Audio-Technica AT-LP5X
The AT-LP5X combines pitch-stable direct drive with a smooth, detailed and rhythmically assured sound. What Hi-Fi? highlights its forceful dynamics and precise imaging, while Hi-Fi Choice praises its refined tonal realism. Add easy setup, 78rpm playback, USB recording and a flexible MM/MC phono stage, and this is a remarkably adaptable vinyl deck.
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Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
91/100
Build Quality
84/100
Features Usability
91/100
Value for Money
94/100
Pros
Composed, detailed sound with fluid dynamics, precise imaging and strong control on complex music.
Excellent speed stability and low background noise support believable sustained notes and subtle detail.
Easy, belt-free setup plus detachable headshell, interchangeable VM95 styli, 78rpm and USB recording make it highly versatile.
Built-in MM/MC phono stage is considered capable, quiet and unlikely to restrict sensible future upgrades.
Cons
Plastic plinth can sound hollow when tapped, and its resonance can slightly blur the lowest bass notes against better-damped rivals.
78rpm performance may be less assured, with faint motor chugging reported during playback.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 91/100
The AT-LP5X earns consistent praise for a composed, detailed and rhythmically convincing presentation, pairing direct-drive assurance with an involving sense of musical flow. Its arm tracks the supplied cartridge very well and backgrounds are generally quiet, although a faint high-volume hum and less assured 78rpm operation are noted.
Overall Sound
93/100
What Hi-Fi calls it a class leader, praising high detail, fluid and forceful dynamics, precise imaging and composure with demanding material. Hi-Fi Choice also highlights its tonal realism, refined handling of imperfect pressings and an engaging grasp of rhythmic momentum; Audio Appraisal finds a bold, full-bodied sound, albeit with a slightly bright top end.
Speed Stability
93/100
Hi-Fi Choice finds sustained piano notably free from pitch wavering, while Audio Appraisal describes speed stability as spot on and says there is sufficient torque to counter stylus drag. The quartz-locked direct-drive motor also reaches speed quickly, though Audio Appraisal heard faint chugging and less precise control at 78rpm.
Tonearm Performance
90/100
Audio Appraisal found the arm to move freely and smoothly, with excellent tracking, equal channel balance and a particularly successful match with the VM95E cartridge. What Hi-Fi also praises the smooth arm bearings, while the detachable SME-type headshell and anti-skate adjustment make cartridge use practical.
Noise Isolation
88/100
Reviewers report a usefully low noise floor and quiet backgrounds that reveal subtle recorded detail, with no audible motor noise at 33 or 45rpm after settling. Audio Appraisal did note a very slight hum at high volume, and The Audiophile Man flags the built-in phono stage and USB circuitry as potential sources of high-frequency noise.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
84/100
The deck feels substantial for its price and uses a die-cast aluminium platter, thick rubber mat and a well-executed J-shaped arm. However, What Hi-Fi finds the plastic plinth somewhat hollow when tapped, while The Audiophile Man is critical of the basic platter and inexpensive rubber mat.
Features Usability
91/100
This is an unusually flexible manual deck, with direct-drive 33, 45 and 78rpm operation, a detachable headshell, built-in MM/MC phono stage and USB recording. Hi-Fi Choice regards it as one of the easiest models in its class to set up, citing the belt-free design and logical assembly, while What Hi-Fi likes the positive speed selector and smooth arm action.
Value for Money
94/100
At its £350 UK asking price, Hi-Fi Choice says there is very little it gets wrong and considers it a serious shortlist candidate. Audio Appraisal calls it great value for money, while What Hi-Fi says it sounds great for the money and The Audiophile Man recommends it as a top-class low-cost direct-drive option.
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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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