Audio-Technica: AT-LP120X vs. AT-LP120 Turntable Comparison / Review

The Audio-Technica AT-LP120 Turntable has been the industry standard direct-drive turntable in the entry to mid-level price range for nearly a decade. The redesigned AT-LP120X (2019) offers several key improvements + refinements, all while lowering its price point (current retail $249.00).

1.0 KEY SIMILARITIES

The AT-LP120 series has built its reputation on (4) key features:

1.1 The LP120 series features a direct-drive motor which is unique in this price range. Direct-drive motors forgo belts and are directly connected to the platter. Direct-drive motors feature higher torque (motor power) and require less maintenance than belt-driven motors.

1.2 The LP-120 series features a higher quality tonearm than most entry level turntables. The S-shaped tonearm is modeled after the Technics SL-1200 turntable and features adjustable counterweight and anti-skate controls. These (2) controls allow you to optimize sound quality and reduce record wear using either the included cartridge or a future upgrade. 

1.3 The LP120 line of turntables is fully-featured. There isn't much that the LP120 does not offer in terms of control and convenience. Here's a list of key features:

1.4 The AT-LP120’s extensive feature set, solid build quality and sub-$300 price point has made it one of our top 3 most popular turntables. With the introduction of the AT-LP120X, Audio-Technica has lowered the price further to $249, making it an even better value purchase.

2.0 KEY DIFFERENCES

We have identified (7) key upgrades to the AT-LP120X:

2.1 The LP120X motor has been upgraded. The new motor is more efficient and consumes less energy (2.75W vs 11W). This means the motor has to work less to spin the platter, which in turn reduces mechanical distortion and rumble. The new motor also features improved starting torque, which means that the platter will get up to proper playback speed faster.

2.2 The removable power cord now features an external AC adapter. On the previous model, the AC/DC conversion was done inside the turntable body and could interfere with the audio signal (minor distortions).

2.3 The anti-skating control adjusts the placement of the needle in the groove. It compensates the tendency of the tonearm to ‘skate’ towards the center of the record. Pre-2017 versions of the LP120 had known issues with this feature. Audio-Technica has addressed these issues and completely redesigned this component for the AT-LP120X. 

Note that tonearm height adjustment feature has been removed. This was a problematic feature for beginner and mid-level users as it was unclear on the proper heights for different cartridge models. Audio-Technica has fixed the height for use with their AT-VM95 series, which offers easy upgrades within the range (more on this below).

2.4 The AT-LP120X has been upgraded with the AT-VM95E Cartridge and matching AT-HS6 Headshell. The VM95E features improved sound quality due to higher output (4.0mV vs 3.5mV) and a wider frequency response (20-22,000 Hz vs. 20-20,000 Hz) than its predecessor.

An important feature of the AT-VM95E cartridge is that it belongs to the VM95 Series, which all share the same body. This allows you to swap out the stylus with any of the VM95 Series styluses. For example, for $99 you can upgrade to a nude diamond stylus (which is similar stylus design of the Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge / $239).

2.5 The AT-LP120X's preamp has been upgraded with a stronger signal / output. The preamp's off function has also been improved with a cleaner bypass, with little to no added distortion.

2.6 The LP120X features several additional upgrades to its extensive features list:

• removable RCA cables - easier to replace or upgrade
• pitch control range - used to adjust the playback speed. The range was changed to the industry standard +8 / +16 (previously +10 / +20) - useful while DJing
• stylus light has been changed to a plug-in LED - longer life and easier replacement

all the cables of the LP120X are now removable, convenient for replacing and upgrading

2.7 The turntable's overall design has been refreshed. The LP120x has a sleeker body shape and a more consistent finish across the various components. We especially like the matte finish (including tonearm) and the matching AT-HS6 headshell.

The LP120X weighs approximately 17.6 lbs (about 6 lbs lighter than the LP120) likely due to the more efficient motor and external power supply. The overall dimensions of the turntable remain nearly identical, except the lower profile LP120X is 1/2" shorter in height.

⇉ IN SUMMARY

The improvements inherent in the AT-LP120X offer a thoughtful, aesthetically pleasing upgrade. The direct-drive motor, refined features and quality components (especially the VM95 cartridge) combine for an incredible value at $249. We highly recommend this turntable for all user levels looking at this price range.

Audio-Technica AT-LP120X Overview + Setup Guide Video