Audio Technica AT-LP120X BT Manual Direct-Drive Turntable (Analogue, Bluetooth & USB)

The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB is a fully manual, direct-drive turntable that plays 33⅓, 45 and 78 RPM records and connects three ways: wirelessly to Bluetooth speakers and headphones with aptX Adaptive, wired to any hi-fi through its built-in switchable phono preamp, and to a computer by USB to turn your records into digital files. Based on Audio-Technica’s iconic DJ turntables, it has a DC servo direct-drive motor, pitch control with quartz lock, adjustable dynamic anti-skate and an S-shaped tonearm carrying the AT-VM95E dual moving magnet cartridge, ready to play out of the box.

Direct drive for precise speed

The DC servo direct-drive motor gives superb pitch stability and the swift starts and stops, with an electronic brake, that you need for full control when mixing. The pitch slider has two ranges, ±8% and ±16%, and quartz lock holds the speed exactly. The stroboscopic platter and pop-up strobe light make the speed easy to check.

Sleek yet robust

For all its features, the low-profile design stays sleek. The damped base construction reduces low-frequency feedback colouration, the anti-resonance die-cast aluminium platter with its felt mat is built for a long life, and the AC adapter handles the AC/DC conversion outside the chassis, keeping noise out of the signal chain.

Tonearm and cartridge

Audio-Technica has led phono cartridge design for more than 50 years. The balanced S-shaped tonearm, a classic Audio-Technica design that minimises tracking error, has adjustable tracking force, adjustable dynamic anti-skate, a hydraulically damped lift control and a lockable rest. A removable plug-in target light makes cueing easier in low light.

The universal ½" mount AT-HS6 headshell carries the AT-VM95E dual moving magnet cartridge, with a 0.3 × 0.7 mil elliptical stylus. It accepts any VM95 Series replacement stylus, with options for every budget and application, and the detachable headshell makes it easy to upgrade to a professional cartridge, or to switch to a mono cartridge for 78s.

Bluetooth, phono or line

To pair, press the Bluetooth button next to the tonearm for 4 seconds and connect your speakers or headphones, then listen without wires anywhere within about 10m. Bluetooth 5.0 supports Qualcomm aptX Adaptive, aptX and SBC. You don’t have to use Bluetooth: the detachable dual RCA cable connects to your system, and the built-in preamp gives a line-level output for any AUX input, mixer or powered speakers, or a phono-level output for an amplifier with its own phono stage.

Archive your records by USB

Connect the USB output to a PC or Mac and record your vinyl with the free Audacity software (or the software of your choice), then keep the files on your computer, phone or network drive, or play them through your computer’s speakers.

Good to know

• In the box: turntable, AT-HS6 headshell with AT-VM95E, counterweight, felt mat, dust cover, 45 RPM adapter, 1.9m USB cable, dual RCA cable with ground wire, AC adapter and plug-in stylus target light.
• A spare headshell with a cartridge already fitted makes swapping quick: see the AT-VM95E on AT-HS6 headshell.
• Replacement and upgrade cartridges: the AT-VM95E and AT-VM95C.