Justifying my Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB Turntable Purchase
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- čas přidán 10. 09. 2024
- Purchased the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB for $300 on September 18th, 2021. But can I justify spending that kind of money on a minor hobby? Yeah, I think I can.
I’ve always believed that you buy as much quality as you can afford. If you love that turntable and it does everything if not more than you expect then it was money well spent. I’m a vintage type of guy so I propel myself to older machines. But that’s just me I line what I like. Don’t let anybody tell you what you should like.
My general philosophy has been to spend more money on things I use more often. My worry is that I wouldn't use it enough to justify how much was spent on it. But I have to remind myself that in the realm of turntables, this isn't a lot of money and basically qualifies as a starter/beginner turntable. Even though to me if feels like a consider chunk of change. But it's fun and I don't get out much lol, so it's an experience.
To be honest 300 bucks for a new turntable isnt much and for that price the Audio Technica does a good job.
Yeah for sure. I'm just cheap sometimes. lol
Looking back now that the money has been spent and I see how much I use it, it seems obvious it was a good deal. But at the time I didn't have a lot of vinyl (still really don't) and it seemed like a lot of money for a novelty format for me. (sorry for the late reply)
@@roxics Well,my first turntable was a Pioneer PL-516 and it was around the same sum in DM back in `79. So it aint cheap if you had to work for it.
I remember clearly when i first listened to a record via headphones. It was Dark Side from the Floyd. Man.WOW ! I was blown away by the sound....
Just bought one of these so was hunting on YT for some validation - duly found! Thank you brother.
I just picked up the non Bluetooth version of this last week. Such a nice experience to use it compared to the belt driven tables I've owned in the past.
It certainly takes away the hassle of dealing with a belt. Honestly I can't hear the difference anyway. But I'm not on some great audiophile setup or anything. For me, vinyl collecting is more about the physicality than anything else.
But do have two other belt driven tables. The Sony in this video, and one a buddy gave me this past year after buying the AT. I hooked that one up in the other room. But I use the AT 99% of the time.
Years ago I sold my AR-ES1 turntable with the Premier MMT arm and a Grado Signature 8 cartridge....the $400 I got for it had a lot of appeal for other necessities at the time, but I've ultimately regretted letting it go. After years or raising a family and mostly ignoring what I consider to be a fairly high end sound system, I started showing some renewed interest in it. I updated, recapped, and re-tubed my monoblock tube amps and preamp, replaced all the cables and started spending some time listening again. My kids chipped it and gave me an AT-LP120XUSB as a gift. I knew it wasn't on par with my AR, and isn't considered a high end turntable, but it was much better than I expected. After upgrading the stylus from the stock VMN95E to the VMN95SH, the sound get notably better. I was inspired enough to upgrade the stock cables, the stock mat, undercoated the plinth and platter, added o-rings to the tonearm, and added weighted grip tape to increase the mass of the counterweight so it could be rebalanced closer to the pivot point. It's hard to know if any of these little tweaks are audible by themselves, but as a whole, the summed upgrades improved the sound even further....enough so that I added a remarkable Nagaoka MP500 needle to it, and it's a downright impressive sounding TT now. I would have never believed the sound quality that can be coaxed from this humble turntable if I hadn't experienced it first hand. I've since added couple of more prestigious TTs to my arsenal, but the LP120X remains my daily driver and it always sounds wonderful. Granted, it's but one component of an entire system, and YMMV, but the potential is there for the LP120X to really shine once optimized.
Hi, found your channel after a c100 search awhile back. I vote for keeping the turntable. I have a direct drive Gemini that I picked up at a pawnshop or garage sale like 15 years ago. It was the lower cost alternative to the technics back in the day. It came with a dj cartridge that was built for scratching. I changed it out for a scavenged rotel headshell and mid tier shure cartridge. It’s been trouble free. No belt, no worries of parts availability, distorted areas in the belt from letting it sit too long without playing, and no rubber turning into dust or goop. I think that you will really enjoy the pop up light since you are a late night listener. I think that your turntable sounds like a great deal. Solid mechanicals, built in preamp to a/d converter to USB and Bluetooth, and the traditional rca jacks. It’s got all the adjustments needed to protect your records from premature wear. It looks like you have a great collection. If my 15-20 year old turntable becomes “beyond economical repair”, I’ll save up for this audio-technica or its future equivalent.
For some reason I've been seeing a lot about those Gemini turntables the last couple days. They do look nice and if you've had it for 15 years after buying it used, that's a well made machine.
The more I use it and think about it, this is probably the best choice for me. While I like the simpler look of some other turntables, I like the features of this one. Now that've had it in the living room for a couple days, the style is growing on me again. And by comparison the price is right. For a new turntable anyway.
I just bought this turntable. I love it. Bluetooth is cool because I can pair it with my receiver across the room which is convenient for now because I don’t have a place near my receiver to put it right now.
You don’t gotta justify it bruh. Buy what you want. I do … with some guilt…
I love my Bluetooth unit. Feels solid. I may upgrade the stylus in the future, but this is a nice starting point. Great video
Thank you. Sorry for the delayed reply. I love mine too. I'll probably also upgrade the stylus at some point, but i'm still within the first year so I'm trying to get the most out of what I've already got. It's been fun.
Great talk, it seems we are like minded. You have certainly bought a nice turntable which should serve you well for years to come, enjoy. 🎵🎵🎵 Great video👍
Thanks - looking at this turntable and appreciated your opinion and feedback. I'll probably buy it when the price drops or there is a sale - $599+tax in Canada is a little too high :)
I own this and have enjoyed it. I dont use the Bluetooth as much as I thought I would, but like that I can when needed. I plan on making upgrades with it over time and glad I purchased!
I've ended up using the Bluetooth on this TT as much as I expected I would, which is to say, most of the time. So I'm really glad I've got it.
Pitch is nice to have specially if theres a speed flucuation with any records mainly with bootlegs! i
This is such a great, honest, and personal review! Thank you!
This turntable with the bluetooth costs $400 now. This isn’t exactly an entry level price anymore. It’s an investment.
I bought one for €290 in the Netherlands this week. The price in the US is ridiculous.
If it's something I love I don't care about the money. I love music. I love listening to it on vinyl. Just ordered me one and I'm excited.
Have fun :)
Just got it in. It sounds amazing. Definitely an upgrade to what I had before.
I've just ordered my 3rd one, I love them, so I hope you kept yours, great video 👍
Thanks. I did. I love it too. (apologies for the delayed reply)
Good choice, you should be in good hands if you stick with it.
Thanks. I hope so. So far so good, I'm liking it.
I have two AT LP 120x Turntables one black and one silver. There an awesome turntable, I play a lot of records and always wanted a spare. My only issue with my silver AT is the cuing mechanism is not the best, it's lost some of its dampening and the tone arm drops to fast. Apart from that, it's a great Turntable...
Yeah I like the silver color version as well. Although they only had the black at the Best buy where I bought mine. But I would have gone for the black anyone since it matches my setup better. I wonder if there is an easy way to fix your cuing mechanism. Hmm.
@@roxics there is, chech out YT to find out how. Basically all you have to do is unscrew one screw and inject some damping fluid into the piston. Again, more information can be found from multiple sources.
Numark tt200 with the S shaped tonearm that cost more than the $68 machine and crappy scratch arm on ebay for me. About half the cost of a new 120, but the AT is very nice if you're buying new.
I don't do much but I like keeping my transitions on the longer side. I don't scratch but I do need something that's not working against me when mixing as I like keeping music playing together more then the time they play usually play alone. Club stuff, house n breaks mostly..
You hit a lick that thing is $400 now.
Great review, Im buying that model from AT.
These are now $400. You got a good deal.
Oh wow! It's not often that something you buy goes up in value. This September I should do a one year update on it since I did keep it.
Could pair your phone as well with this turntable?
I mean for putting on music from streaming while having speakers plugged into it?
I was gonna save up for one but my friend talked me out. The lp120 lineup in general just doesn't have auto return which is a must for me.
Unfortunately true.
I mean, the LP60XBT is probably your only other alternative. Thats my current TT and its great! BUT. I already want to upgrade it after falling in love with Vinyl. The LP120X is something i am looking to upgrade to, too bad the Bluetooth model IS NOT available in my country.
Has that changed int he last 8 months? Or is it still unavailable in your country? (apologies for the delayed reply)
@@roxics Hey! No worries, yes the LP120X Bluetooth version is still unavailable sadly, i upgraded to a regular LP120X and i'm really happy with it (albeit i miss the BT)
@@leonthesleepy
Awesome! Glad you like it.
Well there is always the option to add BT externally. That's what I did for my Minidisc unit. Although it is handy to have it built in when you can get it.
It's a Great Turntable Compared to what is out there......
Im use to the SL-1200 s but one of my tables broke. Will something like this work as replacement? 2nd question. Do you or know someone that can repair SL-1200 MK series turntables?
Sorry it took so long to reply, I wasn't getting notification. Unfortunately I'm not really involved in the vinyl scene in any way other than owning a few turntables now and some vinyl. So I don't have answers for you. Sorry.
I have this turntable connected to a soundbar system (which includes a subwoofer by Bluetooth. I have no receiver and/or pre-amp. Just the turntable and Bluetooth soundbar system. If I turn the volume up on the soundbar above about 60% I begin getting a very bad humming sound. If I turn the subwoofer off it stops. I've tried placing the subwoofer on a foam bad to isolate vibrations thru the floor and that didn't help. I move the subwoofer as far away from the turntable as possible (approx. 20') and that didn't help. If I turn the subwoofer off while playing a record the humming stops. I checked the turntable cartridge and it seems fine. Listening to the TV through the soundbar produces no hum. Just the turntable. I've read that this could be a grounding issue (ground loop) and the fix is to ground it to your receiver or pre-amp but I am using neither. Also, the turntable and the soundbar are around 10' apart from one another. Can you give me any suggestions on how to fix this issue? It's very annoying.
Hmm. So is the entire soundbar connected via bluetooth of just the subwoofer part of it? I assume the entire thing since you said it's 10 feet apart. Turntables with preamps a lot of times ground themselves through the RCA connection. I guess it's also possible that even if you're completely connected through bluetooth you might get some hum. Even though that seems strange that would happen. Either way it probably wouldn't hurt to try connecting a ground wire to the ground terminal on the back of the turntable and grounding it to another piece of equipment or something. I don't know what you have available or what the best way is for you to run it to ground. You'll need a shielded wire and either screw it or tape it to something metal that is grounded. Your options there, I don't know.
Why is it more expensive now? ($394) Is this a regional thing?
Somehow I missed this comment. But yeah that's pretty crazy. Not often things I buy go up in value. Glad I kept it. But not just for that reason.
You dont need to justify your toys, it's your money.
I have the AT-LP120-USB (non "X" model). It's not good. I've had two of them and they both have a nasty rumble that you actually hear from several feet away from the turntable when it's running. It was a bad design plain and simple. Debating if I should give Audio Technica another chance with the newer LP120X. Or if I should write off AT and pick a different vendor....
The whole motor assembly that gave all that audible rumble sound has been completely revamped; the new 120X is silent as it turns - I have an old 120 and yes, the motor is very audible as it turns.... the new one is silent! 😃
The built-in pre-amp is a much improved one too; the turntable is far better sounding than the original... 😉
IF you're still thinking of upgrading after all this time, then I would say give the 'X' version a listen; it's a vastly improved model.... but there are plenty of other decent turntables around in a similar price range; Rega P1, Pro-Ject T1, AT-LP5X, maybe the Pro-Ject Automat A1.....plenty out there in a similar price point!
its good fer playin reck-kerds
Does it have auto-stop?
No unfortunately.
@@roxics thank you. I don't need a fully automatic turntable, but auto-stop is a must for me.
@@roxicsthere's nothing
with doing it by hand.
Blimey I bet your fun and games in a bar
Kind of a strange comment.
You mean like this?
www.roxics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/12316175_10153879386970530_4845166941234741225_n.jpg
The AT LP 1240 IS BETTER. MUCH BETTER
I'm not impressed with Chinese quality. They don't have much incentive to make quality products. Communist country and poorly paid workers. I bought a brand new technics SL-1200 GR. Vinyl and cd's are not for streamers but for music fanatics.
Good for you. By the way ... would you please be so kind and tell us where could we find 1200GR (or at least Mk7) for 300$, brand new?
@@Trekkie4Lucian makes a valid point. When it comes to vinyl, it's all about the integrity of your system geared toward a retro medium. Anyone who is determined to _ONLY_ purchase brand new turntables for only 300.00 should be reconsidering if they belong in this kind of field.
CJ's Vinyl with all due respect, who are you to tell me ... or anyone else for that matter that we have to spend thousands of dollars on something as trivial as turntable? You might as well tell me to buy a Ferrari (otherwise I shouldn't drive to work, or school) or to buy a brand new, state of the art laptop, because otherwise I shouldn't even be allowed to access the internet.
People are competent to make their own decisions thank you very much, they have their financial plan and limitations, so unless you are willing to pay for others or give away free stuff I would highly advise you to think before posting something like that again.
@@Trekkie4 _"who are you to tell me ...or anyone else for that matter that we have to spend thousands of dollars on something as trivial as turntable?"_ Where does it say in my response that "you have to spend thousands of dollars on a turntable?" Exactly, because I never said that, and you're putting words in my mouth. I said if you are only willing to spend 300.00 and ONLY on a brand new turntable, then maybe you should reconsider this hobby. "_You might as well tell me to buy a Ferrari (otherwise I shouldn't drive to work, or school)"_ You're continuing to allow your emotions to cloud your judgment. I hate Ferrari's and I wish all of those cars would disappear from existence. _"or to buy a brand new, state of the art laptop, because otherwise I shouldn't even be allowed to access the internet."_ Never. I've only ever purchased used laptops. I don't believe anyone should buy them brand new, and I believe the internet is for everyone no matter what you're using to access it. _"People are competent to make their own decisions thank you very much, "_ Apparently you aren't, you've allowed yourself to create your own false sense of who I am and what the purpose is behind my initial response to you. Clearly, you need help deciding because you willingly allow yourself to see the falsehood of your own emotional mentality. Only you have done that to yourself.