shaped tonearm with adjustable height minimizes tracking errors
• Removable AT-HS10 headshell
• Includes VM520EB cartridge with 0.3 x 0.7 mil stylus
• Stylus overhang adjustment guide provided
• Adjustable tracking force and anti-skate control
• Wide range of VM Series replacement styli available
• Built-in RIAA phono preamplifier (MM and MC)
• Non-resonance 40 mm-thick MDF plinth
• 20 mm-thick anti-resonance polyoxymethylene platter
• Detachable dual RCA male to dual RCA male audio cable with integrated ground wire
• Removable dust cover
• Height-adjustable feet

Selecting your Audio-Technica turntable should be a fun experience. Hopefully, this article helped to better explain the main differences between the various models that we offer. If you need further assistance or have other questions, please contact the Audio Solutions Department.