When people ask me, “What’s the best turntable to start with?” I almost always answer the same way: the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X. It’s a legend among budget turntables — not because it’s perfect, but because it just works. Simple, reliable, and capable of delivering that unmistakable vinyl magic without making your wallet cry.
It was, in fact, the turntable that introduced me to vinyl. And when I recently got my hands on the Bluetooth version of the AT-LP60X, it felt like catching up with an old friend — only this time, that friend had learned a few new tricks.
First Impressions: Small, Smart, and Surprisingly Stylish
Right out of the box, the LP60X reminds you why it’s such a popular choice. The packaging is classic Audio-Technica: tidy, sturdy, and reassuring. Everything inside feels well-protected, and setup takes only a few minutes.
Slip the belt over the motor pulley, drop on the platter and mat, remove the stylus guard — and you’re good to go. No cartridge alignment, no counterweight adjustments, no tonearm balancing rituals. It’s plug-and-play vinyl at its finest.
Just make sure it’s sitting level. The feet aren’t adjustable, so if your table tilts, you’ll need to shim it up a bit. It’s worth it — vinyl playback is a mechanical process, and gravity doesn’t forgive sloppiness.
The turntable is almost fully assembled, even the protective cover is already in place.
And yes — it’s tiny. If you’re used to a chunky audiophile deck, the AT-LP60X looks almost cute. But that’s part of its charm: it fits anywhere, looks neat, and still manages to look more grown-up than the plastic price tag suggests.
Effortless Operation — For Beginners and Beyond
Here’s the beauty of the AT-LP60X: it’s fully automatic. Place a record, press Start, and watch the tonearm gently find its groove. Press Stop, and it returns home. That’s it.
For newcomers, this is huge. You don’t have to worry about scratching your records or dropping the needle in the wrong spot. Yet, if you want to do things manually, you can — there’s a button and microlift to raise and lower the arm yourself. It’s a nice way to grow into the hobby without feeling limited.
Probably one of the biggest advantages for beginners will be the presence of fully automatic control.
The player supports both 33⅓ and 45 rpm speeds and handles both 12” LPs and 7” singles with a simple size selector.
Build and Connectivity
The AT-LP60X’s chassis is all plastic — no surprise at this price — but it’s solid and well-finished. The design is clean, minimal, and instantly recognizable. It looks like a real turntable, not a toy.
Connectivity is refreshingly simple: a 3.5mm output jack (instead of the usual RCA) and a small switch for Phono/Line output. That means it has a built-in phono preamp — you can plug it directly into active speakers or amplifiers without needing any extra gear.
If you do decide to upgrade your setup later, the phono stage can be bypassed with the flick of a switch. And yes, the detachable cable is a big improvement over the old fixed one.
Bluetooth — Vinyl Goes Wireless
Purists will roll their eyes, but Bluetooth on a turntable actually makes sense. The LP60XBT isn’t trying to be an audiophile statement; it’s about accessibility. Being able to spin a record and send the sound to wireless headphones or a portable speaker is fun. It’s convenient, modern, and a gateway for a new generation of vinyl listeners.
The first thing you notice is how small it is! When you’re used to a large player with a massive body, this one seems just tiny. But for a beginner, this is only a plus, because it will be much easier to find a place to put it.
And the sound? Better than I expected. Sure, a wired connection still wins in detail and warmth, but Bluetooth playback holds up impressively well. It’s not hi-fi perfection — it’s hi-fi freedom.
Sound Quality
Let’s be real: the AT-LP60X isn’t built to impress the golden-eared crowd — and it doesn’t need to. What it delivers is balanced, natural, and surprisingly full-bodied sound that’s miles ahead of streaming MP3s from your phone.
Pair it with decent powered speakers — something like the Klipsch R-41PM I once used — and you’ll get that vinyl magic that hooks people for life. Spend at least as much on speakers as on the turntable itself, and it’ll reward you with warmth and presence you didn’t think possible at this price.
Does the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X justify the title of the best vinyl player for beginners? In my opinion, in most cases – yes.
Limitations
It’s fair to say the AT-LP60X isn’t built for upgrades. The cartridge is non-replaceable (though you can swap the ATN3600L stylus when it wears out), and there’s no tonearm weight or anti-skate adjustment. It’s a closed ecosystem — but that’s also what keeps it simple.
This is not a deck you “grow with” — it’s one you start with. And that’s exactly what makes it brilliant.
Conclusion
So, does the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X still deserve its reputation as the best beginner turntable? Absolutely.
It’s easy to set up, sounds great for the price, and now even streams over Bluetooth. It’s not a turntable for tweaking — it’s one for listening, relaxing, and falling in love with the ritual of vinyl.
If you’re curious about the vinyl experience and don’t want to spend a fortune, this is where you start. Simple, stylish, and still spinning strong after all these years — the AT-LP60X is proof that sometimes, the first love really is the best one.
