Audio-Technica AT-PL120 Professional Direct-Drive Turntable

Audio-Technica AT-PL120 Professional Direct-Drive Turntable
by Audio Technica

Audio-Technica AT-PL120 Professional Direct-Drive Turntable
List Price: $399.95
Our Price: $229.00
You Save: $170.95 (43%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $205.97 (click here)
Category: Receiver or Amplifier
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Digital product summary information

Manufacturer: Audio Technica
Brand: Audio-Technica
Edition: Electronics
Model: AT-PL120
Publisher: Audio Technica
Studio: Audio Technica
Music Label: Audio Technica
Product features:
  • Selectable internal stereo phono preamplifier--choose from phono or line-level output
  • Direct-drive, high-torque motor; includes professional cartridge and headshell
  • Selectable 33-1/3, 45, and 78 rpm speeds; +/-10 percent or +/-20 percent pitch adjust; high-accuracy quartz-controlled pitch lock
  • S-shaped tone arm assembly with adjustable counterweight, antiskate adjustment, tone-arm height adjustment and lock
  • Measures 17.8 x 6 x 13.9 inches (W x H x D)
Accessories:

Digital camera reviews of Audio-Technica AT-PL120 Professional Direct-Drive Turntable

Digital camera Review: "Ripping" vinyl to mp3!
Summary: 5 Stars

12/11/2006
*UPDATE* I returned the first turntable (Amazon made it *VERY* easy). After considering the alternatives, I purchased a second AP-PL120 from Amazon. I was suprised that the 2nd turntable had the same "floating" problem as the first one (see below). Since it seemed highly unlikely that two in a row would be defective, I had to ask myself what I was doing wrong, especially since so many other people have had good luck with the turntable. I went back to the directions, and realized I had not set the tone arm balance correctly. It was a user error after all! The "quick start" directions on the platter were easier to follow than the installation and operation manual. Anyway, I'm back to five stars.

11/12/2006
*UPDATE* After having recorded more music, I am re-thinking my rating. The tone-arm "floats" heavily to the right. As a result, I have to over-compensate by putting more weight at the needle. Despite this over-compensation, several songs have skipped during the recording. Because I used to record all my albums to cassettes and then to mini-disc, and never had that happen, I'm confident it's not a user-error.

One more problem I've discovered since my glowing review (below). In really quiet songs, there is a very faint hum. Fortunately, my recording software removes the hum, and since most of my old vinyl is rock, it's not really a problem. I mention it because if you're hoping to play/record quiet songs, I would think twice about this turntable. Perhaps adding a pre-amp would solve this problem.

11/6/2006 - Original review
I bought Audio-Technica turntable and the Griffin Turntable Connection Cable with Grounding off Amazon, and was "ripping" music directly into my laptop within an hour of unpacking the turntable. To record the music I also purchased Microsoft Plus! recording software.

The sound is simply amazing. I've taken very good care of my vinyl, so there were few pops to begin with. However, Microsoft Plus Analog records eliminated the few remaining faint pops. Analog Plus actually records it to WMA, but with a codec, the files can be converted to mp3 if desired. I imported the wma files into Sony's Sonic Stage and copied them to my minidisc player with no trouble.

Back to the turntable. It is a very solid piece of equipment, that comes with many features. For the money, I didn't know what to expect, so I was afraid I'd have to upgrade the stylus. But the one that ships with the turntable sounds great.

So that's it. The turntable, the connection cable, the Music Plus software (there is other software available), and a computer to record to. "Ripping" the old vinyl in no time!

Summary of Audio-Technica AT-PL120 Professional Direct-Drive Turntable

Looking for a turntable that can do justice to your cherished vinyl records? Audio-Technica's AT-PL120 is designed to please professional DJs and LP lovers alike. Its high-torque, direct drive motor provides solid, quartz-controlled playback for albums, 45s...even those old 78s (a rare feature for turntables in this price range!). A built-in, selectable phono preamp means you can connect the AT-PL120 directly to almost any audio system, or even hook it up to your PC's sound card for digitally archiving your vinyl collection (may require adapter, not included). Audio-Technica even includes their rugged, high-quality ATP-2 phono cartridge for great-sounding playback right out of the box. DJs will also appreciate the AT-PL120's impressive list of special playback options. Its pitch control feature can be set to two different ranges (±10% or ±20%), for easier beat-match mixing. Reverse play lets you create cool sonic effects. A remote input jack lets you start or stop playback from a compatible mixer or control unit, and the pop-up stylus target light makes it easier to see where you're dropping the needle in low-light settings like a dance club.

Audio-Technica's AT-LP120 direct-drive, high-torque professional turntable is perfect for DJs and other music enthusiasts, especially in an era that many would call "postvinyl," when it's no longer the norm for audio/video receivers or even integrated amplifiers to offer a dedicated phono input. A selectable internal stereo phono preamplifier lets you plug the turntable directly into any line-level input, even your PC's (when used with a stereo RCA to minijack "Y" adapter cable, not included). Alternately, you can use the player's phono output and an outboard, higher-quality phono preamplifier for even better sound quality.

Audio-Technica AT-LP120
The Audio-Technica AT-LP120 professional turntable (see larger image).

The AT-LP120's S-shaped tone arm assembly comes with an adjustable counterweight, an antiskate adjustment, a tone-arm height adjustment and lock, a tone-arm lift with hydraulic action and lift lever, and a tone-arm rest with a locking mechanism to keep the arm stable during transport.

The turntable uses a DC servo motor to maintain accurate rotational speed at either 33-1/3 45, or 78 rpm, governed by a selectable, high-accuracy quartz-controlled pitch lock--all of which gives new life to 7- and 12-inch singles you may not have played for years.

Unleash your inner DJ with the 'table's pitch-adjustment feature, with variations ranging from either +/-10 percent or +/-20 percent. A pop-up stylus target light and stroboscopic platter speed indicator offer visual assistance in queuing and playing your favorite tunes. Forward and reverse play options unlock countless creative doors (and haven't you always wondered what Prince is saying at the end of "Darling Nikki"?).

The 'table comes with a cast-aluminum record platter, a slip mat, and a professional cartridge and headshell (model ATP-2) that plugs directly into the tone arm. Adjustable, antivibrational feet keep the platter level, regardless of your environs.

A start/stop button with remote start/stop input lets you integrate the player with your more sophisticated DJ tools. The player also includes a 45 rpm adapter with storage receptacle for the adapter and for a surplus or replacement headshell (sold separately).

What's in the Box

Turntable, removable hinged dust cover, slip mat, headshell/cartridge (ATP-2), AC power cord, 45 rpm adapter, and a user's manual.

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