Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSBBK Direct-Drive Turntable

The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSBBK Direct-Drive Turntable:

The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSBBK Direct-Drive Turntable represents a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the AT-LP120-USB. This turntable features a new DC servo direct-drive motor, enhancing stability and accuracy for an exceptional listening experience. It operates fully manually, offering control over playback at 33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM. This versatility ensures compatibility with a wide range of vinyl records. The turntable includes an adjustable dynamic anti-skate control that ensures optimal tracking performance for precise audio reproduction.

The AT-LP120XUSBBK is equipped with a USB output, enabling direct connection to your computer for easy digitization of your vinyl collection. Simply download the free Audacity software, compatible with both Mac and PC, to start converting your records to digital audio files. Alongside the USB connection, the turntable features a detachable dual RCA output cable and a built-in selectable phono preamp. This allows seamless connection to any home stereo system, whether it has a dedicated phono input or not.

This model includes an S-shaped tonearm with adjustable tracking force and an AT-HS6 universal ½”-mount headshell. The AT-VM95E Dual Magnet™ phono cartridge, known for its high performance, comes with a 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus and is compatible with various VM95 Series replacement styluses. Other features include a die-cast aluminum platter with a felt mat, a start/stop button, quartz-controlled pitch lock, and a stroboscopic platter with a speed indicator. The turntable also comes with a removable plug-type stylus target light and a damped base to reduce low-frequency feedback. The external power supply helps minimize noise in the signal chain.

• Direct-Drive Motor: The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSBBK features a DC servo direct-drive motor that ensures consistent and stable rotation. This motor provides precise speed control and minimizes mechanical noise, which is crucial for maintaining audio accuracy. The direct-drive mechanism also offers immediate start-up time and eliminates the need for belts, ensuring long-term durability and reliability.
• Adjustable Dynamic Anti-Skate Control: This turntable includes an adjustable dynamic anti-skate control that enhances tracking performance. By reducing distortions and ensuring that the stylus remains accurately aligned within the grooves of the record, this feature contributes to clearer, more accurate sound reproduction. The anti-skate adjustment is essential for optimizing playback quality and minimizing wear on your vinyl records.
• USB Output for Digital Conversion: The AT-LP120XUSBBK is equipped with a USB output, allowing for straightforward digitization of vinyl records. This feature lets users connect the turntable directly to a computer, making it easy to convert records into digital audio files. The included free Audacity software, compatible with both Mac and PC, facilitates this process, providing a simple way to preserve and share your vinyl collection in a digital format.
• Selectable Phono Preamp: The built-in selectable phono preamp offers flexibility by allowing users to connect the turntable to any audio system, regardless of whether it has a dedicated phono input. You can switch between phono and line-level output, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of home stereo systems. This versatility makes the turntable suitable for both traditional setups and modern audio configurations.
• AT-VM95E Cartridge and Headshell: The turntable comes with the AT-VM95E Dual Magnet™ phono cartridge, known for its high performance and versatility. It features a 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus that delivers detailed sound reproduction. The cartridge is compatible with any VM95 Series replacement stylus, providing a range of options to suit different budgets and listening preferences. The included AT-HS6 universal ½”-mount headshell simplifies cartridge installation and adjustment.
• Die-Cast Aluminum Platter: The AT-LP120XUSBBK includes a die-cast aluminum platter, which enhances stability and reduces resonance. This professional-grade platter ensures consistent rotation and minimizes vibrations that could affect audio quality. The felt mat included with the platter helps to further stabilize records and absorb unwanted noise.
• Quartz-Controlled Pitch Lock: For precise speed adjustments, the turntable features a quartz-controlled pitch lock system. This system allows users to adjust pitch with a pitch change slider and lock it in place to maintain accurate playback speed. The variable pitch control with +/-8% or +/-16% adjustment ranges offers creative flexibility for DJs and audiophiles.
• Stroboscopic Platter with Speed Indicator: A stroboscopic platter with a speed indicator is integrated into the design, enabling users to verify and adjust the turntable’s speed accurately. This feature is essential for ensuring that the playback speed remains consistent, which is particularly important for maintaining audio fidelity.
• Removable Target Light: The turntable includes a removable plug-type stylus target light, which aids in cueing records in low-light environments. This practical feature ensures that you can accurately position the stylus on the record even in dimly lit settings.
• Damped Base Construction: To minimize low-frequency feedback and coloration, the AT-LP120XUSBBK is built with a damped base construction. This design reduces vibrations and enhances overall audio clarity, contributing to a cleaner and more precise sound reproduction.