Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB

[MouthBoy]

Hi All,

Basic question, probably non-basic answer, but what are peoples thoughts on this for its price?

It keeps bouncing between £219-£249 which is my budget, and seems to tick all my boxes which is to have a phono stage, multiple speeds, direct drive and least importantly visuals.

I have however heard and seen videos on its Anti-Stake issues but I do not know if this is just one of those things where most only put in a review when its negative? It does have 4.8/5 starts on Amazon from almost 1200 reviews but I have learnt to take this with a pinch of salt to be honest.

It will be paired with a Cambridge Audio Azur 351A and Cambridge Audio Aero 2 speakers if that helps anyone?

So, opinions?

 

[lucid]

AFAIK, the anti-skate issue was fixed on the outgoing AT-LP120USB (note: no 'X' in the name). They were last manufacturered in 2017.

Are people saying the new X model has anti-skate issues? Or are they confusing the two models and don't really understand how anti-skate works, so are assuming that it is a problem?

FWIW, I think they're a good choice at the price.

 

[MouthBoy]

AFAIK, the anti-skate issue was fixed on the outgoing AT-LP120USB (note: no 'X' in the name). They were last manufacturered in 2017.

Are people saying the new X model has anti-skate issues? Or are they confusing the two models and don't really understand how anti-skate works, so are assuming that it is a problem?

FWIW, I think they're a good choice at the price.

Honestly I could not tell you what models are apparently affected. Reading some of the comments on the YouTube videos would make me assume that current models are too but without evidence these are hard comments to back up of course.

Is there anything else around that price point I should consider?

 

[lucid]

Honestly I could not tell you what models are apparently affected. Reading some of the comments on the YouTube videos would make me assume that current models are too but without evidence these are hard comments to back up of course.

Is there anything else around that price point I should consider?

If you want direct-drive, and a built-in phono stage, (and USB output,) and something that looks very much like a Technics SL1200/1210, and it has to be under £250, then in all honesty the answer is no.

If you can spend £300 then have a look at the Pioneer PLX500. That, or learn how to adjust the anti-skate force without looking at the numbers on the dial.

I think that all the choices below the price point of the 120XUSB are belt-drive. Those with a built-in phono stage are limited to the Marantz TT5005 @ £120 and it looks like it came off the top of a 1990s stack system, or the AT-LP3 at around £160. Neither has USB output AFAIK, but that wasn't a prerequisite in your OP so may not be important for you.

 

[MouthBoy]

If you want direct-drive, and a built-in phono stage, (and USB output,) and something that looks very much like a Technics SL1200/1210, and it has to be under £250, then in all honesty the answer is no.

If you can spend £300 then have a look at the Pioneer PLX500. That, or learn how to adjust the anti-skate force without looking at the numbers on the dial.

I think that all the choices below the price point of the 120XUSB are belt-drive. Those with a built-in phono stage are limited to the Marantz TT5005 @ £120 and it looks like it came off the top of a 1990s stack system, or the AT-LP3 at around £160. Neither has USB output AFAIK, but that wasn't a prerequisite in your OP so may not be important for you.

I may be able to push to the £300 mark if needed.

USB is not a requirement at all to be honest. Thankfully YouTube has many videos regarding setting up anti-skate correctly so I should be covered there.