The LP60 is one of Audio Technica’s most affordable turntables at just $199. For such a low price, it’s also very feature-rich, boasting fully automatic playback and convenient Bluetooth connectivity. Can it live up to Audio Technica’s longstanding reputation?
Audio Technica have a reputation for making some fantastic budget turntables, including the LPW50 and the LP3, both of which I’ve recently reviewed.
The LP3 model is also a fully automatic offering, so it will be interesting to see how the two models compare; there’s about a $100 difference in price.
There are, in fact, three versions of the LP60, all of which are the same base turntable only with different connectivity options.
The base model (dubbed the LP60X) has an analog-only output, the LP60XBT adds Bluetooth, and the LP60USB drops Bluetooth in favor of USB. For this review, we’re checking out the Bluetooth-enabled model.
Being a fully automatic turntable, the LP60 handles all the hard work for you. It’s essentially as easy as playing a CD; everything happens automatically from start to finish, including raising and lowering the arm. All you have to do is place your record on the platter and select the correct disc size (12″ or 7″). There is no 10″ option, but you can still play these discs by operating the turntable semi-automatically (more on this later).
For those new to record players and turntables, setting up the LP60 is about as easy as it gets. The only assembly required on opening is to place the aluminum platter on the spindle and attach the drive belt to the brass pulley. Once you’re done, it’s a plug-and-play affair: simply attach the power cable and then choose between a wired and wireless connection.
If going wired, you’ll choose between the “phono” or the “line level” output setting. If you don’t have a phono preamp somewhere in your signal chain, you’ll need to select the latter to enable the LP60’s built-in phono stage.
To learn more about phono preamps and why you might need one, check out our full guide on this topic.
Bluetooth Connectivity
The LP60XBT works on the aptX codec, which is significantly better than the older SBC code. Connection with Bluetooth speakers or headphones works just like any other pairing mode; simply put your speaker into pairing mode and press the Bluetooth button on the LP60. You’ll know a connection is made when the light glows solid blue.
Build Quality
While the LP60 doesn’t feel badly built, it does have a very plasticy feel to it, which makes some elements feel cheap. This is perhaps no surprise given the cost, but it has to be said that the choice of materials here does make for an insanely light turntable.
This initially concerned me, as I have experienced issues before with very light turntables where the thing slides all over the place when you do as little as press a button! Thankfully, the LP60’s feet come to the rescue, as they’re actually very sturdy and grippy.
At this price, I think we can forgive some of the lack of sophisticated design and feel here. It is, after all, an entry-level turntable.
Semi-Automatic Operation
Remember earlier when I mentioned the lack of support for 10″ records? Well, there is a way around this. You can use the LP60 as a semi-automatic turntable. (This will also help if you want to “skip tracks,” as it were. Or, in other words, cue up a specific track on your record.)
To do this, raise the tonearm using the button located to the right of the stop button. When you move the tonearm over toward the record, the platter will start spinning automatically. Cue up the stylus until you’re confident it will land in the right location and then lower the tonearm again using the same button you used to raise it.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of the LP60 definitely exceeds expectations given the underwhelming aesthetics and build. For $199, it’s a very capable performer.
The built-in phono stage seems to be the weakest link here, as I experienced a detectable uplift in dynamics, detail and space when using an external phono preamp.
As with all built-in phono stages, it’s a convenience that gives you a plug-and-play solution. You can always upgrade to an external phono preamp at a later date.
Generally, though, considering the price and the type of person this turntable is aimed at, I can’t see how anyone could argue with how solid this unit sounds.
If I were a new record collector, I would be entirely happy with the sound of the LP60. Equally, if I was the type of music fan who simply wanted an affordable way to add vinyl playback to my living room for the occasional record, the LP60 is definitely favorable over the likes of very cheap suitcase record players from brands like Crosley or Victrola.
The Bottom Line
The LP60 might lack the beauty and finesse of more expensive models, but for a casual listener or newcomer on a budget, it offers an extremely capable sound and plenty of modern plug-and-play convenience.
If you enjoy the automatic experience and don’t want the hassle of manual turntable operation, it’s also worth considering the Audio Technica LP3XBT, which offers a much higher quality experience that will last you longer before giving you the itch to upgrade. If you can stretch the extra $100, you’ll thank yourself in the long term.
WHAT HIFI? gave this turntable three out of five stars, which I think, personally, is really harsh. Sure, it’s not an audiophile product for serious collectors, that much is obvious. But for a new collectors on a budget or more casual listeners, it’s a solid start that can trigger a lifetime of musical enjoyment beyond the clinicality of streaming. Realistic star rating? More like four out of five for me.
VIEW PRODUCT ON AMAZON
VIEW ON TURNTABLE LAB
Further Reading:
Best budget turntables
Best turntables with Bluetooth