I am new to turntables. Grew up with them back in the 80s but switched to CDs as soon as they were invented. Now I'm revisiting this format. I was looking at various options, and after some research, narrowed it down to Audio Technica and Rega. The Rega P1, Rega P2 are slightly better than the Audio Technica LP120 in sound, but the Regas were not worth the more expensive price. Aside from that, while I am not a DJ, the aesthetics of the AT LP120 grew on me and with the extra features/lights it seemed like I was getting more for my money and made the Regas seem plain. I'm sure the pure audiophiles will disagree with me about my Rega assessment. But I'm just an average/amateur listener and don't want to spend too much money on a TT.
Then I found the LP120X, a newer updated version of the LP120. Fortunately my LP120 was still in the window for refund. There aren't many reviews for the LP120X, as opposed to the thousands of reviews for the LP120 so I took a risk.
Pros or improvements of the 120X compared to the 120:
1. Better stylus. The highs are brighter and clearer. Overall, it simply has better sound than the LP120. I won't get into all the technicals of the phono/line output. I have a separate pre-amp and amp.
2. The platter/motor is dead silent compared to the loud noise of the 120. I had to put my ear next to the 120X and still cannot hear the motor. It's that good.
3. RCA jacks so you can upgrade cables.
4. Removable pilot light. While some people might prefer the built-in pop-up light on the LP120, I like the removable light on the LP120X because it allows for rotation. I have the album jacket standing up next to the TT and have the light aimed at it while listening to music in a dim room. It shines a spot light on the artwork.
Neutral/equal points:
1. Price (I got the LP120 on sale).
2. Both are made with lots of plastic.
3. Both come in black or silver. I returned the silver LP120, and kept the LP120X. While both are nice looking and fit in with my system. Black is slightly more modern.
Cons:
1. Loss of height adjustment on the tone arm (made no difference to me).
2. Loss of reverse direction play (made no difference to me).
It has been less than a week, but I'm very happy with it. I'll update the review if anything changes.
Update: June 2019:
It has been more than a month. I'm still happy with the TT. Been using it at least 1 hour per day.
Some notes:
1. This is fully manual, so if you fall asleep while listening, it will keep on spinning. But automatic TT are not as good quality and have more things to break.
2. Adding an acrylic platter mat made it visually more interesting because the strobe light is transmitted through the mat. Especially at night.
3. I bought a lint roller for the records. Works better than the brushes for removing the dust on the records.
4. I'm not interested in converting my vinyl records to digital so I have not tried that yet.
Update July 2019:
It has been about 2 months.
Still enjoying the TT daily.
So far no issues. Still highly recommend it.
I've built up quite a selection of records now. Going to local vinyl stores, thrift stores, and buying from Amazon.
Update August 2019:
3 months now.
Still going strong. No issues.
Still recommended.
September. 4 months now:
Still going strong. No issues.
One more recommendation: this is a great TT period. I think it is a great way to get into the hobby and see if you have bat ears and able to tell the difference between this and a more expensive TT and if it is worth it for you to upgrade. For me, it fits my needs perfectly. While I can afford much more expensive TT, there is no need to upgrade.
December 2019 update:
Still functioning beautifully. No issues.
| 产品颜色 | 黑色//白色 |
|---|---|
| 商品尺寸 | 55.88 x 45.72 x 25.4 cm; 7.98 公斤 |
| 制造商 | audio-technica |
| 产品系列名称 | AT-LP120XBT-USB-BK |
| 无线通信技术 | Bluetooth |
| 商品重量 | 7.98 kilograms |
