If calibrating a turntable is uncharted territory for you and you just want an automatic player that’s simple to operate, the Audio-Technica AT-LP60 USB is an excellent choice.
Whether you already have a collection of vinyl or you’re just starting your collection, with this turntable you’ll get a tip-top listening experience without leaving your wallet bare.
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This turntable allows you to bring your vinyl tracks into the digital age without compromising on good sound quality.
If you’re considering an upgrade from an all-in-one record player you’ll be amazed at the difference in sound quality with this turntable.Β The Audio-Technica AT-LP60 USB stands head and shoulders above its competition with the best combination of price, simplicity and good sound quality.
Β Features of the Audio Technica AT-LP60 USB Turntable
This turntable might not have all the elaborate features of some higher-end turntables but this one comes with some neat extras…Β Understanding the features and their uses will help you make the best choice, right for you.
So let’s look at the features of this turntable and how you can get the most out of it.
Speed
Like most turntables, this model offers a two-speed playback at either 33 or 45 RPM.Β Since most vinyl around today is post-1950, you won’t have any trouble enjoying the mahogany sound of just about any vinyl record.
Vinyl that requires playback at 78 RPM cannot be played with this turntable.
Drive
Audio Technica opted for a belt drive for this turntable.Β The advantage of a belt-drive turntable is the rotational stability since the platter is not directly attached to the motor.
The tonearm and the vinyl are also protected from vibration making the record less likely to skip.
The downside is that at some point the belt will need to be replaced, the time frame depends on whether you’re a casual or heavy listener.
Belts are cheap though and you can pick one up for a couple of bucks online.Β Before you can use your turntable you’ll need to install the belt.Β It’s pretty easy – just read the instructions and follow this video made by Audio Technica…
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Motor and Platter
This turntable runs a DC Servo controlled motor with a professional platter made from aluminum.Β It’s worth noting here that because the body of this turntable is lighter than the more sturdy, higher end ones you may experience skipping when there’s movement close to the unit.
You can minimize this by placing your turntable on a solid surface and use a level to make sure it’s level.Β A solid cabinet will do the trick and having it in a room with carpeted or tiled floors will help absorb movement from passersby.
Tonearm and Cartridge
This turntable comes with a straight tonearm that’s fixed to the headshell meaning the Integral Dual Magnet Phono Cartridge can’t be upgraded.Β The turntable has no adjustment features for counterweight, anti-skate or height adjustment.
But this is not necessarily a drawback…Β The turntable comes out already factory calibrated with a tracking force of about 3g, this means more protection for your records and you won’t need to fiddle around with all kinds of settings.
The tonearm is also fully automatic.Β When you hit start the tonearm will automatically move to the beginning of the record.Β This is great if you’re like me – a klutz – since there’s no risk of accidentally scratching your vinyl.
And if you end up dozing-off while playing your vinyls you can rest assured the tonearm will return to its place once the final track has played.
You can choose to use the tonearm lift button which will give you manual control, this is great if you want to play a specific track.
Stylus
This turntable comes with a cartridge and Audio Techinica ATN3600L stylus already mounted. Β The stylus is quite descent and with a good set of speakers will give you a more than excellent listening experience.
The ATN3600L stylus is 0.6mm in diameter with a conical shape.Β You’ll get roughly 400 hours of play out of one stylus so you’ll get a good 800 hours of play and you can pick up a replacement for dirt cheap.
An even better upgrade is the CFN3600LE stylus. Β This baby will give some serious fidelity sound. Β It’s definitely worth it.
USB and Connectivity
This turntable comes with both RCA output and a USB interface.Β Ripping vinyl tracks into a digital format with the free Audacity software included is as simple as ‘plug and play’.
The AT-LP60 USB turntable comes with a 110v power supply cable a USB cable.
As well as a Dual RCA (female) to 1/8β (3.5 mm) mini-plug (male) stereo adapter cable and Dual RCA (female) to 1/8β (3/5 mm) mini-plug (female) stereo adapter cableΒ making it even easier to get started.
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Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
Can I connect to a computer without the need of a connection to a stereo system?
Yes, this is possible.Β You can connect directly to your computer and you won’t be using the preamp because you’ll connect with the USB.
Does this turntable come with a dust cover?
Yes, a dust cover is included, you can easily attach it once you’re done unboxing.
Is there any software included with this turntable?
Yes, Audacity software is included.Β You can also find a bunch of free software online to use if you choose.
I’m a beginner DJ, is this turntable a good one for me?
No, this turntable is belt driven.Β TT’s used by DJ’s are usually the direct drive kind because they have more torque.
Should You Buy the Audio Technica AT-LP60 USB Turntable?
This turntable provides a more than decent sound quality for the average listener, with warm, clear tones.Β And because it comes standard with a magnetic cartridge youβll find that the sound is much better than the cheap turntables with ceramic cartridges.
This is a fantastic entry level turntable with good overall sound quality. If you’re on a budget and new to vinyls, this turntable will surpass your expectations at an affordable price.
<< See the Audio Technica AT-LP60 USB Turntable on Amazon >>
Hello,
looking into buying one for my boyfriend so I would appreciate a lil more intel please… Can I plug in headphones? and can I connect this turntable to any speakers or does it require active speakers?
thank you
Can I replace the stylus with one of a better quality/different brand or do I have to replace it with the same exact kind?
LPgear has an eliptical stylus for the at-lp60 that will improve the sound dramatically.
Hi Wayne,
Thanks so much for this input. Do you mind dropping the model number of the stylus in the comments? I’m sure others will find it useful.
Thanks,
Gabi
What are the overall dimensions please, I only have limited space in my cabinet!
Thanks.. John π
Hi John,
Thanks for your question.
The dimensions are: (14.17″) W x 97.5 mm (3.84″) H x 356.0 mm (14.02″) D
Hope this helps! Let me know if you have other questions, happy to help! π
Thanks for this detailed review. I’m new to vinyl but I think I’ll get deeper into it so I wanted something more advanced than the all in one versions. I’m going to upgrade the needle like you suggested.
How easy is it? I’m not techie.
Thanks Sven
Hi Sven,
Yup, vinyl is addictive!
It’s pretty easy to change the stylus. I found it easy even without a user manual when I restored my dad’s old Pioneer. So it should be a breeze for you with the instruction manual you get with the turntable.
If you get stuck, let me know and I’ll try to help.
I can’t decide between the LP 60 and the LP 120. I know the one is way better than the other one but I’m not sure how deep into vinyl I’m going to get.
What’s your opinion?
Hi Tanja,
Mmm, in my opinion, I’d go for the LP 120. Even if you don’t develop and addiction for vinyl, you’ll still have a very decent machine for the vinyls you do collect.
Although, I’ll be you’ll get into it more than you think. π
Hello, I am new to vinyl and just researching what I would like. So far I am leaning towards this turntable. Do I need to just plug in speakers and go? Or is it more complicated than that? Thanks!
Hi Tyler,
Thanks for your question.
You’ve got 3 ways to go. Your first option is a pair of powered speakers that you can plug into a power socket. The second option is a pair of active speakers that power themselves. But in this case you might need a preamp set up between the turntable and the speakers. Or a stereo receiver with a phono output. With the third option you can use regular speakers.
My rig is set up using the second option. But receivers can be pricey. So my advice would be to get a pair of powered speakers and later you can upgrade to a receiver and more powerful speakers.
Check out these set ups to give you a better idea: https://www.recordplayerpro.com/4-easy-ways-to-rock-your-turntable-audio-setup-like-a-boss/
Hope this helps! π
Hi, thanks for the review.
My question is, will this turntable record direct to USB Flash Drive or does it have to be connected to a PC/Laptop?
Thanks.
Hi Shane,
Glad you found this review useful.
No this deck can’t record directly to a USB flash. You’ll need the software to capture the tracks and so it’ll have to go to your PC/Laptop first. I’m not aware of a deck that can do what you want.
Hope this helps. π
Thanks for your reply.
The Denon DP200 USB turntable was what I had and did record direct to a flash drive. The switch and mother board have started failing and the cost is more than buying a brand new one from the States so I was looking at alternative options here in New Zealand.
I suspected that most new turntables record direct to the various computer types but I just need confirmation from a more knowledgeable source. Appreciate your help.
Is there auto/man switch? The endpoint of Indian 7” record nearer to center, so it will stop before the end of the last track.
Hi Narayan,
This TT has an automatic return and as far as I know it can’t be turned off. What you’re experiencing is a problem with some auto return TT’s which is annoying. If you’re technically inclined you may be able to open it up and try to disable the function. But I’m not sure how you’d go about doing that.
Hi I just want to ask for this turntable does it need Bluetooth speakers or can it play through the actual player
Hi there, this review has been really helpful and I was just wondering if you would be able to recommend some powered speakers that aren’t too expensive? My budget is at about Β£50 π