Audio Technica at-Lp60 Turntable

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As before, I repeated the side 50 times and took a sample after every 10 plays using my Technics, just to keep the numbers consistent with the first test. The AT-LP60 was connected to a MacBook Pro using its built-in USB interface and thus also its built-in phono stage. Recordings were taken with Logic Pro x with levels set to avoid clipping but to not be so low as to induce unnecessary noise into the signal when boosted. I did note that the noise of the AT-LP60’s built-in phono stage and analogue to digital converter was equivalent, if not slightly louder, than the surface noise coming from the record itself. The Results With integrated Bluetooth® technology, connect the AT-LP60-BT to your speakers, headphones or stereo receivers without the need for wires. “Increased Convenience” The LP60 weigh only a fraction of its bigger brother at 6.6 lbs. (2.98 kg). So its weight itself won’t contribute as much to securing stability. Placed on a stable foundation, this should however not be a big deal.

Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. Read our editorial mission & see how we test. Recording from vinyl is a simple process too. Files can be ripped as 16-bit/44.1kHz or 48kHz WAVs by connecting your PC or laptop to the turntable’s USB type B output, then using the supplied Audacity software to process them. This same chassis, manufactured by the Chinese turntable OEM outfit Hanpin, has been used in many a turntable over the years. They mostly come from brands such as Sony, Aiwa, Kenwood and Pioneer to name a few, who wanted to re-introduce a low-cost turntable during the decline of the vinyl format but didn’t want to go to the effort and cost of designing a new model themselves. Most of them have full automatic operation and a good number share the phono preamp, with variations in platter material, USB and Bluetooth functionality, pitch control etc. They are all basically identical however, and it’s probably fair to assume that their sales figures over time are heading towards millions of units if they haven’t long surpassed that already. Suffice it to say that there are a lot of them out there, and probably a good few still spinning records. Bluetooth connectivity lets you connect up to your choice of Bluetooth speaker or Bluetooth-equipped hi-fi, wirelessly. Simply pair the turntable with your speaker and enjoy fuss-free connectivity within a range of around 10m. Purists will likely grumble about the absence of a traditional phono out (the turntable outputs via 3.5mm using the aforementioned 3.5mm-to-RCA cable), but purists are unlikely to buy a Bluetooth turntable anyway. Performance and ConclusionsIf you want to digitize your records the LP120 comes with a USB port that makes it possible to connect the turntable to a computer via USB and digitize records with a dedicated software program. The LP60 and the LP120 differ in many ways. But when it comes to popularity, it is hard to place one over the other. They are both huge successes with lots of fans and have been so for many years. It is very hard to think of a turntable that overcomes these two in popularity.

The AT-LP60-BT is equipped with a transparent cover to protect your equipment from dust. The cover can be removed at any time. Two Colour Options Beneath the mat, the aluminum platter can be adjusted to move at either the standard 33rpm for LPs, or 45rpm for 7-inch records (and also some larger special edition 45rpm pressings). This is easily adjustable using the Speed button on the left side of the table's front face. To the right of the platter, near the stylus, there's a switch to select between record sizes. This is essential to set beforehand, as it determines where the needle drop will occur when you press Start. Here it is in all its glory. On paper at least you do get a decent amount for your money. Fully automatic operation as standard, with a belt driven aluminium platter, inbuilt phono preamp and even a USB output, on this model at least.The turntable also offers a built-in switchable phono/line preamp that allows connection to a stereo system equipped with either a phono or line-level input.

The LP120 has a reverse play feature while the LP60 has not. So if reverse play is important to you, choose the LP120. 12. Sound Setting up the Audio-Technica LP60BT is almost as simple as it gets. Having placed the platter on the spindle, you reach through one of the holes in the platter to hook the drive belt around the motor pulley, place the mat on the platter, and then you’re ready to connect the turntable to your sound system. There’s really no reason to buy the LP60BT ahead of the standard LP60 if you’re not going to use its wireless connectivity, so I paired it via Bluetooth to a Denon DRA-100 network receiver that was connected through its pre-outs to my main hi-fi system. The turntable is equipped with a transparent cover to protect your equipment from dust. The cover can be removed at any time. Audacity Software That said, a Bluetooth turntable isn’t likely to find its way into particularly high-end audio setups that can take advantage of that extra scale and subtlety. The fact that it makes vinyl sound warm and fun will be enough for most owners.

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Most records made post 1960 will however be either 33 or 45 so for regular vinyl collectors the 78 RPM function will rarely or never be used. 7. Drive / Motor

And here is the surface noise after 50 plays on the GPO: https://www.audioappraisal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Surface-Noise-after-50-Plays.mp3 With bluetooth connectivity, the turntable can be connected to wireless speakers or headphones without a signal cable. Which might be a neat feature. Note that it is surprisingly quiet. The recording is taken from the LP60 and as previously mentioned the noise from the phono and A2D electronics is more noticeable than the surface noise coming from the record. Here is the noise after 10 plays: https://www.audioappraisal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/LP60-Audio-10_1.wav The LP120, on the other hand, does not come in a version that features Bluetooth connectivity. At least not at the time this article is written. 14. USB FunctionalityI’m pleasantly surprised by the AT-LP60. I’m often asked to recommend the cheapest model of turntable that won’t cause undue record damage, and have been curious to complete this test for some time. Based on the results of the test I can conclude that the AT-LP60 will not cause record damage, at least not any more damage than would be expected of a similar turntable. It is certainly a huge cut above the likes of Crosley, GPO, Ion and the many other suitcase-style and portable turntables on the market, most of which will do more harm than good. While the standard version of the AT-LP60 does not come with Bluetooth connectivity, there is a version that does. The AT-LP60BT.