87%
Audio-Technica AT-LPA2
AT-LPA2
The AT-LPA2 is the finest turntable Audio-Technica has ever developed, designed to reveal the purity of analog audio.Assembled from transparent acrylic, the AT-LPA2 fully manual belt-drive turntable combines contemporary aesthetics with analog expertise, while remaining incredibly easy to set up and use. We designed the AT-LPA2 to minimize resonance, which can cause noise and distortion in the signal chain, while maximizing detailed audio reproduction of your vinyl records with crystal-clear accuracy. Not only is the acrylic stunning, it is also an ideal material for turntable construction, greatly reducing reverberations that might otherwise affect sound clarity.
The AT-LPA2 is the finest turntable Audio-Technica has ever developed, designed to reveal the purity of analog audio.
Assembled from transparent acrylic, the AT-LPA2 fully manual belt-drive turntable combines contemporary aesthetics with analog expertise, while remaining incredibly easy to set up and use. We designed the AT-LPA2 to minimize resonance, which can cause noise and distortion in the signal chain, while maximizing detailed audio reproduction of your vinyl records with crystal-clear accuracy. Not only is the acrylic stunning, it is also an ideal material for turntable construction, greatly reducing reverberations that might otherwise affect sound clarity.
The AT-LPA2 features a high-density, 30 mm transparent acrylic chassis and 20 mm platter to provide exceptional stability and vibration damping for pure, uncolored sound. Exclusively designed heavy-duty, height-adjustable feet isolate the turntable from vibration. The mass of the acrylic platter also allows it to spin at a consistent speed. Additionally, an optical sensor, positioned under the spindle, monitors platter rotation to maintain an accurate speed of 33-1/3 or 45 RPM.
To further reduce unwanted noise, we’ve moved the controls and power supply into a separate unit – a feature typically found only on more expensive turntables – thereby isolating the turntable’s sensitive audio components from electrical interference associated with powering and operating the turntable’s motor. This isolation ensures the quietest performance possible, so you hear only the music from your records, not electrical noise.
The AT-LPA2 comes with a pre-mounted AT-OC9XEN moving coil cartridge,* which features a nude elliptical stylus (0.3 x 0.7 mil) and high-purity PCOCC coils. The AT-OC9XEN cartridge is designed to capture every nuance of your records with stunning clarity, while providing outstanding channel separation. The lower mass of the moving coil structure (compared to moving magnet cartridges) allows the stylus to react more quickly to changes in the record groove, resulting in more detailed audio reproduction.
The cartridge comes mounted to an exclusive machined-aluminum headshell with azimuth adjustment, that attaches to the straight, carbon-fiber tonearm. Engineered specifically for this turntable, the new 8.8-inch tonearm also offers VTA adjustment. The lightweight, anti-resonant tonearm tracks smoothly and precisely, utilizing a highly accurate, finely adjustable string-type anti-skate mechanism to counteract any inward pull and maintain proper channel balance. In addition, the tonearm includes two counterweight options (110 g and 130 g) to allow you to use a wide variety of other cartridges, should you so choose.
With its clean, modern look, advanced components, precision engineering, and ease of setup, the AT-LPA2 is your entry into the world of pure analog audio.
*Please Note: AT-OC9XEN’s stylus assembly is not field-replaceable, but Audio-Technica offers a fee-based Moving Coil Exchange Program to properly service your moving coil cartridge. The cartridge’s low (0.35 mV) output voltage also requires the use of a step-up transformer or moving coil phono preamp to boost the signal.
AT-OC9XEN
The AT-OC9XEN moving coil cartridge* features a nude elliptical stylus (0.3 x 0.7 mil) and high-purity PCOCC coils. Designed to capture every nuance of your records with stunning clarity, this cartridge blends engineering innovations with carefully selected materials to provide outstanding channel separation and detailed audio reproduction.*Please note: The cartridge’s low (0.35 mV) output voltage requires the use of a step-up transformer or moving coil phono preamp to boost the signal.
The AT-OC9XEN moving coil cartridge* features a nude elliptical stylus (0.3 x 0.7 mil) and high-purity PCOCC coils. Designed to capture every nuance of your records with stunning clarity, this cartridge blends engineering innovations with carefully selected materials to provide outstanding channel separation and detailed audio reproduction.
*Please note: The cartridge’s low (0.35 mV) output voltage requires the use of a step-up transformer or moving coil phono preamp to boost the signal.
Made of Acrylic
The high-density acrylic of the chassis and platter dampens vibrations for supremely quiet playback, allowing the brilliance and detail of your vinyl records to shine through.
The high-density acrylic of the chassis and platter dampens vibrations for supremely quiet playback, allowing the brilliance and detail of your vinyl records to shine through.
External Power Supply and Control Unit
To minimize electrical interference and ensure optimal performance, the AT-LPA2 features a separate power and control unit. This design isolates the sensitive audio components from power supply noise, resulting in a cleaner, more accurate sound.
To minimize electrical interference and ensure optimal performance, the AT-LPA2 features a separate power and control unit. This design isolates the sensitive audio components from power supply noise, resulting in a cleaner, more accurate sound.
New Tonearm for Excellent Tracking
The AT-LPA2’s newly designed tonearm is engineered for precision and ease of use. Featuring advanced materials and construction, the tonearm provides superior tracking with reduced resonance, allowing for faithful reproduction of the original recording.
The AT-LPA2’s newly designed tonearm is engineered for precision and ease of use. Featuring advanced materials and construction, the tonearm provides superior tracking with reduced resonance, allowing for faithful reproduction of the original recording.
Over 60 Years of Analog Excellence
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.
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.
WATT RECOMMENDS
Save your favorites. Compare them anytime.
Create a free HiFi Hub account to save products to your Wishlist and compare your favorites side by side.
Professional Reviews 87/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
88/100
Build Quality
85/100
Features Usability
85/100
Value for Money
85/100
The Audio-Technica AT-LPA2 delivers a smooth, lush analogue presentation with impressively quiet running and lower perceived surface noise. Its acrylic plinth and platter, carbon-fibre arm, separate speed controller and fitted moving-coil cartridge create a beautifully focused enthusiast package. United States of Analog found its musical performance among the best heard in-house, making this a strikingly refined manual deck.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Smooth, lush and engaging sound that remains lively rather than dull.
Exceptionally quiet operation, with no detected motor noise and reduced perceived surface noise.
Comprehensively specified with a moving-coil cartridge, acrylic construction, adjustable arm height and electronic speed selection.
&
Cons
Fully manual operation omits auto-start, auto-stop and tonearm return conveniences.
The fitted cartridge stylus is not user-replaceable.
The control cable lacks a locking connection, so it should be checked carefully during setup.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 88/100
The sole reviewer found the AT-LPA2 exceptionally accomplished in-house, describing a smooth, lush and satisfying presentation that never became dull. Its quiet running and low perceived surface noise support an especially clean, relaxed listen, although the review also notes that the fitted cartridge is an important part of that result.
Overall Sound
93/100
United States of Analog called this the best-sounding turntable in its own collection. The presentation was described as smooth, happy and lush without becoming boring, with strong visual and musical appeal.
Speed Stability
84/100
The published specification lists wow and flutter below 0.12% WRM at 33 RPM, a respectable figure for the belt-drive design. The review does not directly discuss pitch steadiness, speed drift or timing consistency in listening.
Tonearm Performance
80/100
The AT-LPA2 includes a static-balanced straight carbon tonearm, adjustable arm height and a thread-suspended anti-skate arrangement. The available review does not specifically assess its bearing quality, tracking security or behavior with alternative cartridges.
Noise Isolation
91/100
The reviewer heard no motor noise and felt the deck produced less surface noise than several other turntable setups. That points to a notably quiet platform, though there is no direct discussion of footfall resistance or acoustic-feedback behavior.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
85/100
The 20 mm acrylic platter and acrylic plinth give the AT-LPA2 a purposeful, resonance-conscious construction. The reviewer considered Audio-Technica's claim for lower plinth resonance versus MDF credible, but there is little available commentary on long-term durability, bearing execution or finish quality.
Features Usability
85/100
This is a focused manual deck, but it arrives unusually comprehensively equipped with an AT-OC9XEN moving-coil cartridge, removable headshell, dust cover and separate control unit. Support for 33⅓ and 45 RPM playback, arm-height adjustment, interchangeable counterweights and adjustable anti-skate should help careful setup, though it offers none of the automatic convenience functions.
Value for Money
85/100
At roughly $1,899 to $2,000, the AT-LPA2 sits in a serious enthusiast price bracket while including a moving-coil cartridge and substantial accessory package. The available review is highly enthusiastic about its performance but does not directly compare its value with competing turntables at the asking price.
Reviews
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
Verified Dealers
Online Dealers
All Dealers
Zoom out the map to see more dealers
Authorized dealers for Audio-Technica AT-LPA2
- 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)
and 230 more verified dealers