Audio Technica at-Lp60 Turntable

Product Information

Some people might prefer the charm of doing it all manually. While others prefer the automatic functionality’s ease of use. I guess it is down to personal preference. 3. Weight The LP60BT is a super-convenient, super-simple and compact vinyl solution. It sounds pretty good for what it is, and the added benefit of Bluetooth streaming makes it a neat budget option for modern, casual record fans. That said, a Bluetooth turntable isn’t likely to find its way into particularly high-end audio setups that can take advantage of that extra scale and subtlety. The fact that it makes vinyl sound warm and fun will be enough for most owners.

Connects wirelessly to devices with Bluetooth® wireless technology (powered speakers, headphones, stereo receivers), or to wired audio systems and powered speakers via included dual RCA output cable Most records made post 1960 will however be either 33 or 45 so for regular vinyl collectors the 78 RPM function will rarely or never be used. 7. Drive / Motor We also see a few more parts of the automatic mechanism as well as the arm’s lateral pivot bearing which is primitive but does the job. Given the number of small parts at play here, and the relative complexity in its assembly, it does beg the question as to whether a higher quality manual turntable could be manufactured for a similar price.

There’s really no reason to buy the LP60BT ahead of the standard LP60 if you’re not going to use its wireless connectivity, so I paired it via Bluetooth to a Denon DRA-100 network receiver that was connected through its pre-outs to my main hi-fi system. Beneath the mat, the aluminum platter can be adjusted to move at either the standard 33rpm for LPs, or 45rpm for 7-inch records (and also some larger special edition 45rpm pressings). This is easily adjustable using the Speed button on the left side of the table's front face. To the right of the platter, near the stylus, there's a switch to select between record sizes. This is essential to set beforehand, as it determines where the needle drop will occur when you press Start. As before, I repeated the side 50 times and took a sample after every 10 plays using my Technics, just to keep the numbers consistent with the first test. The AT-LP60 was connected to a MacBook Pro using its built-in USB interface and thus also its built-in phono stage. Recordings were taken with Logic Pro x with levels set to avoid clipping but to not be so low as to induce unnecessary noise into the signal when boosted. I did note that the noise of the AT-LP60’s built-in phono stage and analogue to digital converter was equivalent, if not slightly louder, than the surface noise coming from the record itself. The Results The turntable is equipped with a transparent cover to protect your equipment from dust. The cover can be removed at any time. Audacity Software I’m pleasantly surprised by the AT-LP60. I’m often asked to recommend the cheapest model of turntable that won’t cause undue record damage, and have been curious to complete this test for some time. Based on the results of the test I can conclude that the AT-LP60 will not cause record damage, at least not any more damage than would be expected of a similar turntable. It is certainly a huge cut above the likes of Crosley, GPO, Ion and the many other suitcase-style and portable turntables on the market, most of which will do more harm than good.

If you like to modify and upgrade your turntable over time, there will be a lot more options with the LP120 than with the LP60. The LP120 is a very popular “project turntable” and there are a variety of possible upgrades and modifications to consider. As well as many forums where upgrades and mods are lively discussed. Here we are then with part two of our AT-LP60 test. In this instalment we’ll play one side of a record a total of 50 times as in the original test and assess the damage, if any, the LP60 will cause. Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. Read our editorial mission & see how we test.There was a strange experience of hearing the music popping quietly off the vinyl itself about two seconds before coming out of the speakers. That delay jarred with me, so thereafter I made sure I dropped the lid as soon as I hit Start. With bluetooth connectivity, the turntable can be connected to wireless speakers or headphones without a signal cable. Which might be a neat feature. The LP120, on the other hand, is a fully manually operated turntable. Here you will need to manually move the tonearm and position the needle above the song you want to play and then manually lower the tonearm. When the last song ends the needed will continue spinning in the inner grooves until you manually lift and return the tonearm. the LP-60x's new 3.25mm stereo output; the phono/line switch turns on the built-in phono preamp (left), the included audio cable that connects turntable to your audio ouput (right)

Of course, the AT-LP60XBT can also be operated just like a regular turntable with a traditional wired connection. Either way – wired or wireless – you get outstanding audio with the ease of automatic operation controlled by front-panel start, stop and tonearm lift buttons. Purists will likely grumble about the absence of a traditional phono out (the turntable outputs via 3.5mm using the aforementioned 3.5mm-to-RCA cable), but purists are unlikely to buy a Bluetooth turntable anyway. Performance and Conclusions This same chassis, manufactured by the Chinese turntable OEM outfit Hanpin, has been used in many a turntable over the years. They mostly come from brands such as Sony, Aiwa, Kenwood and Pioneer to name a few, who wanted to re-introduce a low-cost turntable during the decline of the vinyl format but didn’t want to go to the effort and cost of designing a new model themselves. Most of them have full automatic operation and a good number share the phono preamp, with variations in platter material, USB and Bluetooth functionality, pitch control etc. They are all basically identical however, and it’s probably fair to assume that their sales figures over time are heading towards millions of units if they haven’t long surpassed that already. Suffice it to say that there are a lot of them out there, and probably a good few still spinning records. The LP60 weigh only a fraction of its bigger brother at 6.6 lbs. (2.98 kg). So its weight itself won’t contribute as much to securing stability. Placed on a stable foundation, this should however not be a big deal. If you are on the search for a new affordable turntable, then two of the models that probably show up most often when you browse the internet are the AT-LP60 and the AT-LP120 from Audio-Technica.The large plastic gear engages with the central spindle during start/stop operations and is cycled by the rotation of the platter. There isn’t much going on here besides the spindle itself and the single-speed motor pulley. If you’re a little more serious about your vinyl and your hi-fi, though, I’d suggest spending that bit extra for the impressive (and upgradable) Flexson VinylPlay. Verdict This is a feature that does not come as standard on the LP60. But there is a USB version of the LP60 whitas well. The AT-LP60USB. 15. Colors

Note that it is surprisingly quiet. The recording is taken from the LP60 and as previously mentioned the noise from the phono and A2D electronics is more noticeable than the surface noise coming from the record. Here is the noise after 10 plays: https://www.audioappraisal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/LP60-Audio-10_1.wav So, for the extra money you will have to spend on the LP120, you will get a turntable that provides for multiple uses. Not only music listening. 6. Speed All you need to do on the LP60 is basically to place the turntable platter and attach the rubber belt that connects the motor and the platter. Then connect the cables and you are ready to go. The LP60 will definitely meet your expectations when it comes to build quality for its price. But the LP120 will likely amaze you. 10. Unboxing and InstallationPrices valid in stores (all including VAT) until close of business on 2nd November 2023. (Some of these web prices are cheaper than in-store, so please mention that you've seen these offers online.) While the standard version of the AT-LP60 does not come with Bluetooth connectivity, there is a version that does. The AT-LP60BT. And here is the surface noise after 50 plays on the GPO: https://www.audioappraisal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Surface-Noise-after-50-Plays.mp3