Reviews You Can Rely On

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Review

Great sound quality and user-friendly features will please vinyl veterans and newcomers alike
gearlab tested logo
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Review
Credit: Audio-Technica
Price:  $349 List
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Manufacturer:   Audio-Technica
By Max Mutter and Steven Tata  ⋅  Jun 5, 2020
81
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 7
  • Sound Quality - 40% 8.0
  • Component Quality - 25% 8.0
  • User Friendliness - 25% 9.0
  • Vibration Resistance - 10% 6.0

Our Verdict

Ranking second overall, the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB is one of the best turntables available. Though the AT-LP120XUSB's sound quality is just slightly inferior to that of the Debut Carbon, its additional features, convenient built-in preamp, and lower price point make it a better choice for most people. It offers a great listening experience in a package that is self-contained and simple, making it perfect for pretty much anyone looking to get into the vinyl game. Yes, if you want the best possible sound quality there are slightly better (and more expensive) options available, but the AT-LP120XUSB gets 95% of the way there at a lower cost and with a higher convenience factor.
REASONS TO BUY
Great sound
High quality construction
Easy to use
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best For Most People
Editors' Choice Award
Best Sound Quality
Top Pick Award
Best Vibration Resistance
 Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
Price $349 List
$349.00 at Amazon
$600 List
$599.00 at Amazon
$250 List
$249.99 at Amazon
$249 List$219 List
$219.00 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
81
85
74
68
60
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Bottom Line Great sound and user friendliness make this turntable great for almost anyoneSuperior sound for a model in this price range, a perfect first player for discerning listeners looking to start their vinyl journeyGreat for those that want good sound and something that won't skip if the vinyl inspires some dancingGreat for those that want fully automatic cueing and good soundThe best sound per dollar value of any of the models we tested, and has user-friendly features to boot
Rating Categories Audio-Technica AT-L... Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Fluance RT81 Audio-Technica AT-L... Audio-Technica AT-L...
Sound Quality (40%)
8.0
9.0
7.0
7.0
6.0
Component Quality (25%)
8.0
9.0
7.0
6.0
7.0
User Friendliness (25%)
9.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
5.0
Vibration Resistance (10%)
6.0
6.0
8.0
5.0
6.0
Specs Audio-Technica AT-L... Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Fluance RT81 Audio-Technica AT-L... Audio-Technica AT-L...
Cartridge Audio Technica AT95E Ortofon 2M Red Audio Technica AT95E Audio Technica AT91R Audio Technica ATN3600L
Drive Method Direct Belt Belt Belt Belt
USB Compatibility Yes No No No Yes
Operation Manual Manual Fully Automatic Fully Automatic Fully Automatic
Platter Material Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum
Mat Material Felt Felt Rubber Rubber Felt

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB was one of the best models we tested and offers the easiest and best overall experience. Unless you're willing to put in a little extra effort for slightly better sound quality the AT-LP120XUSB is the best turntable available for less than $500.

audio-technica at-lp120xusb
Credit: Laura Casner

Performance Comparison


The AT-LP120XUSB received one of the top overall scores in our testing. Below we describe its performance in all of our individual testing metrics.

Sound Quality


The AT-LP120XUSB occupied the second step on our sound quality podium with a score of 8 out of 10.


We were quite impressed by the AT-LP120XUSB's sound quality in our testing. It was able to produce a clear, well defined sound that was also quite full. When compared to a standard mp3 it had noticeably more depth. The only model we tested that sounded better than the AT-LP120XUSB was the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon, which sounded just a bit clearer and had a slightly bigger dynamic range. Those differences were only really apparent in strict, side-by-side listening sessions. In isolation the AT-LP120XUSB sounded great and we doubt anyone would be disappointed by its sound.

audio-technica at-lp120xusb - the audio-technica at-lp120xusb was a very close second in our sound...
The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB was a very close second in our sound quality testing.
Credit: Laura Casner

Component Quality


The AT-LP120XUSB was one of the best built models we tested, lagging behind only the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon.


The AT-LP120XUSB is the only model we tested that uses a direct drive, but it still seemed capable of dampening any motor vibrations. This may be due to its heavy aluminum platter and felt mat. The only model with a better platter is the U-Turn Audio Orbit Plus, which has a heavy acrylic platter, but the AT-LP120XUSB still sounds better. We liked its AT95E Dual Magnet Cartridge. The metal tonearm is a bit on the heavy side, but with a good balancing job it has a nice supple feel. The carbon tonearm of the Debut Carbon was noticeably better in this capacity, but not so much so that it's worth upgrading for that component alone.

audio-technica at-lp120xusb - we liked the at-lp120xusb's solid tonearm and easy tracking force...
We liked the AT-LP120XUSB's solid tonearm and easy tracking force adjustment.
Credit: Laura Casner

User Friendliness


The AT-LP120XUSB was the most user friendly model we tested, earning the top score of 9 out of 10 in this metric.


The AT-LP120XUSB is incredibly adjustable, sporting pitch control, speed settings for 33's, 45's, and 78's, and an automatic speed change function that detects what type of record you're using and adjusts speed accordingly. All of this adjustability is controlled with a clear and intuitive interface. It does not have automatic cueing, but its tonearm has a cue lever that lowers the needle down slowly, so you don't have to do it by hand. On top of all this the AT-LP120XUSB offers digital conversion. This process is somewhat time-consuming but a nice option to have in case you come across a rare record that you want to digitize.

audio-technica at-lp120xusb - the at-lp120xusb features simple controls.
The AT-LP120XUSB features simple controls.
Credit: Laura Casner

The only way you could improve upon the AT-LP120XUSB's user-friendliness is to add an automatic tonearm, so you could push a button and have the tonearm move into place and lower the needle automatically. This is a great feature for new vinyl enthusiasts. However, its cue lever makes cueing fairly easy, even if it's not fully automated. You just have to swing the tonearm into place and then pull the cue lever as opposed to having a motor swing the cue lever around.

audio-technica at-lp120xusb - the cue lever makes putting the needle down onto the record easy and...
The cue lever makes putting the needle down onto the record easy and hassle free.
Credit: Laura Casner

Vibration Resistance


The AT-LP120XUSB was an average performer in our vibration resistance testing with a score of 6 out of 10.


This score puts it even with the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon, the other model that led our sound quality testing. It was fairly easy to get the AT-LP120XUSB to skip when bumping into the table it was placed on. However, it stood up to most stomping and dancing in its general vicinity. The only model that could really pass the bumping the table test was the Fluance RT81. It still skipped with a strong bump, but was able to play through most moderate bumps.

Value


The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB offers high-quality sound at a mid-range price. It's a great value for anyone looking for great sound from a top-tier turntable.

audio-technica at-lp120xusb - the at-lp120xusb has a usb port that allows you to make digital...
The AT-LP120XUSB has a USB port that allows you to make digital files of your records.
Credit: Laura Casner

Conclusion


The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB's combination of great sound and a reasonable price in an easy to use package make it the perfect first turntable for just about anyone.

Max Mutter and Steven Tata