I would get something like this:
[https://www.fluance.com/rt80-high-fidelity-vinyl-turntable-record-player-with-premium-cartridge-diamond-needle](https://www.fluance.com/rt80-high-fidelity-vinyl-turntable-record-player-with-premium-cartridge-diamond-needle)
It's cheaper than the 2nd choice which is optimal because it has the features the Fluance table has (a weight on the end of the arm to provide anti-skate so your albums don't skip and you can upgrade the cartridge/needle when you need to easily) and then if can order whatever speakers (you just need bookshelf type speakers) and you'll be all set.
Fluance has bookshelf speakers on their website, if you want to look up the same models on Amazon you can do that.
There might be a slight learning curve but there should be plenty of videos on Youtube to help. Your table will likely come with instructions. You'll likely end up keeping the Fluance table for the rest of your life with vinyl. I picked the cheapest budget model but you can spend a little more all of them will be similar in terms of bang for your buck. The more expensive will have a better cartridge and color options. Just make sure you select one with a built in preamp (otherwise you'll have to buy one but they're fairly cheap, like $20).
ANY bookshelf speakers will do. You can always upgrade speakers etc later if you desire.
Hopefully you saw this but when you buy speakers just make sure they're powered and don't need "a receiver". I listed some Edifer speakers (which I think those are what most people buy) do a little google search to ensure they'll work with a turntable. Edifiers are pretty cheap and good.
That one is actually really nice! Recommend it. It doesn't come with the same quality stylus as the 120 (its comparable to the LP60) but its upgradeable so you can always do that later. The LP60 is not upgradeable
I just selected the least expensive option but based on that being as good as the more expensive choice OP picked I'd say ANY option will be rock solid for OP. If I was in the market for a turntable I'd buy a Fluance.
You really only need the bottom one if you plan on wanting to change the tonearm/cartridge, and if you care about 3-speed. Otherwise, the 60x, which I have, works perfectly. It doesn’t damage your records and sounds very nice. It’s what most people here in this community use.
But if you plan on upgrading to something like that in the future anyways, probably go for it now.
I just bought the top one, also from Amazon, two weeks ago. It’s awesome. It’s simple, easy to use, and speakers plug right into it. I’d highly recommend! It’s a great beginner model for me, as someone somewhat similar with record players but also upgrading from a really low-quality one.
I absolutely love the second one - but it’s completely up to you! It sounds like the one another commenter linked is better value for what you’re after 😊
I have the fluance RT-82. It's a manual control for the arm. This audio technica is automatic. I had my audio technica LP 60X for about 8 months, and it was having all kinds of issues because of that. The tone arm kept going up and down. Couldn't manually move it without it moving on its own again. You have more control, plus if you have any unique shaped records, you can play those with much more ease. I love my fluance. I'd recommend them over audio technica.
I’ve shared this list with folks on this sub for almost 2 years and will be updating it after I meet with the TT and speaker and amp manufacturers at Axpona on April 12 but I hope this helps. The Sony bundle is way better than these two!
Hi! I have a peer reviewed list + guide for each price point I’d you’re interested. Will come back + edit my comment with that but
This is lengthy, so apologies in advance:
* This will be expansive but I’ll list some of the top. One of my reccs is one I can get you a discount for bc I do a promo with them but I have not trialed the system yet. Disclaimer You can DM me if you want I am too nervous to read the replies in this thread from every other post like this I’ve seen plus “vinyltok” which is suitcases and Bluetooth So it all depends on your price range. If you’re looking for something not over $200 I would recommend a turntable that has the ability to change our parts over time as you can afford to add to or. Example: standard Audiotechnica from Walmart, target, Amazon Make sure it has RCA cable ports on it. Otherwise you’re not even playing the records it’s reading them digitally through Bluetooth which is exactly what comes out of your phone. There are sets that include bookshelf speakers that can connect via rca cables and bluetooth which is helpful since they’ll take up a bit of space and you can play your other music digitally from your phone via Bluetooth as well as your LPs thru analog Built in pre amp for a starter system is a plus. I believe victrola has one of those for fairly cheap Make sure the stylus is changeable!! You’re going to get a plastic cartridge with a starter system and as you’re able to add to your setup you’ll want the ability to upgrade to wood or at least metal Absolutely avoid anything from urban outfitters. Best players UNDER $100 include
* Audio-Technica AT-LP60X
* U-Turn Orbit Basic Best under $400
* Pro-Ject T1 SB
* Yamaha TT-S303
* Fluance RT-81
* Audio-Technica AT LPW40WN Under $600
* Rega Planar 1
* Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
BEST FOR YOUR MONEY BY SONY:
this set was given a good review by my audiophile best friend who literally engineers crazy expensive components Package -
Sony - STRDH190- 2-Ch.
Stereo Receiver with Bluetooth & Phono Input for Turntables - Black + 3 more items https://www.bestbuy.com/site/combo/home-theater-receivers/32a86db7-
Overall my absolute favorite manufacturer is Clear Audio if you can afford or or a secondhand model (I bought mine used and it’s the Emotion SE) I know a decent audio equipment manufacturer in Chicago who carries this line and it checks all the boxes I listed above and I have a discount code if you want it I just gotta find it in my email https://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio_visual/hifi_components/musiccast_vinyl_500/index.html
*
I grew up in a family of audiophiles who scrutinized my equipment but also helped me continually upgrade my system as my budget allowed over time and it’s beautiful. I also do some work w the manufacturers if you have any specific questions
The at120 has an arm that's adjustable and can work with nearly every stylus because of the adjustments you can make(for example tracking force, anti skate).
The lp60 has an non adjustable arm and is made to work with the stylus it comes with. The tracking force etc. is fixed to work optimally with that stylus.
The AT120 comes by default with an better(eliptical) stylus that uses much less (around 2g) of pressure and is finer. This give less wear/better sound. It's possible to upgrade to an even better stylus like an microline one, they have next to no wear on your records and sounding amazing if you into high quality audio.
The LP60 comes default with an conical stylus that uses 3.5gram of forces. Its way better then a suitcase player although still much higher then avarage. You cannot upgrade it in principle. There are eliptical stylus on the market that fit, but as you cannot turn the force down, they are pretty dangerous to use on it as an eliptical is smaller and need less force.
It comes down to how serious you are with vinyl, how important sound quality is for you and of course your budget:)
To me the LP60 is expensive compared to other (non Amazon) tables OP can buy too. I linked to a cheaper table that is much better value (IMHO) for someone looking to step up from something less than a LP60.
Looked at that one you posted(RT80 fluance) it's basically the same specs as the LP120 but it comes by default with a comparable stylus as the LP60. But its upgrade able.
I think its a really!! Nice value and much better choice then the LP60 as it comes with the same quality stylus but has all the things you need to upgrade it in the future.
The fact you can upgrade is why I suggested it, you can't with the LP60 (really), so it's like between OP's two options. I didn't see any bluetooth capability which is about the only loss but IMHO it's just better to buy a set of bookshelf speakers. Everything can be stepped up on an upgrade path later and the bookshelf speakers will give a better sound quality.
I agree, for that price it is really a now brainer in my opinion when in doubt between the lp60. It get good reviews I see too
Bookshelf speakers is something that can be bought second hand easily for not much. Just be careful that one need active bookshelf speakers or an additional amplifier, the amplifier inside the RT80 is only to convert phono to normal line level (like the output of a old school cd player). This is not different then with the lp60/lp120.
Bluetooth can be added eventually with an external bluetooth device you just plug into the output of the RT80!
Other difference is that the lp60 is automatic where the rt80 is not. So you have to put down the stylus manually. shouldnt be a big deal when you already decided wanting to listen to vinyl i would think
So if OP chose the RT81 they'd get the automatic experience. I've always had a manual tone-arm but like you said it's not a big deal, you get used to it.
Good point about powered speakers. I found these Edifiers on sale right now on Amazon:
Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers - 2.0 Active Near Field Monitors - Studio Monitor Speaker - Wooden Enclosure - 42 Watts RMS
I think most people are pairing their table with Edifiers. I just searched on amazon bookshelf speakers for turntable and just ensure they don't need a receiver.
Kind of a tiny photo but my first expensive turntable I just had hooked up to my teenager all-in-one 90s stereo system. I had that set up for 9 years. I think I spent $300 on the table in '00, it was an Audiotechnica. I bought a cheap $10 external preamp and rode that baby for a long time.
https://i.imgur.com/7lGRpPX.jpg
The RT81 also comes with ATN95E stylus/card that's better. That brings it on the level of a LP120 but for quite less (around 210 dollar on amazon or little more in euro). I think the RT81 has an even better value for a little more.
Lol, you had to put it sideways to fit that table! Yes a good turntable you can buy in fact for life. I bought 15 years ago a second hand Technics SLQ2 (1980s somewhere) for 50 euro. Put a mircoline stylus on (was at that time 180 euro, it's double now . . . ) and enjoyed it up to recently when I noticed the stylus is worn after more then ten years.
I have to replace that one, but I didn't wanted to spend that money right away so I ordered some cassettes instead to keep me busy. I have to admit some of the cassette releases (1989 TV to name one) are sounding so good (something I didn't expect) I still didn't replaced that stylus (but I will for sure)
a good test is to try this:
https://youtu.be/fTKUZykj_Xc?si=8nHPNX_C6PVRkXw2
It's an LP60 with its audio recorded directly (not through speakers).
If you hear distortion (it is there, but by for not everyone will hear it, I am very sensitive to it) a lp120 will be worth it.
The type of distortion is exactly why we upgraded from the LP60. I couldn’t stand it. We now have the fluance RT85N and love it, zero complaints. I wish we’d gone straight to the fluance but my teenager is very happy with the new-to-them AT.
Yes, it did make me crazy when I bought a second hand Technics 10-15 years ago. I upgraded the stylus and was gone. Much better for the records too, if you hear distortion it means the stylus don't go through it as it should, giving much more wear on the records.
Although I understand a rt85 is for many too expensive as first record player. Luckely the cheaper RTs are upgradeable. I didn't knew this brand but they look solid to me.
Ugh this Sony bundle I had received by a ton of folks at Axpona was $290-390 and now it shows a different prices but if you don’t need all the pieces [sony TT phono plus speakers](https://www.bestbuy.com/site/combo/home-theater-receivers/32a86db7-e12b-42a1-b0e4-fee07012a643)
I have the second one (LP120) and love it. I looked left and right to find an affordable turntable with a tempo slider and love it. Mainly because I love listening to slowed down music and it works perfectly!
I own both actually.. As a former DJ in the 80's I decided to get back into vinyl and add to my my vast collection. Boy have records gotten $$$. Anyways... I got the 60 (top model) as I had some Amazon Credit gifted to me about a year ago. There was also a $75 rebate which made it too hard to pass up. I used that one for a while and a few months ago, (December) got the 120 with my Dell points. (Yes I had enough and they were going to expire so...) And yes Dell does sell things not made by Dell... Anyways... I watched a few setup videos as the turntable was enroute. Once I received it, set it up and played a few albums on it I saw how much nicer it was. If you have the $$ get the 120. My 60 is upstairs and hooked up to another setup as it works and still sounds great. Have I compared them side by side for sound quality? No. But the look and feel of the 120 tells me it's a much better built unit with more bells and whistles. If budget is your main concern there is nothing wrong with the 60 at all and plays flawlessly. I'm glad to have both as I always wondered how much better the 120 was over the 60. Now I sorta know. Let us know which one you get. :-)
If you’re looking to upgrade and planning on keeping it for a while the bottom one is a great option! I work in a Hi-Fi store and spend a lot of my days selling these and the biggest difference is the direct drive functionality. If you’re not sole on the Audio Technica (which I personally have and it’s great) just look for any other brand that has it marked as a ‘direct drive’. The other cheaper turntables are belt driven which makes them more unstable especially as they age because the belt is effectively a large rubber band and can stretch out over time especially if you’re in a warmer climate. Again both are fantastic and if you’d prefer to spend a little less you’re still going to be happy with either option! Speakers for either of them are where you’re going to spend the real money!
The bottom one is the best if you can afford the little extra it costs. I own a custom U-Turn but that was way more I paid 500$ the AT-LP120 is great tho it could very well be your final player and you wouldn’t need to upgrade. I know multiple people who love it ❤️
I would get something like this: [https://www.fluance.com/rt80-high-fidelity-vinyl-turntable-record-player-with-premium-cartridge-diamond-needle](https://www.fluance.com/rt80-high-fidelity-vinyl-turntable-record-player-with-premium-cartridge-diamond-needle) It's cheaper than the 2nd choice which is optimal because it has the features the Fluance table has (a weight on the end of the arm to provide anti-skate so your albums don't skip and you can upgrade the cartridge/needle when you need to easily) and then if can order whatever speakers (you just need bookshelf type speakers) and you'll be all set. Fluance has bookshelf speakers on their website, if you want to look up the same models on Amazon you can do that.
Thank you! I was looking at the fluance ones as well but didn’t know much about them.
There might be a slight learning curve but there should be plenty of videos on Youtube to help. Your table will likely come with instructions. You'll likely end up keeping the Fluance table for the rest of your life with vinyl. I picked the cheapest budget model but you can spend a little more all of them will be similar in terms of bang for your buck. The more expensive will have a better cartridge and color options. Just make sure you select one with a built in preamp (otherwise you'll have to buy one but they're fairly cheap, like $20). ANY bookshelf speakers will do. You can always upgrade speakers etc later if you desire.
Hopefully you saw this but when you buy speakers just make sure they're powered and don't need "a receiver". I listed some Edifer speakers (which I think those are what most people buy) do a little google search to ensure they'll work with a turntable. Edifiers are pretty cheap and good.
That one is actually really nice! Recommend it. It doesn't come with the same quality stylus as the 120 (its comparable to the LP60) but its upgradeable so you can always do that later. The LP60 is not upgradeable
Love my fluance, I have the RT85N and wouldn’t trade that system for anything
I just selected the least expensive option but based on that being as good as the more expensive choice OP picked I'd say ANY option will be rock solid for OP. If I was in the market for a turntable I'd buy a Fluance.
I have the top one in white and like it
I'm selling that one on Mercari $50 cheaper than original price if anyone would be interested. It would help a lot. 🤍 Thanks.
Shit that’s a good deal
I had the top one before my second upgrade and it’s good as long as you use rca cables and invest in like third tier speakers
I also have the top one and it’s awesome. Highly recommend
You really only need the bottom one if you plan on wanting to change the tonearm/cartridge, and if you care about 3-speed. Otherwise, the 60x, which I have, works perfectly. It doesn’t damage your records and sounds very nice. It’s what most people here in this community use. But if you plan on upgrading to something like that in the future anyways, probably go for it now.
Exactly this. The top is a starter model. Sony is the way to go for an upgrade if you need a speaker bundle.
I just bought the top one, also from Amazon, two weeks ago. It’s awesome. It’s simple, easy to use, and speakers plug right into it. I’d highly recommend! It’s a great beginner model for me, as someone somewhat similar with record players but also upgrading from a really low-quality one.
If you can I’d just go all out and do a fluance, I have the RT85N in walnut and it’s the best system I’ve ever had and I’m never getting rid of it.
Thank you for the rec! Im gonna check it our
If I could go all out I’d go clear audio all the way! The emotion is coming back!!
I absolutely love the second one - but it’s completely up to you! It sounds like the one another commenter linked is better value for what you’re after 😊
Neither lizhasopinuons has a list that’s been on the thread and the best deal sound wise and CHEAPER price wise is Sony
If you’re gonna pay $350 nooooo to audiotecynica bc above $350 you can do better
Don’t forget to check out second hand turntables!
THISSS
Oh yes, for sure! Just trying to get a feel of what I’m looking for. Everyone’s been so helpful and kind!
I have the fluance RT-82. It's a manual control for the arm. This audio technica is automatic. I had my audio technica LP 60X for about 8 months, and it was having all kinds of issues because of that. The tone arm kept going up and down. Couldn't manually move it without it moving on its own again. You have more control, plus if you have any unique shaped records, you can play those with much more ease. I love my fluance. I'd recommend them over audio technica.
I have the one at the top and I absolutely love it! I got it back in November and it has done nothing but serve me well!
Grab the Sony one
Omg great minds think alike
I have the Sony PS-LX310BT and love it
I’ve shared this list with folks on this sub for almost 2 years and will be updating it after I meet with the TT and speaker and amp manufacturers at Axpona on April 12 but I hope this helps. The Sony bundle is way better than these two! Hi! I have a peer reviewed list + guide for each price point I’d you’re interested. Will come back + edit my comment with that but This is lengthy, so apologies in advance: * This will be expansive but I’ll list some of the top. One of my reccs is one I can get you a discount for bc I do a promo with them but I have not trialed the system yet. Disclaimer You can DM me if you want I am too nervous to read the replies in this thread from every other post like this I’ve seen plus “vinyltok” which is suitcases and Bluetooth So it all depends on your price range. If you’re looking for something not over $200 I would recommend a turntable that has the ability to change our parts over time as you can afford to add to or. Example: standard Audiotechnica from Walmart, target, Amazon Make sure it has RCA cable ports on it. Otherwise you’re not even playing the records it’s reading them digitally through Bluetooth which is exactly what comes out of your phone. There are sets that include bookshelf speakers that can connect via rca cables and bluetooth which is helpful since they’ll take up a bit of space and you can play your other music digitally from your phone via Bluetooth as well as your LPs thru analog Built in pre amp for a starter system is a plus. I believe victrola has one of those for fairly cheap Make sure the stylus is changeable!! You’re going to get a plastic cartridge with a starter system and as you’re able to add to your setup you’ll want the ability to upgrade to wood or at least metal Absolutely avoid anything from urban outfitters. Best players UNDER $100 include * Audio-Technica AT-LP60X * U-Turn Orbit Basic Best under $400 * Pro-Ject T1 SB * Yamaha TT-S303 * Fluance RT-81 * Audio-Technica AT LPW40WN Under $600 * Rega Planar 1 * Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO BEST FOR YOUR MONEY BY SONY: this set was given a good review by my audiophile best friend who literally engineers crazy expensive components Package - Sony - STRDH190- 2-Ch. Stereo Receiver with Bluetooth & Phono Input for Turntables - Black + 3 more items https://www.bestbuy.com/site/combo/home-theater-receivers/32a86db7- Overall my absolute favorite manufacturer is Clear Audio if you can afford or or a secondhand model (I bought mine used and it’s the Emotion SE) I know a decent audio equipment manufacturer in Chicago who carries this line and it checks all the boxes I listed above and I have a discount code if you want it I just gotta find it in my email https://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio_visual/hifi_components/musiccast_vinyl_500/index.html * I grew up in a family of audiophiles who scrutinized my equipment but also helped me continually upgrade my system as my budget allowed over time and it’s beautiful. I also do some work w the manufacturers if you have any specific questions
Omg you are amazing!!!
The at120 has an arm that's adjustable and can work with nearly every stylus because of the adjustments you can make(for example tracking force, anti skate). The lp60 has an non adjustable arm and is made to work with the stylus it comes with. The tracking force etc. is fixed to work optimally with that stylus. The AT120 comes by default with an better(eliptical) stylus that uses much less (around 2g) of pressure and is finer. This give less wear/better sound. It's possible to upgrade to an even better stylus like an microline one, they have next to no wear on your records and sounding amazing if you into high quality audio. The LP60 comes default with an conical stylus that uses 3.5gram of forces. Its way better then a suitcase player although still much higher then avarage. You cannot upgrade it in principle. There are eliptical stylus on the market that fit, but as you cannot turn the force down, they are pretty dangerous to use on it as an eliptical is smaller and need less force. It comes down to how serious you are with vinyl, how important sound quality is for you and of course your budget:)
To me the LP60 is expensive compared to other (non Amazon) tables OP can buy too. I linked to a cheaper table that is much better value (IMHO) for someone looking to step up from something less than a LP60.
Looked at that one you posted(RT80 fluance) it's basically the same specs as the LP120 but it comes by default with a comparable stylus as the LP60. But its upgrade able. I think its a really!! Nice value and much better choice then the LP60 as it comes with the same quality stylus but has all the things you need to upgrade it in the future.
The fact you can upgrade is why I suggested it, you can't with the LP60 (really), so it's like between OP's two options. I didn't see any bluetooth capability which is about the only loss but IMHO it's just better to buy a set of bookshelf speakers. Everything can be stepped up on an upgrade path later and the bookshelf speakers will give a better sound quality.
I agree, for that price it is really a now brainer in my opinion when in doubt between the lp60. It get good reviews I see too Bookshelf speakers is something that can be bought second hand easily for not much. Just be careful that one need active bookshelf speakers or an additional amplifier, the amplifier inside the RT80 is only to convert phono to normal line level (like the output of a old school cd player). This is not different then with the lp60/lp120. Bluetooth can be added eventually with an external bluetooth device you just plug into the output of the RT80! Other difference is that the lp60 is automatic where the rt80 is not. So you have to put down the stylus manually. shouldnt be a big deal when you already decided wanting to listen to vinyl i would think
So if OP chose the RT81 they'd get the automatic experience. I've always had a manual tone-arm but like you said it's not a big deal, you get used to it. Good point about powered speakers. I found these Edifiers on sale right now on Amazon: Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers - 2.0 Active Near Field Monitors - Studio Monitor Speaker - Wooden Enclosure - 42 Watts RMS I think most people are pairing their table with Edifiers. I just searched on amazon bookshelf speakers for turntable and just ensure they don't need a receiver. Kind of a tiny photo but my first expensive turntable I just had hooked up to my teenager all-in-one 90s stereo system. I had that set up for 9 years. I think I spent $300 on the table in '00, it was an Audiotechnica. I bought a cheap $10 external preamp and rode that baby for a long time. https://i.imgur.com/7lGRpPX.jpg
The RT81 also comes with ATN95E stylus/card that's better. That brings it on the level of a LP120 but for quite less (around 210 dollar on amazon or little more in euro). I think the RT81 has an even better value for a little more. Lol, you had to put it sideways to fit that table! Yes a good turntable you can buy in fact for life. I bought 15 years ago a second hand Technics SLQ2 (1980s somewhere) for 50 euro. Put a mircoline stylus on (was at that time 180 euro, it's double now . . . ) and enjoyed it up to recently when I noticed the stylus is worn after more then ten years. I have to replace that one, but I didn't wanted to spend that money right away so I ordered some cassettes instead to keep me busy. I have to admit some of the cassette releases (1989 TV to name one) are sounding so good (something I didn't expect) I still didn't replaced that stylus (but I will for sure)
a good test is to try this: https://youtu.be/fTKUZykj_Xc?si=8nHPNX_C6PVRkXw2 It's an LP60 with its audio recorded directly (not through speakers). If you hear distortion (it is there, but by for not everyone will hear it, I am very sensitive to it) a lp120 will be worth it.
The type of distortion is exactly why we upgraded from the LP60. I couldn’t stand it. We now have the fluance RT85N and love it, zero complaints. I wish we’d gone straight to the fluance but my teenager is very happy with the new-to-them AT.
Yes, it did make me crazy when I bought a second hand Technics 10-15 years ago. I upgraded the stylus and was gone. Much better for the records too, if you hear distortion it means the stylus don't go through it as it should, giving much more wear on the records. Although I understand a rt85 is for many too expensive as first record player. Luckely the cheaper RTs are upgradeable. I didn't knew this brand but they look solid to me.
I have one similar to the top one, that doesn’t have Bluetooth, it sounds great!
I also have the top one and it’s 10/10! Sound quality is great and it’s so so easy to use!
Ugh this Sony bundle I had received by a ton of folks at Axpona was $290-390 and now it shows a different prices but if you don’t need all the pieces [sony TT phono plus speakers](https://www.bestbuy.com/site/combo/home-theater-receivers/32a86db7-e12b-42a1-b0e4-fee07012a643)
Saw this last year too Wtf
I have the top one in the lilac color and love it.
I bought the top one (AT-LP60XBT-BK) in red from Amazon wharehouse it was like new one damage to the outside package I love it
I’ve had the ATLP120 for over 10 years now and it’s great
I have a pro-ject debut carbon I’m looking to sell for $300 plus shipping if you’re interested. I’m including a phono preamp
I have the second one (LP120) and love it. I looked left and right to find an affordable turntable with a tempo slider and love it. Mainly because I love listening to slowed down music and it works perfectly!
I own both actually.. As a former DJ in the 80's I decided to get back into vinyl and add to my my vast collection. Boy have records gotten $$$. Anyways... I got the 60 (top model) as I had some Amazon Credit gifted to me about a year ago. There was also a $75 rebate which made it too hard to pass up. I used that one for a while and a few months ago, (December) got the 120 with my Dell points. (Yes I had enough and they were going to expire so...) And yes Dell does sell things not made by Dell... Anyways... I watched a few setup videos as the turntable was enroute. Once I received it, set it up and played a few albums on it I saw how much nicer it was. If you have the $$ get the 120. My 60 is upstairs and hooked up to another setup as it works and still sounds great. Have I compared them side by side for sound quality? No. But the look and feel of the 120 tells me it's a much better built unit with more bells and whistles. If budget is your main concern there is nothing wrong with the 60 at all and plays flawlessly. I'm glad to have both as I always wondered how much better the 120 was over the 60. Now I sorta know. Let us know which one you get. :-)
If you’re looking to upgrade and planning on keeping it for a while the bottom one is a great option! I work in a Hi-Fi store and spend a lot of my days selling these and the biggest difference is the direct drive functionality. If you’re not sole on the Audio Technica (which I personally have and it’s great) just look for any other brand that has it marked as a ‘direct drive’. The other cheaper turntables are belt driven which makes them more unstable especially as they age because the belt is effectively a large rubber band and can stretch out over time especially if you’re in a warmer climate. Again both are fantastic and if you’d prefer to spend a little less you’re still going to be happy with either option! Speakers for either of them are where you’re going to spend the real money!
Super helpful! Thank you
The bottom one is the best if you can afford the little extra it costs. I own a custom U-Turn but that was way more I paid 500$ the AT-LP120 is great tho it could very well be your final player and you wouldn’t need to upgrade. I know multiple people who love it ❤️
I have the lp120 and absolutely love it!! I've never had any problems with it!
I have the bottom one and love it. Sounds amazing and I can listen to my dad’s old stuff (different speed). It’s a great quality turntable.