The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB meets
the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X
The do-everything deck that works with any system on day one. We tested it head-to-head against the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X across 6 key dimensions.
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB
“The do-everything deck that works with any system on day one”
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X
“The plug-and-play deck that makes starting vinyl simple”
Head-to-Head Breakdown
Strengths & Weaknesses
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB
- A switchable built-in phono preamp and a USB output mean it plays through any amp or powered speaker straight away, and it can digitize your records
- Direct-drive motor with 78 RPM support, adjustable anti-skate, and pitch control handles both careful listening and light DJ use
- Valve and Vinyl scored it 8.6/10 as the best turntable under $500, praising a metal build that punches above the price
- Fully manual operation asks a bit more of a first-time buyer than an automatic deck
- The bundled AT-VM95E cartridge is out-resolved by the Ortofon carts on belt-drive rivals like the Fluance RT85
- No Bluetooth, and the DJ-style look will not suit every room
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X
- Fully automatic with a built-in switchable preamp, so it is genuinely plug-and-play with powered speakers or any amp
- The die-cast aluminum platter and anti-resonance design produce clean sound for well under $200
- Widely stocked around $149 and one of the most-recommended first decks across every roundup
- The base model has no USB output; you need the BT or USB variant for those
- The fixed, non-upgradeable cartridge body caps how far the sound can improve
- The lightweight plastic plinth is more susceptible to vibration than heavier decks
The Verdict
Our Bottom Line
Most turntable roundups split their picks by budget tier, and the very best-sounding decks under $600, the Rega Planar 1 and Fluance RT85, all share one catch: they need an external phono preamp and a full hi-fi system before they make a sound. The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB wins here because it removes that friction without giving up much.
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB
Most turntable roundups split their picks by budget tier, and the very best-sounding decks under $600, the Rega Planar 1 and Fluance RT85, all share one catch: they need an external phono preamp and a full hi-fi system before they make a sound. The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB wins here because it removes that friction without giving up much.
- You want one deck that plays through any system today and can digitize records over USB
- You are willing to cue the tonearm yourself in exchange for a full feature set
- You want a metal-built deck with 78 RPM, pitch control, and adjustable anti-skate
- You value a removable headshell so you can upgrade the cartridge down the line
- You do not already own a separate phono preamp and would rather not buy one
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X
The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X is the deck that has introduced more people to vinyl than almost any other, and the reason is simple: it just works. It is fully automatic, so you press start and the tonearm does the rest, and it has a switchable preamp built in, so it plays through powered speakers or any amp with no extra gear. SoundGuys and Vinylpickup both call it the easiest cheap entry into vinyl.
- You are new to vinyl and want to start listening this weekend with zero setup
- You want fully automatic operation so the tonearm cues and returns itself
- You are pairing it with powered speakers or an amp and want the preamp built in
- You want the lowest sensible price for a real hi-fi cartridge, around $149
- You see this as your first deck, not a forever purchase