Audio-Technica Turntable Guide: Which Record Player Should You Buy?

You’ve heard of Audio-Technica. Maybe someone recommended the brand. Maybe you spotted a record player you liked and started looking it up.

Then come the model names. LP60X. LP70X. LP120X. Plus the Bluetooth versions.

They don’t tell you much at first glance. What changes between them? Which features will you actually use? And how much do you need to spend?

Below, we’ve put the main Audio-Technica record players side by side, with plain-English explanations of their differences. You’ll see who each model suits, what paying more gets you, and what else you need to start playing records.

Table of Contents

In this guide, we’ll show you the best Audio-Technica turntables that are on the market right now. If you’re new, we’ll break down the basics. Or, if you just want to copy a proven setup, jump straight to our top picks.

1. Audio-Technica Record Players at a Glance
2. Audio-Technica Turntables Compared
3. Which Audio-Technica Turntable Is Right for You?
4. What Else Do You Need for Your Setup?
5. Final Thoughts: Which Audio-Technica Should You Buy?

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Audio-Technica Record Players at a Glance

If you’re getting into vinyl, there’s a good chance this is one of the first brands you’ll come across.

The LP line includes the familiar LP60X, LP70X, and LP120X. Across those three, bigger numbers generally mean a higher price and more features. The LP60X and LP70X are automatic, while the LP120X is manual. The LP3XBT also belongs here, combining automatic playback with an adjustable tonearm and a replaceable cartridge.

When you see BT in the name, it means the player has Bluetooth for connecting to compatible wireless speakers or headphones.

Then there’s the LPW line: the LPW30, LPW40WN, and LPW50BT. These are manual turntables with wood finishes, including black on the LPW30. The numbers follow a similar pattern, with the higher models generally costing more and offering more features.

Finally, there’s the Sound Burger, a small, battery-powered record player built for portable listening.

If you just want my quick picks, these are the three I’d look at first.

Best Overall: Audio-Technica AT-LP70X

For most people getting into vinyl, this would be my pick. It’s fully automatic, easy to use, and has better stylus upgrade options than the LP60X. If your budget allows it, I think it’s worth spending a little extra.

Best Budget: Audio-Technica AT-LP60X

Still one of the easiest ways to get started. It’s affordable, fully automatic, and has everything you need in a basic turntable. Nothing fancy, but that’s kind of the point.

Best Manual: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB

If you like the hands-on side of vinyl, I’d look here. Direct drive, adjustable tonearm, removable cartridge, and that classic turntable look. Plus USB recording if you ever want to digitize your collection.

Audio-Technica Turntables Compared

Of course, those are just my picks. Audio-Technica makes quite a few other turntables worth considering, especially if Bluetooth, automatic playback, or a particular design matters to you.

Here’s the full lineup side by side, including prices, cartridges, built-in preamps, and the features that actually separate them.

That’s 11 Audio-Technica record players to choose from. So let’s get into what actually separates them.

Because while Audio-Technica has a pretty big lineup, I think the buying decisions are a lot simpler than all those model numbers make them seem.

Which Audio-Technica Turntable Is Right for You?

Eleven turntables. A whole lot of letters and numbers. And somehow you’re supposed to figure out which one is right for you.

The good news is that I think the buying decisions are a lot simpler than Audio-Technica’s lineup makes them seem.

So let’s break down what actually separates these turntables, where I’d spend the extra money, and where I probably wouldn’t.

AT-LP60X vs. AT-LP70X: The Beginner Favorites

These are probably the two turntables most people getting into vinyl will end up looking at.

The AT-LP60X is the cheaper option at $179. It’s fully automatic, has a built-in phono preamp, and requires almost no setup.

But for about $90 more, you can get the AT-LP70X. You still get the same fully automatic convenience, but with Audio-Technica’s VM95 cartridge system, which lets you upgrade the stylus later.

If you’re choosing between the two, I’d go with the LP70X if you can afford it. But if you already own an LP60X and are thinking about upgrading, I’d actually recommend saving up for something a little more substantial. The jump to the LP70X probably isn’t worth it on its own.

Both also come in Bluetooth versions if you want wireless listening. (AT-LP60XBT and AT-LP70XBT)

AT-LP3XBT: The Automatic Upgrade

You still get fully automatic playback, but now you have an adjustable counterweight, anti-skate (huge!) and a removable headshell. That means you can swap out the entire cartridge instead of just the stylus.

It also comes with the AT-VM95C cartridge, Bluetooth, and a built-in preamp.

At around $379, I think this is a pretty underrated option. Especially if you like the convenience of automatic playback but want more flexibility to experiment with cartridges later.

AT-LP120XUSB: The Manual, Direct-Drive Option

Here’s where Audio-Technica takes a different approach.

Unlike the automatic models, the LP120X is fully manual. You also get an adjustable tonearm, removable headshell, AT-VM95E cartridge, and USB output for digitizing your records.

At around $399, it’s pretty close in price to the LP3XBT.

So it really comes down to preference. Want automatic playback? I’d go LP3XBT. Prefer direct drive, more hands-on control, and that classic turntable look? The LP120X makes more sense.

There’s also the AT-LP120XBT-USB, which adds Bluetooth.

The LPW Series: For Those Who Like the Classic Hi-Fi Look

I have to say, I really like the direction Audio-Technica went with these.

The LPW30, LPW40WN, and LPW50BT have that beautiful, traditional hi-fi look. Wood-style finish options, clean designs, and none of the DJ-style controls.

They’re all manual, belt-drive turntables, but there are a few differences.

The LPW30 starts at around $329 with an aluminum tonearm, AT-VM95C cartridge, and built-in preamp.

The LPW40WN steps things up at around $479 with a carbon-fiber tonearm, upgraded AT-VM95E cartridge, speed-sensor motor, and a really nice walnut finish.

And then there’s the LPW50BT at around $599, with a thicker plinth, rosewood finish, and Bluetooth.

Personally, I think the LPW40WN is the sweet spot here. You get some worthwhile upgrades, and I think it looks fantastic.

Although I wouldn’t blame anyone for spending the extra money on the LPW50BT just for that rosewood finish.

Sound Burger: The Fun One

And then there’s the Audio-Technica Sound Burger.

Now, I wouldn’t recommend this as your main turntable if sound quality and upgrades are your priority.

But for around $199, it’s a genuinely fun piece of gear. And if you love the retro design or want something portable, I completely get the appeal.

Just remember you’ll still need speakers or headphones. The Sound Burger doesn’t have speakers built in.

What Else Do You Need for Your Setup?

So you’ve picked out your turntable. Now you need something to actually play your records through.

The good news is that all the Audio-Technica models we covered have built-in phono preamplification, so you don’t necessarily need to buy a separate phono preamp.

From there, you have a couple of options:

1. Powered speakers: Probably the simplest route. They have an amplifier built in, so you can connect your turntable directly to them.

2. Bluetooth speakers or headphones: Even simpler, I guess. If you picked one of the Bluetooth models, you can connect wirelessly to compatible speakers or headphones.

3. Passive speakers + an amplifier: A more traditional hi-fi setup. You’ll need a separate amplifier or receiver to power the speakers.

Personally, I think a good pair of powered speakers is a great place to start, especially if you’re just getting into vinyl.

And if you’re not sure what speakers or amplifier to pair with your turntable, check out our Vinyl Setup Builder. You can start with your Audio-Technica turntable, pick out the rest of your gear, check compatibility, and put together a complete setup within your budget.

Final Thoughts: Which Audio-Technica Should You Buy?

I have to say, Audio-Technica has put together a pretty solid lineup. Whether you’re buying your first record player or looking for something a little more serious, there’s probably an option here that makes sense for you.

For most beginners, I’d still go with the AT-LP70X. I think it’s worth the extra money over the LP60X. But if you’re willing to spend more, I really like what Audio-Technica is doing with the LPW series, especially the LPW40WN. And the LP120X is still a great choice if you prefer something a little more hands-on.

Ultimately, I wouldn’t get too caught up in finding the perfect turntable. Think about how you actually want to listen to your records, how much you want to spend, and what kind of setup you want to put together.

And remember, the turntable is only one part of the equation. A good pair of speakers can make just as much of a difference.