Whether you’re an up-and-coming DJ, a vinyl enthusiast, or maybe just starting out on your vinyl journey, the Audio Technica ATLP120 should be at the top of your Christmas wish list.
For many newcomers to the world of vinyl, it can seem daunting and complicated, and you would be partially right in making that assumption. There’s an entire world of complex lingo and general jargon, and after staring at three different pre amps and endless hours of trying to find a counter weight you dropped in your shag carpet, you wouldn’t be blamed for throwing in the towel.
Well, here’s some good news: the LP120 is nothing like some of its more complicated peers. With a built in phono stage, there is no need to trawl the internet troubleshooting connectivity issues. Whatever amplifier you throw at it, it will work. What if you already have a pre amp that your particularly fond of? Then turn the onboard pre amp off with the little switch just under the platter. Everybody’s happy.
Set up? Counter weights anti-skate weights? Fresh out the box the turntable comes with very straight forward instructions and is basically ready to go as soon as it’s unwrapped. Should you wish to take things a little more seriously, you can of course re-balance the tone arm to accommodate a slightly more hefty stylus. Again, everybody’s a winner here.
There are admittedly a good amount of knobs and dials. I won’t lie, I’m not a DJ, and as such I’m not completely familiar with all of their uses, but I’ll give it a go: you have a sliding pitch control, that smoothly speeds up or slows down the record speed, used to match the beat of another record while using two turntables. A pop up strobe light allows you to quickly judge what increased / decreased speed you’re playing at, as well as a direct drive system for all your mixing and scratching needs.
The LP120 comes with a headshell, cartridge and stylus so it’s good to go right out of the box.
Now for me that means nothing, but all of these functions are just additional features to a rock solid turntable. Should you wish to have a dabble with DJing, it’s designed for it. But if not, just leave them untouched and give your house guests the impression that you’re an underground DJ when they come round for afternoon tea!
When it comes to listening, the LP120 couldn’t be easier, with huge on/off switch on the left hand side, and on the right, you can select your rpm (revolutions per minute) speed via two buttons (35 and 45, respectively) or press them both at once and relive some 78rpm classics (a different stylus is need for 78rpm play).
The fun doesn’t have to stop there. Dig out all your favourite records and with the supplied software and USB connection at the rear of the turntable, you can archive all your records digitally and transfer them to your phone, tablet or MP3 player and listen to them when you’re out of the house!
If you’re after a straight out of the box, easy to use turntable then this should be at the top of your list. The LP120 is built like a house and sounds incredible, you may even develop a love for mixing while your at it!
If you fancy a listen or still find yourself a little unsure on turntables, then please call or drop by any of our stores and let one of our knowledgable colleagues help.
Click here to find out more about the Audio Technica LP120.
Author: Garrett, Plymouth store
