91%
Audio-Technica AT-LPW40WN
AT-LPW40WN
The AT-LPW40WN is a fully manual, belt-drive turntable designed to give you optimal high-fidelity audio reproduction from vinyl. It features an aesthetically pleasing anti-resonance MDF (medium density fiberboard) plinth with simulated walnut wood veneer to limit low-frequency acoustical feedback and a sensor-monitored motor to ensure accurate platter rotation speeds at 33-1/3 and 45 RPM.
The AT-LPW40WN is a fully manual, belt-drive turntable designed to give you optimal high-fidelity audio reproduction from vinyl. It features an aesthetically pleasing anti-resonance MDF (medium density fiberboard) plinth with simulated walnut wood veneer to limit low-frequency acoustical feedback and a sensor-monitored motor to ensure accurate platter rotation speeds at 33-1/3 and 45 RPM.
The turntable includes a straight carbon-fiber tonearm with adjustable tracking force and an AT-HS4 universal ½"-mount headshell with an AT-VM95E Dual Moving Magnet phono cartridge. Audio-Technica has been a leader in phono cartridge design for more than 50 years, and that expertise shows in the versatile, high-performance AT-VM95E cartridge, which comes with a 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus, but is also compatible with any VM95 Series replacement stylus, offering a wide choice of options for every budget and application.
The AT-LPW40WN is equipped with a built-in selectable phono preamp and a detachable dual RCA output cable to enable direct connection to components with or without a dedicated phono input.
Audio Aesthetics
The LPW40WN was designed to give you optimal high-fidelity audio reproduction with smart styling.
Stylish Wood Turntable
A stunning addition to any system, the AT-LPW40WN features an anti-resonance plinth with simulated walnut wood veneer to limit low-frequency acoustic feedback.
Over 55 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.
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 91/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
92/100
Build Quality
90/100
Features Usability
89/100
Value for Money
92/100
The AT-LPW40WN brings quiet, natural vinyl playback to an approachable belt-drive design, pairing a well-damped carbon-fiber arm with the elliptical-stylus VM95E cartridge. Thom Moon found its piano tone, dynamic punch and deep, stable imaging especially engaging, while active speed stabilization, a switchable preamp and removable headshell make this an unusually complete, resonance-conscious package.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Exceptionally quiet running, with no audible belt whisper or cartridge surface noise during review listening.
Musical, expressive sound with convincing piano tonality, strong dynamics, smooth saxophone and good deep-soundstage imaging.
Well-made, attractive deck with a stable motor platform, effective resonance isolation and a better-damped tonearm.
Strong value: the review judged it a quality, capable turntable for its class.
&
Cons
Built-in phono stage is adequate but less quiet and less detailed than a quality external phono stage.
Compared with a higher-end reference setup, it offered less high-frequency extension and slightly softer staccato definition.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 92/100
The AT-LPW40WN is described as a notably musical and composed performer, conveying piano tone, dynamics, delicate passages, and the visceral force of energetic playing. Its quiet presentation, strong imaging, and well-behaved carbon-fiber arm support an involving listen that exceeds expectations for an accessible belt-drive design.
Overall Sound
94/100
Thom Moon heard convincing piano tonality, real power in forceful performances, and delicacy when the music demanded it. He also praised smooth saxophone, sparkling cymbals and snares, plus good image placement across a deep soundstage.
Speed Stability
88/100
The specified wow-and-flutter figure is below 0.15% WRMS at 33⅓rpm, and the deck uses DC-servo active speed stabilization. The review also calls out a stable motor platform, though it does not provide extensive listening commentary specifically about pitch steadiness.
Tonearm Performance
90/100
The straight carbon-fiber arm is said to be better damped and less prone to bouncing than the arm fitted to Audio-Technica's AT-LP7. Moon also characterizes it as high quality, with the supplied VM95E cartridge delivering clean, expressive results.
Noise Isolation
94/100
Moon found the AT-LPW40WN dead silent, without the faint belt noise sometimes associated with belt-drive decks. He further praised its isolation from resonances and found the system quiet enough to reveal the low noise of the recordings themselves.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
90/100
The review calls the AT-LPW40WN well made and attractive, highlighting its stable motor platform, resonance isolation, and high-quality tonearm. Its die-cast aluminum platter and carbon-fiber arm complement a design that appears thoughtfully executed rather than merely styled to look premium.
Features Usability
89/100
This is a straightforward manual belt-drive turntable, but it includes practical ownership essentials: electronic 33⅓/45rpm selection, an integrated switchable phono preamp, removable headshell, dust cover, and a pre-mounted AT-VM95E cartridge. The supplied accessories make it approachable for a first serious system while retaining useful upgrade flexibility.
Value for Money
92/100
At roughly $309 to $499, Moon calls it a quality player at a great price. He notes that there are many $300 competitors, but considers Audio-Technica's turntable experience and the deck's complete, capable package meaningful advantages in that crowded class.
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-LPW40WN
- 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 235 more verified dealers