![\"at120_3.jpg\"](\"http:\/\/www.soundadviceblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/at120_3.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB Turntable Review<\/strong><\/p>\n By Don Lindich <\/strong><\/p>\n I recently tested the Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB turntable<\/a> and the experience was quite delightful!\u00a0 It’s nice to find a component that delivers performance and quality beyond its selling price and which is dramatically better than its like-priced competition.\u00a0 As vinyl records are a subject near and dear to my heart it makes this turntable extra-special, and this review one I am very happy to write not only to give credit where it is due but also with the hopes that people reading this will be encouraged to give vinyl records a try<\/a>.\u00a0 The warm, natural sound quality has something that digital sources lack, and there is a wide variety of music spanning generations that can be purchased at very low prices<\/a>.<\/p>\n Though it is far from the ultimate turntable, the AT-LP120-USB stands out and makes me smile for two primary reasons:<\/p>\n Read on to learn more about the Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A Technics SL-1200 lookalike <\/strong><\/p>\n If the AT-LP120-USB looks familiar, it’s with good reason.\u00a0 It looks just like a Technics SL-1200<\/a>, an iconic turntable that was introduced as a hi-fi component but later found favor with DJs for its fine sound quality and near-bulletproof construction and reliability.\u00a0 Jerry’s Records<\/a> has an SL-1200 that has been playing non-stop for almost\u00a0 25 years, with no maintenance or repair ever required!\u00a0 I myself have an SL-1210M5G<\/a> that I use with an Audio-Technica AT-OC9ML\/II <\/a>cartridge and it is fantastic. Unfortunately the SL-1200 and it brethren were recently discontinued by Panasonic.\u00a0 Sales are down (though vinyl as a whole has been going up) and some of the analog parts required to make it are no longer produced by their suppliers<\/p>\n Understandably given the huge price difference, the AT-LP120-USB does not match the sound quality, fine craftsmanship and quality of materials of the SL-1200.\u00a0 It is nothing to sneeze at, though. It weighs in at a hefty 23 pounds and you get the USB port and phono preamp in the deal.\u00a0 It will look great on your audio rack and compared to the usual sub-$200 junk out there, like I said… BMW vs. Yugo.<\/p>\n In the box <\/strong><\/p>\n The turntable comes well-packed in an attractive, full-color box that hints at the quality product inside.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The box includes Audacity software for recording with your computer as well as a USB cable.\u00a0 If you are a Mac user, forget about Audacity and download\u00a0 Griffin Technology Final Vinyl<\/a>. It’s free and a lot more user friendly than Audacity.\u00a0 Don’t forget to download the Final Vinyl User Manual<\/a> as well.<\/p>\n Actually, if you are a Windows user you may want to forget about Audacity as well as most of my readers have not been very happy with it.\u00a0 I am currently looking for a better solution and will update this site when I find one.<\/p>\n Setup was very simple, much simpler than the inexpensive belt-drive turntables I have tested.\u00a0 Just put on the platter and the mat, attach the headshell with mounted cartridge to the tonearm, balance the tonearm and set the tracking force and ant-skate controls with two simple twists of the dials, and you are ready to plug it in and connect it to your sound system.\u00a0 There is a switch on the back for bypassing the internal phono pre-amp if you have a better one you want to use.<\/p>\n Here it is, set up and ready to go!\u00a0 Let’s take a walk around and look at the hardware.\u00a0 I took pictures of my Technics SL-1210M5G to show the differences. One of the most pronounced differences can’t be seen, and that is the nature of the direct drive system used in each turntable.\u00a0\u00a0 In the Technics, the platter is part of the motor which leads to smooth, noise-free operation.\u00a0 The AT-LP120-USB mounts the platter on a spindle.\u00a0 This does not isolate the platter as well as the Technics does, which impacts sound quality.<\/p>\n It isn’t really fair to compare these two back-to-back as the Technics sells at a much higher price point and given the way its direct drive system works they really are apples and oranges, despite the very similar appearance. The AT-LP120-USB is NOT an SL-1200 at a much lower price, nor is it a clone.\u00a0 It is an excellent budget turntable that used the SL-1200 as a template.\u00a0 You don’t get SL-1200 performance but you do not pay the price, either.<\/p>\n The Audio-Technica is in the top pictures, the Technics comparison directly below it.<\/p>\n Here you can see the base and the isolation feet.\u00a0 Here the cost-cutter nature of the AT-LP120-USB become apparent.\u00a0 The base is made up of shiny plastic that looks kind of cheap compared to the base of the Technics, which has coated plastic with a premium look and feel that seems expensive, and probably is. At least this is an out-of-sight area, and a good place to cut costs.<\/p>\n Similarities can’t get much closer than the Off\/On, Start\/Stop, and 33\/45 switches!<\/p>\n Pitch sliders.\u00a0 Unless you are a DJ, do not mess with these and use the defeat setting so the speed is always right on the money.<\/p>\n The tonearms.\u00a0 Despite the similar appearance, when you see them in person and touch them the much higher quality of the Technics is quite evident.\u00a0 That would apply to the bearings inside of them, as well.<\/p>\n My SL-1210M5G has a fluid damper from KABUSA<\/a> installed, so that is not a difference between the ‘tables as they come stock.\u00a0 Again, you can see the similarities. The cuing arm lever on the Technics feels as smooth and precise as a Swiss watch.\u00a0 When you are used to the Technics arm and cuing lever the AT-LP120-USB feels a bit cheesy in comparison.<\/p>\n The Audio-Technica’s ATP-2 cartridge, supplied with the turntable.\u00a0 It ships mounted on the headshell so all you have to do is attach it to the arm to have it aligned perfectly.\u00a0 No need to depict the Technics here as it looks identical and does not come with a cartridge.<\/p>\n Both turntables use removable headshells for ease in mounting and changing cartridges.\u00a0 Above is one of my Technics headshells with a Sumiko Blue Point No. 2 attached.\u00a0 If you ever buy a cartridge you may want to find a vendor that will mount it on a headshell and send it to you ready-to-go. Mounting cartridges can be a pain and most non-audiophiles do not know how to align them properly.\u00a0 More on this later.<\/p>\n Tracking force<\/strong><\/p>\n The Audio-Technica ATP-2 cartridge supplied with the turntable has a recommended tracking force of 3.0-5.0 grams.\u00a0 This is very high compared to the\u00a0 1.5-2.0 grams usually recommended for most typical hifi cartridges.\u00a0 The higher tracking force will cause more wear on your records.<\/p>\n I did some research and it turns out that the 3.0-5.0 grams is to accommodate DJs who may use the turntable for scratching.\u00a0 Hifi fans with the AT-LP120-USB are using 2.0 grams with fine results.\u00a0 I tried it and it works well.\u00a0 So, if you get the turntable, after you balance the tonearm set the tracking force and anti-skate controls to 2.0 grams.<\/p>\n Ease of use and sound quality<\/strong><\/p>\n I wrote “Ease of use” up above, and then I realized that if I could use a single word to describe this turntable, it would be “easy” and that is a compliment.\u00a0 It is easy to buy, it is easy on the wallet, it is easy to set up, it is easy on the eyes, it is easy on your system (no phono preamp required) and it is easy on the ears with its pleasant, eminently listenable sound.\u00a0 All of this makes a winning combination for the people who are likely to buy this turntable.<\/p>\n The AT-LP120-USB sounds solid and smooth with good, if not great retrieval of detail and respectable bass definition.\u00a0 What makes it great is it creates a proper analog experience that is immediately distinguishable from digital.\u00a0 The music has a warmth and presence that tells you it is analog and there is no harshness whatsoever.\u00a0 You can listen to it all night without fatigue.\u00a0 What’s more, I found it to be very forgiving of older records that had some wear, or weren’t spotlessly clean – again, ideal for the target audience who isn’t likely to buy a record cleaning machine, and do not want to deal with the hassles of analog that audiophiles accept and deal with for the payoff in sound quality.\u00a0 There is also something romantic and charming about watching that record spin and hearing the music come out!\u00a0 As I said, all part of the analog experience.<\/p>\n The shortcomings of the AT-LP120-USB are sins of omission, not commission. Compared to better turntables like the Debut III and up it lacks some detail, warmth, richness, air, and three-dimensionality.\u00a0 The fact that it isn’t the last word in resolution probably contributes its forgiving nature.\u00a0 It doesn’t lay bare the flaws in the recording or the record surface itself the way a premium analog setup will, but it won’t provide the same sound, either.\u00a0 Given the selling price and the target audience I do not think this is a big deal and I don’t hold it against the product. \u00a0 It\u00a0 may not be perfect but it punches way, way above its weight.<\/p>\n Upgrading the stylus or cartridg <\/strong><\/p>\n Though the installed ATP-2 cartridge sounds decent and most of the general public is likely to be satisfied with it, this cartridge is definitely the weak link in the AT-LP120-USB as it comes shipped.\u00a0 Upgrading the cartridge will yield an immediate improvements in sound quality.<\/p>\n Mounting cartridges can be fussy and most readers would probably get better results by simply changing the ATP-2 stylus to a better one, as no cartridge alignment is involved.\u00a0 (If the new cartridge is not set up properly the older, inferior cartridge will likely sound better.)\u00a0 The way for most people to go is to simply replace the included stylus with the ATP-N3<\/a>.\u00a0 The ATP-N3 sells for $65 and will both sound better and keep your records in good condition longer.\u00a0 Installing it is very easy.\u00a0 Just pull off the old stylus and plug in the new one, and your upgrade is finished.\u00a0 There is no fussing with screws and tiny wires and no need to re-align everything. If you choose not to upgrade soon after getting the turntable, this is definitely the stylus to get when your original stylus is worn out.<\/p>\n Still want to get a whole new cartridge? You can spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a phono cartridge, but that does not make sense on a turntable selling for $200.\u00a0 There are modest choices that will serve you well.\u00a0 A couple of good choices are the Shure M97xE<\/a> for under $60 and the Audio-Technica AT95e<\/a> for the same price .\u00a0 The $99 Audio-Technica AT440MLA<\/a> is a good match and probably about the highest end cartridge I would put on this turntable.<\/p>\n You may want to consider getting an extra headshell<\/a> for your new cartridge.\u00a0 Then you can swap them in and out whenever you want.\u00a0 It may be worth your while to buy your new cartridge and headshell from specialty retailer like www.lpgear.com<\/a> or www.needledoctor.com<\/a> . They may be willing to install the cartridge on a headshell for you and ship it to you ready to plug and play.\u00a0 As I said, unless the cartridge is set up properly it probably won’t be an upgrade at all.<\/p>\n Of course, you may just want to keep it stock and be happy with what you have!\u00a0 Chasing the vinyl holy grail can be expensive, time consuming and take away from your enjoyment of the music.\u00a0 I know this as well as anyone, as I have been there and have a cabinet full of cartridges to show it!<\/p>\n Should you buy the AT-LP120-USB? <\/strong><\/p>\n If you are a serious audiophile or want to become one, if vinyl records are going to be the primary source in your sound system, if you have a lot of records and are growing your collection, sure…\u00a0 spend more and get a Debut III or better. Turntables are one area where spending more can yield big differences if you choose wisely. As much as I like the AT-LP120-USB for what it is and what it does, as an audiophile with thousands of records and a system with expensive electronics and speakers I want something better in my system.\u00a0 If I didn’t have a bunch of turntables already I would certainly consider one for a secondary system or to use exclusively with a computer.\u00a0 I’d upgrade the cartridge, though I have a feeling that most of the general public will hook it up, hear how good it sounds out of the box, and be happy with it the way it is without going through a bunch of upgrading and chasing the vinyl holy grail.<\/p>\n If you do not have a turntable and want to see what vinyl records are all about, if you want good sound but are on a tight budget, if you want to pull out your old records and give them a spin, if you are building a vinyl-based system and you want to save money towards better speakers, or if you need a turntable for a second system or to dedicate to use with your computer… or maybe you just want a good quality, affordable turntable?\u00a0 Then the AT-LP120-USB absolutely belongs in your equipment rack.\u00a0 The installed cartridge and built-in phono preamp means it is the only thing you need to buy and it will match well with home theater receivers, which usually do not have a phono preamp.<\/p>\n Hope you enjoyed the review.\u00a0 Now I am going to go out and buy some records!<\/p>\n![\"Tell](\"https:\/\/www.smallgreentree.net\/buddybuttons\/default.gif\")
<\/a>
\n<\/p>\n\n
![\"aat120_box.jpg\"](\"http:\/\/www.soundadviceblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/aat120_box.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"at120_openbox.jpg\"](\"http:\/\/www.soundadviceblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/at120_openbox.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"at120_openbox_2.jpg\"](\"http:\/\/www.soundadviceblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/at120_openbox_2.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"at120_2.jpg\"](\"http:\/\/www.soundadviceblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/at120_2.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"at120_foot.jpg\"](\"http:\/\/www.soundadviceblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/at120_foot.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"sl1210_base.jpg\"](\"http:\/\/www.soundadviceblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/sl1210_base.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"at120_switch.jpg\"](\"http:\/\/www.soundadviceblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/at120_switch.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"sl1201_onswitch.jpg\"](\"http:\/\/www.soundadviceblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/sl1201_onswitch.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"pitch_slider.jpg\"](\"http:\/\/www.soundadviceblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/pitch_slider.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"sl1210_slider.jpg\"](\"http:\/\/www.soundadviceblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/sl1210_slider.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"at120_arm.jpg\"](\"http:\/\/www.soundadviceblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/at120_arm.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"sl1210_arm.jpg\"](\"http:\/\/www.soundadviceblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/sl1210_arm.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"tonearm_vta.jpg\"](\"http:\/\/www.soundadviceblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/tonearm_vta.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"sl1210_wdamper.jpg\"](\"http:\/\/www.soundadviceblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/sl1210_wdamper.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"at120_cartridge.jpg\"](\"http:\/\/www.soundadviceblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/at120_cartridge.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"headshell.jpg\"](\"http:\/\/www.soundadviceblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/headshell.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"at120_31.jpg\"](\"http:\/\/www.soundadviceblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/at120_31.jpg\")
<\/p>\n