Question: Can I use both the analog and Bluetooth outputs at the same time with the AT-LP60XBT and AT-LP120XBT-USB turntables?

Answer: The AT-LP60XBT and AT-LP120XBT-USB turntables offer both a wired analog output connection as well as a wireless Bluetooth transmitter to connect to Bluetooth receiving devices such as headphones or speakers. When properly set up, you may use both of the outputs at the same time. Now, while that can be done, let’s look at why it should or should not be done.

While Bluetooth is a convenient feature, the audio sent over a Bluetooth signal is compressed. Thus, it will have a different sound signature than that of an analog wired connection. There are many different Bluetooth codecs, which are algorithms that compress the signal differently. Even codecs that produce a higher resolution audio signal generate a different sound than a wired connection. Some people may prefer one codec over another.

Bluetooth signals also have an inherent latency (or delay). Once the audio is picked up by the cartridge riding through the groove on the record, the audio is passed through the turntable’s circuits to the outputs. The analog output signal will arrive sooner to the speakers than the wireless signal that’s sent to the Bluetooth speaker. The Bluetooth audio passes through an A/D (analog to digital) converter on its way to the Bluetooth transmitting components. It passes through the air over an RF signal, which is received by the Bluetooth receiving device. The audio then passes through a D/A (digital to analog) converter before being sent to the speaker driver. This extra time of the conversion and RF transmission adds sometimes around 30 to 300 milliseconds. The audio coming from the analog speaker and the Bluetooth speaker will sound at different times.

While some people have used both outputs at the same time, it may suit you better to use one speaker or the other. You may use a wired speaker connection when listening near the turntable, but use a wireless Bluetooth speaker when listening in a nearby room. Be certain to maximize the Bluetooth performance by avoiding common Bluetooth interferences.

The AT-LP120XBT-USB also has a digital USB output to connect to computers. That output is also active at the same time as the others, but it has its own time discrepancy due to latency. Again, rather than wondering if you could use it with the other outputs, you might ask yourself if you should.

If you have additional questions about using the wireless Bluetooth signal on your turntable, please contact the Audio-Technica Audio Solutions Department.