Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB Fully Automatic Belt-Drive USB Turntable, Gunmetal

Product Information

With it’s fully automatic functionality, it’s plug and play design (thanks to a built a phono preamp) and the various colors the record player comes in, the AT-LP60X is a perfect option for any beginner that values convenience in the world of vinyl. Best Selling Turntables One thing you wouldn't expect from an ultra-budget turntable is that the sound quality would scale with more expensive equipment. Hook a music jewellery box up to a costly stereo system, for example, and all you'll hear is louder tinkling. The Audio-Technica, on the other hand, really shone with a more expensive system where the bass in particular was able to stretch out. If you are building a vinyl setup from scratch, it might be worth considering using powered speakers with the AT-LP60X But I think the AT-LP60X looks quite nice. Most people would probably guess that I have paid more for it than I actually have.

We don’t get audiophile sound from the AT-LP60X. But we get very good sound for the price. Impressively good sound for the price, I will say.If you’re looking for the Too Long Didn’t Read (TLDR) version of my review, here it is: The Audio Technica AT-LP60X is a great turntable for entry-level vinyl enthusiasts. For those that are worried about Bluetooth ruining the sound, I don’t think that is the case for entry-level turntables. You will need more expensive gear before the limitations of the Bluetooth protocol starts to reduce the sound quality noticeably. Recommended Speakers This affordable, easy-to-use turntable plays both 33 and 45 RPM records and with its built-in switchable phono preamp, can be connected directly into your home stereo, active bookshelf speakers or other speaker system without needing any additional equipment. Three stars may appear harsh for a budget product offering so much in the way of functionality. If you were buying it based on price and features alone, it would be good value for money, but the AT-LP60XBT just falls short of our being able to recommend it to those semi-serious about their vinyl.

Now, as you hover over the record player, you simply look down to see which button does which, thanks to Audio-Technica moving this text up from the front panel to the top of the turntable in front of the dust cover. The AT-LP60XBT-USB comes with a 45 RPM adapter, a removable hinged dust cover, and an AC adapter, which reduces noise by moving the AC/DC conversion outside of the chassis where its impact on the signal chain is limited. Audio-Technica has, understandably and wisely, erred on the side of caution with the XBT’s sound. There’s reasonable separation to the audio image, and an even-handed approach to the frequency range – the mid-range is pushed just slightly forward but it isn’t obvious enough to skew the overall sound.The turntable pairs with speakers, headphones or other wireless devices. With its CSR BT chipset, the turntable is even able to connect to devices that support the Qualcomm® aptX™ audio codec, which offers much-improved sound quality over the standard SBC codec. If you have the AT-LP60XBT and want to play music wirelessly with Bluetooth, let’s say to wireless headphones, then you first have to set both devices in pairing mode so that find each other. When the turntable and headphones are paired, you can enjoy playing records wirelessly. The AT-LP60X has a square and compact layout. It looks tidy and quite elegant. It isn’t flashy or screaming for attention.

Again, this is a more refined looking turntable, so the front panel buttons are now circular and a bit more recessed into the panel itself. To me, it gives off a less showy and cheap vibe and more of a classy visual appeal. It’s in no way a big deal in the long run, but visually, I much prefer the look of the LP60X. This is by no means the worst entry-level turntable we’ve heard, but sadly it doesn’t quite reach the standard of many previous Audio-Technica attempts. I have a highly upgraded Rega Planar 2 that cost about 10 times more than the AT-LP60XBT that I have used for this comparison.Dust cover, Felt mat, Platter (with drive belt), 45 RPM adapter, RCA audio cable (approx. 1.2 m (3.9’)), USB cable (approx. 1.9 m (6.2')), AC adapter (approx. 1.5 m (4.9’)) Let’s start with the fundamentals. The AT-LP60XBT has a belt-drive design, and the belt turns an aluminium platter. It’s a fully automatic turntable, operating at 33.3 or 45rpm, and has “start” and “stop” buttons – which should mean very little interaction with the tonearm. But what’s great is that Audio-Technica gives you the option to either use its built in phono preamp, or to bypass it and use (for example) an audio component like an integrated amplifier’s very own RIAA phono input. What’s nice, too, is that Audio-Technica gives you the option to be able to play this turntable via a wired or wireless connection. So, on the days where maybe the bluetooth signal isn’t working, or maybe your entire Internet connection is down, you can still listen to you records by connecting your turntable directly to an amplifier or powered speakers. Bluetooth connectivity lets you connect up to your choice of Bluetooth speaker or Bluetooth-equipped hi-fi, wirelessly. Simply pair the turntable with your speaker and enjoy fuss-free connectivity within a range of around 10m.

And lastly, the AT-LP60XHP that has a headphone output with volume control and comes with headphones included. Indicates whether MUID is transferred to ANID, a cookie used for advertising. Clarity doesn't use ANID and so this is always set to 0. I have had my Audio-Technica AT-LP60X for a few months now. And I thought it was time to give it an honest review. Pairing is swift and, once established, proved sturdy well up to the 10-metre range that Audio-Technica suggests is its maximum. Throughout the testing of its wireless performance, the XBT didn’t once even hint at letting the connection fail. If you want something cheaper, then the Edifier R1280DB is a great option. They won’t sound as good as the two more expensive recommendations above, but they are the best budget powered speakers that I know of.This turntable is best for when you want to enjoy records in high quality but with complete ease of use. And I think that’s a great thing, because while people always want to save money, I think that when it comes to the vinyl hobby specifically, you want to feel you’re getting a luxury feel—even if you’re really not. If you set the switch to PHONO, you will need to use the PHONO input on a receiver or powered speakers with a preamp built-in. In this setting, the preamp that is built into the AT-LP60X will be bypassed.