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

Product Information

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. Although streaming turntables are relatively popular, most of the activity in the market has either been at the “dirt cheap” end or a notch or two above the Audio-Technica’s price – which has left the field relatively clear for the AT-LP60BT. Despite this, the company has forged ahead, delivering the AT-LP60XBT.

Powered speakers have the amplifier built-in and don’t need a separate amplifier or receiver. They are compact and easy to use. 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. I’ve outlined several key similarities and differences between these two models, but there’s a couple addition improvements when it comes to the LP60X that I want to point out. That said, the AT-LP60X is still an entry-level turntable, and it won’t sound as good as audiophile turntables. Which isn’t expected either.

Side guide

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.

The AT-LP60X is the standard and most affordable version. It doesn’t include Bluetooth, so it must be connected to a receiver or powered speakers with a traditional signal cable. BUILT IN PREAMP: The built in switchable preamp allows you to connect this turntable directly to your amplifier, powered speakers or stereo system without needing any additional equipment. 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. 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.So it is very easy to use and operate. And you don’t have to worry about being distracted and leaving the needle endlessly spinning in the inner grooves. When the record is finished, it automatically return the tonearm and shuts off. USB Function: PC or Mac with an available USB port (USB1.1 or higher) Windows 7 or above, or Mac OS X or above The AT-LP60XBT is fitted with a switchable phono stage, which pre-amplifies the feeble signal output from a turntable up to a level where it can be dealt with by any line-level input on an amplifier. If your amplifier is well specified enough to include a phono input, though, the XBT’s phono stage can be turned off.