Audio T Verdict
The Audio-Technica AT-LPW40WN takes a rather different approach from the company's more DJ-influenced direct-drive turntables. This is a clean, understated belt-drive design aimed squarely at hi-fi listening, with a walnut-finish MDF plinth, carbon-fibre tonearm and very little unnecessary clutter.
The motor is more sophisticated than the simple belt-drive description might suggest. Audio-Technica uses a DC servo motor with Active Speed Stabilization, monitoring platter rotation and correcting the motor drive to maintain accurate 33? and 45rpm playback.
The straight tonearm is made from carbon fibre, combining low mass with useful rigidity. Tracking force and anti-skate are fully adjustable, while a removable AT-HS4 headshell means the turntable retains the cartridge flexibility we would expect from a proper manual deck.
Audio-Technica supplies the LPW40WN with its AT-VM95E moving-magnet cartridge and 0.3 x 0.7mil bonded elliptical stylus. That is a sensible cartridge in its own right, but the bigger advantage is the VM95 system around it. The same cartridge body accepts Audio-Technica's Conical, Nude Elliptical, Microlinear, Shibata and dedicated 78rpm replacement styli.
This means one of the most worthwhile future upgrades can be made without removing the cartridge body or starting the alignment process again. Move to the AT-VMN95ML or AT-VMN95SH, for example, and the existing cartridge can remain mounted in the headshell.
The built-in phono stage also makes the LPW40WN easy to accommodate. Set the rear switch to LINE and it can feed a normal analogue input; select PHONO and the internal preamp is bypassed for use with a separate moving-magnet phono stage.
The simulated walnut veneer is not just there to make the deck easier on the eye. Beneath it is an anti-resonance MDF plinth designed to help control low-frequency acoustic feedback, complemented by a die-cast aluminium platter and rubber mat.
For someone who wants the simplicity and aesthetics of a traditional belt-drive turntable but still wants meaningful adjustment, cartridge flexibility and a built-in phono stage, the AT-LPW40WN strikes a very appealing balance.
Audio-Technica AT-LPW40WN Fully Manual Belt-Drive Turntable
The Audio-Technica AT-LPW40WN is a fully manual two-speed belt-drive turntable combining a sensor-monitored motor, straight carbon-fibre tonearm, anti-resonance MDF plinth and Audio-Technica's highly upgradeable AT-VM95E cartridge.
The simulated walnut wood veneer gives the deck a more traditional furniture-style appearance than many of Audio-Technica's turntables, while the engineering underneath remains firmly focused on accurate vinyl playback.
Fully Manual Operation
The AT-LPW40WN is a fully manual turntable.
You control:
- Starting and stopping the platter
- Selecting 33? or 45rpm
- Positioning the tonearm
- Lowering the stylus
- Lifting and returning the tonearm when playback finishes
There is no automatic start mechanism or automatic tonearm return.
Why Choose a Fully Manual Turntable?
A manual design removes the additional mechanical linkages required for automatic tonearm operation.
It also gives you direct control over where playback starts and stops, while retaining conventional adjustments for tracking force, anti-skate and cartridge alignment.
Belt-Drive Operation
The platter is driven by a belt connecting the motor pulley to the underside of the platter.
The belt provides mechanical separation between the motor and platter, an approach widely used in turntables designed primarily for hi-fi listening.
Active Speed Stabilization
The AT-LPW40WN goes beyond a basic open-loop belt-drive motor.
Audio-Technica uses a:
DC servo motor with Active Speed Stabilization.
A speed-sensor system monitors platter rotation and helps the motor maintain accurate playback speed.
Why Monitor Platter Speed?
The musical pitch recorded on vinyl depends directly on platter speed.
A sensor-monitored motor helps minimise changes in rotational speed caused by normal variations in load and operating conditions.
33? and 45rpm
The AT-LPW40WN supports:
The rotary control is used to select speed and start or stop the motor.
No 78rpm Setting
The AT-LPW40WN is a two-speed turntable and does not provide 78rpm playback.
No Variable Pitch Control
Unlike Audio-Technica's AT-LP120XUSB, the LPW40WN is designed around fixed reference playback speeds rather than manual pitch adjustment.
Die-Cast Aluminium Platter
The turntable uses a:
Die-cast aluminium platter.
The rigid platter is paired with a rubber turntable mat to provide a stable and damped playing surface.
Less Than 0.15% Wow and Flutter
Audio-Technica specifies:
Less than 0.15% WRMS at 33rpm, measured at 3kHz.
Wow and flutter describe small variations in rotational speed that can cause audible pitch instability.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio Above 60dB
The AT-LPW40WN is specified with a signal-to-noise ratio of:
Greater than 60dB.
Straight Carbon-Fibre Tonearm
The LPW40WN uses a static-balanced straight tonearm made from carbon fibre.
Carbon fibre combines low mass with high rigidity, helping provide a stable mechanical link between the cartridge and tonearm bearings.
The tonearm provides:
- Adjustable counterweight
- Adjustable tracking force
- Adjustable dynamic anti-skate
- Hydraulically damped lift control
- Lockable tonearm rest
- Removable headshell
223.6mm Effective Tonearm Length
Audio-Technica specifies an effective tonearm length of:
223.6mm.
Overhang is specified at:
18.6mm.
Maximum tracking error angle is less than 2 degrees.
Adjustable Tracking Force
The rear counterweight allows the tonearm to be balanced and the required stylus pressure set.
The tonearm's calibrated adjustment range is:
0–3.0g.
The supplied AT-VM95E cartridge normally uses:
2.0g standard tracking force.
Adjustable Anti-Skate
A dedicated anti-skate control compensates for the inward force acting on the stylus during playback.
Audio-Technica's setup procedure recommends matching the anti-skate setting to the tracking-force value as the starting point.
Hydraulically Damped Cueing
The tonearm lift provides controlled raising and lowering of the cartridge.
This allows the stylus to descend gently rather than being dropped manually onto the record surface.
AT-HS4 Removable Headshell
The carbon-fibre arm uses Audio-Technica's:
AT-HS4 universal half-inch headshell.
The headshell can be removed from the tonearm using the locking collar, making cartridge fitting and maintenance much easier.
Why the AT-HS4 Matters
The AT-HS4 is an angled headshell specifically suited to the geometry of the LPW Series tonearm.
Audio-Technica identifies it as the correct headshell design for its AT-LPW30, AT-LPW40 and AT-LPW50 turntables.
Not Every Universal Headshell Has the Right Geometry
Some removable headshells may use the same bayonet connection but have a different physical shape or cartridge offset.
Use the correct AT-HS4 geometry or check replacement-headshell compatibility carefully before purchase.
AT-HS4 Weight and Adjustment
The original AT-HS4 is specified at:
8.5g excluding lead wires.
Cartridge position can be adjusted by approximately:
±5mm.
12–17g Cartridge and Headshell Range
Audio-Technica specifies an applicable combined cartridge and headshell weight range of:
12–17g.
Weight is only one part of cartridge matching, so compliance, tracking force, alignment and phono-stage requirements should also be considered.
AT-VM95E Cartridge Included
The AT-LPW40WN is supplied with Audio-Technica's:
AT-VM95E Dual Magnet moving-magnet cartridge.
The cartridge uses a bonded elliptical stylus mounted to an aluminium-pipe cantilever.
0.3 x 0.7mil Elliptical Stylus
The supplied AT-VMN95E stylus has:
0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical geometry.
Compared with a basic conical profile, elliptical geometry allows the stylus to follow smaller groove modulation, particularly at higher frequencies.
4.0mV Cartridge Output
The supplied AT-VM95E produces:
4.0mV at 1kHz, 5cm/sec.
It is designed for a conventional:
47k-ohm moving-magnet phono input.
1.8–2.2g Tracking-Force Range
The AT-VM95E is specified for:
1.8–2.2g.
Audio-Technica gives 2.0g as the standard setting.
Check Setup After Moving the Turntable
If the counterweight or headshell has been removed during transport, balance the tonearm and reset tracking force and anti-skate before playing records.
VM95 Interchangeable Stylus System
The supplied AT-VM95E cartridge body accepts every genuine VM95 Series replacement stylus.
Compatible choices include:
- AT-VMN95C - Bonded Conical
- AT-VMN95E - Bonded Elliptical
- AT-VMN95EN - Nude Elliptical
- AT-VMN95ML - Nude Microlinear
- AT-VMN95SH - Nude Shibata
- AT-VMN95SP - 3mil Conical for 78rpm SP records
Read: Are All Turntable Cartridges the Same? A Study of the Audio-Technica VM95
Upgrade the Stylus, Keep the Cartridge Body
The LPW40WN already has a useful cartridge body fitted and aligned.
If you later want a more sophisticated stylus, the AT-VMN95EN, AT-VMN95ML or AT-VMN95SH can be fitted directly to the existing body.
There is no need to remove and re-align the cartridge simply to change stylus profile.
Upgrade to Nude Elliptical
The AT-VMN95EN retains familiar elliptical geometry while replacing the bonded diamond with a nude design to reduce stylus moving mass.
Explore the Audio-Technica AT-VM95EN at Audio T.
Upgrade to Microlinear
The AT-VMN95ML uses a nude Microlinear stylus designed for very fine groove tracing and particularly strong inner-groove performance.
Explore the Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML at Audio T.
Upgrade to Shibata
The AT-VMN95SH provides a nude Shibata line-contact stylus with an extended contact area against the groove walls.
Explore the Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH at Audio T.
What About the 78rpm VM95 Stylus?
The AT-VMN95SP physically fits the supplied cartridge body, but the AT-LPW40WN itself does not provide a 78rpm platter speed.
The SP stylus is therefore useful on compatible 78rpm turntables, but does not add 78rpm playback to the LPW40WN.
Can You Change the Complete Cartridge?
Yes.
The removable AT-HS4 headshell uses standard half-inch cartridge mounting, so the LPW40WN is not permanently restricted to the supplied VM95 body.
When fitting a different cartridge, check:
- Combined headshell and cartridge weight
- Tonearm compatibility
- Cartridge compliance
- Tracking force
- Overhang
- Offset angle
- Anti-skate
- Phono-stage requirements
Anti-Resonance MDF Plinth
The LPW40WN is built around an MDF plinth designed to limit unwanted resonance and low-frequency acoustic feedback.
MDF provides useful mass and consistency, making it a common material for turntable plinth construction.
Simulated Walnut Wood Veneer
The plinth is finished in a simulated walnut wood veneer.
This gives the LPW40WN a warmer, more furniture-friendly appearance than conventional gloss black or silver turntable finishes without changing the underlying MDF construction.
Built-In Switchable Phono Stage
The rear output selector provides two operating modes:
- PHONO for a dedicated moving-magnet phono input
- LINE using the LPW40WN's internal phono preamplifier
Connect to a Normal Amplifier Input
With the turntable set to LINE, the onboard preamplifier applies the necessary gain and RIAA equalisation.
The LPW40WN can then connect to a normal line-level analogue input on compatible equipment.
Connect to Powered Speakers
The LINE setting also allows the LPW40WN to connect directly to suitable powered speakers with an analogue input and their own volume control.
Use an External Phono Stage
If your amplifier already includes a good MM phono input, or you own a separate phono stage, select:
PHONO.
This bypasses the turntable's internal phono preamplifier.
Browse phono stages at Audio T.
Check the PHONO and LINE Switch
Connecting the LINE output to a conventional phono input can cause excessive level and distortion.
Connecting the raw PHONO output to a normal line input will normally result in very low volume and incorrect tonal balance.
35dB Built-In Phono Gain
The onboard phono preamplifier provides:
35dB nominal gain with RIAA equalisation.
4.0mV PHONO Output
With the supplied AT-VM95E cartridge, nominal PHONO-level output is:
4.0mV at 1kHz, 5cm/sec.
200mV LINE Output
With the built-in phono stage engaged, nominal LINE output is:
200mV at 1kHz, 5cm/sec.
Detachable RCA Output Cable
The LPW40WN uses conventional detachable RCA connections rather than a permanently attached lead.
A dual RCA male-to-male audio cable is supplied, together with the necessary ground connection for PHONO-level operation.
No USB
The AT-LPW40WN is an analogue turntable and does not contain a USB analogue-to-digital converter.
If direct computer recording is important, consider an Audio-Technica turntable specifically equipped with USB.
No Bluetooth
The LPW40WN does not contain a Bluetooth transmitter.
Its audio output is wired analogue through the rear RCA connections.
Want Wireless Playback?
A separate compatible Bluetooth transmitter can be connected to the turntable's LINE-level analogue output, but Bluetooth is not built into the AT-LPW40WN itself.
External Power Supply
The AC-to-DC conversion takes place in the external power adapter rather than within the turntable chassis.
Audio-Technica uses this arrangement to keep the power-conversion circuitry away from the sensitive cartridge and analogue signal path.
Adjustable Feet
The LPW40WN incorporates adjustable feet so the turntable can be levelled after installation.
A turntable should be positioned on a stable and level surface away from excessive vibration and direct acoustic energy from loudspeakers.
Dust Cover Included
A removable hinged dust cover is supplied as standard.
Replacement LPW Series dust-cover hinges also remain available from Audio-Technica.
Compact Hi-Fi Proportions
Current Audio-Technica specifications give dimensions of approximately:
420mm W x 340mm D x 117mm H.
The current published product weight is approximately:
5.0kg.
Allow additional rear and vertical clearance if the hinged dust cover will be opened while fitted.
AT-LPW40WN or AT-LP120XUSB?
AT-LPW40WN
- Fully manual
- Belt drive
- 33? and 45rpm
- Active Speed Stabilization
- Straight carbon-fibre tonearm
- AT-HS4 removable headshell
- AT-VM95E cartridge
- Built-in MM phono stage
- MDF plinth
- Simulated walnut finish
- No pitch control
- No USB
- No Bluetooth
AT-LP120XUSB
- Fully manual
- Direct drive
- 33?, 45 and 78rpm
- Quartz speed lock
- S-shaped tonearm
- AT-HS6 removable headshell
- AT-VM95E cartridge
- Built-in MM phono stage
- Variable pitch control
- USB recording
- No Bluetooth on standard XUSB model
The LPW40WN takes the more traditional hi-fi approach, combining belt drive with an MDF plinth and carbon-fibre tonearm.
The LP120XUSB provides greater speed flexibility, direct drive, pitch adjustment and computer recording.
Compare the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB at Audio T.
AT-LPW40WN or AT-LPW50PB?
The AT-LPW50PB sits above the LPW40WN within Audio-Technica's manual belt-drive family.
Both use sensor-monitored belt-drive motors, carbon-fibre tonearms and AT-VM95E cartridges, but the LPW50PB moves to a substantial 30mm-thick MDF plinth with high-gloss piano-black finish and high-isolation adjustable feet.
Compare the Audio-Technica AT-LPW50PB at Audio T.
Belt Drive or Direct Drive?
The right choice is not simply a matter of one technology being universally better.
The LPW40WN uses a sensor-monitored belt-drive system, while Audio-Technica also offers direct-drive turntables with different priorities and features.
Read: Direct Drive vs Belt Driven Turntables - Which Is Better?
When Should You Replace the Stylus or Belt?
The stylus and drive belt are both service components.
A worn stylus can affect tracking and groove contact, while a belt can gradually stretch or deteriorate over time and eventually affect reliable platter rotation.
Read: When Should You Replace Your Turntable Stylus, Cartridge or Belt?
Professional Turntable Setup
Initial LPW40WN setup includes:
- Fitting the platter
- Installing the drive belt around the motor pulley
- Fitting the rubber mat
- Installing the AT-HS4 headshell
- Fitting the counterweight
- Balancing the tonearm
- Setting 2.0g tracking force
- Setting anti-skate
- Levelling the turntable
- Selecting PHONO or LINE output
If you would rather not carry out these adjustments yourself, speak to your local Audio T store about turntable and cartridge setup.
Who Is the Audio-Technica AT-LPW40WN For?
Well Suited To
- Customers wanting a manual hi-fi turntable
- Listeners who prefer belt drive
- Customers wanting a carbon-fibre tonearm
- Systems where a walnut-style finish suits the room
- Customers wanting an upgradeable cartridge
- Existing or future VM95 stylus users
- Systems without a dedicated phono stage
- Systems using a separate MM phono stage
- Customers wanting a removable headshell
- Listeners wanting adjustable tracking force and anti-skate
Check Before Buying
- Fully manual operation
- No automatic tonearm return
- 33? and 45rpm only
- No 78rpm playback
- No variable pitch control
- No USB recording
- No Bluetooth
- Alternative cartridge and headshell combinations should fall within the specified tonearm range
- Turntable requires basic tonearm setup before use
Key Features
- Audio-Technica AT-LPW40WN
- Fully manual operation
- Belt-drive turntable
- DC servo motor
- Active Speed Stabilization
- Speed-sensor monitoring
- 33? rpm playback
- 45rpm playback
- Die-cast aluminium platter
- Rubber turntable mat
- Less than 0.15% WRMS wow and flutter
- Greater than 60dB signal-to-noise ratio
- Straight carbon-fibre tonearm
- 223.6mm effective tonearm length
- 18.6mm overhang
- Less than 2-degree maximum tracking error
- 0–3.0g tracking-force adjustment
- Adjustable dynamic anti-skate
- Hydraulically damped cueing
- Lockable tonearm rest
- AT-HS4 removable headshell
- AT-VM95E cartridge included
- 0.3 x 0.7mil bonded elliptical stylus
- 4.0mV cartridge output
- 2.0g standard tracking force
- VM95 interchangeable stylus platform
- Anti-resonance MDF plinth
- Simulated walnut wood veneer
- Built-in switchable phono stage
- PHONO and LINE outputs
- 35dB nominal phono gain
- 200mV nominal LINE output
- Detachable RCA output cable
- External AC adapter
- Adjustable feet
- Removable hinged dust cover
- No USB
- No Bluetooth
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AT-LPW40WN automatic?
No. It is a fully manual turntable. You position and return the tonearm yourself.
Does the tonearm return automatically?
No. There is no automatic return mechanism.
Is it belt drive or direct drive?
The AT-LPW40WN is belt driven.
What is Active Speed Stabilization?
The motor uses a speed-sensor system to monitor platter rotation and help maintain accurate playback speed.
What speeds does it play?
33? and 45rpm.
Can the AT-LPW40WN play 78rpm records?
No. The turntable itself does not provide a 78rpm speed.
Does it have adjustable pitch?
No. It is designed around fixed 33? and 45rpm playback.
What is the platter made from?
Die-cast aluminium.
What is the wow and flutter specification?
Less than 0.15% WRMS at 33rpm, measured at 3kHz.
What is the signal-to-noise ratio?
Greater than 60dB.
What is the tonearm made from?
The straight tonearm is made from carbon fibre.
How long is the tonearm?
Effective length is 223.6mm.
What is the overhang?
18.6mm.
Is tracking force adjustable?
Yes. The tonearm provides a calibrated adjustment range of 0–3.0g.
Does it have adjustable anti-skate?
Yes. Dynamic anti-skate adjustment is provided.
What headshell is supplied?
The turntable is supplied with an Audio-Technica AT-HS4 universal half-inch headshell.
Is the headshell removable?
Yes. It connects to the tonearm using a locking collar.
Can I use any universal headshell?
Not necessarily. Audio-Technica recommends the angled AT-HS4 geometry for its LPW Series tonearms, so physical connector compatibility alone does not guarantee correct cartridge geometry.
What cartridge is supplied?
An Audio-Technica AT-VM95E Dual Magnet moving-magnet cartridge.
What stylus does the AT-VM95E use?
A bonded 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical AT-VMN95E stylus.
What tracking force should I use?
Audio-Technica specifies 1.8–2.2g for the supplied AT-VM95E, with 2.0g as the standard setting.
Can I upgrade the stylus without replacing the cartridge?
Yes. The AT-VM95E body accepts every genuine VM95 replacement stylus.
Can I upgrade to the AT-VMN95EN?
Yes. The Nude Elliptical AT-VMN95EN fits directly onto the supplied VM95 cartridge body.
Can I upgrade to Microlinear?
Yes. The AT-VMN95ML fits directly onto the existing cartridge body.
Can I upgrade to Shibata?
Yes. The AT-VMN95SH is also directly compatible.
Can I replace the whole cartridge?
Yes. The AT-HS4 supports standard half-inch cartridges, subject to tonearm, weight, compliance and phono-stage compatibility.
What combined headshell and cartridge weight does the tonearm support?
Audio-Technica specifies 12–17g.
Does the AT-LPW40WN have a built-in phono stage?
Yes. The internal moving-magnet phono preamplifier is switchable.
Can I connect it to an amplifier without a phono input?
Yes. Set the output selector to LINE and use a normal analogue line input.
Can I connect it directly to powered speakers?
Yes, provided the speakers have a suitable analogue line input and their own amplification and volume control.
Can I use an external phono stage?
Yes. Select PHONO to bypass the internal phono stage.
What is the built-in phono-stage gain?
35dB nominal with RIAA equalisation.
Does the turntable have USB?
No. The AT-LPW40WN is an analogue turntable without USB recording.
Does it have Bluetooth?
No. Bluetooth is not built in.
Is the walnut finish real solid walnut?
No. Audio-Technica describes the finish as simulated walnut wood veneer over an anti-resonance MDF plinth.
What are the dimensions?
Approximately 420mm wide, 340mm deep and 117mm high.
How much does it weigh?
Audio-Technica's current UK product page specifies approximately 5.0kg.
Is a dust cover included?
Yes. A removable hinged dust cover is supplied.
Can Audio T set the AT-LPW40WN up for me?
Yes. Contact your local Audio T store for help with turntable levelling, tonearm balancing, cartridge alignment, tracking force, anti-skate and phono-stage matching.
Related Audio-Technica Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Turntable demonstrations
- Belt-drive turntable advice
- Turntable and system matching
- VM95 cartridge and stylus upgrade guidance
- Carbon-fibre tonearm setup advice
- Headshell and cartridge matching
- Moving-magnet phono-stage matching
- Built-in versus external phono-stage advice
- Professional cartridge fitting
- Precision cartridge alignment
- Tonearm balancing
- Tracking-force adjustment
- Bias and anti-skate setup
- Turntable levelling
- Replacement belt and stylus advice
- Part-exchange options
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store for advice on the Audio-Technica AT-LPW40WN, system matching, professional setup or choosing the right VM95 stylus upgrade.