Audio-Technica AT-PL120 Professional Direct-Drive Turntable

Audio-Technica AT-PL120 Professional Direct-Drive Turntable
by Audio Technica

Audio-Technica AT-PL120 Professional Direct-Drive Turntable
List Price: $399.95
Our Price: $229.00
You Save: $170.95 (43%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $205.97 (click here)
Category: Receiver or Amplifier
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Customers in the UK, buy this product at amazon.co.uk for British Pounds

Digital Photo Product Details

Manufacturer: Audio Technica
Brand: Audio-Technica
Edition: Electronics
Model: AT-PL120
Publisher: Audio Technica
Studio: Audio Technica
Music Label: Audio Technica
Product features:
  • Selectable internal stereo phono preamplifier--choose from phono or line-level output
  • Direct-drive, high-torque motor; includes professional cartridge and headshell
  • Selectable 33-1/3, 45, and 78 rpm speeds; +/-10 percent or +/-20 percent pitch adjust; high-accuracy quartz-controlled pitch lock
  • S-shaped tone arm assembly with adjustable counterweight, antiskate adjustment, tone-arm height adjustment and lock
  • Measures 17.8 x 6 x 13.9 inches (W x H x D)
Accessories:

Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Audio-Technica AT-PL120 Professional Direct-Drive Turntable

Customer Review: The AT PL120 fulfills my expectations
Summary: 5 Stars

I already own several other decks but I wanted one that spun three speeds so I didn't have to swap out a turntable just for 78's and I wanted the simplicity of just changing cartridge headshells w/ stylus' for 78's.

I also have a Technics SL 1200 so in comparison to that, this deck isn't a bad contender. Obviously they look a lot alike, but so do other turntables that try to mimick the SL 1200.

But, my quest was for a decent turntable for the various speeds and they aren't easily found. I tried a Thorens TD-190 deck because it offered 3 speeds as well as having auto-play but it was a piece of crap. It was a 500 dollar machine and it cost me [...] bucks just to send it back. It had poor isolation, it howled and was very cheaply made.

When I saw the AT PL-120 I gave it some hard thought in regards to trying another TT in hopes of finding one that works well. I also had to wait to purchase one because they were going through the design change for a USB output.

After receiving it I must say that I'm not disappointed. It isn't as well made as the Technics SL1200 and here are a couple things I can say that differ.

The arm looks a little bit more cheaply made but only in regards to the rear plastic assembly of the tube. Other than that, it looks the same and functions and tracks very well.

The tone-arm base to the plynth isn't as well constructed as the SL1200 as seen by the anti-skate knob, the VTA adjuster and arm lift assembly.

The platter itself isn't the most perfectly machined platter I've seen, but it's only apparent when spinning at 78 RPM.

The plynth isn't as heavy as the SL1200 but it's much better than other decks I've looked at and tried before. It's actually rather heavy, solid and well isolated from foot falls and feedback. I play my system loud and I use a sub-woofer so feedback is a major issue for me.

I didn't need a deck that spins in reverse but it's there if I decide to use it, I guess. I'm not using the cartridge supplied with this unit due it tracks heavier than I prefer and it won't deliver the type of sound I desire. I will install it into an old Garrard TT though so it won't go to waste. I currently am using a Stanton 681EEE cart but I have an AT120 ordered. I also have several other carts in my possesion, along with an AT440mL, that sound very nice on this machine. I also have a Stanton cart for 78's.

I give this turntable 5 stars across the board because I've dealt with lots of decks and I've seen that many on the market fall short of doing the things a turntable need to do like track well, hold their correct speed and isolate themselves from external sound waves.

The cost of the AT PL-120 is a real value in terms of the quality you'll obtain considering the junk you'll likely find with other products.

You might say I have an audiophile way of thinking but I'm not able to afford extravagant gear. I value my sound though and I know what I expect from it. I have good equipment and I don't use junk.

The PL-120 is a good purchase if you're looking for a good playing deck. It has an excellent motor drive that's strong and dead-on.

I advise to stay away from the fancy looking decks that look hi-tech, light weight in construction and made with hollow plastic housings.





Description of Audio-Technica AT-PL120 Professional Direct-Drive Turntable

Looking for a turntable that can do justice to your cherished vinyl records? Audio-Technica's AT-PL120 is designed to please professional DJs and LP lovers alike. Its high-torque, direct drive motor provides solid, quartz-controlled playback for albums, 45s...even those old 78s (a rare feature for turntables in this price range!). A built-in, selectable phono preamp means you can connect the AT-PL120 directly to almost any audio system, or even hook it up to your PC's sound card for digitally archiving your vinyl collection (may require adapter, not included). Audio-Technica even includes their rugged, high-quality ATP-2 phono cartridge for great-sounding playback right out of the box. DJs will also appreciate the AT-PL120's impressive list of special playback options. Its pitch control feature can be set to two different ranges (±10% or ±20%), for easier beat-match mixing. Reverse play lets you create cool sonic effects. A remote input jack lets you start or stop playback from a compatible mixer or control unit, and the pop-up stylus target light makes it easier to see where you're dropping the needle in low-light settings like a dance club.

Audio-Technica's AT-LP120 direct-drive, high-torque professional turntable is perfect for DJs and other music enthusiasts, especially in an era that many would call "postvinyl," when it's no longer the norm for audio/video receivers or even integrated amplifiers to offer a dedicated phono input. A selectable internal stereo phono preamplifier lets you plug the turntable directly into any line-level input, even your PC's (when used with a stereo RCA to minijack "Y" adapter cable, not included). Alternately, you can use the player's phono output and an outboard, higher-quality phono preamplifier for even better sound quality.

Audio-Technica AT-LP120
The Audio-Technica AT-LP120 professional turntable (see larger image).

The AT-LP120's S-shaped tone arm assembly comes with an adjustable counterweight, an antiskate adjustment, a tone-arm height adjustment and lock, a tone-arm lift with hydraulic action and lift lever, and a tone-arm rest with a locking mechanism to keep the arm stable during transport.

The turntable uses a DC servo motor to maintain accurate rotational speed at either 33-1/3 45, or 78 rpm, governed by a selectable, high-accuracy quartz-controlled pitch lock--all of which gives new life to 7- and 12-inch singles you may not have played for years.

Unleash your inner DJ with the 'table's pitch-adjustment feature, with variations ranging from either +/-10 percent or +/-20 percent. A pop-up stylus target light and stroboscopic platter speed indicator offer visual assistance in queuing and playing your favorite tunes. Forward and reverse play options unlock countless creative doors (and haven't you always wondered what Prince is saying at the end of "Darling Nikki"?).

The 'table comes with a cast-aluminum record platter, a slip mat, and a professional cartridge and headshell (model ATP-2) that plugs directly into the tone arm. Adjustable, antivibrational feet keep the platter level, regardless of your environs.

A start/stop button with remote start/stop input lets you integrate the player with your more sophisticated DJ tools. The player also includes a 45 rpm adapter with storage receptacle for the adapter and for a surplus or replacement headshell (sold separately).

What's in the Box

Turntable, removable hinged dust cover, slip mat, headshell/cartridge (ATP-2), AC power cord, 45 rpm adapter, and a user's manual.

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