Inside This Article:
Vinyl is back. Not just as a nostalgic novelty, but as a full-blown revival. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newbie enchanted by the crackle of a needle on wax, choosing the right turntable matters. Enter the Audio Technica LP60 and Audio-Technica LP120—two titans of the entry-level and semi-pro turntable world. One’s a no-fuss starter, the other a customizable beast. Let’s dissect them.
Audio Technica LP60: The Gateway Drug to Vinyl Addiction
The Audio Technica LP60 is the turntable equivalent of a trusty bicycle. It won’t win any races, but it’ll get you where you need to go without draining your wallet or demanding a mechanic’s expertise. Designed for simplicity, it’s the anti-fuss machine.
Why the LP60 is the People’s Champion
- Fully automatic operation: Press a button. The tonearm lifts, moves, and drops like a well-trained butler. No manual nudging required.
- Built-in phono preamp: Skip the external gear. Plug directly into speakers or a receiver. Perfect for minimalist setups.
- Belt-driven motor: Quieter than direct-drive, though with less torque. Ideal for casual listening, not for scratching.
- Fixed cartridge: Pre-installed, pre-aligned. Great for beginners, frustrating for tinkerers.
Audio Technica LP60 Review: The Honest Truth
The Good:
✔ Budget-friendly: Often under $150. A steal for anyone dipping toes into vinyl.
✔ Plug-and-play simplicity: Unbox, connect, play. No calibration headaches.
✔ Surprisingly decent sound: For the price, it punches above its weight.
The Not-So-Good:
✖ Zero adjustability: Tracking force? Anti-skate? Forget it. This is a “what you see is what you get” deal.
✖ Plastic construction: Lightweight = portable, but also feels a bit toy-like.
✖ No manual mode: DJ aspirations? Keep dreaming.
Real-talk take: The LP60 is like a microwave—efficient, user-friendly, but limited. If you’re the type to geek out over audio specs, you’ll crave an upgrade fast.
Audio-Technica LP120: For the Vinyl Enthusiast Who Means Business
The Audio-Technica LP120 is the LP60’s ambitious cousin. It’s the turntable you buy when you’re serious about sound, control, and maybe even pretending you’re a DJ at 2 a.m. (we’ve all been there).
What Makes the LP120 a Beast
- Direct-drive motor: Faster start-up, more torque. DJ-friendly and durable.
- Fully adjustable tonearm: Fine-tune tracking force and anti-skate. Audiophiles, rejoice.
- Removable cartridge: Upgrade paths galore. Swap in a fancy Ortofon if you’re feeling fancy.
- Built-in preamp with bypass: Use it standalone or hook it up to a high-end system.
LP120: The Pros and Cons of Power
Why You’ll Love It:
✔ Total control: Adjust everything. This turntable respects your need to micromanage.
✔ Premium build: Metal platter, sturdy base. It feels like a serious piece of gear.
✔ Versatility: Listen casually or pretend you’re Grandmaster Flash.
Why You Might Hesitate:
✖ Higher price tag: Around $300. Double the LP60, but you get what you pay for.
✖ Setup isn’t instant: Not rocket science, but not as mindless as the LP60.
✖ Heavy and bulky: Not ideal for shuffling between dorm rooms.
Hypothetical glory: Picture this. Friends over. You drop the needle on a rare 45, adjust the pitch control mid-song, and nail the transition. With the LP60, you’d just smile awkwardly. With the LP120, you’re the hero of the night (or at least the hero of your living room).
LP60 vs. LP120: The Ultimate Showdown
Let’s pit these two head-to-head. Spoiler: It’s not just about price.
| Feature | Audio Technica LP60 | Audio-Technica LP120 |
| Drive Type | Belt-driven | Direct-drive |
| Operation | Fully automatic | Manual/semi-auto |
| Preamp | Built-in (no bypass) | Built-in (with bypass) |
| Tonearm Adjustments | None | Tracking force, anti-skate |
| Cartridge | Fixed | Removable |
| Price | ~$150 | ~$300 |
Key takeaway: The LP60 is your easygoing friend. The LP120 is your detail-obsessed mentor.
"My journey with these turntables reminds me of learning to cook. The LP60 was like my trusty non-stick pan—it forgave mistakes and never complained. The LP120 is more like cast iron—it demands attention but rewards your care with remarkable results. When I had friends over for a listening session last month, my buddy who owns a proper LP120 setup spent 10 minutes adjusting everything before dropping the needle. Overkill? Maybe. But when those first notes of Coltrane's 'A Love Supreme' filled the room with warmth and texture you could practically touch, nobody was complaining about the wait."
Who Should Buy Which Turntable?
Choose the Audio Technica LP60 if:
- You’re new to vinyl and want a no-brainer setup.
- Your budget is tight, but you refuse to buy a Crosley (smart move).
- You’d rather listen to music than fuss with equipment.
Choose the Audio-Technica LP120 if:
- You crave control over sound quality.
- You’re eyeing future upgrades (better cartridges, external preamps).
- You’ve ever thought, “Maybe I could DJ…” (even ironically).
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are the main differences between the Audio Technica LP60 and LP120?
The LP60 is a fully automatic, entry-level turntable with a built-in phono preamp, while the LP120 is a more advanced, semi-automatic model with adjustable tonearm counterweight, pitch control, and a removable phono preamp.
2. Which turntable is better for beginners?
The LP60 is ideal for beginners due to its simple plug-and-play design, while the LP120 is better suited for those who want more customization and control over their listening experience.
3. Does the LP120 offer better sound quality than the LP60?
Yes, the LP120 generally provides better sound quality due to its adjustable tonearm, higher torque motor, and the ability to upgrade components like the cartridge.
4. Can I connect both turntables to speakers without a separate receiver?
Yes, both models have built-in phono preamps, allowing direct connection to powered speakers or an amplifier with a line-level input. However, the LP120’s preamp can be bypassed for use with an external phono stage.
Final Verdict: No Wrong Choices, Only Wrong Expectations
The Audio Technica LP60 is the training wheels of turntables—safe, simple, and someday outgrown. The Audio-Technica LP120 is the grown-up bike with gears, suspension, and the ability to terrify you with speed.
Random fact: The LP120’s design is a nod to the legendary Technics SL-1200. So, in a way, you’re buying a piece of DJ history.
Source: Details its influence since 1972
Whichever you pick, remember: The best turntable is the one you’ll actually use. Now go dig through crates at your local record store. Your collection won’t grow itself. 🎵
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