ConsFirst / Turntables / Compare
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB vs Audio-Technica AT-LP70XBT
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB ranks higher (#2 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on build & reliability. Audio-Technica AT-LP70XBT wins on easy setup.
The biggest complaint about the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB is built-in preamp adds distortion; for the Audio-Technica AT-LP70XBT it's sound isn't as full as rivals. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB | Audio-Technica AT-LP70XBT | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in turntables | #2 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$ |
| Type | Manual | Bluetooth |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 4% | 7% |
| Overall score | 3.7 | 3.4 |
| Sound quality | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Gentle on records | — | 3.0 |
| Easy setup | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Upgradability | — | 3.0 |
| Build & reliability | 4.0 | 3.0 |
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
Audio-Technica AT-LP70XBT
- Sound isn't as full as rivals
Engadget says it's crisp and clear but not as full and immersive as some other turntables in its price range, and lists 'better sound is available for less money' as a con.
Source: Engadget - Skipping and reliability reports
Amazon's review summary says reliability is mixed, with some owners reporting it stopped working after a month and several mentioning skipping.
- Stylus upgrade and looks
Engadget expects you'll probably want to upgrade the stylus quickly, and lists a less-than-premium look as a con.
Source: Engadget
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 Audio-Technica AT-LP70XBT if
Beginners who want push-button play
Streaming records to Bluetooth speakers or headphones
A step up from the AT-LP60X
Skip it if: Sound quality is your top priority at this price; You don't need Bluetooth (the plain AT-LP70X costs less); You want a premium look
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