Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB
The AT-LP120-USB is Audio-Technica's direct-drive turntable for the budget DJ and home digitizing market. It copies the Technics SL-1200 series on purpose, and does it well - nearly identical in look, feel, and weight, with a high-torque direct-drive motor that gets to speed quickly. It's a completely manual deck: no auto-return, no auto-stop, so you have to be present while records play.
The turntable ships with a green AT95E moving magnet cartridge pre-mounted on a standard half-inch headshell, which makes upgrading easy. Audio-Technica recommends a 2.0 gram tracking force. The included cartridge is only suitable for 33⅓ and 45 rpm records. The deck itself plays 78s, but you'll need a proper monophonic cartridge like the Shure M78S for those. The S-shaped tonearm has adjustable counterweight, anti-skate, and height adjustment, plus a hydraulic cueing lever and a transport lock clamp. Reviewers warn the clamp is delicate and easily broken.
A built-in stereo phono preamp lets you connect to a computer via USB or analog audio, with a PHONO selector to bypass the preamp when using an external one. The base includes a storage receptacle for an extra headshell. DJBooth called it "a well-made, feature packed, 'ready to play' inexpensive turntable that is a significant step up from the plastic crap competition," and noted its solid construction and familiar classic design.
Known specs are modest: dimensions of 450 × 352 × 157 mm, weight around 10.7 kg, signal-to-noise ratio of 50 dB, and wow and flutter under 0.2%. A USB cable and Audacity software for Mac and PC were included for digitizing records. No production years or original price are documented in the record.
- Direct-drive, fully manual operation
- AT95E cartridge (green), standard half-inch headshell
- Built-in phono preamp with PHONO bypass
- USB and analog output
- 78 rpm playback supported (requires separate mono cartridge)
- S/N ratio: 50 dB; wow & flutter: <0.2%
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