AUDIO-TECHNICA 120X TURNTABLE REVIEW. INCLUDES COMPARISON WITH LENCO L-3808, FLUANCE RT81 & REGA RP1

The latest iteration of the 120 turntable, Audio-Technica has made several tweaks to the design for the AT-LP120XUSB. Paul Rigby give it a close examination and compares it to the competition

REVIEW NOTES
I initially wanted to compare the new 120x with the older 120 but was unable to grab one for this review, I'm afraid. Even Audio-Technica was unable to supply a sample.
I reviewed each turntable - including the reference designs - ‘out of the box’. Most people will buy a turntable at this price point and never touch it once it’s up and running. I wanted to reflect that situation.
More than that, any upgrades and tweaks would have played havoc with the final price point placed upon this review video.
There’s enough going on here by comparing the 120x to three competing turntables. Throwing in ancillary tweaks would not only potentially confuse the reader but would double the length of this review. I had to stop somewhere.
Except. Except for the phono cables. I had no choice here. Firstly, because three of the four turntables on view in this review allow you to plug in third party cables which means that none of them depended upon the supplied default cables for its operation and because, after a brief listen to those supplied ultra-cheapo cables, I realised that they were so bad, the cables imposed an instant bottle neck.
What does that mean? Well, reviewing the 120x with these in place would mean that I would not be reviewing the 120x at all I’d, in fact, be reviewing the default cables. So out they went. In came a set of Pro-Ject Connect-IT E cables (£45) with a built-in Ground cable.
For a new buyer? By all means use the default phono cables to begin with but see that area as your first upgrade, when funds allow. The buy an external phono amp.
Finally, this review is for people who have a budget up to £250 - give or take a pound or two - not £350 or £500. I wanted to maintain strict parameters to again, not let the review run away with itself but also to provide some definite buyer’s advice for those on that strict budget.

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OTHER CREDITS
Old Bossa by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution
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