This update of the AT-LP120-USB turntable features a new DC servo direct-drive motor with an impressive 1 kg of torque for quick start-up, along with adjustable dynamic anti-skate control and selectable phono preamplifier with improved frequency response. The fully manual turntable plays 33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM records and is equipped with a USB output that allows direct connection to your computer.

Just download free Mac- and PC-compatible Audacity recording software (or software of your choice) and start converting your records to digital audio files. But in addition to the USB output, the turntable also comes with a detachable dual RCA output cable and is equipped with a built-in selectable phono preamp so you can connect directly to your home stereo, whether it has a dedicated phono input or not. 

The turntable features an S-shaped tonearm with adjustable tracking force and an AT-HS6 universal ½”-mount headshell with an AT-VM95E Dual Magnet™ phono cartridge.

Audio-Technica has been a leader in phono cartridge design for more than 50 years, and that expertise shows in the versatile, high-performance AT-VM95E cartridge, which comes with a 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus, but is also compatible with any VM95 Series replacement stylus, offering a wide choice of options for every budget and application. 

The VM cartridge series feature Audio Technica's patented Dual Moving Magnet design, which duplicates the “V”-shaped arrangement of the magnets in the cutter head and precisely positions the magnets to match the positions of the left and right channels in the groove walls.

This is a critical design for improved music information transferral and stereo imaging. The ability to upgrade the stylus on the VM series cartridge enables vinyl enthusiasts starting with the standard elliptical stylus to experience the stunning sound of the nude elliptical, Micro-linear or Shibata styli with an easy slide-on upgrade. These finer cuts of diamond go even deeper into the record groove to retrieve even more musical detail and decrease record wear.

In the record production process a cutter head carves out the record grooves. The modulations in the groove are “analogue” mechanical equivalents of the original audio signals. To “read” these modulations, Audio-Technica developed the patented Dual Magnet design which duplicates the structure of the cutter head. Instead of using a single, large magnet, the two magnets are arranged in the shape of a V.

The two magnets are positioned precisely to match positions of the left and right channels in the stereo groove walls. Consequently, the VM design provides outstanding channel separation, extended frequency response and superb tracking. All models feature high-purity 6N-OFC (99.9999% pure oxygen free copper) wiring for maximum sonic purity and extraordinary resolution of fine musical detail.

Additional features include a die-cast aluminium platter with felt mat; a start/stop button; selectable high-accuracy quartz-controlled pitch lock and pitch change slider control with +/-8% or +/-16% adjustment ranges; a stroboscopic platter with speed indicator; a removable plug-type stylus target light; external power supply; and a removable hinged dust cover.