Audio T Verdict
The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB is a particularly useful turntable for anyone who wants more control and flexibility than a simple plug-and-play record player provides.
At its heart is a direct-drive DC servo motor capable of playing 33?, 45 and 78rpm records. Speed can be locked using the quartz control or varied manually using the pitch slider, making the AT-LP120XUSB useful not only for conventional LP playback but also for older records and unusual pressings where exact playback speed can matter.
The turntable is fully manual, so you lower the stylus at the beginning of a record and return the tonearm yourself at the end. In return, you get a proper adjustable S-shaped tonearm with tracking force, anti-skate and removable headshell rather than a permanently fixed cartridge system.
Audio-Technica fits the turntable with its AT-HS6 universal headshell and AT-VM95E moving-magnet cartridge. The supplied 0.3 x 0.7mil bonded elliptical stylus is a good starting point, but the clever VM95 body accepts the entire range of interchangeable VM95 styli, providing an unusually easy upgrade path to Nude Elliptical, Microlinear or Shibata profiles.
Connectivity is another strength. A switchable built-in phono preamplifier means the turntable can connect directly to a normal line-level input, while users with a better external MM phono stage can bypass the internal preamp and use the conventional phono output instead.
There is also a USB connection for recording vinyl to a computer at 16-bit / 44.1kHz or 48kHz. You are not tied to one particular recording program, so Audacity or other compatible audio software can be used for digitising records.
Just as importantly, the AT-LP120XUSB is not a wireless turntable. There is no Bluetooth connection on this model. Audio-Technica produces the separately named AT-LP120XBT-USB for anyone specifically requiring Bluetooth.
If you want a substantial direct-drive turntable with adjustable setup, three speeds, cartridge upgrade potential, an onboard phono stage and USB recording, the AT-LP120XUSB packs an impressive amount into one deck.
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Direct-Drive Fully Manual Turntable
The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB is a three-speed fully manual direct-drive turntable designed for conventional hi-fi listening, 78rpm playback and vinyl-to-digital recording.
It combines a DC servo direct-drive motor with a balanced S-shaped tonearm, removable AT-HS6 headshell, AT-VM95E elliptical cartridge, built-in switchable phono preamplifier and USB connection.
Available Finishes
Audio T currently offers the AT-LP120XUSB in:
Black
Classic black finish with contrasting controls and stroboscopic platter markings.
Silver
Silver finish retaining the same motor, tonearm, cartridge, electronics and supplied accessories.
Direct-Drive DC Servo Motor
The AT-LP120XUSB uses a:
DC servo direct-drive motor.
Unlike a belt-drive turntable, where the motor drives the platter through a separate belt, direct drive places the motor directly beneath the platter.
This provides quick start-up, strong torque and direct electronic control of platter speed.
Starting Torque Above 1.0kgf.cm
Audio-Technica specifies starting torque of:
Greater than 1.0kgf.cm.
The relatively high torque allows the platter to reach operating speed quickly after the start button is pressed.
Direct Drive or Belt Drive?
Neither drive method is automatically superior in every situation.
Direct-drive turntables are valued for their:
- Rapid start-up
- Strong torque
- Electronic speed control
- No drive belt to replace
- Ease of providing multiple speeds
- Pitch adjustment capability
Belt-drive designs take a different approach by mechanically isolating the motor from the platter through a belt.
Read: Direct Drive vs Belt Driven Turntables - Which Is Better?
Three Playback Speeds
The AT-LP120XUSB provides:
This gives it considerably greater record-format flexibility than a conventional two-speed turntable.
Playing 78rpm Records
The turntable itself can rotate at 78rpm, but there is an important cartridge consideration.
The supplied AT-VM95E elliptical stylus is designed for conventional microgroove LP and 45rpm records rather than the substantially wider grooves found on traditional 78rpm SP records.
Use the Correct Stylus for 78rpm Records
For traditional wide-groove 78rpm records, fit an appropriate 78rpm stylus such as the Audio-Technica AT-VMN95SP.
The AT-VMN95SP fits directly onto the supplied VM95 cartridge body, so another complete cartridge is not necessarily required.
Remember that its tracking-force requirement is different from the supplied AT-VM95E and must be reset before playback.
Explore the Audio-Technica AT-VM95SP 78rpm cartridge and stylus options.
Quartz Speed Lock
A dedicated quartz-lock function bypasses the variable pitch control and locks the turntable to its reference speed.
This is the setting most listeners will use for conventional record playback.
Variable Pitch Control
The pitch slider allows manual speed adjustment over selectable ranges of:
This can be useful for records that were cut or originally recorded at unusual speeds, pitch-critical applications or manual speed matching.
Stroboscopic Platter
Stroboscopic markings around the edge of the platter provide a visual indication of rotational speed.
When the relevant row of markings appears stationary under the strobe illumination, the platter is operating at the corresponding calibrated speed.
Electronic Brake
The direct-drive system also incorporates an electronic braking system, bringing the platter to a controlled stop when required.
Die-Cast Aluminium Platter
The platter uses professional-style:
Die-cast aluminium construction.
A felt platter mat is supplied.
Wow and Flutter Below 0.2%
Audio-Technica specifies wow and flutter at:
Less than 0.2% weighted at 3kHz, JIS.
Wow and flutter describe short-term variations in rotational speed that can cause audible pitch instability.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio Above 50dB
The turntable is specified with a signal-to-noise ratio of:
Greater than 50dB.
Balanced S-Shaped Tonearm
The AT-LP120XUSB uses a balanced S-shaped tonearm with:
- Detachable headshell
- Adjustable counterweight
- Adjustable tracking force
- Dynamic anti-skate adjustment
- Hydraulically damped cueing control
- Lockable arm rest
This gives considerably more setup and cartridge flexibility than a turntable with a fixed tracking force or non-removable cartridge.
230.5mm Effective Arm Length
Audio-Technica specifies an effective tonearm length of:
230.5mm.
Factory overhang is specified at:
16mm.
Tracking error angle is specified at less than 3 degrees.
Adjustable Tracking Force
The rear counterweight allows the tonearm to be balanced and the cartridge tracking force set appropriately.
The supplied AT-VM95E cartridge normally operates at:
2.0g standard tracking force.
Changing cartridge or stylus may require a different setting, so always follow the specification for the stylus actually fitted.
Dynamic Anti-Skate Adjustment
The anti-skate control provides an adjustment range of:
0–4g.
Anti-skate counteracts the inward force acting on the tonearm as the stylus travels across a rotating record.
AT-HS6 Removable Headshell
The tonearm is supplied with Audio-Technica's:
AT-HS6 universal half-inch headshell.
The removable headshell makes cartridge changes considerably easier than working directly beneath a fixed tonearm tube.
It also allows additional cartridges to be kept mounted on separate compatible headshells for different records or applications.
AT-VM95E Cartridge Included
The AT-LP120XUSB is supplied ready to use with Audio-Technica's:
AT-VM95E dual magnet moving-magnet cartridge.
The AT-VM95E uses a:
0.3 x 0.7mil bonded elliptical stylus.
This provides a useful balance of groove tracing, setup tolerance and replacement cost.
Explore the Audio-Technica AT-VM95E cartridge and stylus options at Audio T.
A Built-In Cartridge Upgrade Path
One of the AT-LP120XUSB's strongest features is that the supplied cartridge body does not need to be replaced simply to improve the stylus.
Compatible VM95 replacement styli 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 records
This means you can move from the supplied Elliptical stylus to Nude Elliptical, Microlinear or Shibata without removing and realigning the cartridge body.
Read: Are All Turntable Cartridges the Same? A Study of the Audio-Technica VM95
An Easy Future Upgrade
If you like the AT-LP120XUSB but eventually want more from the cartridge, upgrading the VM95 stylus is one of the simplest places to start.
The existing cartridge body can remain aligned in the headshell.
Compatible With Other Cartridges
The removable AT-HS6 headshell uses standard half-inch cartridge mounting, so the AT-LP120XUSB is not restricted permanently to the supplied AT-VM95E.
Audio-Technica specifies an applicable cartridge-weight range of:
3.5–8.5g.
Cartridge weight is only one part of compatibility, so tracking force, compliance, headshell mass, geometry and phono-stage requirements should also be considered.
Built-In Switchable Phono Preamp
The rear selector allows the turntable to provide either:
- PHONO level for a dedicated moving-magnet phono input
- LINE level using the turntable's built-in phono preamplifier
This gives the AT-LP120XUSB unusually broad system compatibility.
Connect Directly to a Line Input
With the switch set to LINE, the internal phono preamplifier raises and equalises the cartridge signal.
You can then connect the turntable to a conventional analogue input on:
- An integrated amplifier
- A receiver
- An active speaker system with suitable analogue input
- Other compatible line-level audio equipment
Use an External Phono Stage
If your amplifier has a dedicated MM phono input, or you own a separate phono stage, set the AT-LP120XUSB to:
PHONO.
This bypasses the built-in phono preamplifier and outputs the cartridge-level signal for external amplification and RIAA equalisation.
Browse phono stages at Audio T.
Check the PHONO / LINE Switch
Connecting a LINE-level output to a conventional phono input can cause excessive level and poor sound.
Likewise, connecting the raw PHONO output to a normal line input will usually result in extremely quiet, thin playback.
36dB Built-In Phono Gain
Audio-Technica specifies the onboard RIAA phono preamplifier at:
36dB nominal gain.
Nominal output levels are:
- PHONO: 4mV at 1kHz, 5cm/sec
- LINE: 240mV at 1kHz, 5cm/sec
Detachable RCA Cable
The analogue output cable is detachable rather than permanently fixed to the turntable.
Audio-Technica supplies a dual RCA male-to-male cable with ground wire.
The ground connection is used when operating the turntable at PHONO level with equipment that provides a corresponding turntable earth terminal.
USB Vinyl Recording
The AT-LP120XUSB also includes a USB connection for transferring records to a computer.
This can be useful for:
- Digitising rare records
- Archiving personal record collections
- Creating digital copies for portable listening
- Capturing recordings that are unavailable through streaming services
- Basic restoration and editing using suitable audio software
16-Bit USB Conversion
The USB interface supports:
- 16-bit / 44.1kHz
- 16-bit / 48kHz
The computer interface is USB 1.1 compliant.
Audacity or Other Recording Software
Audio-Technica recommends free Audacity software as one option, but the turntable is not locked to Audacity.
Compatible recording software can be used to capture and edit the USB audio stream.
USB Is for Recording, Not Bluetooth
The USB socket provides a wired digital connection to a computer.
It does not provide wireless audio transmission.
No Bluetooth or Wireless Audio
The AT-LP120XUSB should not be described as a wireless turntable.
Its audio connections are:
- Analogue RCA phono-level output
- Analogue RCA line-level output using the internal phono stage
- USB connection for computer recording
Need Bluetooth?
The standard AT-LP120XUSB does not contain Bluetooth.
Audio-Technica's similarly named AT-LP120XBT-USB is the separate Bluetooth-equipped model.
Removable Stylus Target Light
A removable plug-in target light is supplied to illuminate the stylus and record surface.
This can make cueing easier in low-light environments.
Hydraulically Damped Cueing
The tonearm lift mechanism lowers the cartridge in a controlled manner rather than dropping it abruptly onto the record.
It remains a fully manual turntable, however, so you control the beginning and end of playback yourself.
No Automatic Return
The AT-LP120XUSB does not automatically lift or return the tonearm when the record finishes.
This is part of its fully manual operating design.
Damped Base Construction
Audio-Technica uses damped base construction to reduce the influence of low-frequency acoustic and mechanical feedback.
As with any turntable, a level, stable and well-isolated support remains important.
External Power Supply
AC-to-DC conversion is carried out in the external power adapter rather than inside the turntable chassis.
Audio-Technica's aim is to keep the power conversion circuitry away from the sensitive analogue signal path.
Dust Cover Included
A removable hinged dust cover is supplied as standard.
It protects the platter, tonearm and cartridge when the turntable is not in use.
Substantial 8kg Construction
The AT-LP120XUSB weighs:
8kg without its dust cover.
Dimensions are:
452mm W x 352mm D x 141.6mm H.
Allow additional clearance behind and above the turntable if you intend to operate the hinged dust cover while it is fitted.
AT-LP120XUSB or a Simpler Automatic Turntable?
AT-LP120XUSB
- Fully manual operation
- Direct drive
- 33?, 45 and 78rpm
- Adjustable tracking force
- Adjustable anti-skate
- Removable headshell
- Upgradeable AT-VM95E cartridge
- Pitch control
- Quartz lock
- USB recording
- Switchable phono stage
Simpler Automatic Turntable
- Designed around convenience
- Automatic start and return may be available
- Typically fewer setup adjustments
- Often fewer cartridge options
- Usually no pitch control
- Usually less manual interaction required
The better choice depends on whether you prioritise convenience or control and upgradeability.
Who Is the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB For?
Well Suited To
- Customers wanting a direct-drive turntable
- Listeners wanting 33?, 45 and 78rpm playback
- Customers who enjoy manual turntable operation
- Anyone wanting adjustable tracking force and anti-skate
- Customers wanting an upgradeable cartridge
- Users wanting a removable headshell
- Anyone digitising a vinyl collection
- Systems without a dedicated phono stage
- Systems with an existing external MM phono stage
- Collectors needing pitch adjustment
Check Before Buying
- Fully manual rather than automatic
- No Bluetooth or wireless audio
- 8kg turntable weight
- 452mm wide chassis
- USB recording limited to 16-bit / 44.1 or 48kHz
- Traditional 78rpm records require a suitable SP stylus
- Cartridge changes require correct setup
- Pitch control is provided but quartz lock should normally be used for standard playback
Key Features
- Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB
- Fully manual operation
- DC servo direct-drive motor
- 33? rpm playback
- 45rpm playback
- 78rpm playback
- Greater than 1.0kgf.cm starting torque
- Electronic brake
- Quartz speed lock
- ±8% pitch adjustment
- ±16% pitch adjustment
- Stroboscopic platter markings
- Die-cast aluminium platter
- Felt platter mat
- Balanced S-shaped tonearm
- 230.5mm effective arm length
- 16mm overhang
- Adjustable tracking force
- 0–4g anti-skate adjustment
- Hydraulically damped cueing
- Lockable tonearm rest
- Detachable AT-HS6 headshell
- AT-VM95E cartridge included
- 0.3 x 0.7mil bonded elliptical stylus
- VM95 interchangeable stylus system
- Switchable built-in phono preamp
- PHONO and LINE output modes
- 36dB onboard phono gain
- Detachable RCA output cable
- USB computer connection
- 16-bit / 44.1kHz USB audio
- 16-bit / 48kHz USB audio
- Removable stylus target light
- Damped base construction
- External AC adapter
- Removable hinged dust cover
- Black and Silver finishes
- No Bluetooth
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB wireless?
No. The AT-LP120XUSB does not have Bluetooth or wireless audio. It provides analogue RCA and USB connections.
Does the AT-LP120XUSB have Bluetooth?
No. The separately named AT-LP120XBT-USB is Audio-Technica's Bluetooth-equipped version.
What speeds does the AT-LP120XUSB play?
33?, 45 and 78rpm.
Is it direct drive or belt drive?
It uses a DC servo direct-drive motor.
Is it automatic?
No. The AT-LP120XUSB is fully manual. You cue the tonearm at the start of playback and return it at the end.
Does the tonearm automatically return at the end of a record?
No. There is no automatic tonearm return.
What cartridge comes with it?
An Audio-Technica AT-VM95E dual magnet moving-magnet cartridge.
What stylus does the supplied cartridge use?
A bonded 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical AT-VMN95E stylus.
Can I upgrade the stylus?
Yes. The supplied VM95 cartridge body accepts Conical, Elliptical, Nude Elliptical, Microlinear, Shibata and 78rpm SP replacement styli.
Can I fit the AT-VMN95ML?
Yes. The Microlinear AT-VMN95ML fits directly onto the supplied VM95 cartridge body.
Can I fit the AT-VMN95SH?
Yes. The Shibata AT-VMN95SH also fits the supplied cartridge body.
Can it play 78rpm records?
The turntable itself provides 78rpm speed, but traditional wide-groove 78rpm records should be played with an appropriate SP stylus rather than the supplied LP stylus.
Which Audio-Technica stylus should I use for 78rpm?
The AT-VMN95SP 3mil conical stylus fits directly onto the supplied VM95 cartridge body and is designed for wide-groove SP records.
Do I need to change the tracking force for the SP stylus?
Yes. The supplied AT-VM95E normally uses 2.0g, while the AT-VMN95SP has a substantially higher tracking-force requirement. Always reset tracking force and anti-skate when switching stylus type.
Can I replace the complete cartridge?
Yes. The removable AT-HS6 headshell accepts standard half-inch cartridges, subject to cartridge weight, geometry and tonearm compatibility.
What cartridge weight does the tonearm support?
Audio-Technica specifies an applicable cartridge-weight range of 3.5–8.5g.
Is the headshell removable?
Yes. The turntable is supplied with a detachable AT-HS6 universal headshell.
Does it have a built-in phono stage?
Yes. The built-in moving-magnet phono preamplifier is switchable.
Can I connect it to an amplifier without a phono input?
Yes. Set the rear switch to LINE and use the built-in phono preamp.
Can I use my own external phono stage?
Yes. Set the turntable to PHONO to bypass the built-in preamp and connect it to a suitable MM phono stage.
What is the built-in phono-stage gain?
Audio-Technica specifies 36dB nominal gain with RIAA equalisation.
What does the USB connection do?
It allows the turntable's audio to be recorded directly to a compatible computer.
What USB recording quality does it support?
16-bit audio at either 44.1kHz or 48kHz.
Do I have to use Audacity?
No. Audio-Technica suggests Audacity, but other compatible recording software can also be used.
Can the USB connection send audio wirelessly?
No. USB is a wired computer connection and does not add Bluetooth functionality.
What is quartz lock?
Quartz lock fixes the turntable at its calibrated reference speed and bypasses manual pitch variation.
What pitch adjustment does it provide?
The AT-LP120XUSB provides selectable ±8% and ±16% pitch adjustment ranges.
What is the starting torque?
Audio-Technica specifies greater than 1.0kgf.cm.
What is the wow and flutter specification?
Less than 0.2% weighted at 3kHz according to the JIS measurement standard.
What is the signal-to-noise ratio?
Greater than 50dB.
How long is the tonearm?
The effective tonearm length is 230.5mm.
What is the specified overhang?
16mm.
Does it have adjustable anti-skate?
Yes. The dynamic anti-skate adjustment range is 0–4g.
Is a dust cover included?
Yes. A removable hinged dust cover is supplied.
Is the stylus target light included?
Yes. A removable plug-type target light is supplied.
How much does the turntable weigh?
8kg without the dust cover.
What are the dimensions?
452mm wide, 352mm deep and 141.6mm high.
What colours are available?
Audio T currently lists Black and Silver versions.
Can Audio T set the turntable up for me?
Yes. Contact your local Audio T store for help with tonearm setup, cartridge alignment, tracking force, phono-stage matching and future cartridge or stylus upgrades.
Related Audio-Technica Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Turntable demonstrations
- Direct-drive versus belt-drive advice
- Turntable and system matching
- Cartridge and stylus upgrade advice
- VM95 stylus guidance
- 78rpm playback advice
- Turntable setup
- Cartridge alignment
- Tracking-force adjustment
- Bias and anti-skate setup
- Headshell and cartridge matching
- Moving-magnet phono-stage matching
- Built-in versus external phono-stage advice
- USB vinyl-recording guidance
- Part-exchange options
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store for advice on the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB, cartridge upgrades, 78rpm playback, phono-stage matching or professional turntable setup.