Audio T Verdict
The Audio-Technica AT-LPW50PB takes the engineering principles of the LPW40WN and wraps them in a more substantial, better-isolated and considerably glossier package.
The centrepiece is a 30mm-thick MDF plinth finished in high-gloss piano black. The extra mass provides a solid foundation for the platter and tonearm, while Audio-Technica combines it with high-isolation, height-adjustable feet to help reduce unwanted acoustic and mechanical vibration reaching the cartridge.
The belt-drive motor is electronically monitored rather than simply being left to run open loop. Audio-Technica's Active Speed Stabilization system uses a speed sensor to monitor platter rotation and help maintain accurate 33? and 45rpm playback.
The straight tonearm is made from carbon fibre and provides proper adjustment for tracking force and anti-skate. A hydraulically damped cueing mechanism makes lowering the stylus less nerve-racking, while the removable AT-HS4 headshell gives the turntable considerably more cartridge flexibility than entry-level fixed-headshell designs.
Audio-Technica supplies the deck with its AT-VM95E moving-magnet cartridge. The bonded elliptical stylus is a sensible starting point, but the real appeal is the upgrade system behind it: the existing cartridge body accepts Audio-Technica's Nude Elliptical, Microlinear and Shibata VM95 styli without requiring the cartridge itself to be removed.
The LPW50PB also includes a switchable built-in phono preamplifier. It can therefore connect directly to a normal line input when required, or the internal stage can be bypassed completely when using a better external moving-magnet phono stage.
At 5.56kg without its dust cover, this is a fairly substantial turntable for its size, yet its clean control layout and piano-black finish keep the visual design restrained.
If you like the traditional belt-drive approach of the LPW40WN but want a heavier plinth, improved isolation and a more premium finish, the AT-LPW50PB is the natural step up.
Audio-Technica AT-LPW50PB Fully Manual Belt-Drive Turntable
The Audio-Technica AT-LPW50PB is a two-speed fully manual belt-drive turntable designed for high-quality vinyl playback.
Its key features include a 30mm anti-resonance MDF plinth, high-gloss piano-black finish, sensor-monitored DC servo motor, carbon-fibre tonearm, height-adjustable isolation feet, AT-VM95E moving-magnet cartridge and switchable built-in phono stage.
30mm-Thick MDF Plinth
The AT-LPW50PB is built around a:
30mm-thick anti-resonance MDF plinth.
The substantial MDF construction provides a rigid and relatively high-mass base for the turntable's motor, platter and tonearm.
Audio-Technica designed the plinth to help limit low-frequency acoustic feedback and unwanted resonance reaching the stylus.
Why Plinth Construction Matters
A turntable cartridge is designed to detect extremely small movements.
Unfortunately, it cannot distinguish perfectly between movement created by the record groove and unwanted vibration entering through the turntable itself.
A stable, well-damped plinth therefore provides an important mechanical foundation for the complete record-playing system.
High-Gloss Piano-Black Finish
The 30mm MDF plinth is finished in:
High-gloss piano black.
The result is a more formal and contemporary appearance than the simulated walnut veneer used on the AT-LPW40WN.
PB Means Piano Black
The PB suffix in AT-LPW50PB identifies the high-gloss piano-black finish.
High-Isolation Adjustable Feet
The LPW50PB uses high-isolation feet designed to reduce the transfer of vibration between the turntable and supporting furniture.
The feet are also height adjustable, allowing the deck to be levelled accurately after installation.
Always Level a Turntable
Correct levelling helps the tonearm bearings, anti-skate system and cartridge operate under the conditions for which they were designed.
A small spirit level can be used across the platter while adjusting the feet.
Fully Manual Operation
The AT-LPW50PB is completely manual.
You control:
- Starting and stopping the platter
- Selecting playback speed
- Positioning the tonearm
- Lowering the stylus
- Lifting and returning the tonearm at the end of a record
There is no automatic start or automatic tonearm-return mechanism.
Belt-Drive System
The LPW50PB uses a belt between the motor pulley and platter to transfer rotational drive.
The belt provides a degree of mechanical separation between the motor and platter, an approach widely used in turntables designed primarily for conventional hi-fi listening.
DC Servo Motor With Active Speed Stabilization
The motor is specified as:
DC servo with Active Speed Stabilization.
A speed-sensor system monitors platter rotation and allows the drive system to maintain accurate playback speed.
More Than a Basic Belt Drive
The LPW50PB does not simply apply a fixed voltage to the motor and hope for the best.
The sensor-monitored system actively checks platter rotation to help maintain the selected speed.
33? and 45rpm
The AT-LPW50PB plays:
- 33? rpm records
- 45rpm records
No 78rpm Playback
The AT-LPW50PB does not provide a 78rpm speed.
Fitting a 78rpm stylus does not add 78rpm motor operation.
No Variable Pitch Control
The LPW50PB is designed around fixed reference playback speeds rather than continuously variable pitch adjustment.
If pitch control or 78rpm playback is essential, a model such as the AT-LP120XUSB takes a different approach.
Die-Cast Aluminium Platter
The turntable uses a professional-style:
Die-cast aluminium platter.
Its rigid construction provides a stable rotating platform for the record.
Rubber Turntable Mat
A rubber mat sits between the record and platter.
The material provides grip and damping while reducing direct metal-to-vinyl contact.
Wow and Flutter Below 0.15%
Audio-Technica specifies:
Less than 0.15% WRMS at 33rpm, measured at 3kHz.
Wow and flutter describe short-term variations in platter speed that can result in audible changes of pitch.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio Above 60dB
The turntable is specified with a signal-to-noise ratio of:
Greater than 60dB.
Straight Carbon-Fibre Tonearm
The AT-LPW50PB uses a:
Static-balanced straight carbon-fibre tonearm.
Carbon fibre combines useful rigidity with relatively low mass, making it well suited to transmitting cartridge movement without unnecessary flexing.
The arm provides:
- Adjustable counterweight
- Adjustable tracking force
- Adjustable dynamic anti-skate
- Hydraulically damped lift control
- Lockable tonearm rest
- Removable AT-HS4 headshell
223.6mm Effective Tonearm Length
Audio-Technica specifies an effective arm length of:
223.6mm.
Cartridge overhang is:
18.6mm.
Tracking error angle is specified at less than 2 degrees.
0–3g Tracking-Force Adjustment
The tonearm's calibrated stylus-pressure adjustment range is:
0–3.0g.
The supplied AT-VM95E cartridge normally operates at 2.0g.
Adjustable Dynamic Anti-Skate
The anti-skate control counteracts the inward force acting on the tonearm during playback.
With the supplied AT-VM95E cartridge, 2.0 is the normal starting point when the tracking force is set to 2.0g.
Hydraulically Damped Cueing
The tonearm lift provides controlled raising and lowering of the cartridge.
This makes accurately positioning the stylus over the required groove considerably easier than manually lowering the arm by hand.
AT-HS4 Angled Headshell
The LPW50PB is supplied with Audio-Technica's:
AT-HS4 universal half-inch headshell.
The angled design is specifically suited to the geometry of Audio-Technica's straight LPW Series tonearms.
Not Every Bayonet Headshell Is Suitable
A headshell can physically connect to the tonearm and still have the wrong cartridge offset angle.
Audio-Technica specifically identifies the AT-HS4 as the correct headshell geometry for its AT-LPW30, AT-LPW40 and AT-LPW50 turntables.
Removable Headshell
The locking collar allows the complete AT-HS4 headshell and cartridge assembly to be removed from the tonearm.
This makes cartridge fitting, inspection and future replacement considerably easier.
12–17g Cartridge and Headshell Range
Audio-Technica specifies an applicable combined cartridge and headshell weight of:
12–17g.
Weight is only one aspect of cartridge compatibility, so compliance, tracking force and phono-stage requirements should also be considered.
AT-VM95E Cartridge Included
The AT-LPW50PB comes fitted with a black:
Audio-Technica AT-VM95E Dual Magnet moving-magnet cartridge.
The cartridge provides a very useful foundation because its stylus is replaceable and interchangeable with the complete VM95 family.
0.3 x 0.7mil Bonded Elliptical Stylus
The supplied AT-VMN95E stylus uses:
0.3 x 0.7mil bonded elliptical geometry.
The elliptical shape can follow finer groove modulation than a conventional conical stylus while remaining relatively forgiving of setup.
4.0mV Moving-Magnet Output
The AT-VM95E produces:
4.0mV at 1kHz, 5cm/sec.
Recommended load impedance is:
47k ohms.
This makes it compatible with conventional moving-magnet phono amplification.
2.0g Standard Tracking Force
The supplied cartridge has a recommended range of:
1.8–2.2g.
Audio-Technica gives:
2.0g as the standard setting.
The VM95 Stylus Upgrade System
One of the LPW50PB's biggest strengths is that the supplied AT-VM95E cartridge body can remain fitted when upgrading the stylus.
Compatible genuine Audio-Technica 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 Without Re-Aligning the Cartridge
If the AT-VM95E body is already correctly mounted, moving to a compatible Nude Elliptical, Microlinear or Shibata stylus does not require the cartridge body itself to be removed.
Upgrade to Nude Elliptical
The AT-VMN95EN retains elliptical groove geometry while replacing the bonded diamond with a lighter nude stylus construction.
Explore the Audio-Technica AT-VM95EN at Audio T.
Upgrade to Microlinear
The AT-VMN95ML uses a nude Microlinear stylus designed for extremely fine groove tracing and strong inner-groove performance.
Explore the Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML at Audio T.
Upgrade to Shibata
The AT-VMN95SH uses a nude Shibata stylus with extended groove-wall contact.
Explore the Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH at Audio T.
What About AT-VM95SP?
The AT-VMN95SP 78rpm stylus physically fits the supplied VM95 cartridge body.
However, the LPW50PB itself only provides 33? and 45rpm playback.
A 78rpm Stylus Does Not Add 78rpm Speed
The AT-VMN95SP is useful on compatible 78rpm turntables but cannot make the LPW50PB rotate at 78rpm.
Can You Change the Complete Cartridge?
Yes.
The removable AT-HS4 uses standard half-inch cartridge mounting, so the deck is not permanently tied to the supplied VM95 body.
When fitting another cartridge, check:
- Combined cartridge and headshell weight
- Cartridge compliance
- Tracking-force requirement
- Overhang and alignment
- Anti-skate setting
- Phono-stage requirements
Built-In Switchable Phono Stage
The LPW50PB contains its own moving-magnet phono preamplifier.
The output selector provides:
- PHONO for connection to a dedicated MM phono input or external phono stage
- LINE using the turntable's built-in phono preamp
Connect Directly to a Normal Amplifier Input
With the selector set to LINE, the onboard preamp provides the necessary gain and RIAA equalisation.
The turntable can then be connected directly to a normal analogue line input.
Connect to Powered Speakers
The LPW50PB can also connect directly to suitable powered speakers when using its LINE output, provided the speakers have an analogue input and their own volume control.
Use a Better External Phono Stage Later
Select PHONO and the internal preamplifier is bypassed.
This makes it easy to upgrade to a dedicated external moving-magnet phono stage later without replacing the turntable.
Browse phono stages at Audio T.
Check the PHONO and LINE Setting
Connecting the LINE output to a conventional phono input can result in excessive gain and distortion.
Connecting the PHONO output directly to a normal AUX or LINE input will usually result in extremely low volume and incorrect tonal balance.
35dB Built-In Phono Gain
Audio-Technica specifies the onboard RIAA phono stage at:
35dB nominal gain.
4.0mV PHONO Output
With the supplied AT-VM95E cartridge, nominal PHONO output is:
4.0mV at 1kHz, 5cm/sec.
200mV LINE Output
With the internal phono stage engaged, nominal LINE output is:
200mV at 1kHz, 5cm/sec.
Detachable RCA Connections
The turntable uses conventional detachable analogue connections rather than a permanently attached cable.
A dual RCA male-to-male stereo cable approximately 1 metre long is included.
No USB Recording
The AT-LPW50PB is an analogue turntable and does not include a built-in USB analogue-to-digital converter.
If directly recording vinyl to a computer is a priority, an Audio-Technica USB-equipped model may be more appropriate.
No Bluetooth
Bluetooth is not built into the AT-LPW50PB.
Audio output is provided through its wired analogue connections.
External AC Adapter
The AC-to-DC conversion is carried out in the external power adapter rather than inside the turntable chassis.
Audio-Technica uses this arrangement to keep power-conversion circuitry away from the cartridge and analogue signal path.
5.56kg Turntable Weight
Audio-Technica specifies the LPW50PB at:
5.56kg without the dust cover.
The combination of the 30mm MDF plinth and substantial chassis construction gives it greater mass than the LPW40WN.
Dimensions
With the dust cover fitted, dimensions are:
420mm W x 356mm D x 126mm H.
Without the dust cover and hinges:
420mm W x 356mm D x 114mm H.
Allow additional space behind and above the turntable if you intend to open the hinged cover while it remains fitted.
Removable Hinged Dust Cover
A removable hinged dust cover is supplied as standard.
The cover protects the platter, tonearm and cartridge when the turntable is not in use.
AT-LPW50PB or AT-LPW40WN?
AT-LPW40WN
- Fully manual
- Belt drive
- 33? and 45rpm
- Sensor-monitored motor
- Carbon-fibre tonearm
- AT-HS4 headshell
- AT-VM95E cartridge
- Switchable MM phono stage
- MDF plinth
- Simulated walnut finish
- Approximately 5.0kg
AT-LPW50PB
- Fully manual
- Belt drive
- 33? and 45rpm
- Sensor-monitored motor
- Carbon-fibre tonearm
- AT-HS4 headshell
- AT-VM95E cartridge
- Switchable MM phono stage
- 30mm MDF plinth
- High-gloss piano-black finish
- High-isolation adjustable feet
- 5.56kg without dust cover
The two models share much of their core motor, tonearm and cartridge engineering.
The LPW50PB justifies its position above the LPW40WN primarily through its thicker 30mm plinth, additional chassis mass, high-isolation adjustable feet and premium high-gloss finish.
Compare the Audio-Technica AT-LPW40WN at Audio T.
AT-LPW50PB or AT-LP120XUSB?
AT-LPW50PB
- Traditional hi-fi design
- Belt drive
- 33? and 45rpm
- Carbon-fibre straight tonearm
- 30mm MDF plinth
- High-isolation adjustable feet
- AT-VM95E cartridge
- Switchable MM phono stage
- No pitch control
- No USB
AT-LP120XUSB
- Direct-drive design
- 33?, 45 and 78rpm
- S-shaped tonearm
- AT-VM95E cartridge
- Switchable MM phono stage
- Variable pitch control
- Quartz speed lock
- Stroboscopic platter markings
- USB computer recording
The LPW50PB is the more traditional hi-fi turntable, prioritising belt drive, plinth construction and isolation.
The LP120XUSB provides considerably more speed-control and recording functionality.
Compare the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB at Audio T.
Belt Drive or Direct Drive?
Both approaches can produce excellent turntables, but they achieve platter rotation in different ways.
Read: Direct Drive vs Belt Driven Turntables - Which Is Better?
When Should the Stylus or Belt Be Replaced?
The stylus and drive belt are both replaceable service components.
Stylus wear can gradually affect tracking and groove contact, while a drive belt can stretch or deteriorate over time.
Read: When Should You Replace Your Turntable Stylus, Cartridge or Belt?
Initial Setup
Setting up the AT-LPW50PB includes:
- Installing the platter
- Positioning 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 using the adjustable feet
- Selecting PHONO or LINE output
If you would rather not carry out these adjustments yourself, speak to your local Audio T store about professional setup.
Who Is the Audio-Technica AT-LPW50PB For?
Well Suited To
- Customers wanting a traditional hi-fi belt-drive turntable
- Listeners who prefer fully manual operation
- Customers wanting a substantial MDF plinth
- Systems where piano-black styling suits the room
- Customers wanting improved turntable isolation
- Listeners wanting a carbon-fibre tonearm
- Customers wanting an upgradeable VM95 cartridge
- Systems without an existing phono stage
- Systems using a separate MM phono stage
- Customers 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
- High-gloss finish benefits from careful cleaning
- Alternative cartridges must suit the tonearm and headshell weight range
- Basic tonearm setup is required before first use
Key Features
- Audio-Technica AT-LPW50PB
- Fully manual operation
- Belt-drive turntable
- DC servo motor
- Active Speed Stabilization
- Speed-sensor motor control
- 33? rpm playback
- 45rpm playback
- Die-cast aluminium platter
- Rubber platter mat
- Less than 0.15% WRMS wow and flutter
- Greater than 60dB signal-to-noise ratio
- Straight carbon-fibre tonearm
- 223.6mm effective arm length
- 18.6mm overhang
- Less than 2-degree 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
- 30mm anti-resonance MDF plinth
- High-gloss piano-black finish
- High-isolation adjustable feet
- Built-in switchable phono stage
- PHONO and LINE output
- 35dB nominal phono gain
- 200mV nominal LINE output
- Detachable RCA output cable
- External AC adapter
- 5.56kg weight without dust cover
- Removable hinged dust cover
- No USB
- No Bluetooth
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AT-LPW50PB automatic?
No. It is a fully manual turntable.
Does the tonearm return automatically?
No. You lift and return the tonearm yourself when playback finishes.
Is it belt drive or direct drive?
The AT-LPW50PB 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.
Does it play 78rpm records?
No. The motor does not provide a 78rpm setting.
Does it have pitch adjustment?
No. The LPW50PB operates at fixed 33? and 45rpm speeds.
How thick is the plinth?
The anti-resonance MDF plinth is 30mm thick.
What finish is PB?
PB refers to the high-gloss piano-black finish.
Are the feet adjustable?
Yes. The LPW50PB has high-isolation, height-adjustable feet for levelling.
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?
Carbon fibre.
How long is the tonearm?
The effective arm length is 223.6mm.
What is the cartridge overhang?
18.6mm.
Can I adjust the tracking force?
Yes. The tonearm provides 0–3.0g of calibrated stylus-pressure adjustment.
Does it have adjustable anti-skate?
Yes. Dynamic anti-skate adjustment is provided.
What headshell is supplied?
An Audio-Technica AT-HS4 universal half-inch headshell.
Is the headshell removable?
Yes.
Can I fit any universal headshell?
Not necessarily. Audio-Technica specifies the angled AT-HS4 geometry for its LPW30, LPW40 and LPW50 straight-tonearm turntables.
What cartridge is supplied?
An Audio-Technica AT-VM95E Dual Magnet moving-magnet cartridge.
What stylus is supplied?
A bonded 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical AT-VMN95E stylus.
What output does the AT-VM95E produce?
4.0mV at 1kHz, 5cm/sec.
What tracking force should the AT-VM95E use?
1.8–2.2g, with 2.0g as the standard setting.
Can I upgrade the stylus without replacing the cartridge?
Yes. The VM95 body accepts all genuine VM95 Series replacement styli.
Can I fit the AT-VMN95EN Nude Elliptical stylus?
Yes.
Can I fit the AT-VMN95ML Microlinear stylus?
Yes.
Can I fit the AT-VMN95SH Shibata stylus?
Yes.
Can I fit the 78rpm AT-VMN95SP stylus?
It physically fits the cartridge body, but the LPW50PB itself cannot rotate at 78rpm.
Can I replace the entire cartridge?
Yes. The AT-HS4 accepts standard half-inch cartridges, subject to tonearm, weight, compliance and phono-stage compatibility.
What cartridge and headshell weight does the tonearm support?
Audio-Technica specifies 12–17g combined.
Does the LPW50PB have a built-in phono stage?
Yes. The built-in moving-magnet RIAA phono preamplifier is switchable.
Can I connect it to an amplifier without a phono input?
Yes. Set the output to LINE and connect it to a normal analogue line input.
Can I connect it to powered speakers?
Yes, provided the speakers have a suitable analogue input and their own amplification and volume control.
Can I use an external phono stage?
Yes. Select PHONO to bypass the built-in preamp.
What is the built-in phono-stage gain?
35dB nominal with RIAA equalisation.
Does it have USB?
No.
Does it have Bluetooth?
No.
How much does it weigh?
5.56kg without the dust cover.
What are the dimensions?
420mm wide, 356mm deep and 126mm high with the dust cover fitted.
Is a dust cover included?
Yes. A removable hinged dust cover is supplied.
What is the main difference between AT-LPW40WN and AT-LPW50PB?
They share much of their motor, tonearm, cartridge and phono-stage engineering. The LPW50PB adds a 30mm-thick MDF plinth, high-isolation adjustable feet, greater chassis mass and a high-gloss piano-black finish.
Can Audio T set the AT-LPW50PB up for me?
Yes. Contact your local Audio T store for help with 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
- Isolation and positioning advice
- Replacement stylus and belt guidance
- Part-exchange options
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store for advice on the Audio-Technica AT-LPW50PB, system matching, professional setup or choosing the right VM95 stylus upgrade.