audio-technica AT-LP120XUSB

The majority of turntables in our group this issue are belt-driven, but this Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB is direct-drive, where the motor is an integral part of the platter, so there are no belts and no pulleys involved. DJs favour direct drive, most famously in Technics’ SL-1200 (the MkII version of which is pictured below for comparison purposes), which ruled the scene until 2010, when Panasonic announced it was ceasing manufacture of all Technics products. It has more recently reversed that decision, but in the inter-vacillation period, Audio-Technica and Pioneer (along with several other less well-known brands) began selling turntables that were near clones of that model. One of these was the AT-LP120, here reviewed in its ‘XUSB’ version, and still more recently released (see panel) in a version which adds the bonus of Bluetooth output.

Equipment

Why do DJ’s like direct drive? One reason is speed control. All belt-drive turntables will have some inherent degree of wow and flutter (even though this might be inaudibly low). With direct drive, the speed is controlled via what’s called a servo, which can be a d.c. servo, as in the case