Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB Review

The Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB was a fairly average performer in our testing, but its low price makes it a great value.

Performance Comparison

The Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB performed at or above average in all of our testing metrics. In the sections below we detail its performance in all of the different tests we conducted.

Sound Quality

The AT-LP60XUSB earned a respectable 6 out of 10 in our sound quality testing, putting it a bit above average.

During our side-by-side sound quality comparisons, the AT-LP60XUSB's clarity was quite impressive. It produced a clear and crisp sound that was only slightly inferior to that of high end models like the Audio-Technica AT-LP120BK-USB. It did struggle a bit in terms of dynamic range. There wasn't a huge volume difference between the softest and loudest notes it played, which made the music sound a bit thin and flat when compared to the more expensive models (namely the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon and the Audio Technica AT-LP120BK-USB, both of which have phenomenal dynamic range). This shortcoming is noticeable, but it doesn't rob you of a pleasurable listening experience. Bottom line, it sounds about as good as listening to a streaming service like Pandora played through a high quality Bluetooth speaker. In other words it sounds good, but not phenomenal.

The AT-LP60XUSB's sound quality is about even with the Sony PSLX300USB, which lists for just slightly more. The AT-LP60XUSB is worlds ahead of low super cost options like the Jensen JTA-230 and the Victrola Vintage 3-Speed, both of which both sound incredibly thin and shrill in comparison.

Component Quality

The AT-LP60XUSB earned an average score of 5 out of 10 in our component quality testing.

The AT-LP60XUSB has an aluminum platter that is much heftier than the plastic platters of low end models like the Jensen JTA-230, but noticeably thinner and lighter than the aluminum platters of top models like the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon. The felt mat feels of high quality, but likely doesn't make up for the additional vibrations that can make their way through the relatively light platter. The belt drive does serve to limit vibration moving from the motor to the platter.

The AT-LP60XUSB's metal tonearm is very light, which is good, but also feels a bit flimsy, which is bad. You want a tonearm that is as light and stiff as possible, so that flimsy feeling is somewhat concerning. Luckily this didn't seem to affect sound quality at all. Other models in the price range like the Sony PSLX300USB had similarly flimsy feeling tonearms. Unfortunately you need to spend a bit more to get a higher quality metal or even carbon fiber tonearm. The cartridge is an Audio-Technica Dual Magnet, which produced a fairly good signal in our testing.

User Friendliness

The AT-LP60XUSB was again above average in our user friendliness testing, picking up a score of 7 out of 10.

Actually getting the AT-LP60XUSB to play music couldn't be easier. Just put a record down on the platter, turn the turntable on, press the start button and you're good to go. The tonearm automatically lifts up, moves over to the record, and settles the needle down onto it. It also automatically senses whether the record is a 33 or 45, and adjusts the speed accordingly. In fact, this automatic cueing looks smoother and more reliable than the same process does on some much more expensive models.

On top of simple playback operation, the AT-LP60XUSB also offers a USB interface for digitizing records. We found this to be a simple plug and play process, with most audio recording software quickly recognizing the AT-LP60XUSB as an input. This is great for those that want to create digital backups for older, hard to find records.

The AT-LP60XUSB lost points in this metric solely because of its lack of adjustability. It has no pitch control, and no way to adjust the tracking force. These are settings that don't require constant adjustment, and would likely only be adjusted by those that really want to tinker with their record player's sound, but they are nice to have in case something just isn't sounding right.

Vibration Resistance

The AT-LP60XUSB again scored a 6 out of 10 in our vibration resistance testing. This put it just above average.

In general, the AT-LP60XUSB did not skip at all in our testing unless we bumped the table it was sitting on. It was even able to handle soft bumps without any issue, but a solid, "Oh crap I just knocked my hip on that table and it hurt!" kind of bumping resulted in skipping. This was comparable with the performance of the high-end Pro-Ject Debut Carbon and Audio-Technica AT-LP120BK-USB, with the Fluance RT81 being the only model that could handle a really solid table bump.

Value

The AT-LP60XUSB provides the best value per dollar of any of the models we tested. The only comparable model is the Sony PSLX300USB, which sounds similar but lists for more. In fact, to get better sound quality you'll have to spend at least $150 more, with top-notch sound costing at least $200 more.

Conclusion