Audio Technica AT-LP60X review – Top Budget Choice?
My very first turntable was the Audio-Technica AT-LP60, a very solid and affordable record player. It was a wonderful gateway into the world of vinyl records, costing just $99.
Now, Audio-Technica has the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X on the market, and you might just be wondering what has improved since the previous release? Well, I’m going to help you understand everything you need to know in this detailed Audio Technica AT-LP60X review!
Bottom Line on the AT-LP60X
The Audio Technica AT-LP60X is a great turntable for entry-level vinyl enthusiasts.
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.
Pros of the AT-LP60X
- Budget record player (under $150)
- Fully automatic turntable
- Easy to use
- Has a built in phono preamp
- Comes in various colors
- Great for first time vinyl fans
Cons of the AT-LP60X
- Made with lots of plastic parts
- Not an upgradable turntable (no anti-skate adjustment, can’t remove head shell)
- No built-in speakers
The AT-LP60X Looks Clean and Impressive
The first thing that I noticed when it comes to the LP60X, especially when compared to the original LP60 that I owned several years ago, is that the LP60X is a much sleeker, slicker, and (dare I say it?) sexier turntable than its predecessor.
The AT-LP60 and AT-LP60X are designed in very similar fashion, so they do share a striking resemblance. But the LP60X is a more refined machine. I think that (just purely from an aesthetics point of view) it looks better on a table or cabinet than the LP-60 did.
And I think that’s a great thing. Even when you’re spending less money (the AT-LP60X costs $150), you still want to love what you’re staring it everyday.
The AT-LP60X comes in three different versions: black, gun metal, or brown. Each version of the AT-LP60X comes with a dust cover, as well.
I also really like the buttons on this AT-LP60X, too. On the original LP60, the buttons on the front panel were bigger, wider, and stuck out further from the turntable’s panel.
The Audio Technica ATLP60X is more refined turntable, so the front panel buttons are circular and more recessed into the panel. To me, the LP60X looks classier and more premium than its predecessor.
Another small but improved visual detail that I like is how the dust cover meets the top of the turntable. On the LP60, the dustcover came down onto the turntable and met the record player’s edges with little room for margin.
The AT-LP60X, however, allows its dust cover to come down with an inch of room to in the front to add selected text. One of the biggest advantages of this is you now have room for button descriptions on the top panel.
In short, you can now read the button descriptions from a top down view of the turntable rather than having to be at eye level (like on the AT-LP60).
5 AT-LP60X Specs That Matter
Here are five specs for the AT-LP60X that matter most:
- Fully automatic record player
- Plays records at 33 and 45 RPM
- Has a built-in phono preamp
- Weighs 5.73 pounds
- Belt drive turntable with aluminum platter
Setting Up the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X
Let’s talk a bit about how easy it is to set this turntable up, and then we’ll get into the features of this record player and how they can benefit you.
First, after you’ve taken everything out of the box, place the aluminum platter onto the AT-LP60X’s spindle. The drive belt will come pre-installed on the underside of the platter. You then must to loop a small portion of the drive belt around the brass motor pulley.
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X
Next, place the felt mat over the spindle and onto the platter. Then, in order to ensure that the automatic mechanism of your AT-LP60X is fully cycled, you’re going to want to manually rotate the platter ten times. You should do this clockwise.
If you need additional help, check out my House of Marley Stir It Up Turntable review, where I teach you (with photos) how to install a drive belt onto a motor pulley.
Next, you need to remove the twist-tie that is on the tonearm. Don’t forget to remove the stylus guard on your cartridge, as well.
Lastly, in order to elimate vinyl record skipping while playing, I advise that you put the AT-LP60X on a stable cabinet. After that, plug in the power cable to a wall outlet.
The Wonderful Built-In Phono Preamp
One thing that’s impressive about the AT-LP60X (just as it was with the AT-LP60) is that it comes with a built-in phono preamp. The built in phono preamp is what makes this AT-LP60X plug and play and easy to use.
But what’s great is that Audio-Technica gives you the option to either use its built in phono preamp, or to bypass it completely and use (for example) an audio component like an integrated amplifier’s very own RIAA phono input.
PHONO vs LINE on the AT-LP60X
The PHONO and LINE are related to the AT-LP60X’s built-in phono preamp. To use your own phono preamp, turn the switch to PHONO on the back of the AT-LP60X. To utilize the AT-LP60X’s built in phono preamp, slide the switch to LINE (Line Level).
While the phono preamp on the AT-LP60X offers convenience, you’ll get better quality sound with an external phono preamp. I recommend the following external phono preamps:
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X
Audio-Technica AT-LP60 vs Audio-Technica AT-LP60X
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.
Let’s first talk about the the tonearm on the LP60X, which has an upgraded base and headshell design. These type of redesigns improve the tracking of the stylus in the groove, as well as remove unwanted vibrations that can negatively affect sound.
One thing I also like on the AT-LP60X is that it features a new 3.25mm AUX stereo output. In the previous model, the turntable featured a non-removable RCA cable.
Now, you get a 3.25mm to RCA cable included in the box. Removable cables are highly preferred, because when a cable is pre-attached to the turntable, you run the risk of having to throw out your entire turntable if the cable gets damaged. Now, if the LP60X cables get damaged, it’s an easy fix—just run to the store and purchase a new one.
The AT-LP60X and AT-LP60 both play 33-1/3 RPM records, as well as 45 RPM records. Both record players come with a 45 RPM adapter, as well.
Audio Technica AT-LP60X VS Audio Technica AT-LP60XBT
If you’re looking for a great Audio Technica bluetooth turntable, the AT-LP60X also comes in a bluetooth-ready version.
So, the difference between the LP60X and the LP60XBT is that the “BT” stands for “bluetooth.” So now, you can technically have your turntable in one room, and listen to your records in a completely different room thanks to wireless bluetooth technology.
You can store up to 8 different pairs of speakers or headphones in the AT-LP60XBT’s memory, as well.
What’s nice, too, is that Audio-Technica gives you the option to play this turntable via a wired or wireless connection. So, on the days where your bluetooth signal isn’t working, or your entire Internet connection is down, you can still listen to your records directly through powered speakers (or passive speakers via an amplifier).
The Audio Technica AT-LP60XBT comes various color options, including black, white, silver, red and lilac (which is a limited edition color).
Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT
AT-LP60X is the Top Choice for Beginners
As I conclude my Audio-Technica AT-LP60X review, I think the ATLP60X is a great record player for beginners. In fact, it’s probably one of the best entry-level turntables because its price ($150) is so affordable. It’s also a fully automatic record player, so you can enjoy playing vinyl records completely hassle free.
Now I wouldn’t say the AT-LP60X is the best Audio Technica turntable on the market. I think as you grow and mature in your vinyl and audio equipment tastes, you’ll want to upgrade to something better than the AT-LP60X down the line (personally, my second turntable was the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon and my third turntable was the Clearaudio Concept Black).
But, if you’re just a casual vinyl fan, or you’re finally ready to dip your toe in the vinyl waters, I would recommend the Audio Technica ATLP60X turntable!
- If you enjoyed this AT-LP60X review, be sure to subscribe to my Devoted to Vinyl YouTube channel and Facebook page.
You Also Might Enjoy:
