Audio-Technica AT-LP5X
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
91/100
Build Quality
86/100
Features Usability
93/100
Value for Money
93/100
The AT-LP5X pairs rock-solid pitch stability with a smooth, refined sound, delivering controlled bass, convincing tone and composed dynamics when mixes get busy. Hi-Fi Choice praises its musical timing and easy setup, while What Hi-Fi? highlights precise imaging, a capable phono stage and upgrade-friendly versatility.
Pros
Composed, detailed sound with forceful yet fluid dynamics and precise stereo imaging.
Impressively stable, low-noise direct-drive playback with controlled, detailed bass.
Straightforward setup plus flexible upgrades through the detachable headshell and VM95 stylus range.
Built-in MM/MC phono stage is capable enough to support future system upgrades.
Cons
Plastic plinth sounds somewhat hollow when tapped.
Some rivals offer slightly greater flow with delicate music or more midrange agility.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 91/100
The AT-LP5X is praised for its composed, rhythmically assured presentation, combining high detail with convincing dynamics and tonal realism. Reviewers find it easy to forget the hardware and focus on the music, while its even-handed nature also makes poorer pressings listenable.
Overall Sound
94/100
Hi-Fi Choice praises a well-judged blend of soundstage, tonality and dynamics, along with controlled, detailed bass and natural vocal and instrumental tone. What Hi-Fi? calls it a class leader, highlighting its forceful yet fluid dynamics, high resolution, precise imaging and composure with demanding music.
Speed Stability
92/100
Hi-Fi Choice reports impressively stable pitch, with sustained piano free of audible wavering. What Hi-Fi? finds the quartz-locked direct-drive motor quiet and quick to bring the platter to speed.
Tonearm Performance
88/100
The static-balanced J-shaped arm accepts a detachable headshell, offering useful cartridge flexibility. What Hi-Fi? specifically praises the smooth arm bearings, although the reviews offer limited detail on tracking performance with alternative cartridges.
Noise Isolation
89/100
Hi-Fi Choice finds the noise floor usefully low, supporting clean playback. What Hi-Fi? also describes the direct-drive motor as quiet, though neither review examines resistance to external vibration or footfall in depth.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
86/100
The deck feels substantial for its price, and the revised bearing and platter support a solid, well-executed overall design. Its plastic plinth is the clear caveat: What Hi-Fi? says it sounds somewhat hollow when tapped.
Features Usability
93/100
The fully manual LP5X is notably easy to assemble, with direct drive avoiding belt fitting and a logical setup process. It adds practical flexibility through 33, 45 and 78rpm operation, USB recording, a built-in MM/MC phono stage, included cartridge and removable headshell.
Value for Money
93/100
At its £350 asking price, Hi-Fi Choice finds very little to fault and says it belongs on any serious shortlist. What Hi-Fi? considers it a class leader that sounds great for the money, while also noting that the capable phono stage should not hold back future system upgrades.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
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Specifications
- Turntable
- 3-speed, fully manual operation
- Type
- DC motor
- Motor
- Direct Drive
- Drive Method
- 33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM
- Speeds
- Die-cast aluminum
- Turntable Platter
- > 1.0 kgf.cm
- Starting Torque
- Electronic brake
- Braking System
- < 0.2% WRMS (33 RPM) at 3 kHz
- Wow and Flutter
- > 50 dB
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio
- PHONO: 4.0 mV nominal at 1 kHz, 5 cm/secLINE 250 mV nominal at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec
- Output Level
- “PHONO”: 4 mV nominal at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec “LINE (MM)”: 250 mV nominal at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec
- Output Level
- MM: 36 dB nominal, RIAA equalized ; MC: 56 dB nominal, RIAA equalized
- Phono Pre-Amp Gain
- 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
- USB Function
- 100-240V AC, 50/60 Hz
- Power Supply Requirements
- 450.0 mm (17.72") × 352.0 mm (13.86") × 157.0 mm (6.18") (W × D × H)
- Dimensions
- 7.3 kg (16.1 lbs.)
- Weight
- AT-VM95E Dual Moving Magnet stereo cartridge (black) with replaceable stylus; AT-HS6 lightweight headshell; AC adapter ; dual RCA (male) to dual RCA (male) stereo cable; 45 RPM adapter; USB cable; dust cover with hinges.
- Accessories Included
- Static balanced J-shaped tonearm
- Tonearm Type
- 247 mm
- Effective Arm Length
- 17 mm
- Overhang
- Less than 3°
- Tracking Error Angle
- 15 to 20 g (including headshell)
Manufacturer's Description — Audio-Technica
Building on Audio-Technica’s analog heritage and over 50 years of Japanese audio design, the AT-LP5X features upgraded technology while keeping the contemporary style and acclaimed performance of its predecessor, the AT-LP5.
Building on Audio-Technica’s analog heritage and over 50 years of Japanese audio design, the AT-LP5X features upgraded technology while keeping the contemporary style and acclaimed performance of its predecessor, the AT-LP5.
The LP5X retains the J-shaped tonearm, a design inspired by the classic Audio-Technica models of the 1960s and ’70s, and features a metallic gimbal suspension system and precision bearings to mitigate tracking errors. The tonearm also includes an adjustable counterweight and anti-skate control and comes fitted with a lightweight (9.3g) AT-HS6 headshell and the black AT-VM95E Dual Moving Magnet stereo cartridge.
Constructed of anti-vibration damping materials with heavy-mass metal chassis inserts, the AT-LP5X turntable has been designed to limit low-frequency acoustical feedback. Its precision-machined, die-cast aluminum platter is powered by a direct-drive, low-noise motor, ensuring stable, on-axis rotation at 33-1/3, 45 and 78 RPM. A 5 mm thick rubber-damping mat, which isolates from low frequency feedback while providing a highly stable surface for all LP formats, tops the platter.
The AT-LP5x features a built-in switchable MM/MC phono/line preamp that enables it to connect directly to a computer, home stereo, powered speakers and other components that have no dedicated turntable input. The selection of MM/MC cartridges allow for an easy upgrade to a moving coil with additional equipment. The turntable is also equipped with a USB output for direct connection to a computer.
Turntable with High-Fidelity Heritage
Born of Audio-Technica’s rich analog heritage, the AT-LP5X incorporates a J-shaped tonearm that takes its inspiration from the classic A-T models of the 1960s and ’70s.
Latest Technology, Contemporary Style
This next-generation LP5 turntable pushes the acclaimed performance of its predecessor to new heights, with upgraded features like the versatile AT-VM95E cartridge and a preamp gain switch to accommodate both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges.
Delivering Analog Excellence for Over 55 Years
We got our start in Tokyo in 1962, designing and manufacturing high-performance phono cartridges. That half-century’s worth of analog expertise goes into every turntable we produce, ensuring you get the best listening experience from your vinyl.
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Authorized dealers for Audio-Technica AT-LP5X
- The Audio Association — in-store — Anaheim, California, United States (website)
- A1 Futureshop — online and in-store — North Rocks, New South Wales, Australia (website)
- Absolute Audio - Canada — in-store — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (website)
- Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
- Accesory Jack — online and in-store — New Territories, Hong Kong (website)
- Acclaim Sound and Light — online and in-store — North Bay, Ontario, Canada (website)
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Acoustic Technologies — online and in-store — Montréal, Québec, Canada (website)
- Acton Gate Audio — online and in-store — Cymru, United Kingdom (website)
- Adorama — in-store — New York, New York, United States (website)
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