The AT-LP60X Review

Buying your first turntable is difficult. Researching which one to buy is even more challenging. Especially when articles, blog posts, and Reddit threads praise and trash every option out there. Here's a solid contender for an entry-level turntable that won't disappoint - the AT-LP60X
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Written & Produced by Rick Coste
To learn more about Rick and his work go to RickCoste.com

[@mckeldin1961]

Like your brother, I recently got back into collecting vinyl. I bought the LP60X a little over a year ago (along with a pair of Edifier powered speakers). I'm extremely happy with my inexpensive set-up. A couple of months ago, I thought I would upgrade however and I bought an AT-LP120. When the unit arrived, I set it up, but I couldn't figure out why the sound was so poor. Further checking confirmed that I had been sent a severely damaged stylus. I was annoyed, but I think it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I live in a tiny Manhattan apartment and space is at a premium, while the LP120 did fit, it just barely fit. And while I liked the weight and overall solidity of the turntable, I realized I was happier with the automatic and simpler LP60x. I was able to return the LP120 for a full refund. When I retire I'll probably move out of the City into a larger living space and then I'll upgrade my system... but for this small apartment city dweller, the AT-LP60X is *perfect*.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Great to hear Biff! Sorry about the defective unit and bad stylus but alls well that ends well :)

[@tenzingyatso5096]

Bro, don't wait for retirement!!! Change your life while you're young!!!

[@graham520]

@@TheJoyofVinylRecords If using powered speakers with this turntable does that mean I would need an external preamp or is there a built-in preamp in the speakers

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

@@graham520 Hi Graham! You would need an external preamp with the powered speakers (unless your turntable has a built in preamp). What you won't need with powered speakers is a standalone amp or receiver. Hope that helps!

[@graham520]

@@TheJoyofVinylRecordsHi Rick…Assuming I bought this particular turntable the easiest thing is to pair it up within something like Edifier R1280T speakers. What if I wanted to use a vintage amplifier from the 80s (Pioneer or Technics) and passive speakers (passive is the 80s type that connects to an amplifier isn’t it?….would that work or does it need an extra piece of kit between the turntable and the vintage amplifier. I’ve seen people suggest connecting a Pro-Ject Phono Box MM to the turntable but what in turn would that connect too?….powered speakers?

[@v.pol147]

I have this turntable about 2 years. I have a long time experience in analogue sound . I bought this turntable (atlp60xbt) for 180 Euro during pandemic period and for me was a very pleasant surprise! Excellent and pleasant sound and good construction! I love this turntable! ❤😊

[@wayverleesoulsong]

The fact this man admitted he wasn’t an expert is such a brave move. Definitely watching this one

[@beamboy07]

top 10 signs of an expert

[@sc_rched]

Thanks so much for the great review! I’ve been searching for a good honest review for a while and yours is a amazing example of that.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

You're welcome and I hope it helped!

[@madtrucker5507]

I've got my LP60x a couple of months ago, as a complete newbie in vinyl and I'm really happy with it! Full auto is really great for people with both left hands like me. Sound is also great - you can hear all the details and niuances! Beginners Choice Award!

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

I like that - "Beginner's Choice Award"! Great way to put it.

[@01chippe]

I think you got it backward - LINE is used for an AUX input and the pre-amp is turned on. PHONO is used when your receiver already has a PHONO input, and the pre-amp is turned off.

[@TheGroundedAviator]

A simple foolproof turntable, all I ask for.

[@Blowncapacitor84]

I couldn't agree more! I had an lp60 as my very first Turntable (we won't mention the Crosley that got returned the same day) and it was absolutely a dream to use and really helped me to get comfortable with viny records. I sold it after restoring an Onkyo CP-1000A and an MCS 6710. I sold it to buy more records but I wish I would have held on to it for a backup or to gift someone who is wanting to get into vinyl records. I always recommend people get the LP60 if they are looking to start spinning records! Great video, subbed for sure!

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Glad to hear you say that. It's my "go to" for gifting. Recently bought one as a housewarming gift for my son and his girlfriend for their new apartment. They've been buying vinyl as well. Cool to see people in their early 20s getting into it.

[@Blowncapacitor84]

@@TheJoyofVinylRecords much agreed!!!

[@runtoeat]

I just bought the AT with Bluetooth for an extra $50. Money well spent as I can listen on my earphones while my wife naps. 30 years before getting back into vinyl. Highly recommend this turntable.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Thank for jumping in Joe!

[@31cify]

Oh yeah, the bluetooth version of the LP60X is definitely the best value. I don't think I would have just settled for the base model without the convenience of our modern day marvel, bluetooth.

[@Thievius333]

@@31cify As a matter of convenience I understand the allure, just be aware that bluetooth turns the pure analog signal into digital and sort of defeats the whole purpose of spinning vinyl in the first place. But of course, if that's of no concern to you, that's all that matters. (And no, I'm not being sarcastic.)

[@SRX2004]

I recently bought the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK and I think it's great. I ordered a longer RCA cable at the same time because I knew the included one wouldn't be long enough for my setup. Everything arrived at the same time and the set up was very easy. This turntable sounds great.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Thrilled to hear that!

[@SRX2004]

@@TheJoyofVinylRecords I upgraded the stylus to the LP Gear carbon fidelity CFN3600LE stylus and this turntable sounds even better.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

@@SRX2004 Very nice. I hope folks see your comment and do so as well.

[@ericmayle8510]

You can upgrade the stylus on the LP60X series. I upgraded mine with the LP Gear CARBON FIDELITY CFN3600LE stylus. It's an elliptical stylus that sits lower in the grooves and picks up even better sound.I purchased mine for around $40 and that's not bad compared to the stock AT3600L.

[@31cify]

Absolutely correct. The conical stylus of the LP60X is indeed upgradable to LP Gear's elliptical. That's not to say there's anything wrong with the conical, it's a great performer, but perhaps an upgrade to the elliptical a little further down the line could do records some great justice.

[@99problemstoysaint1]

I really enjoyed this review as I to recently bought this turntable & I love it. Therefore after watching I decided to subscribe✌🏻✌🏻

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Thanks, Barry! Cheers 🍺🍺

[@grahamclutterbuck583]

Here in the UK I told my daughter this would be a good buy. She is extremely happy with it

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Happy to hear she's listening to vinyl as well Graham!

[@chrisbomber101]

I've had the Bluetooth model for a few weeks now using the AUX on my micro hifi and it sounds great I'm new to vinyl tho.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Welcome to the world of vinyl!

[@xyanide1986]

Absolutely check out 2nd hand things. I got me an LP120x recently for just a bit more than the LP60X.

[@JoeOrber]

Nice review, I agree that it is a great beginner turntable after the dreadful suitcase record players. Just one comment, @5:08 you mentioned the switch in the back should be set to Line to turn off the internal pre-amp, but it should actually be set to Phono. Keep up the good work! 👍

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Thanks Joe! And thank you for the correction! Just added text to call out the mistake at 5:04.

[@Mountainrock70]

Beginner turntable? I have this and Ive been playing records for 50 years lol

[@JoeOrber]

@@Mountainrock70 young people considers it entry level because it doesn’t cost a fortune, it’s not customizable and it doesn’t have metals and plastics from other planets lol 😂

[@Valnoten]

Been using the LP60 usb version since 2017 🔥

[@osliverpool]

I think that cartridge is one of the big plus points of the LP60X. I have one that I put on my Rega turntable from time to time, and I'm always surprised at how good it is. It has a mellow sound, and I can just relax and listen to it for hours. It's a steal at such an entry-level price.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Thanks for the input and mentioning the cart can be used elsewhere. Rega TTs are great.

[@31cify]

The LP60X is even further enhanced when you swap out the supplied conical stylus and replace it with LP Gear's carbon fidelity elliptical. Nothing intrinsically wrong with the conical, it tracks well enough and gives damn good sound. The elliptical is the next one up, something turntables like the LP60X cries out for because this stylus will be more responsive, more active and track every nuanced curve more accurately. Also, the removal of the standard felt mat with something more dense and high end like acrylic (Rick Coste's favourite platter mat material) would further enhance the performance of the 60X. I've made these upgrades to my 60X, and I can't see myself downgrading it back to a conical stylus and a felt mat anytime soon.

[@EgiijusMoc]

Hi there, I'm happy to have found your channel. I'm currently considering between two wireless turntables: the Audio Technica AT-LP60XBTBK with Bluetooth, and the Sony PS-LX310BT. I was wondering if you could recommend one over the other?

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Hi! Both are good turntables and fairly equivalent. If pressed I'd go with the AT.

[@ninehneh]

had the same dilemma as you and settled for the audio technica as it's smaller, look less 'space age' and has a detachable cable compared to the sony

[@fernaureason7150]

Thanks for the recommendation and honest review. I'm new to records and record players but can I plug in my Klipsch PROMEDIA 2.1 speakers? Or do I need a different set of speakers?

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

I wouldn't recommend the PROMEDIA because of the cables used. If you want to go for a decent inexpensive set of powered speakers that go well with the LP60X I would recommend Edifier 1280Ts. Once you begin to build your collection and grow to love vinyl you can upgrade from there.

[@fernaureason7150]

@@TheJoyofVinylRecords Appreciate the reply. Thank you very much!

[@jhonwask]

They could have sold it with a better stylus. I have the ATLP120XUSB and love it. Of course I have to different cartridges for it. I'm not a phono nut, am I.

[@jro7075]

first time viewer that was on the money what you said about the lp-60x it is a great table i even found one of its cousins for free an aiwa made 1999 just before audio technica came out with its lp-60 TT its the same setup i also use the same preamp for my system thats what caught my eye do you have any reviews of that tube amp ????? but anyway i will be checking out some more of your vids JRo

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Hi - and thank you for stopping by! I don't yet have a review on the tube pre-amp but will post one. Thank you for the suggestion!

[@jro7075]

I will be anticipating a review on the tube amp I currently have 3 amps hooked up in my man cave and in each setup I have 3 tube amps the sound coming outfits really different and on my comp at work I listen to music on the internet and I find the music too high on treble and bass using this softens the treble so it is not far piercing and bass less muddy JRo

[@sarumanondat]

Will it skip parts of Bjork's Homogenic?? Or in general????

[@anthonydelorenzo6481]

What part of Boston you from? Haha. I’m on the north shore and just picked up my first turntable, the lp60 xbt

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Picked up on that huh? I'm originally from Hanson (outside of Brockton) - transplanted to NH.

[@leonardopapantoniou4227]

I Connect LP60x to smsl AO200 first version and then to Dali Spektor 2. It sounds “right” but I wonder if it would be useful to supply a dedicated phono preamp using phono out instead of line out. What do you think?

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

I would most definitely recommend an external phono preamp if you’re so inclined. The built in preamps are there for low touch entry level users. And nothing wrong with that at all. That’s why I recommend it as a great entry level unit. An external phono preamp is a step up.

[@ellisgarbutt1925]

Wish I got one of these a few years back I ended up with a audio technicia atlp120xusb it a good turntable I also have the at sound burger and the technics sl6 dam how many TT's do I need

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

I hear you. I progressed through quite a few turntables until I landed on my current one. What do you think about the Sound Burger?

[@ellisgarbutt1925]

​@TheJoyofVinylRecords the sound burger is pretty good it's being my go to tt at the moment think I will pick up a lp60x dam going to have a collection of tts at this rate 😀 😅

[@angelovillamor1795]

Can you use a speaker that has an aux cord slot only (not RCA)?

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

If it's a powered speaker you could, but you would need an adapter to go from RCA to whatever size the pin is for the speaker's input.

[@tantalo45]

Greetings, Thanks for your Channel. A couple of questions: is it save to play valuable records(Pink Floyd Audiophile dark side of the moon 1979) on the Lp60? what about the tracking force, is it too heavy? also is it ok that it doesn't include anti skating? Thanks.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Hi! I have in fact played my records on the AT-LP60 when I owned one a few years ago. Some of the albums in my collection are expensive. It is a good entry level turntable. I understand the concern. Another option is the Fluance RT80 for only a few dollars more. It allows for both tracking force and anti-skate adjustment,

[@tantalo45]

@@TheJoyofVinylRecords I bought an Audio Technica 120 on 2015 but I didn't know about turntables back then and realized like a year later the anti skating wasn't working. like 2 months ago or so I bought a Fluance 81, I did the set up (now I know how to) and when I did the antiskating test with a test record it didn't work either and I returned it; it has been a little bit complicated with me and Turntables, I was thinking in something more simple in the meantime, a cheap and simple turntable that is not going to ruin my records; I have originals pressings of King Crimson, Megadeth, Metallica, Pink Floyd, etc.. and I'm very reluctant about choosing a proper turntable. Thanks again, you have a very good Channel.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

I appreciate that! Thank you. U-Turn audio makes some great tables (although they too do not have an anti-skate feature). They just came out with a new version that seems to be even better than previous models and they are listening to customer feedback. I have one that's a couple years old and everything I would have changed about it they seem to have done so others must have brought up the same suggestions. @@tantalo45

[@doksmislim]

Does tone arm have weight to set up the force of needle on vinyl?

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Unfortunately not. Being an entry level turntable you are not able to set the tracking force or anti-skate.

[@Thievius333]

I have this system's bigger brother the LP120X and while I appreciate the LP60X as a starter unit, the biggest drawback for me is the conical stylus. For me, an elliptical stylus (at minimum) is essential. less distortion. I'm also not really a fan of belt driven TTs. But yeah this blows away suitcase players.

[@Thievius333]

Come to find out that AudioTechnica has an elliptical stylus available for the LP60X, so even that qualm about the system is put to rest.

[@31cify]

Absolutely spot on correct. When you first unpack the LP60X, there's a bit of unfulfilled promise there, as there is with most turntables. Last year, I did exactly what you recommended by replacing the conical stylus with LP Gear's elliptical. As I've said before, there's nothing intrinsically wrong with a conical because it tracks well, the sound is good but it still leaves some capacity to burn. This is where the elliptical comes in, and turntables like the 60X benefit considerably with little upgrades and tweaks like this. LP Gear specifically designed their carbon fidelity ellipticals for purposes exactly like this. I didn't stop there though. A few weeks back I removed the felt mat and replaced it with a beautiful blue acrylic mat from a company called Takmork. This is a far more dense, solid and flat surface for vinyl records without the static attraction a felt mat gives you, and I've noticed an increase in bass tightness and rotation stability with the acrylic. So, would I ever downgrade the 60X back to it's original conical and felt? Over my dead body.

[@ericdolby1622]

How is the Walmart only AT-LPGO-BT. Supposedly the equivalent

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Hi @ericdolby1622 ! Yes. It is practically the same unit. Appears the price is about the same as well. Good entry level table. I’m actually posting another short video in a week or so about entry level systems. The AT is still recommended.

[@georgeanastasopoulos5865]

Wonderful, informative lecture on the playback of vinyl records. However, I'd prefer a U-Turn Orbit turntable; made in America. Although I am Canadian, things, and products, and systems made in the USA have contributed a lot of good to this continent, and across the world in the area of music, hi fi audio, and audio equipment.🔉🎼🎵

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Thank you George! I have a U-Turn custom built as well :) Highly recommend it!

[@malp292]

I want to get one of those Record players, but don't know how to connect it to my older stereo player. Can you please tell me how to go about doing it. Thanks

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

It depends on your stereo system to be honest. As long as you have RCA inputs in the back of your stereo you will be able to connect it. The LP60x has a built in preamp that can be shut off if your stereo has a 'phono' input. If it doesn't then leave the preamp on and connect it to the "aux" input. If you can be more specific about your stereo I'm happy to help! Feel free to contact me directly as well.

[@malp292]

@@TheJoyofVinylRecords Thanks. I have a Stereo set which I got about 2 years ago. It's a National Panasonic one with a double cassette player CD and Radio. The CD section stopped working about 5 years ago and so I got a small portable CD player and connected it with a cable to the input sockets and play CDs. Now I want to get a record player and connect it to the Stereo system. I got a few Charley pride Country record and love his songs and want to play them. I have never owned or handled a Record player in my life so I am not sure how to go about connecting it. So can you help me with the instructions. Thanks

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Hi Mal P - can you contact me here - joyofvinyl.com/contact/ ? I have a couple questions about your setup.

[@malp292]

@@TheJoyofVinylRecords Rick, I emailed you with details of my Stereo.

[@kacperciesielski9823]

hi i bought this turntable recently and i was wondering if you know how to fix a tone arm that keeps pulling back because it pulls back before the vinyl has been completed and i don’t quite understand how to fix this issue do you know a solution by any chance ?

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

When it pulls back do you mean the auto-return engages before the stylus reaches the end, or does it scrape across the vinyl surface (I hope not!). If it's the auto-return engaging too early it might be worth trying to reset it. There's a video released a while ago on how to do this. It's for the previous version of the turntable but will still apply. kzbin.info/www/bejne/anqYm5R3iZ6fbdE

[@kacperciesielski9823]

@@TheJoyofVinylRecords basically the tone arm goes back n forth and back n forth over and over about 3/4 into the record and it won’t like play the rest of the vinyl when i tilt the player to a side it then it can finish the record but my vinyl is on a stable even surface at all time so i’m not quite sure why it doesn’t play the whole record (i hope this makes sense i’m not sure how to describe it but that’s the best i can and it doesn’t skate no i hope u understand :) )

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

@@kacperciesielski9823 It does sound like a defective unit. It might not hurt to try the reset in the video link above. I'm sorry to hear about that experience - and glad it hasn't damaged any records!

[@jerryking7502]

The only problem I have with this TT, is that it uses a spring for weight tracking...

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

True. Jerry! I really only recommend it as an entry level. More coming up in future video.

[@hvgriid]

what speakers would you recommend for this

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

For a great entry level powered speaker that works well with it you can't go wrong with the Edifier R1280T speakers: amzn.to/45g0Aye

[@mikecheck7940]

Can we do manual queing?

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Yes. It does allow you to cue to different tracks :)

[@lalotime]

Do you know the tracking force is?

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

It's supposed to be around 3.2-3.5g. From what I've heard, that's typically how they are delivered, but they also do not have an adjustable counter-weight.

[@saardean4481]

Smart ass comment of the day here: The Norm is 3.5mm for the small one and 6.25mm for the big one. Btw i just ordered an AT-LP60X. Hope you are right

[@themanumission]

Why are you not able to change the cartridge?

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

You can replace the stylus but the LP60x's cartridge is attached to the tonearm preventing the ability to swap it for a different cartridge.

[@Mountainrock70]

Is there a higher quality replacement stylist?

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Hi! I don't believe there is an official upgrade path for the AT-LP60x stylus. From there the only true upgrade would be the turntable itself.

[@bigmacfullerton7870]

There is an upgrade path for the LP60. It’s made by LP Gear and it comes with an elliptical diamond needle and a better belt for $55. The sound improvement isn’t subtle. It’s noticeable better

[@patricksullivan9340]

Rick, good review. While this table clearly has its limitations, it actually is a real turntable, something that certainly cannot be said about the dreadful all-in-one suitcase players. If folks can stretch their budget another $60, they could get into the basic U-Turn table, which is vastly superior. However, that sort of misses the point doesn’t it... this AT is a simple, one stop, plug and play ready to go option, for the newbies. Keep up the good work!

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Thank you Patrick! I appreciate the feedback!

[@yeremiahangeles7252]

it doesn't have a counter weight, should that matter?

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Yes - it does matter if you want to have the ability to adjust the tracking force, The AT-LP60X is an entry level table meant to appeal to listeners who don't want to worry or think about configuration or tweaks. It's definitely not something I would recommend for those who want to upgrade cartridges or adjust tracking and anti-skate.

[@yeremiahangeles7252]

@@TheJoyofVinylRecords But it will wreck your vinyl without one, shouldn't it be ideal to start off with a counter weight?

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Fortunately the tracking weight is just where it needs to be. It's not like some other entry level solutions where the sole purpose is selling a product. AT does put alot of engineering into their products. They have higher-end models, but for a beginner, I do recommend the AT-LP60x (or whatever newer model is comparable). I get your concern - maybe this will help - another channel that recently did an excellent up-to-date review is @record-ology. The video can be seen here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnawpaOCjq58bKM@@yeremiahangeles7252

[@leon9021]

3:15 Thats mighty generous. Id recommend 300 hours for conical styli like this instead.

[@butchstout8584]

Tracking force is over 5 grams, not good.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

That’s not a typical measurement for that cartridge’s tracking force. It is an entry level turntable which is better than most at that price range. That being said the tracking force can’t be adjusted so it is a good idea for the user, to your point, to test it if they have a gauge (adds a bit of an extra cost however).

[@Lee.Higginbotham]

If I knew somebody wanting to get into records I would ask them about there budget and then go over the advantages of belt drive and direct drive. I wouldn't just steer them to this plastic made in China audio technica's cheapest entry level turntabe. I'm on my 3rd technics turntable. No belts and very quiet. I had a ortofon cartridge pre-installed. Easy to upgrade a ortofon stylus. Technics has 2 models without all the dj stuff pre-installed with a ortofon or a audio technica cartridge. Even audio technica makes several direct drive models. Fluance makes several belt drive models that won't break the bank that get high praises and rave reviews. Also Rega and U-Turn, Project and Music Hall. Lots of choices out there for the under $500 dollar crowd!!

[@Thievius333]

But not a lot of viable options for the Under $150 crowd who want an automatic. For them the LP60X is the perfect choice, your bias against "plastic made in China" notwithstanding. It's anything but cheap, it's merely inexpensive. But more to the point - easy for beginners to use.

[@GodmanchesterGoblin]

​@Thievius333 True, it's made for AT by one of the two main Taiwan based suppliers of low and mid-range turntables. Both have factories in China and can make some excellent products.

[@Infinite_voyager]

You kinda loook like the older brother of little finger from got