Unlocking Lp120's Hidden Potential: The Ultimate guide to Preamp Removal Mod!

This is the ultimate guide on "how to remove the preamp board from Audio Technica LP120 USB turntable"
I detailed every step, tip, and tool you need for this mod.
This mod removes the ability to direct ripping records but gives you better sonic performance in return!
00:00 - Intro
00:59 - Remove accessories
01:30 - unscrew
03:01 - Phono cables close up
03:52 - preamp board removal
05:44 - Cable diagram & soldering
06:55 - Reassemble
07:55 - Thoughts
08:30 - Benefits 1
08:47 - Benefits 2
09:08 - Benefits 3
09:21 - Outro

[@felipegaray2133]

Thanks!, I am just about to do this mod and your video goes straight to the point. Thanks for posting it!

[@ale..2161]

Esta obsesión de eliminar el preamp interno tiene que terminar. Si a alguien le haces escuchar una LP120 con el preamp eliminado (diciendo que lo tiene descactivado) y luego lo haces escuchar una LP120 con el preamp desactivado (diciendo que lo eliminaste), va a cedirte que con el preamp eliminado se escucha mejor... Conclusión es un error eliminar el preamp interno.

[@bakihanma644]

Where are the videos of the sound clips?

[@brucetowell3432]

With this modification did you also upgrade your stylus/cartridge? if I have this procedure down, my thought would be go full boar and get a new and better needle and speakers? What size speakers do you use? thanks again for the video showing your work! God Bless

[@vinylanatomy7888]

Actually, I upgraded my cartridge before I did the procedure. To explore the higher end cartridge's potential is one of the reason I did the upgrade. If you want to "hear" the differences, I would suggest using headphone (even though I don't like headphone in general) , or record the before and after. Listening with speaker in a distance is harder to find the differences. My current speakers are tower speakers with 6" woofers. I plan on doing video for them since I upgrade recently :)

[@brucetowell3432]

@@vinylanatomy7888 My LP 120 USB was probably manufactured in the time frame of 2008 to 2011, kept it in storage and didn't even set it up till around 2020 or so, basically I believe the stylus/cartridge was updated by AT to the VM 95E, think mine is just the Green 95E. I'll be using a couple of vintage pieces of equipment ( Sansui 661 receiver/stereo and Sansui Integrated Amp AU-317 stock phono) and read that if I do NOT get strong enough speakers that is actually a bad thing to do? I'll be using the system in a small bedroom converted to a dedicated music/piano/vinyl listening room. I'm sure before I get the "pre-amp"ripped out I'll get some passive speakers and see how the sound is for me with operation mode to "phono" on the back of the LP-120 USB, along with upgraded cartridge. I'm not into headphones either. Hate to show you my ignorance, but have no idea what a "woofer" does? My guess it has something to do with getting a bigger bass sound? Now with the operational mode set to "line" I'm using 2 small bookshelf speakers from "mouKey" and the sound is not what I expect. thanks and God Bless

[@vinylanatomy7888]

​@@brucetowell3432 Here are my answer to your questions 1. "green 95e" My LP120usb also came with the green 95e, it's a really good starting point. You don't need to upgrade it just for the sake of keeping up with the latest. As long as the cartridge is in good condition. 2. "Read that if I do NOT get strong enough speakers that is actually a bad thing to do?" I don't quite get your question here, I assume you meant the speaker can't handle the power from the equipment?? The truth is the other way around... Overpower is never a thing, under power is what will damage your equipment. 3. Before you commit to take the lp120 preamp out, go verify the condition of your vintage gear. Both your 661 receiver and AU-317 has phono preamp built in. Send them to professional cleaning and inspecting on the capacitors to ensure they perform well. Then connect your LP 120 with either one and see how you like the sound. (put lp120 to phono --> connect to 661/317's phono input, so it uses the phono on reciever/amp and not lp120) 4. I mentioned woofer size is just to give you an idea on the size of the speakers. Woofers handle the mid and low frequency and tweeter handles the high. The larger the woofer normally means it pushes more air and can fill a larger room. 5. I'm not sure which Moukey bookshelf speaker you have, but based on my quick research, I do not think the brand produces high quality stereo gear and I'm not surprise by the poor performance. 6. Therefore the key is actually the performance of the phono stage & the amp of your vintage receiver / amp you have. 7. And you need a pair of good passive speakers to go with the gear you have. Cheers!

[@brucetowell3432]

@@vinylanatomy7888 2.) yes under power is bad, over power is all right. so my statement was 3.) can you give me an estimate of what a cleaning and inspection should cost me? 4.) ok you explained what "woofer" is, but do I need them? 6.) the performance of the phono stage and the amp of the vintage receiver I have. Getting a cleaning and inspection will answer this. 6.) and suggestions for a good set of passive speakers I need to match with the gear I have? thanks again and God bless

[@brucetowell3432]

Thanks for showing how this removal is done, although I have neither the tools nor expertise to solder, I do not live too far from AT headquarters in Ohio, think they take walk-ups? thanks again!! God bless Bruce

[@theonlyegg]

Whoa, AT's HQ is in Ohio??

[@brucetowell3432]

@@theonlyegg Well what is the facility in Stow called then?

[@theonlyegg]

@@brucetowell3432 no idea just surprised. I’m from OH and never knew they had a facility there.

[@brucetowell3432]

@@theonlyegg I was shocked myself when I found out a few years ago. They must have satellite offices all over the country and world probably like Apple Computer. Where in Ohio are you? I'm in Amherst now. Originally from the Independence/Parma/ Cleveland area.

[@theonlyegg]

@@brucetowell3432 Grew up near Dayton, lived in CLE for a decade before escaping to the west coast.

[@jamalcarter6554]

Just did this and not sure what the issue is. Replaced the Rca cables, none of the solder is touching. Removed the jumper, added the ground to the tone arm. Vm540ml to a Schiit Mani 2, to a Denon X1700. Very low volume and hi buzz from the ground.

[@vinylanatomy7888]

Did you connect the ground to mani 2's grounding screw or Denon's grounding screw? And were you able to do a continuity test for all the connections? Those will be the two things I would check. Hope you can fix it!