A direct-drive motor is placed right under the turntable platter and connects to the platter directly. While a belt-drive motor connects to the platter through a rubber belt. Beneath the mat, the aluminum platter can be adjusted to move at either the standard 33rpm for LPs, or 45rpm for 7-inch records (and also some larger special edition 45rpm pressings). This is easily adjustable using the Speed button on the left side of the table's front face. To the right of the platter, near the stylus, there's a switch to select between record sizes. This is essential to set beforehand, as it determines where the needle drop will occur when you press Start. the LP-60x's new 3.25mm stereo output; the phono/line switch turns on the built-in phono preamp (left), the included audio cable that connects turntable to your audio ouput (right) The turntable also offers a built-in switchable phono/line preamp that allows connection to a stereo system equipped with either a phono or line-level input. While the standard version of the AT-LP60 does not come with Bluetooth connectivity, there is a version that does. The AT-LP60BT.

This same chassis, manufactured by the Chinese turntable OEM outfit Hanpin, has been used in many a turntable over the years. They mostly come from brands such as Sony, Aiwa, Kenwood and Pioneer to name a few, who wanted to re-introduce a low-cost turntable during the decline of the vinyl format but didn’t want to go to the effort and cost of designing a new model themselves. Most of them have full automatic operation and a good number share the phono preamp, with variations in platter material, USB and Bluetooth functionality, pitch control etc. They are all basically identical however, and it’s probably fair to assume that their sales figures over time are heading towards millions of units if they haven’t long surpassed that already. Suffice it to say that there are a lot of them out there, and probably a good few still spinning records. Recording from vinyl is a simple process too. Files can be ripped as 16-bit/44.1kHz or 48kHz WAVs by connecting your PC or laptop to the turntable’s USB type B output, then using the supplied Audacity software to process them. Of course, the AT-LP60XBT can also be operated just like a regular turntable with a traditional wired connection. Either way – wired or wireless – you get outstanding audio with the ease of automatic operation controlled by front-panel start, stop and tonearm lift buttons. I’m pleasantly surprised by the AT-LP60. I’m often asked to recommend the cheapest model of turntable that won’t cause undue record damage, and have been curious to complete this test for some time. Based on the results of the test I can conclude that the AT-LP60 will not cause record damage, at least not any more damage than would be expected of a similar turntable. It is certainly a huge cut above the likes of Crosley, GPO, Ion and the many other suitcase-style and portable turntables on the market, most of which will do more harm than good. First up, I installed a fresh stylus and in doing so learned that not all AT3600 styli are equal. Aftermarket styli may well be cheaper, but they’re not all equivalent in quality to the AT original. One example produced a horrible grainy scratching sound in one channel that was thoroughly unpleasant to listen to, and probably wasn’t doing much for the record either. Interestingly a genuine stylus had a longer exposed cantilever than the aftermarket stylus, and the suspension on the aftermarket stylus was also more compliant. I installed a genuine AT stylus which was a huge improvement.

In Conclusion

The AT-LP60-BT is equipped with a transparent cover to protect your equipment from dust. The cover can be removed at any time. Two Colour Options All you need to do on the LP60 is basically to place the turntable platter and attach the rubber belt that connects the motor and the platter. Then connect the cables and you are ready to go. The LP120 has a reverse play feature while the LP60 has not. So if reverse play is important to you, choose the LP120. 12. Sound This is a feature that does not come as standard on the LP60. But there is a USB version of the LP60 whitas well. The AT-LP60USB. 15. Colors The large plastic gear engages with the central spindle during start/stop operations and is cycled by the rotation of the platter. There isn’t much going on here besides the spindle itself and the single-speed motor pulley.

The LP120, on the other hand, does not come in a version that features Bluetooth connectivity. At least not at the time this article is written. 14. USB Functionality So, for the extra money you will have to spend on the LP120, you will get a turntable that provides for multiple uses. Not only music listening. 6. SpeedPurists will likely grumble about the absence of a traditional phono out (the turntable outputs via 3.5mm using the aforementioned 3.5mm-to-RCA cable), but purists are unlikely to buy a Bluetooth turntable anyway. Performance and Conclusions

Prices valid in stores (all including VAT) until close of business on 2nd November 2023. (Some of these web prices are cheaper than in-store, so please mention that you've seen these offers online.) The turntable is equipped with a transparent cover to protect your equipment from dust. The cover can be removed at any time. Audacity Software Here we are then with part two of our AT-LP60 test. In this instalment we’ll play one side of a record a total of 50 times as in the original test and assess the damage, if any, the LP60 will cause. If you’re a little more serious about your vinyl and your hi-fi, though, I’d suggest spending that bit extra for the impressive (and upgradable) Flexson VinylPlay. Verdict

The Test

If you like to modify and upgrade your turntable over time, there will be a lot more options with the LP120 than with the LP60. The LP120 is a very popular “project turntable” and there are a variety of possible upgrades and modifications to consider. As well as many forums where upgrades and mods are lively discussed. These files have a similarly even-handed character, although in terms of quality, expectations should be closer to Spotify streams than CD-ripped files. Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. Read our editorial mission & see how we test. Freedom to set-up your turntable system where you want around the house, and to fully utilise the portability of your Bluetooth® turntable and speaker set for increased convenience. “Compact Design”

Here it is in all its glory. On paper at least you do get a decent amount for your money. Fully automatic operation as standard, with a belt driven aluminium platter, inbuilt phono preamp and even a USB output, on this model at least. As before, I repeated the side 50 times and took a sample after every 10 plays using my Technics, just to keep the numbers consistent with the first test. The AT-LP60 was connected to a MacBook Pro using its built-in USB interface and thus also its built-in phono stage. Recordings were taken with Logic Pro x with levels set to avoid clipping but to not be so low as to induce unnecessary noise into the signal when boosted. I did note that the noise of the AT-LP60’s built-in phono stage and analogue to digital converter was equivalent, if not slightly louder, than the surface noise coming from the record itself. The Results Other similarities between the two are that they both have built-in phono preamps which makes it straight forward to connect them to any receiver or active speakers. And your records will be totally safe because none of these turntables have reputation for destroying records. As some inexpensive record players, in general, have been accused of.If you like to move your turntable around and carry it with you, you will have an easier job doing so with the LP60 compared to the LP120. 4. Price