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Review on Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB turntable black by Wiktor Marciniak ᠌

Revainrating 4 out of 5

I am satisfied, the product fully corresponds to the description.

After two weeks of flawless operation, the first unit finally gave out. That's the lever for raising your arm. I decided to try my luck with a second. I went for it and am glad I did. The flight was routine when I put in an orthophonic Blue-head, cork slipmat, and VsSvet microtube phono stage. This is a functional and reasonably priced tool for getting started with vinyl, virtually a "Kalashnikov assault gun" (only not an automatic machine and not . in a word, as in the saying about "samurai without a sword"). The updated 120 is seriously quieter and as upgradable as it gets (which eventually justified itself one hundred percent). There are complaints about the level of the device itself (a relative concept, I would change it for a new Thorens, which is three times more expensive, and taking other Technics clones of other brands is a waste of money), the direct drive itself (they say that the disc does not pull as musically as a belt - but here it is necessary to decide on a whole class of devices, and it is unlikely that the majority will switch to a belt feed), and the sound quality. Claims along the lines that automated systems tend to malfunction more frequently. Even we mortals have our expiration dates, therefore listening to music ought to evoke feelings of awe rather than drudgery. If you can get past the price tag, this is a fantastic piece of equipment. Replacing it isn't likely to be a top priority anytime soon. The model makes it fun to listen to records, which may help bring Lenin back to life.

Pros
  • The most sophisticated feature of the AT-LP120 is its ability to have RCA outputs instead of a fixed cable and to disable the internal phono stage (not bad to interrupt for a while). Plenty of room for improvement (change cables, head, connect an external phono stage). A replica with a different filling than the original, famed Technics. Superb layout (although this is not the main thing).
Cons
  • The tonearm height can't be changed (not all cartridges will fit, although you can play a little bit with the thickness of the slipmat). Due to its low cost and plastic mechanics' inherent instability (affects the amount of mechanical defects). The process is entirely manual.