If you have a large collection of vinyl records, using just any old record player isn’t going to be enough—you need the best record players turntables around to experience the true nature of vinyl records, especially if you listen to music every day. We can’t think of anything better than the Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB, for its performance and professional design.
Why We Like It – Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB
The Audio Technica AT-LP 120 USB Turntable doesn’t mess around; its excellent sound quality, direct drive motor, and on-board adjustments are what vinyl lovers look for.
- Superb sound quality
- Direct drive motor
- Can convert vinyl records to digital
- Not for newcomers to vinyl
- A bit expensive
Performance
The Audio-Technica LP120 USB Turntable is absolutely superb when it comes to audio (in this price bracket), especially with the added ability to adjust counterweights and anti skate controls. An experienced individual will find the right spot for the best sound quality. Part of that performance comes from the 1/2-inch universal headshell, with an AT95e Dual Magnet phono cartridge and diamond stylus. With its 3.5mm dual RCA output, pair it with a great set of speakers and you’ve got the center for your vinyls. You can get a modern record player with a vintage look. Click the Wockoder record player review for more details.
Design
One look at the Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB and you’ll notice it shares a resemblance to the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK. They are, in most ways, the same record player, with the AT-LP120XUSB-BK having a few more features. Unlike the Crosley CR704D-PA, it’s unapologetically modern in design, with a dust cover and slip mat. It has a phono preamplifier, with a phono input switch.
Pitch control slider is on the right, next to its balanced S-shaped tone arm with hydraulic damped lift. It has settings to alter its counterweight, which affects the tracking force between 1.5 and 2.5 grams. And if you so choose, the added USB output gives you the option to convert your vinyl records to digital.
Value
Now let’s talk value. Given the Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB’s performance, design, and overall features, we’re marking this record player as having great value. However, that recommendation comes with a caveat: it isn’t worth getting if you already have the AT-LP120X. For all intensive purposes, the LP120X is an upgrade over the AT-LP120-USB. Even stranger still, the AT-LP120X is $50 cheaper. If budget is a concern, you can always fall back on a Victrola VTA-600B-ESP, for its really good built-in speakers and wide variety of playback options.
Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB Wrap Up
It might be obsolete, but the Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB is still a great option for vinyl lovers, and just goes to show how high quality Audio-Technica’s record players continue to be—even if it’s a bit expensive. The direct drive is reliable and sound quality is superb. It doesn’t hurt to have a vinyl-to-digital option available from the start.
