I changed my mind about the Audio Technica LP-120 turntable | FULL REVIEW
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- Опубликовано: 1 окт 2024
- Check out this detailed review of the Audio Technica LP120xUSB turntable. I talk the good and the bad...
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just ordered one for my 16 year old daughter who had me drag my LPs out of the garage after 25+ years and already bought some new ones for herself, this review confirms that I made the right choice, she'll use it with active bookshelf speakers in her room, not on a 10k system. Glad I found this new look at it!
The plastic doesn't bother anyone here, for looks I'd go with wood, but those are not in the 16th b'day price range 😀
The one advantage the LP120 has over the SL1200 is that it can play 78 rpm records.
@@crazyprayingmantis5596 Thanks for that. Some of us do have several 78s. I need something to digitise them with.
"advantage" 🤣
There’s a modification that can be done to a 1200 to play 78’s where when both the 33 and 45 rpm buttons can be pressed at the same time for 78 rpm. (33 + 45 = 78)
The MK4 and 1200GR have 78 on them@@NickP333
The MK4 and 1200GR have 78 on them@@NickP333
I'm still running my Technics 1210 from the 80's it's been rock solid.
I bought this turntable five years ago and have been pleased with it. I upgraded the cart to an ATVM540ML and it sounds terrific. I’m saving up for a better turntable, but this one has served me well as a starter unit.
The VM 540 ML is a very good cartridge. If you are in direct drive turntables, then try a RELOOP RP 7000 MK2.
I made the same upgrade to mine and love how it sounds.
To be pleased is deciding factor but in reality three factors count - lowest tracking force, dynamic mass of needle and total mass of cartridge . Unfrortunately with mass of cartridge comes usualy mass and size of whole arm which by my judgement for best turntables shoud be 2-3 times lighter
I'm looking to upgrade from my LP-120 too! Would love to know what you had in mind.
@@---pc9lr Ortofon Concorde Club MK2
I bought the Audio Technica LP120xUSB on sale about 6 months ago. Changed to the AT95ML stylus and Schiit Mani 2 phono pre-amp. Great improvements. Think I'll stick with this combination.
I've owned this over a year and have had no issues. Loved it right out of the box. The value is too good to pass up. I highly recommend it for the pricepoint. I agree with the lighter, cheaper plastic feel and wish it had more weight. But once it's setup, I don't need to feel that aspect again. Good videos. 👍
I own this turntable. Bought it for $249 about 4 years ago. It performs and sounds great. I have not had any issues with the sonics of the platter or the plinth. Upgraded the stylus on the 95E to the nude 'N' model . About a year ago, I hooked it up to a Schiit Mani and I cannot ask for more. Incredible sound for little money.
I’ve put the VM95ML on mine and it sounds amazing.
What counts more is the phono stage I've got the Ifi Phono hooked to a Micro Seiki from the 80's with a simple AT95 cartridge and the combo destroys any streaming crap.
@@margix1172 I have the iFi Zen phono stage too. Nice 👌
@@djme-123 Did it make a difference in volume? I have to turn volume up twice as high as CD to have same volume level.
@@teckertime There are 3-4 different volume or gain settings on it so you should get close to CD level
Useful review, and I pretty much agree with all of it. We are a small CD/LP retailer, and we also sell some equipment, including this turntable. We have sold a number of them, and everyone really likes it. We've had ZERO issues with it, including our store demo which is probably over two years old now, and gets used a lot.
You are correct about the older 120's. SOME of them (earlier production), had issues with the anti-skate spring being too soft. A.T. sells a replacement spring to correct this. I have done the repair myself at the store shop, and it's not a fun/easy repair - it's a bit involved, but it does fix the problem. You are also correct about the older 120's having VTA adjustment - which worked ok, BUT, it was not capable of lowering the tonearm much below level, so it was pretty much a one-way adjustment; only semi useful.
All of the pros you mentioned are the reasons we recommend this table so highly. Granted, it is not perfect. But we cannot hardly find anything else that competes solidly at this price point. Another thing I would mention is that it has threaded, adjustable feet for leveling. My > $1k Linn Axis (an oldie, and goodie otherwise), does not even have that!
this is where i landed after the all in one and suitcase players. to me it’s a great player as most people can’t afford much over its price, or at least my circle of friends can’t. thanks for reviewing Frank!
I hate the look of suitcase players not for me
I’m surprised you’re concerned about the ringing of the plinth and platter when you spent a week listening with the turntable perched on top of a tin box. Considering the cost includes a great entry level cartridge, I’m not sure what you expect.
I just bought one for $265 with a cheap Sony receiver and two bookshelf speakers. I will sell the amp and speakers for $150 and I will end up getting the 120 for $115. For $115 I’m thrilled with this thing. At $400….well that’s not happening.
For the cost it's a very good buy, Pointless comparing it with a deck costing three times the price. Better to compare with one of the similarly priced Fluance range or AT 's own LP5
Not a great experience with me, I bought one years ago and the antiskating doesn't work.
I doubt the ringing will be much of a problem as I won't be thumping on it while an album is playing.
Thats exacrly what i said
I probably wouldn’t be thumping on the platter or anywhere on the record player for that matter while I’m listening to it so it should sound just fine.
First and foremost Audio Technica is in fact a Japanese company that has been making high end audio equipment since the 60's. While the lp120 is definitely on the lower end, (discontinued) calling it a cheap Chinese plastic rip off of the sl1200MKII is a gross mischaracterization. As for the plastic, well... the MKII has plastic. Yes, the plastic on the LP120 is probably not as robust and as thick as some other turntables but you fail to mention that the LP120 is an entry level turntable that's being compared and judged as a high end product.
You talk about the platter being a huge negative because the platter is aluminum. Well, unless my memory fails me the MKII platter is also made of aluminum. Yes, aluminum is susceptible to resonance if not dampened like you say. But it came with a felt mat, right? Did you conduct any testing to see if you were picking up any resonance from the motor or speaker vibration? A lot of TT's don't come with pre-amps. But somehow the LP120 having one but it not being too powerful and making that a negative is, absurd to say the least. No one who has an amplified system would use a TT preamp over phono inputs. The light is for DJ's and not the average user. Sure, the pop up light on the SL is nicer but did you mention you could just remove the light? Also again $349 LP120 $500 MKII (when you could buy them) huge difference.
Don't get me wrong, everyone is entitled to their opinions, however your video is very biased and without any real actual testing other than just "playing with it for a little while." You use vocabulary like wow and flutter that the average person may not know to sound like you are a very informed expert. But provide no real expert analysis or testing. This isn't meant to be mean spirited or confrontational in anyway, just my opinion and critique of your review.
The OG LP120 was rated 4/5 by whathifi, £275 in 2010 was a bargain. The LP120x seems a bit "cheaper" or streamlined, still perfect entry model and way better than the Cosby crap they push.
Get rid of the felt mat and buy 2 rubber mats (3mm if you can find them , you want to mimic the original 6mm technics rubber mat that came with the sp 10 and 1200 mk2) and replace the green stylus with the brown Shibata and don't use the built in preamp, keep the power supply as far away from the deck as possible and you have a fantastic hifi situation that punches ten times it's weight.
Pretty sure the Audio Technica turntables are designed and manufactured in Japan and are not a cheap Chinese knockoff.
They are not made in Japan.
I love these turntables, they're extremely solid and sound great.
I have this turn table. The first thing I did was replace the cartridge with the ortofon red. In my opinion it made a big difference in the sound. It's definitely worth a look.
I've done the same thing too. Made a world of difference.
Interesting that red ortofon has been fitted and good comments , however I did the same and I have to say I heard a lot of surface noise. I'm interested to hear did you guys do any adjustments. ? Billy from bonny scotland
@@williamsomerville9487 I added a cork mat, aftermarket preamp and a record weight but that's about it. Sounds great for me
Also changed the cartridge within a week, it was way way too bright. Ortofon OM10, a lateral move, same class/price range as the VMN95E, but a huge difference for me.
Me too! The red Ortofon was a game changer!!
Platter looks a bit wonky. You get what you pay for, I suppose.
Bought into the hype? ?
Next thing is you going to buy a black and white tube television? ?
I have the older model with the high adjustment and popup light. I got it for the 78 RPM capability. I picked up a seperate headshell and 78 cartridge, along with a different mat. I have to say I've been happy with it, got it on sale for $399 CDN.
The LP-120 is my main rig. I’m enjoying it for now as it was an upgrade from my previous record player (a Sony which I got off of a stoop for no cost at all). I want to upgrade at some point, but it does the trick for now. Again, as you said, value for money.
I just bought mine a week ago, and I like how it feels for me. It's actually the most expensive turntable I've ever bought, so for my own experience, it feels much more premium than others I've had in the past. I haven't experienced much higher-end turntables, so for me, this is a good fit. Thank you for your review!
I also bought it recently. It is probably the best record player in this price category (definitely better than the weird Auna and so on...). For a high-rise apartment where you can hear the neighbors and the elevator, it is pointless to buy something of higher quality. The RIAA preamp is really bad though...
@@Lulubo1I bought one at Christmas and it’s great for the price…I paid just over $400 Australian for it but it didn’t come with the digital download functions which I don’t think many people would use anyway the turntable is connected to a Technics amp
generally speaking, AT makes some great stuff. I use the M40x headphones in audio production all the time, my AT540ml cart is phenomenal, and the AT120E I had before that was pretty darn good too. I too have had an aversion to the LP120 line over the years, but have often been intrigued about their tables further up the line and would consider them for a 'new' turntable anytime.
I love all of my Audio Technica products. Super solid brand that has a phenomenal history in both the consumer and professional audio world. There’s so much to love about this record player and it’s sound is definitely in that list. For those of us that can’t spend over a thousand dollars on a record player, this one is perfect.
I've sold many here at my record store, both new and used, and everyone has been quite pleased with their purchase. It's an excellent value and you'd only be aware of it's shortcomings, as to feel and performance, if you were already experienced with an actual Technics SL-1200.
That's the truth. Picking up a real Technics and feeling the weight and build of those things, nothing compares.
Nice turntable but for the price I’d rather it be automatic. I believe it would do a good job but I really think it’s overpriced with all that plastic construction ! Have a Blessed Day
Truth be told...for an entry level TT....it is really nice. All the best Frank.
I agree.
If you remove the Steel weight inside the cabinet that gives it that "Quality" feel the turntable itself only weighs about 8 pounds.
Then there is the audio technica AT - LP 140 XP
Thanks for the vid. I put silicone on any metal that rings.
I had one, loved it, it sounded great. I upgraded to the ML stylus, it sounded amazing ! Sold it because I bought a Technics SL-100C, which inherited my ML stylus.
I have this LP-120xUSB. Pretty much what you found is what I found both pros and cons. I have a conventional rubber mat on mine and that keeps the platter very quiet. I don't know why rubber mats are not standard like they were on turntables out of the 70s, 80s, and early 90s.The adjustable vertical tracking angle adjustment that you mentioned is found on the AT-LP140 (their 'DJ" turntable). The record light is not the best, but I still find it very handy. Overall, I like my 120. It does the job very well for my needs.
The Audio Technica LP1240-USB XP Professional DJ Turntable is amazing and a step up from the one in the video...
I've had mine since 2015. I have the Ortofon S-120 cartridge on it and works great. Never skips and tracks really well. I do like the TT but I have had issues with the tonearm dropping so I had to add fluid but I ended up overfilling it so it takes like 10 seconds to lower the tonearm now lol. I've also had the tonearm lock break twice. Other than that it's been pretty solid. I'm not an audiophile so I just use it with a DJ mixer and a pair of Samson monitor speakers. I just recently picked up the Lp60 to build a little setup in my front living room. Got the Crowley SoHo stand in black and a Audio Technica Bluetooth speaker (hooked up via aux input) and it works and sounds pretty good!
I have an lp120x, I purchased a silver one on ebay as a return with parts missing, so I took a punt and got it for £99. I wanted a deck for a second room as I already owned a Rega P8 in my main room. The part that was missing was the little light and I got a replacement direct from Audio Technica for £6. I used the pre-amp on a Rega IO amp and have B&W 607 S2 speakers. Installed a 2M blue cart and it has been a great table and sound really good.
I have now replaced it with a technics 1210gr and moved the LP120x to my office connected to the Aux Port of a BT speaker using the built in Pre-amp. The technics defintly sounds better, but for the money I think LP120x is a fantastic turntable, that any one can be proud to own one. It can definitely be paired with a good cartidge and good components and not be a weak link.
I have two of the older AT-LP120-USBs - one I had modified to play transcription discs. Both do the job amazingly well. I'm skeptical about the newer models, though...they seem a bit soft and rushed through production. I'd say if you can find one of the older models, go with them instead. Well worth the money!
Lp 140xp is even better
Well, I recently bought a second-hand AT LP120-USB and the Anti-Skate works. It is true that it is far from the quality of a Technics SL 1200, but also its price, which costs almost a third of it.
Anti skate is useleknobs. My lp120. It's a dummy knob.
Apparently, it didn't work on the older ones, but it appears to be ok now.
@@Channel33RPM I've seen my issue online with others. AT must have corrected the problem like you said.
I used to own this version of
the 120 and I never picked up on any noise from that metal platter, though I used either a leather or acrylic platter mat which likely removed any resonance from that metal platter.
I also used an external phono preamp (Fosi Audio X2 Tube phono preamp) and an Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge which sounded excellent.
The thing is this...the 120 has options that ya may not need unless you're a DJ or you're a listener who really needs pitch
that pitch control or you have some 78's to play.
Though I can understand why Frank reviewed the 120 and did a few comparisons to his Technics turntable, the fairer comparison would have been with the Audio Technica
AT-LP140 as it is heavier, has an upgraded motor, vertical tracking and it even has the on/off button for that light...all for $499.
Though the cost cutting on the current Audio Technica 120 is annoying...it's not uncommon.
U-Turn charges $40 extra for their cue arm lever, $12 for their 45 adapter and another $5 for their alignment tool and the feet are not adjustable, to get that option you have to buy their flagship "Theory" turntable for...$999. Their built-in Pluto 2 phono preamp can be an additional $99 if you choose their custom turntable, hence companies have their quirks that are not always consumer friendly, but I digress.
That's why I think Fluance is rather popular, they don't offer options that you may not need but throw in practical options that you will need. For the money in their pricing category, they offer the best practical value in my opinion, but that's just me.
😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂
I had one around 12 years ago, Frank and you could adjust the VTA . Mine had a hum in it that I couldn’t get rid of,
I’m a technics fan and I love my SL1210s but for anyone starting to get into vinyl I think the LP120 is a good start. It’s gotta be better than a Crossley ! Excellent review video ! Thanks Frank 🙏👍
Thanks Frank. I had looked at one of these turntables. I'm a diehard Dual fan but I like this for the 78rpm option. Appreciate your time.
I had a pair of 1210s myself, but I did something dumb in 2008... I now have a pair of Pioneer cdj 900s and a djm 900 Nexus mixer. I came across an at120 for under 200 bucks at guitar center, and I have a throwback crate of mostly breaks. And another crate of everything else. The AT is definitely no 1210, but it's not bad indeed. The pitch adjustment actually feels better than my old 1210s since my old 1210s were in need of maintenance. But I'm definitely impressed. I wouldn't use it on a soundsystem because of the hollow feeling plinth. I remember we had a problem in a warehouse with a pair of Numark tt1s, which also had a thin plinth, and it caused a feedback loop. Luckily, we were in North Austin, and everyone had 1200s, 1210s and md3s back then so some magically appeared, and we partied happily ever... until the cops shut it down
It is not really fair to compare this Audio Technica to a real Technics 1200 tt. It may very well have a decent sound at a decent price point but one really shouldn't expect the Audio Technica to be in the same class as the Technics 1200 that have passed the test of time like few other turntables. There is a good reason that the Technics has such a good reputation and it's mainly because of the build quality. If the Audio Technica is still working like it's new like many Technics 1200's do after 40 or 50 years then it is truly a bargain and worthy of a good reputation as well. I don't doubt that the Audio Technica is a good turntable to start out with as a Technics 1200 is very pricey for someone that is just starting out with playing vinyl.
@richard westmoreland my 1210s needed service so my AT actually sounds just as good as long as I'm not using it on a club soundsystem (I suspect the plinth may create a feedback loop at the Numark tt1 metal plinth did at a warehouse party in the early 2000s so luckily the coffin with ther 1200s arrived) and the pitch is just as accurate for me personally. I'm not saying you aren't correct. I got rid of my Technics in 2008. I just happened to find a used AT120 at Guitar Center after the last stimulus check. I like it a lot. It doesn't have the torque for scratching but it's definitely fine for beat matching. The torque on the Wheels of Steel is what people I've known, plus the rubber and solid build is why they were such a club staple. Otherwise, I think the at120 sounds just as good for home use. But I'm no expert which I'm sure is apparent and my hearing has been damaged by music and construction work
Hello to Andy Shacks good for you having the technics if you can afford it is great TT one of the turntables nobody can match even pioneer makes one also it looks nicer to me than audio technica but just wanted to say in a respectfull manner that crosley also makes one just like the audio technica all these TT's come from the same manufacturer handpin they have the c-100 which is a direct drive and the c-200 which is belt drive its ok but if you have the funds to buy the better TT get the technics if I wanted a manual thats the one I would get JRo
I've got two LP-120s direct drives bought about 8 years ago - but the RCA outputs are hard wired into the back of the unit - which is painful because one of them has a frayed cord at the other end and not easily swapped over to new leads. The top is not black plastic but seems like metal.
I have this turntable and the first thing I did was to take it apart and deadened the casing with deadening material. When I knock it with my knuckle, it’s dead. The deadening material has metal outer layer and it creates a Faraday cage effect where it’ll block electromagnetic waves from escaping from or entering into the casing.
This is the beauty of this turntable. It’s not too pricey for you to mod it and you can take it apart and figure out a way to make it better.
Im a dj for more than 10 years (started young) and was saving to buy a pair of technics, decided to try this instead of waiting to save 2k dollars to pay something i dont even know if ill like... thanks for your honest review!! Seems like a solid entry level turntable with decent capabilities for us entry level users
It's good to see you back, dear Frank, I bought this turntable 4 years ago and believe me I LOVE it, I have another technics and it's excellent, but the AT really does it justice and has given me a lot of satisfaction. Currently, it is still working and in excellent condition despite what many say, I don't really find anything wrong with it and I'm telling you that I've been collecting records and turntables for 40 years. Anyway, my best wishes and welcome back again.
I use a garrard 4hf for playing on a daily basis, and only used to use a 1200 for ripping my collection, and can't help but wonder if I should use one of these Chinese snides for ripping.
Even if its just for clean ripping without imparting the sonics of the 60 year old 4hf that I love so dearly
@@defcreator187 technics is over priced aklnd over hyped have you looked at the at dj turn table
Technics sl1200mk2 was a big jump
From
This to be honest
I recently pulled out my old Technics SL-QD2 tt from the closet. Hadn't used it in almost 30 years. Had a bit of a struggle getting the tonearm to behave correctly but finally got it right.
Replaced the stylus, kept the original Shure cartridge. As most of my albums are in rough shape, I bought the Beatles white album, remastered in stereo. Honestly, I was blown away. I have it connected to a Pioneer VSX-406 receiver, with Alesis monitor one reference speakers. Bought two more albums, Aqualung and Rumours, and I'm really enjoying vinyl again. So now I'm thinking of upgrading the tt. Do you experts out there think this AT would be a good choice? Anything else in roughly the same price range? Thanks.
Direct drive and on hands pitch control. Good enough for me.
wait what... a 12" CD
I just picked up one of these LP-120xUSB to replace one of those awful chinese suitcase turntables so I'm more than happy with it. Only slight annoyance is theres no auto stop.
I have had some bad experience with hanpin based models (from Reloop, Numark to AT-LP). But as far as I heard, these ones are now made by Yahorng Electronic from Taiwan, they are making better turntables. Still you cannot beat the japanese production. It is better to look at japanese direct-drive models from 1979-1985. Specs are superior and materials invested were few levels better than today. Maybe they don`t look so nice, some of them are too much rectangular and boring, but with some service they will perform very well.
My kids gave me one of these 3 years ago, and sparked my return to vinyl. It's performed really well, and sounded pretty darn good in it's stock form played through my old Lazarus phono stage. A stylus upgrade to the Shibata profile made a notably audible improvement. Encouraged, I upgraded the stock cables, stock mat, and added sorbothane feet under it. Eventually I coated the underside of the platter with several thick coats of flex-seal to help damp the platter (more like the LP140 has), then added Plasticine modeling clay under the plinth to add more mass and damp that. Next I added a record weight for more mass (not for record flattening). Orthodontia rubber bands along the tonearm, and weighted grip tape to the counterweight completed the tweaks. Individually none of these small steps makes much of a difference, but all totaled they definitely add up to another level of improvement....enough so that I eventually added a cart upgrade to a Nagaoka MP500 stylus. It's a hot rod now that'll surprise a lot of seasoned turntable veterans.
Now add some bricks and mortar.....🙄
Hello to Scott Spencer I have the t-120 I also did the same with my platter I used rubberised undercoating but I am going to try the flex seal cause the undercoating was not thick enough for me my cables upgraded them used the o-rings on my tone arm and using a record wieght on my record also improved the bass response made it clearer even though I do not use my at-120 much I am going to try that Plasticine clay just for curiosity sake thanks for this I thought by doing these small little things would not work but they do but I thought I was a lttle wacko for doing this I never told anybody what I did to my TT did not think people would see me as normal ,just a crazy music lover JRo
@@jro7075 Those little steps all add up. Maybe not normal, but puts you a step ahead! ;-D
@@jro7075 "Normal" is relative, LOL. Most "normal" systems in my price range sound like what I owned getting started in the early 80s....they're "fine"...."good" even by a lot of people's standards, but largely nothing special.
The equipment most working stiffs can afford is built to a price point and has significant limitations compared to what's truly possible. The manufacturing costs are in the range of 20-25% of actual retail.....your $2000 speakers had to be built for $400-$500 USD. There's no harm in correcting whatever limitations we're able to, and enhancing performance here and there.
Once we get past the mystique of a brand name, and realize a logo is nothing more than a marketing symbol that savvy businesses seek to exploit profit from, it's easier to be realistic about what we have and what we don't have. Most speakers, amps, and TTs (etc.) are fair game for upgrades for a curious DIYer. Don't let people keep you from trying because they don't think it'll make a difference. Doing nothing will literally result in no improvements, but trying something just might. Be curious....just be smart about it, and give things some thought and research before diving in. You only have to please your ears, so those are the ones to trust. Enjoy the journey! 😎
The antiskate was faulty on the original LP120 lineup made prior to 2017. Every LP120 and 120X made after 2017 has a properly working antiskate. In fact, I noticed with mine that the antiskate was a bit too strong. Using the stock VM95E cartridge at 2 grams of tracking force I had to set the antiskate down to roughly 1.3 for it to be at the proper setting.
Better a strong AS than too little
Interesting review, thanks BUT why have that terrible muzak playing? Seriously, it ruined the video.
Am I alone in thinking that the general pricing of what is considered a "good" or "hi-fi" turntable is just frustrating? I realize they have a lot of moving parts but come on. Barrier for entry shouldn't have to be a thousand dollar piece of audio equipment before is sounds as good as Spotify. It's just insulting to the consumer.
Added a ATVM95ML cartridge and it sounds amazing. Rock solid speed, no rumble or hum.
Love the cartridge. Have heard no inner groove distortion using it.
@@haroldpramhas9807 It’s a fantastic upgrade and Audio Technica make it so simple to swap in and out across the VM95 range. The LP120X sounds way better than it’s price tag with the ML.
@@djme-123 Indeed - if you upgrade to the 95ML you basically have the sound of a turntable that costs much, much more. Incredible upgrade.
@@achtungbabythefly Don’t understand the negativity re the LP120X. Must be snobbery. I ran an A/B test with a Rega P2 for a month and the LP120X was the clear winner? Not even close.
I had a Numark TTX USB turntable and the anti-skip froze up and kept skipping the records and I couldn't find a way to fix that so I had to get a similarly priced turntable and this Audio Technica was it. I miss the digital readout on the speed variation per cent. I haven't played much on it because I was just trying to get it in the door and I've been watching RUclips all the time instead. I do have several hundred records I want to get onto a computer, and with SSD drives newly installed maybe that's possible, but I should get new computers anyway first, mine are too old. The mall record stores are selling new albums of what I've got for $30-$60 now instead of the $5-$10 I paid for them decades ago. Most of what I've got is out of print anyway. The DJ's keep driving this vinyl resurgence for the last 15 years when vinyl was dead. Now to find a new budget cassette deck with Dolby since the trademark wars. I use a rubber mat from my first Technics turntable from the late 1970's, the felt mats tend to slip the grip on the record when the needle hits a rock in the record.
I have an older AT-PL120, I use it with a Bellari vacuum tube pre-amp and love it. Thanks for the heads up on the RPM app, I will be using it from time to time.
They lost me at fully manual. Why wouldn't anybody want a tonearm that returns?
Too bad because it ticks almost every other box that I'm looking for.
I have a con that wasn't mentioned. Perhaps its just my turntable but if you try to lower the stylus onto your album using the tonearm lift it doesn't fall straight down... it falls slightly inward. If you eyeball your tonearm directly in the middle of the start groove the stylus will often touch the record right at the beginning of the track. I've had my LP120XUSB for a couple years now and it's time to step up. I would love to find a good Technics SL1200 Mk2 but the Fluance RT85 is also on my short list.
I mean yeah of course the $1,000 SL1200 sounded better than the less than $400 player.
CONS+ DOESN'T STOP AT THE END AND LIFT UP is the only con for me...i bought the LP-120XUSBBT . It is also has bluetooth..but i can't work it...
I’ve owned several turntables over the years so I compare the AT 120 to them. Bottom line, I don’t think you’ll find a better turntable at that price point. I’ve never been able to afford the Techniques 1200, but I’m very happy with my Audio Technical clone with the AT-VM95 cartridge. No feedback, excellent sound, and looks great!
I had that turntable and had to return it because the motor cogging was so bad that even my phones microphone was able to pick it up for a RUclips video. Other than that I did like it however, my other gripe was the fact that they put a big chunk of steel in the cabinet to make it feel heavier than it really is.
I ended up getting the LP 50 which is a fully manual with the carbon fiber tonearm, and while it is more expensive, I think it’s a better quality deck.
So this is a brand, brand new revision of the 120, not the one from ~2019 that I was thinking. Might be worth comparing this revised model to its older and costlier, but purportedly more "serious" sibling, the LP140XP. My hunch is that the 140 gives you a little bit more fine-tuning in certain places (tonearm height controls, etc) but otherwise this one seems like an all-around better choice for the majority of buyers, with more quality-of-life features and also the VM95e is a much more appropriate and usable (or upgradeable/convertible to 78/etc) cartridge for home listening, so it's an arguable savings there too.
Would also love to see the LP5X get some reviews. Direct-drive decks are rare in general, especially at the midrange, and especially without DJ accoutrements. Seems like it's kind of in a pricing no-man's-land where it's costlier and nicer in some ways than most "entry-level" tables but not quite at the level of decks coming in closer to $1000 or more. You would expect a much better experience than from something like a 120, but at the same time it seems like the big benefit is in the higher quality plinth.
Don’t agree ,this turntable is very good ,I have owned one for 5 years ,with an ortofon Concorde head unit,ok you like technics,but for the money it’s brilliant.I think the technics turntables look dated ,
i was a dj and owned Technics sl1200s i believe mk2s but it was decades ago. Regardless this is good for a non-dj. Not at all a 1200 caliber turntable for dj needs. That would actually be the LP1240 which has a better motor off the hanpin designs. But for the average person it's ok. I dj'd, scratching, mixing, and this truly lacks the needed torque to backcue well and not even close for those that need to scratch. Again, to do that you'd want the lp1240. But this for $250 is fine. I recommended it to my friend.
I bought one because of the flexibility of 3 speed, something unheard of today. Very disappointed in the sound I got from it. It sounded like a blanket was on my speakers. The problem was switching between phone and line, it never truly shut the preamp circuit off. Plenty of videos on this issue. A return to the factory and they shipped it back saying it was within specs. I only put about 20 hours on it before selling it. I bought a Technics SL1200 mk7 Anniversary edition and love it. There is no line/ phono switch that as I suspected was the culprit. Great review.
it is light years better than the older LP-120, the anti skate now works, the motor rumble noise is gone, and it has detachable rca cables.
there are better tables but it comes down to price, it sounds great and it just works sometimes thats all you want.
I have an earlier model , with an upgraded mono cartridge and rigged the rca jacks with adapters to output a single channel feed combining the right n left channels for a true mono experience, I use it strictly for 78’s and older mono 45’s and it sounds amazing. You are correct mine has the vertical adjustment which is a good plus for playing thick 78 records and the strobe light is a pop up, mine is the silver model which is very heavy and appears more upscale and less “ plastic” looking , my vintage pioneer turntable I use for my LPs and newer records , great reviews!! 16:07
It looks fine and the remarks here are positive but nothing can beat the real thing Technics SL1200mkII or the newer versions of the Technics SL 1200
I bought it for transferring 78s, along with a 3 mil cartridge. Very nice!
The thing I don't get is you're talking about audio-technica as if it isn't a long running company based in Japan that's been in the phonograph business for decades. Granted they made cartridges and not turntables, but they didn't get turned into some shell company like RCA.
Also why are you using an app when the turntable has a built in strobe disc.
Really downgraded in quality from previous generations
I have the Atlp-120 that i bought in 2015 my old onkyo cp-1055FII that I bought in 1985 died the tone arm would not lift anymore ,loved this turntable the rating of the wow and flutter was at 0.012 and 85 db never wanted a new one but had to replace it the only store I could find was best buy since a lot of the audio stores had gone out of business I found this unit for 235.00 was not happy but I needed a TT ,was not a fan of manual but at the time there were not to many automatic TT's out there and in silver no choice i would of loved it in black i really really hate silver for a TT but I got it it was 25 lbs very hefty compared to the newer models of today it had the at-95 cart before the vm came out it sounded good but I replaced it with the ortophon ome-5 cause I had gotten the pro-ject debut3 for 188.00 a deal i could not pass up but i used it while i had the at-95 cart it had the vta adjustment it sounded good but like you said very plasticy the platter like you said rang but i replaced the felt matt to rubber from my old TT it was very thick ,if you think about it it does not ring with matt on it so that was problem solved it worked well then I found out how they had anti skate issues so I checked mine it kind of worked but set at a higher setting but it bothered me knowing that, it is well built to me it is a little better than the newer ones cause they cheapened out by making it lighter and vta was gone and adjustable feet only in the atlp-140 do they have that in it last time i checked and the weight but I missed my automatic TT I could just sit enjoy my muasic dose off and not worry about stylus sitting there and that happened a lot ,my day job was stressful at the time and I needed music to relax I got tired of getting up to remove stylus I switched to an automatic but it was a Dual 1009sk stacking TT and then I got the Garrard AT-60 also a stacker then the BSR yes I said it the loathed and often criticised TT poor mans TT it was the 610 it plays very well I may add and just recently I got a belt drive don't know why I got one I never liked them maybe cause audiophiles think they are better but it was the Dual 1237 I got it for 60.00 $ it was you know seized tonearm was not working but I got it fixed and I have to say it plays very good and very quiet you can barely hear it shutting off like my 1009sk ,I will not go back to manual ever !!! and there is NO!!!! truth to stacker TT's scratching records I have tried it for 3 years no scratching of the test records I bought just to see ,I do niot go by what some snobby people say on these TT's cause I grew up with the cheapy TT's ,I can play several albums at a time I have played my most prized !!! albums that I protect jealously from anybody or TT out there my best albums from the early 70's which are pristene and no blemishes on them not even a scratch survived the terrible stacker and came out fine and I donot care what these idiots think only what I know they are WRONG !!!!!!! a lot of these people who review these items are way younger than me and never seen a automatic TT or stacking type and go by what they heard from so called experts,even the single play auto type are supposed to be bad ,if you want this type of TT Technics is the one to buy why buy a clone if you can get the original but for me any TT over 400.00 is way too much for a MANUAL!!!!! ,now I know THORENS makes a automatic it looks fine but it is way too much money over 500.00 or more L noticed the changers before the mid 70's were better the ones from the 80's like my onkyo were ok but too much plastic like the plastic gear that broke on mine a stupid plastic gear ,sorry about this rant I just have to explain why I stpped using my atlp-120 I still have it but I just don't use it spoiled by the oldies I guess JRo
I cannot understand. My old circa 1981 Technics SLD30 had a wow and flutter rating of 0.025% and an noise level of 76db. So I wonder why these modern TTs have worse specs.
I’ve only just now noticed that 0.1% of lps skip on my faulty 120 and after about six years it’s about time to get some anti skate!
There isn't much difference between the 120 and the new 1200 MK7. All plastic, the 1200 may still use better materials, but if you take them apart side by side you will see.
I do audio transfers and audio remastering. Even with a really nice cartridge, it's thin sounding. I've used Izotope software and can hear and see it's limits. I've had better luck with Planar, and Project.
Hi, can anyone recommend compatible audio for the at-lp120xusb? Thank you 😊
Great turntable, just don't knock it with your finger while it's playing a record and bump into it. Lol.
Spray liquid rubber beneath the platter to dampen it if that's an option for you.
Technics is way over priced though it will always be the godfather of turntables.
Hey man, ditch the irritating background music, just keep any audio for demo-ing the turntable itself.
Thanks.
$500 is way over priced for this turntable especially considering this same model used to cost half that not too long ago - ive got believe it or not a Crosley C200 direct drive thats also a cheap clone of the 1200, it was $200 and I was shocked the speed was right on in both 33 and 45 - two most major differences in it and this 120 is the motors and the Crosley has a cheaper tonearm base bearing setup and no steel weight plate in the bottom of the cabindt like the 120 does - BUT I lined the inside with heavy self stick sound damping material which added stability and gave it a good amount of weight and got rid of most of the hollow plastic effect that can cause "howling" or feedback. I always said id never buy a crosley but after I tweaked it I have to say for the $200 I paid it could be a great entry level unit for someone upgrading from a junker or just starting out.
As an entry level turntable it still exceeds.
Yes, gen 1 had the VTA. It also had the weak antiskate. The VTA and the weak spring were removed with gen 2. If you have a gen 1 the spring could be replaced under warranty, but DIY install
I have both gen1 and a sl1200. There is no comparison. I also find the gimbal of the lp120 cheap, sloppy, and plasticy.
..but the price is not the same either, so we can't complain. (Too much)
Yes, and for under 300, no TNRC for you! (Technics Resonance Compound)
"They are a cheap Chinese plastic clone of the famous Technics SL1200 turntable". Smh, someone forgot to do their research. Not just Technics, but also Audio Technica were founded and also produced in Japan.
Founded yes, but currently cheaply produced in China. Regardless, it's a decent turntable that does the job, as stated in the video.
U would think nowadays with all the technology from years past on rec players that anything new would be excellent.. good review..I got a couple of old Technics and they still work and sound great..keep spinning them lps!
Man blir aldrig nöjd när man dricker lol technics skulle jag aldrig köpa något av, ortofhon mkll vit eller svart funkar bra.
On mine I have noticeable hum on the noise floor when using the internal preamp. If you switch to phono out this hum does not appear. The USB needs the internal preamp and I want to use it. I use the noise reduction effect in Audacity to cancel the hum. I am working on a circuit to clean up the 12V from the transformer.
I own an older version of this. The whole base side housing is lined in rubber, and somehow the rubber has started to break down and it has become very sticky. I never used the USB function (which is why I initially bought it). I want to get rid of this crap and upgrade to something more substantial.
I never throw my knuckles against my turntable, what should that proof? If you dont hit it, how much sound does it make? Exactly, none. So stop doing it would be the best option.
I would think your android app is probably very accurate. Don't underestimate the electronics in your phone.
You get a lot of cartridge for the money with Fluance Turntable Ortofon 2M Blue included For under US$500
MUSIC HALL turntables seem to get good marks too
I don't know if it is available to buy in Canada, but in Sweden anyway
For a few years now the LP120:series has had a molded ring that made it look like you COULD adjust VTA, but you could not.
Its not as good because its 700 quid cheaper.I`ll pay another 700 quid to get the metal one and wonder why its so much better.Its metal.Those are for people with money to waste and manufacturers to make an extra bunce out of you.Thats all.
Loved the review as far as dampening the platter goes a few strips of dynamat will do the trick. After seeing you verbally and physically abuse that laserdisc I will be making a call to the Circuit City and Tower Records authorities to have your laserdiscs rescued.
To me, once I saw one with my own eyes and had a bit of ‘tactile’ on it. I just thought it looked cheap. And would never purchase one.