Audio-Technica AT-LP120xBTUSB Direct-Drive Turntable (Bluetooth & USB)

Product Information

Install the counterweight, making certain the stylus force gauge dial is oriented toward the front. As you rotate the counterweight, it will thread onto the tonearm. If your audio device has a separate ground terminal, connect the spade lug on the dual RCA cable to the grounding lug on your audio component to help minimize hum. However, the Gear4music extended warranty scheme provides an enhanced service, and is designed to offer a higher level of protection than many 'free' warranties offered by some retailers and manufacturers. Featuring a direct drive motor, the AT-LP120XBTUSB gives superb pitch stability. It also gives the swift start and stop times needed for complete control when mixing. You don’t have to use the wireless Bluetooth link. Audio Technica have made it easy to link up the LP120XBTUSB to your non-Bluetooth system, too. A built-in phono stage means you don't have to have a hi-fi or speaker with a phono pre-amp built-in - any AUX input will work fine.

It’s mostly made of plastic, but it’s robust where it counts: the heftily damped, rubberized feet offer both isolation from external vibration and a degree of self-leveling, and the platter is of die-cast aluminum. That big, fat 'USB' in the title indicates that this turntable, like its forebear, can be connected up to a PC or Mac for converting your vinyl records (via the included Audacity software) into digital format. This will seem kind of pointless to some people – after all, the vast majority of mainstream music is already available to play through streaming services. But it's handy if you have a rare Five Finger Death Punch EP that you're desperate to play on your bus ride to work.So, about that model number. Let’s break it down. AT-LP refers to the brand’s whole turntable range, and the 120 model is part of a series of what Audio-Technica describe as ‘step-up models’, i.e. above the entry-level options but not the professional/audiophile range. The X in the product title indicates that this is the updated model, introduced in 2019 to replace the original AT-LP120. Finally, the BT-USB suffix indicates that this model includes both Bluetooth and a built-in USB audio interface, allowing you to connect it directly to a computer as well as to analogue inputs on an amplifier or powered speaker. In addition to the built-in Bluetooth transmitter, the LP120XBT-USB has a traditional PHONO output along with a built-in magnetic phono preamp providing an RIAA equalized line level output. This makes it compatible with traditional PHONO inputs on amplifiers and receivers, along with Aux or Line level inputs on powered speakers, amplifiers, and other audio equipment.

Around the rim of the turntable platter are strobe markings. A pedestal at front left shines a red light on this so that you can see that the speed is accurate. (The Australian mains power alternates at a fairly stable 50 hertz. So a light switches on and off 50 times or 100 times per second, depending on its design. The relevant line of strobe markings appear to stand still if the turntable speed is right.) At the right is a slider control which allows you to alter the turntable speed. I’ve never really understood the purpose of this, but there it is. A/D, D/A – 16-bit/44.1 kHz or 48 kHz USB selectable; Computer interface – USB 2.0 Compliant Windows 7 or above, or MAC OS X or above Before pairing the turntable, make certain the PHONO/LINE selector switch on the rear of the turntable is set to LINE. If your audio device has its own RIAA magnetic phono preamp, simply set the turntable’s PHONO/LINE selector switch to PHONO, bypassing the internal preamp. If you are connecting to an “Aux” type line-level input or powered speakers, place the selector switch in the LINE position to use the turntable’s internal phono preamp.As per the AT-LP120USB, there's an internal phono preamp inside this turntable, enabling you to hook it up to an external sound system. This time around, though, it's been upgraded so that it now delivers a better frequency response. If you'd prefer to use your own pre-amp, you can do so by using the turntable's line-out connection. You should get an instant answer on whether your application has been successful, though in some rare cases Klarna or V12 may need to look at the application in more detail.