Berlin, Germany – Building on its analogue heritage and 57 years of Japanese audio design, Audio-Technica introduces the AT-LP5X, an affordable direct-drive turntable that delivers a high fidelity-grade audio performance way beyond its price point. As the direct successor to the highly popular AT-LP5, the new model builds on the AT-LP5’s award-winning template with a raft of improvements and additions, including the new AT-VM95E Dual Moving Magnet stereo cartridge, the next generation model of the legendary AT95E.

The AT-VM95E arrives pre-mounted on an AT-HS6 headshell. While this makes for a great-sounding setup straight out of the box, the upgradeable stylus assembly allows users to further personalise performance through the VM95 range if they wish.

Also brand new is the quick start, low-noise quartz-locked DC servo direct drive motor, which offers 33, 45 and now 78 RPM speed capabilities (the latter requires the addition of the AT-VM95SP stylus, sold separately).

The tonearm sports the same J-shaped design as the AT-LP5 – a look inspired by Audio-Technica’s classic turntables of the 1960s and 1970s - and features a metallic gimbal suspension system and precision bearings. Combined with an adjustable dynamic anti-skate control to prevent unwanted movement by the tonearm, tracking errors are further minimised for smoother playback of your favourite vinyl records. The turntable's platter is precision-machined in aluminium for beautifully balanced on-axis rotation.

The AT-LP5X features a built-in switchable Moving Magnet and Moving Coil phono/line preamp that enables it to connect directly to a computer, home stereo, powered speakers and other components that have no dedicated phono stage - a “plug and play” approach that allows users to take it out of its box and have it playing records right away. The selection of MM/MC cartridges allow for an easy upgrade to a moving coil with additional equipment.

Another improvement over the AT-LP5 is the external power supply, which helps lessen signal chain noise to deliver a cleaner sound. And despite its classic-inspired styling, the AT-LP5X is every bit the 21st century turntable, rounding out its feature list with a USB output allowing users to digitise their vinyl collection. A cable to connect the turntable to a PC is included, as is a link to download free Audacity software for converting your records to MP3, WAV and other digital formats.

The turntable chassis is constructed of anti-vibration damping materials with heavy mass internal inserts to minimise any performance-effecting resonances, and comes in a sleek matt black finish. Accessories supplied include a 5mm Audio-Technica heavy damping mat, dust cover and RCA cable.

Specifications

• Type: 3-speed, fully manual operation
• Motor: DC motor
• Drive Method: Direct drive
• Speeds: 33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM
• Turntable Platter: Die-cast aluminum
• Starting Torque: >1.0 kgf.cm
• Braking System: Electronic brake
• Wow and Flutter: <0.2% WRMS (33 RPM) at 3 KHz
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >50 dB
• Output Level: Pre-amp “PHONO”: 4.0 mV nominal at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec; Pre-amp “LINE” 250mV nominal at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec
• Phono Pre-Amp Gain: 36 dB nominal, RIAA equalised, MC: 56 dB nominal, RIAA equalised
• USB Function: A/D: 16 bit 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz USB selectable Computer interface: USB 2.0 compliant Windows 7 or above, MAC OS X or above
• Power Supply Requirements: 100-240V AC, 50/60 Hz
• Power Consumption: 3 W
• Dimensions: 450.0 mm (17.72")W x 352.0 mm (13.86")D x 157.0 mm (6.1")H
• Weight : 7.3 kg (16.1 lbs.)
• Accessories included: AT-VM95E Dual Moving Magnet stereo cartridge (black) with
• replaceable stylus; AT-HS6 lightweight headshell; power adapter ; dual RCA (male) to dual RCA (male) stereo cable; 45 RPM adapter; USB cable; dust cover with mounting hardware