Being asked about an affordable player for beginners, my go-to recommendation is often the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X. It seems to be a popular choice in the budget-friendly vinyl player market, especially based on YouTube reviews. This particular player was my introduction to the world of vinyl, and revisiting it brought back fond memories.
I recently had the opportunity to test out the Bluetooth version of the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X, which piqued my interest even further. With multiple color options and the choice between Bluetooth and non-Bluetooth versions, there is a variety to suit different preferences.
When it comes to unpacking the player, Audio-Technica’s packaging has always been reliable, and this time was no exception. The main box is securely packed within an additional, sturdy box, ensuring safe delivery.
The player comes almost fully assembled, with only a few simple steps left for the user to complete. Once the support disk is installed, the belt is placed on the motor pulley, and the power supply and audio cable are connected, the player is almost ready to go. A few final adjustments, such as removing the tonearm lock wire and stylus protection, are all that’s needed before enjoying your vinyl collection.
Despite this, there is still one aspect that needs to be adjusted, and that is the placement of the player on the horizon. Playing music from vinyl is a mechanical process, and it is crucial that the player is positioned correctly. Unfortunately, the AT-LP60X’s legs are not adjustable, so you will need to either level the surface it’s on or place something under its legs. The latter option may not be as aesthetically pleasing, but it is important to ensure that the player remains stable on a smooth table surface. The first thing you notice about the player is its small size. For beginners, this is a plus as it makes it easier to find a place for it. The weight is also not heavy, but this is to be expected given that the body is made of plastic. However, it does not look cheap or low-quality, and the design is quite neat and aesthetic. The presence of fully automatic controls is also a major advantage for beginners. Simply put the record in and press the “start” button, and the player will take care of the rest. This feature could potentially attract more music lovers to the world of vinyl.
Naturally, the player can be operated manually. It features a special button and a micro-lift to elevate the tonearm and gently lower the needle onto the record, with the support disk beginning to rotate once the needle is positioned above the start of the record.
Simultaneously, you can press the “stop” button at any point and the player will retract the tonearm to its original position, regardless of whether you initiated the playback process manually or automatically.
To ensure the player knows where the record starts, it includes a special switch for 12-inch and 7-inch record sizes, allowing you to listen to both full-length LPs and singles.
The player offers two speeds, 33 and 45 revolutions per minute, which is sufficient for most vinyl enthusiasts. The belt-driven drive provides stable speed, although I did not measure the wow and flutter. I believe such nuances are not a concern for beginners in the world of vinyl. The sound quality is excellent.
For connecting to a speaker system, the player has a 3.5mm mini-jack audio output. This is neither positive nor negative, but slightly unusual as RCA outputs are more conventional. The important thing is that it allows for cable replacement, unlike the previous version (at-lp60) where the cable was built-in and required soldering to replace. Initially, you can use the included cable, but I recommend replacing it with a branded one in the future, as the included cable is basic and may not transmit the vinyl sound with high quality.
Near the audio output, there is a small switch labeled phono/line, indicating the presence of a built-in phono equalizer in the player, making it ready for immediate use. In my view, it aligns well with the cartridge’s quality, and I don’t see a pressing need for an external one. While experimentation is always an option, I believe a significant disparity would be noticeable if an external phono stage costs half or more of the player’s price. Whether this is suitable for the budget segment remains uncertain.
Moreover, not every phono stage may be compatible due to the absence of a grounding terminal on the player. Audio-Technica claims this won’t pose an issue, but I experienced some background noise when connecting my Cambridge Audio Alva Solo, so caution is advised.
Moving on to the sound, aside from the music itself, the most subjective aspect is the sound quality. Describing sound is challenging as preferences vary greatly among individuals.
Regarding the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X’s sound quality, I can confidently say it delivers. Particularly if you are accustomed to listening to standard mp3s from a phone or computer. While seasoned audiophiles may find faults, this player is not likely to pique their interest, as it is marketed as a beginner-friendly plug-and-play device.
Honestly, I was expecting the worst. In my memory, it sounded good, but I thought it might have been exaggerated, as memories often are, since it was a long time ago. I was pleasantly surprised that it actually worked, especially since it was the first time. The sound is natural, clear, and mature. I recommend choosing high-quality speakers for this player, rather than cheaper ones, in order to fully experience the potential of the turntable and fall in love with vinyl. I remember being shocked at the price of the Klipsch Reference R-41PM speakers, but it was worth it in the end. It took a while before I wanted to upgrade. The main reason for changing the player was the lack of upgrade options, but the cartridge and stylus should not be underestimated. The idea of listening to vinyl over Bluetooth may not sit well with traditional audiophiles, but it’s worth considering.
In the 21st century, the fusion of vintage technologies like vinyl with modern advancements is inevitable. The addition of bluetooth to record players seems aimed at attracting a new, predominantly youthful audience to the vinyl world. Whether this aligns with tradition or not is subjective. The convenience of bluetooth may appeal to those with wireless headphones or portable speakers. If it helps expand the vinyl fanbase, why not embrace it? Some may prioritize convenience over tradition, and that’s perfectly acceptable. Regarding sound quality, I was pleasantly surprised. I anticipated a noticeable decline compared to wired connections, but that wasn’t the case. Perhaps there’s a slight decrease in detail, but maybe that’s what I prefer, as I lean towards a more traditional approach.
Conclusion
The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X is a solid choice for an entry-level vinyl player. It offers a user-friendly experience and delivers good sound quality for its price. While it may not be perfect, it’s difficult to find a comparable option in the same price range.
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