Audiophiles Are Obsessed With These Audio-Technica Turntables – Here’s Why

Our guide to the Best Audio-Technica turntables features top models to suit every taste and budget, from entry-level to luxury. These are the very best options from Audio-Technica available on the market. It was turntables that got me hooked on listening to music and audio gear. I’ve been listening to vinyl for over 30 years and have tested dozens of turntables from all kinds of brands and price ranges.

However, in this roundup, many of the Audio-Technica Turntable I’ve synthesized the expert recommendations from the most trusted sources: Like the detailed rankings from Louder Sound, the rigorous testing from The New York Times’ Wirecutter, and the enthusiast insights from Vinyl Record Day. But I’ve also included more traditional Audio-Technica models that require extra components and a bit more effort to set up.

First, I’ll cover the “Consensus Picks”, the models that these experts agree on. Following that, I’ve presented a comprehensive rundown of every other model they recommend, ensuring no stone is left unturned.

The Consensus Picks: Recommended by Multiple Experts

These turntables are the certified champions of the Audio-Technica lineup, earning praise from at least two of our expert sources for their exceptional value, performance, and features.

1. Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Technics and its iconic SL-1200 turntable might be flattered by the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB. However, this turntable is more than just an attempt to emulate a legend.

With its direct-drive motor, strobe light, and pitch control, the AT-LP120XBT-USB is an excellent starting point for aspiring DJs. But thanks to its built-in switchable phono preamp (which makes it easy to connect to any system), wireless Bluetooth streaming, and USB output (for creating digital copies of your vinyl records on a computer), this turntable is like a Swiss army knife.

We’ve heard this deck in action many times, and fortunately, the sound quality lives up to expectations. It’s not the most powerful or aggressive turntable you’ll ever hear, but it delivers plenty of detail, handles rhythms with ease, and puts a pleasant emphasis on the midrange, especially when playing vocals. It has earned a 4.7 out of 5 rating on Amazon. We think it’s one of the best budget options if you want a turntable that can do a bit of everything.

• Who It’s For: The enthusiast who wants a turntable they can grow with, and anyone who desires hands-on control and the ability to digitize their records.
• Why It’s a Top Pick: Its direct-drive motor ensures speed stability, while the USB output offers easy vinyl-to-digital recording. With an adjustable counterweight, anti-skate, and a removable headshell, it’s fully upgradable for the budding audiophile.

Price: The price for the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB typically sits around US$449.00

2. Audio-Technica AT-LP60X (and its variants)

This fully automatic turntable with built-in Bluetooth from Audio-Technica is one of the most versatile and affordable models I know of. The AT-LP60XBT is an updated version of the popular AT-LP60, with the “X” version featuring several design improvements for enhanced performance. There is also an even more affordable version without Bluetooth.

Both models feature an electronic speed selector for 33⅓ and 45 RPM and are fully automatic. This means the turntable lowers the needle onto the record at the start of playback with the press of a button, then lifts it and returns it to its resting position when the needle reaches the end of the groove.

The AT-LP60XBT, available in black, white, and red and supplied with a dust cover, has all the essential features to make it an excellent entry-level option from a respected audio equipment manufacturer. We have not tested this model ourselves, but it has received a rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on nearly 7,328 reviews on Amazon and has earned high marks for ease of use and sound quality.

• Who It’s For: Absolute beginners or anyone who wants a plug-and-play vinyl experience without any manual setup.
• Why It’s a Top Pick: As a fully automatic turntable, all you have to do is press ‘Start’. It comes with a built-in phono preamp, making it compatible with any powered speakers or amplifier. Its variants, the AT-LP60XBT (Bluetooth) and AT-LP60XUSB (USB), add modern convenience.

Price: The price for the Audio-Technica AT-LPW40WN typically sits around US$199.00

3. Audio-Technica AT-LPW40WN

The Audio-Technica AT-LPW40WN is a classic turntable with a belt drive and fully manual control. The model has all the advantages of Hi-Fi turntables, and at the same time, is offered at a very reasonable price. The chassis of the Audio-Technica AT-LPW40WN is made of MDF, has a significant mass, and is resistant to vibrations and resonances.

Thanks to this, the player reproduces a clean and uncolored sound, even if speakers operating at high volume are located nearby. The external finish of the chassis is made of natural wood veneer, which gives the appearance of Audio-Technica AT-LPW40WN sophistication and chic.

• Who It’s For: The listener who values audio fidelity and design, and prefers a more traditional, manual operation.
• Why It’s a Top Pick: This belt-drive turntable features a quiet motor and a carbon fiber tonearm to minimize resonance. Its beautiful walnut wood veneer finish makes it a visual centerpiece, while its high-performance cartridge delivers rich, detailed sound.

Price: The price for the Audio-Technica AT-LPW40WN typically sits around €379.00

Other Expert-Recommended Best Audio-Technica Turntable Under $500

This is the comprehensive list of every other turntable praised by our sources. If you have a specific need, be it portability, DJ features, or pure analog sound, you’ll find it here.

4. Audio-Technica AT-LP3

Belt drive, two speeds. The LP3 is a fully automatic turntable, meaning you can play records without having to touch the vinyl while you play. The turntable comes with an AT91R cartridge (2 

g ) and a lightweight aluminum alloy cantilever in an attractive red SME-type case. The cartridge is equipped with a conical stylus. Anyone buying this turntable should buy a replacement with an elliptical stylus for better performance. The cartridge is mounted on a straight tonearm. 

The tonearm cable is non-removable, so those who like to improve the sound by trying out different cables have nothing to do here.

• Who It’s For: Someone moving beyond their first turntable who wants better sound and upgradability without sacrificing automatic operation.
• Key Features: It’s a fully automatic belt-drive turntable, but it uniquely features a removable headshell and a switchable preamp that supports both MM and MC cartridges, offering an upgrade path not found on most automatic decks.

Price: The price for the Audio-Technica AT-LP3 typically sits around $399.00

5. Audio-Technica AT-LP5X

Designed with tracking error in mind and based on Audio-Technica’s designs from the 1960s and ’70s, the curved tonearm complements the AT-LP5X’s simple, sleek design. The tonearm also features adjustable tracking force and anti-skating adjustments and is equipped with a lightweight (9.3 g) AT-HS6 headshell and a black AT-VM95E dual moving magnet stereo cartridge.

The direct drive motor of the platter is capable of supporting two rotation speeds of the record – 33⅓, 45, and 78 rpm, and the cast platter itself, together with the damping mat, form a single piece for maximum vibration damping and, of course, emphasize the overall discreet style.

The AT-LP5x has a built-in switchable MM/MC phono/line preamp that allows it to be directly connected to a computer, home stereo system, powered speakers, and other components that do not have a dedicated turntable input. The choice of MM/MC cartridges makes it easy to upgrade to a moving coil with additional equipment. The turntable also features a USB output for direct connection to a computer.

• Who It’s For: The dedicated audiophile who wants premium sound and engineering without the DJ-specific frills.
• Key Features: It boasts a classic J-shaped tonearm for precise tracking, a high-quality AT-VM95E cartridge, and excellent vibration damping. Its built-in preamp is also switchable for both MM and MC cartridges.

Price: The price for the Audio-Technica AT-LP5X typically sits around €499.00

6. Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP

The Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP is a professional turntable with fully manual control, direct drive, and a resonance-resistant cast aluminum platter.

The Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP supports 33 1/3, 45, and 78 rpm playback speeds and features an S-shaped tonearm with height, tracking force, and anti-skating adjustments.

Audio-Technica’s 50+ years of cartridge manufacturing experience have led to the AT-XP3 with a 0.6mm conical stylus. This cartridge, paired with the AT-HS6 headshell (half-inch mount), is included with the AT-LP140XP.

A start/stop button, reverse playback function, quartz speed stabilizer, playback tone control (+/- 8%, 16%, 24%), strobe wheel, and additional illumination make the AT-LP140XP a versatile tool for true professionals.

• Who It’s For: The working DJ or vinyl enthusiast who needs a rugged, high-torque machine built for performance.
• Key Features: It’s fully manual and packed with DJ tools, including reverse play, three speeds (33/45/78), and significant pitch adjustment. It’s built to withstand the rigors of live use.

Price: The price for the Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP typically sits around €499.00

7. Audio-Technica AT-LPW50PB

The AT-LPW50PB is a fully manual, belt-drive turntable designed to give you optimal high-fidelity audio reproduction from vinyl. It features an anti-resonance 30 mm thick MDF (medium density fiberboard) plinth, with a high-gloss, piano-black finish, to dampen low-frequency acoustical feedback, and a sensor-monitored motor to ensure accurate platter rotation speeds of 33-1/3 and 45 RPM.

The turntable includes a straight, matte-finish, carbon-fiber tonearm with adjustable tracking force and an AT-HS4 universal ½”-mount headshell with a black AT-VM95E Dual Moving Magnet phono cartridge (black). Audio-Technica has been a leader in phono cartridge design for more than 50 years, and that expertise shows in the versatile, high-performance AT-VM95E cartridge, which comes with a 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus but is also compatible with any VM95 Series replacement stylus, offering a wide choice of options for every budget and application.

The AT-LPW50PB is equipped with a built-in selectable phono preamp and a detachable dual RCA output cable to enable direct connection to components with or without a dedicated phono input.

• Who It’s For: The discerning listener who prefers a sleek, modern look.
• Key Features: It features a stunning high-gloss piano black plinth that is 30 mm thick to fight resonance. The manual, belt-drive design with a carbon fiber tonearm ensures a clean, detailed audio signal.

Price: The price for the Audio-Technica AT-LPW50PB typically sits around $449.00

8. Audio-Technica AT-SB727 Sound Burger

The legendary portable turntable of the 1980s has returned to the market under its historical name – Audio-Technica AT-SB727. The limited edition reissue, released in 2022, was called AT-SB2022 and was released in a limited edition.
The turntable is a sandwich, inside which there is an aluminum support platter on which the record is placed.

The Audio-Technica AT3600L MM head is fixed on a short tonearm, also made of aluminum. The turntable has a belt drive and supports two rotation speeds – 33.3 and 45 rpm. The model is also equipped with a built-in phono preamplifier.
True, the output voltage on the 3.5 mm jack is low – only 150 mW. The turntable has a built-in battery, charged via USB-C. Its full charge lasts for 12 hours. To fully meet the requirements of modern users, the player is equipped with a Bluetooth adapter for connecting wireless headphones.

• Who It’s For: The vinyl lover on the go, the collector, or anyone looking for a fun, portable, and nostalgic listening experience.
• Key Features: This ultra-portable, battery-powered turntable offers Bluetooth connectivity and a rechargeable battery for up to 12 hours of playback. It’s a compact marvel for enjoying records anywhere.

Price: The price for the Audio-Technica AT-LPW50PB typically sits around €229.00