Audio T Verdict
The Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB is designed for people who want to enjoy records without turning cartridge alignment, tracking force and tonearm setup into a new hobby before the first side has even finished.
It is fully automatic. Place a record on the platter, choose 33? or 45rpm, select the record size and press START. The platter begins rotating, the tonearm moves into position and the stylus lowers automatically. When the record finishes, the arm lifts, returns to its rest and the platter stops.
That simplicity does mean there are fewer adjustments than on models such as the AT-LP5X or AT-LP120XUSB. The Dual Magnet cartridge is integrated into the headshell and tracking force is factory-set, so this is not designed around swapping complete cartridges or experimenting with different tonearm settings.
The stylus itself is replaceable, though, and there is now a particularly useful official upgrade. The standard ATN3600LC uses a 0.6mil bonded conical diamond, while Audio-Technica's ATN3600LE provides a 0.3 x 0.7mil bonded elliptical stylus specifically designed to work with the same fixed 3.5g tracking force.
Connectivity is equally straightforward. A built-in switchable phono preamplifier means the turntable can connect to either a conventional PHONO input or a normal AUX / LINE input, while USB allows records to be transferred to a computer at 16-bit / 44.1kHz or 48kHz.
The belt-drive system uses a DC servo-controlled motor and anti-resonance die-cast aluminium platter, while an external power adapter keeps AC-to-DC conversion outside the turntable chassis to reduce its influence on the analogue signal path.
The AT-LP60XUSBGM is the Gunmetal version of the turntable. It does not include Bluetooth: anyone wanting wireless playback should look towards an Audio-Technica LP60XBT model instead.
For a first turntable, a second system or simply someone who values convenience over endless adjustability, the AT-LP60XUSB remains one of the easiest ways into proper vinyl playback while still giving you a built-in phono stage, replaceable stylus and USB recording.
Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB Gunmetal Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Turntable
The Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB is a fully automatic two-speed belt-drive turntable designed to make playing and digitising records simple.
This Gunmetal version combines automatic operation with a built-in phono stage, integrated Dual Magnet cartridge, replaceable stylus and USB output for recording vinyl to a computer.
Fully Automatic Operation
The AT-LP60XUSB handles the tonearm automatically.
To play a record:
- Place the record on the platter
- Select 33? or 45rpm
- Select 12-inch or 7-inch record size
- Press START
The turntable then starts the platter, moves the tonearm over the record and lowers the stylus automatically.
Automatic Return at the End
When playback reaches the end of the record, the mechanism automatically:
- Lifts the tonearm
- Returns it to the arm rest
- Stops platter rotation
This makes the AT-LP60XUSB particularly useful for listeners who want to enjoy vinyl without having to monitor the end of every record side.
START and STOP Controls
The front-panel START and STOP buttons provide straightforward control of the automatic mechanism.
Pressing STOP during playback raises and returns the tonearm before stopping the platter.
Manual Cueing Is Still Possible
Although the AT-LP60XUSB is fully automatic, you are not forced to use automatic start for every record.
A dedicated tonearm lift button allows the stylus to be raised and lowered for manual track selection.
33? and 45rpm Playback
The AT-LP60XUSB plays the two most common modern record speeds:
No Adjustable Pitch
The AT-LP60XUSB provides speed selection rather than variable speed adjustment.
There is no pitch slider or user-adjustable pitch control.
No 78rpm Playback
The AT-LP60XUSB does not provide a 78rpm speed.
If you need to play traditional 78rpm records, choose a turntable designed with a dedicated 78rpm setting.
Belt-Drive System
The turntable uses a DC servo-controlled motor driving the platter through a belt.
The drive belt runs around the underside of the platter and connects it to the motor pulley.
Why Belt Drive?
Belt-drive systems mechanically separate the motor from the platter using the drive belt.
This approach is widely used in turntable design because the belt provides a degree of mechanical isolation between the motor and record-playing surface.
Read: Direct Drive vs Belt Driven Turntables - Which Is Better?
Replaceable Drive Belt
The belt is a service component and can eventually require replacement after prolonged use.
Audio-Technica specifies a dedicated AT-LP60X replacement belt for the turntable.
Anti-Resonance Die-Cast Aluminium Platter
The AT-LP60XUSB uses a:
Die-cast aluminium platter.
The rigid platter provides a stable rotating surface for the record while helping control unwanted resonance.
Felt Platter Mat
A felt mat is supplied and sits between the record and aluminium platter.
Less Than 0.25% Wow and Flutter
Audio-Technica specifies wow and flutter at:
Less than 0.25% weighted at 3kHz.
Wow and flutter describe short-term variations in platter speed that can result in audible pitch instability.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio Above 50dB
The turntable is specified with a signal-to-noise ratio of:
Greater than 50dB DIN-B.
Redesigned Tonearm Base
The LP60X generation introduced a redesigned tonearm base and headshell compared with the previous AT-LP60-USB.
Audio-Technica developed the revised arrangement to improve tracking while reducing unwanted resonance.
Factory-Configured Tonearm
Unlike Audio-Technica's more adjustable turntables, the AT-LP60XUSB arrives with its important tonearm parameters configured at the factory.
There is no user-adjustable:
- Counterweight
- Tracking-force control
- Anti-skate control
- Cartridge alignment
This is one of the reasons the turntable is so straightforward to set up and use.
Fixed 3.5g Tracking Force
The integral cartridge and stylus system is designed around a standard tracking force of:
3.5g.
The compatible Audio-Technica replacement styli are specified for a 3.0–4.0g range with 3.5g as the standard setting.
Do Not Fit Just Any Audio-Technica Stylus
Some other Audio-Technica styli may physically fit the cartridge body but are designed for significantly lower tracking forces.
Because the LP60X tonearm is factory-set at 3.5g, Audio-Technica recommends using only styli designed for this fixed cartridge system.
Integrated Dual Magnet Cartridge
The AT-LP60XUSB uses an Audio-Technica AT3600L Dual Magnet cartridge integrated directly into the headshell.
The cartridge body itself is not designed to be routinely removed or replaced by the user.
The Complete Cartridge Is Not an Upgrade Item
This is different from turntables such as the AT-LP5X or AT-LP120XUSB, where a conventional half-inch cartridge can be removed and replaced.
With the AT-LP60XUSB, upgrade and maintenance choices centre around the replaceable stylus.
ATN3600LC Replacement Stylus
The current standard replacement is:
Audio-Technica ATN3600LC.
It uses a:
0.6mil bonded conical diamond.
The conical shape is straightforward, robust and relatively tolerant of minor variations in cartridge geometry.
300–500-Hour Stylus-Life Guide
Audio-Technica gives the ATN3600LC an approximate service-life guide of:
300–500 hours.
Actual life depends on record cleanliness, handling and general use.
ATN3600LE Elliptical Upgrade
Audio-Technica now also provides an official upgrade stylus:
ATN3600LE.
Rather than the standard 0.6mil conical diamond, the ATN3600LE uses a:
0.3 x 0.7mil bonded elliptical stylus.
Why Upgrade to Elliptical?
The elliptical profile has different front-to-back and side-to-side radii, allowing it to follow finer groove modulation than a conventional conical stylus.
It can provide:
- Improved groove tracing
- Greater high-frequency detail
- Reduced tracing distortion
- Improved inner-groove performance
Designed for the LP60X's Fixed Tracking Force
Importantly, the ATN3600LE is not simply an elliptical stylus that happens to fit.
Audio-Technica specifically specifies it for:
3.0–4.0g tracking force, with 3.5g standard.
That makes it directly suitable for the factory-set tonearm used by the AT-LP60X series.
The Simplest Sound Upgrade
If you already own an AT-LP60XUSB and want to improve its cartridge performance without changing the turntable, the genuine ATN3600LE elliptical stylus is the logical place to start.
300-Hour Elliptical Stylus-Life Guide
Audio-Technica gives the ATN3600LE an approximate service-life guide of:
300 hours.
As with any stylus, clean records and careful handling help maximise useful life.
Changing the Stylus
The stylus assembly can be removed from the front of the fixed cartridge body without disturbing cartridge alignment.
Support the tonearm while replacing the stylus and avoid placing sideways pressure on the cantilever.
Built-In Switchable Phono Stage
The AT-LP60XUSB includes its own RIAA phono preamplifier.
A rear selector provides:
- PHONO for equipment with a dedicated moving-magnet phono input
- LINE for a normal AUX, CD or other line-level input
Connect to an Amplifier Without a Phono Input
With the switch set to LINE, the internal phono stage amplifies and equalises the cartridge signal.
The turntable can then connect directly to a normal line-level analogue input on compatible equipment.
Connect to Powered Speakers
The built-in phono stage also allows the AT-LP60XUSB to connect directly to suitable powered speakers with an analogue line input.
No separate amplifier is required if the speakers contain their own amplification and appropriate volume control.
Use a Separate Phono Stage
With the selector set to PHONO, the internal preamplifier is bypassed.
The raw cartridge-level signal can then be connected to a suitable moving-magnet phono stage.
Browse phono stages at Audio T.
Check the PHONO / LINE Switch
If the turntable is set to PHONO but connected to a normal AUX or LINE input, playback will be extremely quiet and tonally incorrect.
If it is set to LINE and connected to a conventional phono input, the signal may be excessively loud and distorted.
2.5mV PHONO Output
Audio-Technica specifies nominal cartridge-level output of:
2.5mV at 1kHz, 5cm/sec.
150mV LINE Output
With the internal phono preamp engaged, nominal output is:
150mV at 1kHz, 5cm/sec.
36dB Built-In Phono Gain
The internal RIAA phono stage provides:
36dB nominal gain.
Detachable Analogue Audio Cable
The AT-LP60XUSB uses a detachable analogue output cable rather than a permanently attached lead.
Audio-Technica supplies a:
3.5mm stereo male to dual RCA male cable.
USB Vinyl Recording
The AT-LP60XUSB includes a wired USB connection for transferring records to a compatible computer.
This can be useful for:
- Digitising favourite records
- Archiving rare vinyl
- Creating portable digital copies
- Capturing records unavailable through streaming services
- Basic editing or restoration using suitable software
16-Bit Digital Conversion
The internal USB converter supports:
- 16-bit / 44.1kHz
- 16-bit / 48kHz
The digital sampling rate can be selected through compatible computer audio settings.
USB 1.1 or Higher
The turntable is compatible with computers providing a suitable USB connection meeting USB 1.1 or higher requirements.
No Special Audio-Technica Recording Software Required
Audio-Technica recommends Audacity as one free recording option, but the turntable is not locked to one particular application.
Other compatible audio-recording software may also be used.
No Bluetooth
The AT-LP60XUSB is a wired turntable.
Its connections are:
- Analogue PHONO output
- Analogue LINE output
- USB computer output
USB Does Not Mean Wireless
The USB connection is for transferring audio to a computer.
The AT-LP60XUSB does not include Bluetooth transmission.
AT-LP60XUSB or AT-LP60XBT?
AT-LP60XUSB
- Fully automatic
- Belt drive
- 33? and 45rpm
- Built-in phono stage
- Analogue output
- USB computer recording
- No Bluetooth
AT-LP60XBT
- Fully automatic
- Belt drive
- 33? and 45rpm
- Built-in phono stage
- Analogue output
- Bluetooth wireless output
- No USB recording on the standard BT model
If digitising records is important, choose the USB model. If sending vinyl wirelessly to Bluetooth headphones or speakers is the priority, look towards the Bluetooth version.
AT-LP60XUSB or AT-LP120XUSB?
AT-LP60XUSB
- Fully automatic
- Belt drive
- 33? and 45rpm
- Fixed tonearm setup
- Integrated cartridge
- Replaceable stylus
- Built-in phono stage
- USB recording
- 2.6kg
- Designed around simplicity
AT-LP120XUSB
- Fully manual
- Direct drive
- 33?, 45 and 78rpm
- Adjustable tracking force
- Adjustable anti-skate
- Removable headshell
- Replaceable cartridge
- Built-in phono stage
- USB recording
- Pitch adjustment
The LP60XUSB is the better fit for someone who values convenience and automatic operation.
The LP120XUSB is substantially more adjustable and upgradeable, but requires more hands-on setup and manual operation.
Compare the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB at Audio T.
External Power Adapter
The power supply converts AC to DC outside the turntable chassis.
Audio-Technica uses this arrangement to move the power-conversion circuitry away from the sensitive cartridge and analogue signal path.
Low 1W Power Consumption
Audio-Technica specifies power consumption at:
1.0W.
Compact 2.6kg Design
The AT-LP60XUSB weighs:
2.6kg.
Its compact dimensions make it particularly easy to accommodate in smaller systems.
Compact Dimensions
Overall dimensions are:
359.5mm W x 97.5mm H x 373.3mm D.
Allow additional height and rear clearance if the hinged dust cover will be opened while fitted.
Removable Hinged Dust Cover
A hinged dust cover is included and can also be removed if required.
It protects the platter, tonearm and stylus from dust while the turntable is not in use.
45rpm Adapter Included
A 45rpm centre adapter is supplied for seven-inch records with a large centre hole.
Minimal Setup Required
Initial assembly consists principally of:
- Installing the aluminium platter
- Positioning the drive belt around the motor pulley
- Fitting the felt mat
- Connecting the audio cable
- Selecting PHONO or LINE output
- Connecting the external power adapter
There is no cartridge alignment or counterweight adjustment required.
Position the Turntable Carefully
Even a straightforward automatic turntable benefits from a stable support.
For best results:
- Use a flat and level surface
- Avoid placing the turntable immediately beside loudspeakers
- Keep it away from excessive vibration
- Avoid unstable furniture
Who Is the Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB For?
Well Suited To
- First-time vinyl listeners
- Customers wanting fully automatic operation
- Anyone wanting automatic tonearm return
- Customers with limited turntable setup experience
- Systems without a dedicated phono input
- Powered speaker systems with analogue input
- Customers wanting USB vinyl recording
- Listeners wanting a compact turntable
- Customers wanting a replaceable stylus
- Anyone wanting a simple official elliptical stylus upgrade
Check Before Buying
- Only 33? and 45rpm
- No 78rpm operation
- No Bluetooth
- No adjustable pitch
- No adjustable tracking force
- No adjustable anti-skate
- Cartridge is integrated into the headshell
- Complete cartridge is not intended to be replaced
- Use only styli suitable for the fixed 3.5g tracking force
- USB recording is 16-bit / 44.1 or 48kHz
Key Features
- Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB
- AT-LP60XUSBGM Gunmetal finish
- Fully automatic operation
- Automatic start
- Automatic stop
- Automatic tonearm return
- Manual tonearm lift function
- 12-inch and 7-inch record-size selection
- DC servo-controlled motor
- Belt-drive system
- 33? rpm playback
- 45rpm playback
- Die-cast aluminium platter
- Felt platter mat
- Less than 0.25% wow and flutter
- Greater than 50dB signal-to-noise ratio
- Redesigned tonearm base
- Integrated Dual Magnet cartridge
- Fixed 3.5g standard tracking force
- Replaceable ATN3600LC stylus
- 0.6mil bonded conical stylus
- ATN3600LE elliptical upgrade compatible
- 0.3 x 0.7mil bonded elliptical upgrade
- Switchable built-in phono stage
- PHONO and LINE output
- 36dB phono preamp gain
- 2.5mV nominal PHONO output
- 150mV nominal LINE output
- USB vinyl recording
- 16-bit / 44.1kHz conversion
- 16-bit / 48kHz conversion
- Detachable analogue output cable
- External AC adapter
- 1W power consumption
- 2.6kg weight
- Removable hinged dust cover
- 45rpm adapter included
- No Bluetooth
Frequently Asked Questions
What does AT-LP60XUSBGM mean?
AT-LP60XUSB is the turntable model, while GM identifies the Gunmetal finish.
Is the AT-LP60XUSB fully automatic?
Yes. Press START and the turntable starts the platter, positions the tonearm and lowers the stylus automatically.
Does the tonearm return automatically?
Yes. At the end of the record, the tonearm returns to its rest and the platter stops.
Can I choose a track manually?
Yes. The tonearm lift control allows manual cueing even though the turntable is fully automatic.
What speeds does it play?
33? and 45rpm.
Does it have adjustable pitch?
No. It provides selectable record speeds but no variable pitch adjustment.
Can it play 78rpm records?
No. The AT-LP60XUSB does not provide 78rpm operation.
Is it belt drive or direct drive?
It is a belt-drive turntable using a DC servo-controlled motor.
What cartridge is fitted?
An Audio-Technica AT3600L Dual Magnet cartridge is integrated into the headshell.
Can I replace the complete cartridge?
The cartridge is integrated into the headshell and is not intended to be replaced like a conventional half-inch cartridge.
Can I replace the stylus?
Yes. The stylus is user-replaceable.
What is the current replacement stylus?
The standard current replacement is the Audio-Technica ATN3600LC.
What stylus shape does the ATN3600LC use?
A 0.6mil bonded conical diamond.
How long does the ATN3600LC stylus last?
Audio-Technica gives an approximate service-life guide of 300–500 hours.
Can I upgrade the stylus?
Yes. Audio-Technica now offers the ATN3600LE bonded elliptical stylus as an official upgrade for the LP60X series.
What stylus shape does ATN3600LE use?
A 0.3 x 0.7mil bonded elliptical diamond.
Does the elliptical stylus work with the fixed tracking force?
Yes. Audio-Technica specifies ATN3600LE for a 3.0–4.0g range with 3.5g as standard, making it suitable for the factory-set LP60X tonearm.
Can I fit a VM95 stylus?
No. The LP60X uses the AT3600L cartridge family rather than the VM95 interchangeable stylus system.
Can I fit any Audio-Technica stylus that physically fits?
No. Audio-Technica warns that styli designed for lower tracking forces can be damaged when used with the LP60X's fixed 3.5g tonearm setting.
Can I adjust the tracking force?
No. Tracking force is factory-set.
What is the tracking force?
The standard tracking force is 3.5g.
Can I adjust anti-skate?
No. The tonearm is factory configured rather than user adjustable.
Does it have a built-in phono stage?
Yes. The built-in RIAA phono preamplifier is switchable.
Can I connect it to an amplifier without a phono input?
Yes. Set the selector to LINE and connect it to a normal line-level analogue input.
Can I use an external phono stage?
Yes. Set the selector to PHONO to bypass the built-in preamplifier.
Can I connect it directly to powered speakers?
Yes, provided the speakers have a suitable analogue line input and their own volume control.
What is the built-in phono-stage gain?
36dB nominal with RIAA equalisation.
What does the USB connection do?
It allows records to be recorded to a compatible computer.
What quality does USB recording support?
16-bit audio at 44.1kHz or 48kHz.
Do I have to use Audacity?
No. Audacity is one compatible option, but other suitable recording software can also be used.
Does the AT-LP60XUSB have Bluetooth?
No. USB and Bluetooth are different connections, and this model does not include Bluetooth.
What is the wow and flutter specification?
Less than 0.25% weighted at 3kHz.
What is the signal-to-noise ratio?
Greater than 50dB DIN-B.
What are the dimensions?
359.5mm wide, 97.5mm high and 373.3mm deep.
How much does it weigh?
2.6kg.
Is a dust cover included?
Yes. A removable hinged dust cover is supplied.
Is a 45rpm adapter included?
Yes.
Can Audio T help with replacement styli?
Yes. Contact your local Audio T store for advice on the standard ATN3600LC replacement stylus, ATN3600LE elliptical upgrade and general turntable setup.
Related Audio-Technica Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Turntable demonstrations
- First-turntable advice
- Turntable and system matching
- Automatic versus manual turntable guidance
- Belt-drive turntable advice
- ATN3600LC replacement stylus advice
- ATN3600LE elliptical upgrade guidance
- Built-in versus external phono-stage advice
- Powered speaker matching
- USB vinyl-recording guidance
- Replacement belt advice
- Turntable positioning advice
- Stylus-care guidance
- Part-exchange options
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store for advice on the Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB, system matching, USB recording or choosing between the ATN3600LC replacement stylus and ATN3600LE elliptical upgrade.