ATLP120 record player: the perfect entry-level desk

There are many options in the record player market, each with different features and appeal. The competition ranged from cheap $50 suitcase tables to my dream hi-fi rig. Of course, there’s a turntable for every niche, from those focused more on the purity of hi-fi listening, to gadgets for the modern consumer looking for “connected” devices in their smart home.

As a vinyl enthusiast, I consider the LP120 to be a “for the average guy” table.

With over 60 years of industry experience, Audio-Technica has a presence in nearly every market segment – from the ultimate entry-level desk to enthusiast-approved gear. As a vinyl enthusiast, I consider the LP120 to be a “for the average guy” table. It’s capable of performing the most important functions you’d want from a record player, while offering some modern connectivity options (like Bluetooth) and even some DJ-friendly features if you want to spin and scratch some records.

Design, style and appearance

Modern architecture that sacrifices beauty for versatility

The LP120 is not what I would normally call “beautiful”. Its black and chrome base is littered with buttons, knobs, LED lights, and sliders. I’m starting to think that this table doesn’t seem to have been designed with any particular aesthetic in mind, and that it’s more suited to a DJ booth than a tastefully decorated living room.

Ultimately, I found that the LP120 was designed to prioritize function over form.

While many turntables today feature solid or composite wood bases in a variety of gorgeous natural wood colors, the LP120 base is made of plastic and may use some fiberboard or metal on the interior for added weight. Ultimately, I found that the LP120 was designed to prioritize function over form.

Functionality and user experience

Prioritize “want” features over needs

The AT-LP120XBT-USB (gosh, that’s a mouthful) is a blend of old and new technology, supporting Bluetooth, USB, and analog connections. This record player is compatible with almost any setup, as it can play directly to Bluetooth speakers, connect to a computer or other USB device, or connect via RCA to an external preamp, receiver or amplifier.

For audiophiles who prefer to use their own high-quality external preamplifier, the built-in preamp can be easily bypassed, providing greater flexibility in customizing your audio setup. It becomes a theme that this table from Audio-Technica gives you a wealth of options for a variety of situations. While the various features certainly add to the sticker price, many of them are extras you’d rather have but don’t need than want but don’t need.

While the various features certainly add to the sticker price, many of them are extras you’d rather have but don’t need than want but don’t need.

Continuing with the luxury theme, this record player supports 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM playback, selectable using buttons on the base of the player. While nearly every table supports 33 1/3 and 45 RPM (the rotation speeds most commonly required for standard 12- and 7-inch records), 78 RPM is a fascinating extra.

This speed is mainly required for playing records before the 1950s. These old records are usually made from shellac, and most can be found in pressings of opera and other classical music.

Playing 78 RPM records requires a different type of cartridge than the typical stylus used for PVC vinyl records played at 33 1/3 and 45 RPM.

Support for this rare playback speed certainly broadens the model’s appeal to vinyl enthusiasts with collections of old and vintage records.

Extra bonus features

Make my audiophile heart happy

One of my favorite features of the AT-LP120 is its adjustable weight and universal connector headshell that holds the cartridge, which in turn houses the stylus. The counterweight, located at the other end of the tonearm, ensures that the stylus exerts a precise force on the record, called “tracking force,” measured in grams.

This will come in handy for anyone who wants to digitize and preserve rare records in their collection.

The assembly mounts via a universal headshell connector and requires rebalancing whenever components are replaced to maintain correct tracking force. Being too light can affect sound quality and increase the risk of stylus bounce. Excess weight can reduce sound quality and cause premature wear or damage to records and styluses.

The LP120’s adjustable weights make it easier to replace these parts, a feature not found on many cheaper turntables since they usually have fixed weights. A key advantage here is the ability to upgrade the cartridge and rebalance the tonearm accordingly, which can significantly improve overall sound quality.

I upgraded from the stock VM95-E Oval Stylus to the Audio-Technica VM540-ML MicroLine Stylus and the audio quality was a huge leap compared to the stock stylus.

Some other gadgets worth mentioning include a manually adjustable speed slider (mainly used in DJ applications) and a USB output (allowing users to record vinyl records directly to digital files on a PC or Mac). This will come in handy for anyone who wants to digitize and preserve rare records in their collection.

Sound quality remains stable over time

Great, room to grow

The AT-LP120 produces rich, warm sound right out of the box. The drum beat on Phil Collins’ “In The Air Tonight” feels punchy and full, as the desk-standard VM95-E faithfully reproduces the bass and mids of the iconic synth- and percussion-heavy pop music of the ’80s.

The VM95-E is definitely an entry-level elliptical cartridge, so a lack of clarity in the higher frequency range is to be expected. I don’t consider this a weakness as it allows me to differentiate and appreciate instrument separation as well as the full phono soundstage.

The soundstage is impressive, making it easy to listen to all types of music, from the powerful horns of the Star Wars theme to the airy voice of Stevie Nicks on Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams.”

The S-shaped tonearm is a good choice at this price point. The S-shaped tonearm better mimics the natural curvature of the record groove, which improves tracking accuracy because the stylus remains straighter within the groove, reducing tracking errors and distortion, thereby improving sound quality. The direct drive motor on the LP120 ensures stable speeds and avoids the changes that belt drive motors can experience over time, as the belt will eventually start to wear out and need to be replaced.

Conclusion: A balanced approach to upper-level entry-level tables

Compared to other tables in its price range, the AT-LP120 strikes a balance between price and performance, and offers great sound and an eclectic range of features. The ease of cartridge upgrades and the variety of audio output options make this a record player that can grow with the user’s hobbies and ambitions.

It’s only now, three years later, that I’ve considered upgrading this desk, and honestly, it’s been a while before I’ve reached the upper limit of what this desk can do.

I’ve gone through two preamps, three sets of speakers, and two cartridge upgrades to own this desk, and it’s still impressive. It’s only now, three years later, that I’ve considered upgrading this desk, and honestly, it’s been a while before I’ve reached the upper limit of what this desk can do.