Audio Technica AT-LP60X Review

Today I decided to do a test of one of the most popular turntables nowadays in a new Audio Technica AT-LP60X Review article.

Intro

The Audio-Technica AT-LP60 turntable is a budget-friendly option for those looking to enjoy their vinyl records without breaking the bank. This fully automatic turntable is designed with ease of use in mind, featuring start and stop buttons and a belt-drive design that turns an aluminum platter. In terms of design, Audio-Technica has opted for something with personality, standing out from the typical monochromatic slab look of other audio equipment manufacturers. Additionally, the AT-LP60 comes with a built-in phono preamplifier and a user-replaceable stylus, making it a versatile option for vinyl enthusiasts of all levels. For those who prioritize wireless capabilities, the AT-LP60-BT model allows for the wireless transmission of audio to a nearby Bluetooth speaker. In this review, we will dive deeper into the scope of delivery, materials and design, sound test, and differences between various models of the Audio-Technica AT-LP60 turntable, before concluding its overall performance and value.

NOTICE: Audio Technica AT-LP60 is a discontinued model replaced by Audio Technica AT-LP60X. So, in a further text, I will refer only to the Audio Technica AT-LP60X model.

Audio Technica AT-LP60X Specifications

• Type: Belt drive turntable, fully automatic
• Motor: DC servo-controlled
• Speeds: 33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM
• Turntable Platter: Aluminum
• Wow and Flutter: Less than 0.25% (WTD) @ 3 kHz (JIS)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >50 dB (DIN-B)
• Output Level: Pre-amp “PHONO”: 2.5 mV nominal at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec, Pre-amp “LINE”: 150 mV nominal at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec
• Phono Pre-Amp Gain: 36 dB nominal, RIAA equalized
• Power Supply Requirements: 100 to 240 V, 50/60 Hz, 0.6 A Max.
• Dimensions: 359.5 mm (14.15″) W x 97.5 mm (3.84″) H x 373.3 mm (14.70″) D
• Weight: 2.6 kg (5.73 lbs)
• Accessories Included: Dust cover, Felt mat, Platter (with drive belt), 45 RPM adapter, RCA audio cable (approx. 1.2 m (3.9′)), AC adapter (approx. 1.5 m (4.9′))
• Notes: AC adapter: 12 V, 2 A; Replacement Stylus: ATN3600L

You can download the manual here->Audio Technica AT-LP60X Manual

Scope of Delivery

The scope of delivery is an essential aspect to consider when purchasing any product, and turntables are no exception. A comprehensive and detailed scope of delivery helps buyers understand what comes with the package and can aid in setting up and using the product. Here’s what you can expect in the box when purchasing the Audio Technica AT-LP60X turntable.

The Audio Technica AT-LP60X turntable comes with the following components in the package:

• The turntable itself
• AC adapter
• Felt mat
• Platter
• RCA audio cable
• 45 RPM adapter
• Removable hinged dust cover

The package includes everything required to get started and is well-suited for both novice and experienced users. The included cables allow for flexible connectivity options and the 45 RPM adapter enables users to play 7-inch records. The removable hinged dust cover is a nice addition that helps protect the turntable and keeps it free from dust and debris when not in use.

It’s worth noting that this model of Audio Technica turntable comes with additional components, such as a built-in phono preamp.

Overall, the scope of delivery of the Audio Technica AT-LP60X turntable is comprehensive and includes everything needed to get started, making it a convenient and straightforward option for anyone looking to start enjoying their vinyl collection.

Materials & Design

The Audio Technica AT-LP60X turntable is designed with a sleek and modern aesthetic that incorporates high-quality materials. The turntable features a plastic chassis, which is available in silver or black, and has a shiny, tasteful finish. The tonearm mechanics and hood fixings are streamlined, giving the turntable an elegant and understated look. The turntable is also built with durability in mind, ensuring long-lasting performance and resistance to wear and tear.

One of the notable features of the AT-LP60X turntable is its Dual Magnet phono cartridge with a replaceable diamond stylus (ATN3600L), which employs the best materials and advanced processing techniques, resulting in exceptional sound quality and accurate playback of vinyl records. The turntable also includes a limited upgrade path with a choice of line or phono output, allowing users to add their preamp. Additionally, the AT-LP60X, which is an update to the AT-LP60, carries over the automatic function (play, stop, and …) of its predecessor.

Overall, the Audio Technica AT-LP60X turntable offers a sleek design and quality materials that make it a great option for vinyl enthusiasts looking for an affordable and reliable turntable.

Cartridge

The Audio Technica AT-LP60X turntable features a built-in Dual Magnet phono cartridge with a replaceable diamond stylus (ATN3600L), which is responsible for reading the grooves on vinyl records and converting them into electrical signals that can be amplified and played through speakers. The cartridge is an important component of the turntable and can affect the sound quality of the overall system. Here are some details about the cartridge used in the Audio Technica AT-LP60X turntable:

The cartridge used in the AT-LP60X turntable is a Dual Magnet Audio-Technica cartridge. However, there are several different types of cartridges offered by Audio Technica that are compatible with the AT-LP60, including the Dual Moving Coil Stereo Cartridge AT-ART20.

The cartridge used in the AT-LP60X turntable is designed to be user-replaceable, allowing for easy upgrades or maintenance. Additionally, here is an Audio Technica guide on how to align the cartridge properly. Proper alignment of the cartridge is important for optimal sound quality and minimizing wear on the stylus and records.

Let’s be honest: Although Audio Technica claims that the cartridge is upgradeable the truth is somewhat different. The problem is that the AT-LP60X uses an integrated variant of the Audio Technica AT3600L. I.e., it’s not a T4P/P-Mount table, on which one could swap the cartridge, and instead has got its own proprietary “one piece” headshell/cartridge combination, which doesn’t allow swapping the cartridge. So the only actual possibility is to swap the cartridge with the same new cartridge. The tracking force and anti-skating can’t be changed. Or in other words: This is pretty much a proprietary plug & play concept, which is only designed to work as is. So what we have here is: “zero adjustment possibilities and null upgrade potential”.

Sound Test

Expectations towards the analog are often related to the primary role of the midrange and general warming, which, however, is not exaggerated in the best turntables.

It turns out that also cheap models can break free from this scheme, of course on a different level of broadly understood quality. The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X sounds calm, without “analog” emphasis, quite neutral, but with a relatively large dose of treble freedom.

The bass is light, it blends seamlessly with the midrange, but it does not thicken it, does not thicken it, and even more so it does not dominate the whole. It is not a massive and maximally saturated sound, but it allows you to hear a lot of decay. Compared to the generally similar TN-175, the AT-LP60X is more direct and open.

To a certain, but easily noticeable extent, the built-in equalization circuit, with which I started testing, is responsible for the light sound, assuming that users of such a cheap turntable will not be looking for an expensive phono-stage.

But you don’t have to spend a lot, and maybe you don’t even need to buy anything else to change a lot – it’s worth trying even a circuit from an integrated amplifier, which can improve both weight and dynamics and add strength to the sound. Then it turns out that the cheap AT-LP60X can also introduce us to the vinyl climate.

Explaining the Differences Between Various Models of Audio Technica AT-LP60 Turntable

The first model is the AT-LP60X, which is an upgraded version of the AT-LP60. It has some key differences compared to the original model, such as a redesigned tonearm with a new base and headshell design, an external power supply that reduces noise, and an improved output connection. It also has an updated aesthetic with a new color scheme and logo.

The second model is the AT-LP60XBT, which is a wireless turntable that connects to Bluetooth-enabled devices. It comes with the same features as the AT-LP60, such as the built-in phono preamp, RCA output jacks, and 45 RPM adapter. It also includes a cool black-and-white mat with the Audio-Technica logo and a 3.5mm-to-stereo RCA cable. However, it also has a Bluetooth transmitter that allows you to stream music wirelessly to your Bluetooth-enabled speakers or headphones.

The third version is Audio Technica AT-LP60XUSB. This is a stereo turntable that is equipped with a USB output for direct connection to a computer. It is designed to make it easy to transfer vinyl records to digital files. The turntable features a redesigned tonearm base and headshell, as well as an external power supply. The sound quality of the AT-LP60XUSB is above average and produces a clear and crisp sound that is slightly inferior to that of high-end models like the Audio-Technica AT-LP120BK-USB. The turntable is also fully automatic and belt-driven. It has a compact size of 14 inches (36 cm) square by 3.8 inches (10 cm) high and weighs 6.6 pounds (3 kg).

In conclusion, the differences between the various models of Audio Technica AT-LP60X turntable include the tonearm design, the external power supply, the output connection, and the overall aesthetics. The original AT-LP60X has a fully automatic belt-drive stereo turntable with a built-in phono preamp, while the AT-LP60X has an improved tonearm design, external power supply, output connection, and aesthetic. The AT-LP60XBT is a wireless turntable with the same features as the AT-LP60X, but it also has a Bluetooth transmitter that allows you to stream music wirelessly.

Audio Technica AT-LP60X Video Review

To Buy or Not?

Overall, the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X turntable is an excellent choice for vinyl enthusiasts who want a turntable that’s affordable and easy to use. It delivers clear and accurate audio reproduction, has a modern and sleek design, and comes with everything you need to start enjoying your vinyl collection. While there are different models available, each with its unique features, the AT-LP60X remains a reliable and cost-effective option for those who value decent sound and user-friendly design.

Audio Technica AT-LP60X Pro & Cons

Pros

• Decent sound
• Easy to setup
• Replaceable cartridge

Cons

• Feels cheap and plastic
• The cartridge isn’t upgradeable
• Lack of basic adjustments

This is definitely a beginners turntable. Once you put it together, you don't have any additional adjustment options like more expensive turntables. If you want a record player that you don't have to adjust and all you want to do is listen to records, then this is the record player for you.

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