ConsFirst / Turntables / Compare
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB vs Angels Horn H019
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB ranks higher (#2 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on easy setup, build & reliability.
The biggest complaint about the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB is built-in preamp adds distortion; for the Angels Horn H019 it's light bass. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB | Angels Horn H019 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in turntables | #2 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$ |
| Type | Manual | Suitcase / all-in-one |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 4% | 11% |
| Overall score | 3.7 | 3.1 |
| Sound quality | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Gentle on records | — | 3.5 |
| Easy setup | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Upgradability | — | 2.0 |
| Build & reliability | 4.0 | 3.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $150 · $$ $150–400 · $$$ over $400. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB
- Built-in preamp adds distortion
Wirecutter says the built-in preamp added the most distortion by far of any turntable it tested, though it's the loudest and fine for DJ use. Using an external preamp avoids the problem.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - Big, heavy and plastic
Wirecutter calls it a plastic turntable that is larger and heavier than its picks.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - Fully manual
Audio-Technica's listing describes it as fully manual, so you place and lift the tonearm yourself.
Source: Amazon.com product page
Angels Horn H019
- Light bass
Wirecutter says it doesn't have as much bass as its testers would like, and that Andover Audio's SpinPlay all-in-one plays about 10 dB louder.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - Tonearm balance and skipping
Amazon's review summary says balance gets mixed feedback, with several owners finding the tonearm impossible to balance, and that it has skipping issues, especially on new records.
- Missing features
Wirecutter notes it can't stream your vinyl to Bluetooth devices and has no radio or CD player. It also doesn't play 78s, and it needs a small amount of setup.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
Who should pick which
Pick the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB if
Beginner DJs (quick start-up, wide pitch control)
Digitizing records over USB
Owners who'll add an external preamp later
Skip it if: You want automatic play; You'll rely on the built-in preamp for the cleanest sound; You have limited shelf space
Pick the Angels Horn H019 if
One box with speakers and no separate stereo
A gift for a kid or a new vinyl fan
Streaming from your phone to its speakers
Skip it if: You want deep bass or room-filling volume; You want to stream your records to Bluetooth headphones; You don't want to adjust a tonearm at all
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