Audio-Technica At-Lp140Xp Vs 120
What To Know
- However, it offers a number of additional features and upgrades, including a more powerful motor, a heavier platter, an adjustable counterweight, and an anti-skating mechanism.
- The AT-LP120 is a great value for the price, but if you’re looking for a more premium turntable experience, the AT-LP140XP is worth the extra investment.
- The AT-LP140XP is the better choice if you’re looking for a turntable with the best possible sound quality, while the AT-LP120 is a great value for those on a tighter budget.
When it comes to entry-level turntables, Audio-Technica reigns supreme with its AT-LP140XP and AT-LP120 models. Both offer exceptional performance and features, but which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP vs 120, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The AT-LP140XP boasts a sleek and modern design, featuring a brushed aluminum finish and a curved base. Its construction is solid and sturdy, ensuring minimal vibration and resonance. The AT-LP120, on the other hand, has a more classic look with a black finish and a flat base. While it’s not as visually striking as the AT-LP140XP, it’s equally well-built and durable.
Motor and Drive System
Both the AT-LP140XP and AT-LP120 employ direct-drive motors, which provide instant start-up and precise speed control. The AT-LP140XP’s motor is slightly more powerful, delivering a higher torque for improved stability and accuracy. Both models feature adjustable speeds, allowing you to play records at 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM.
Platter
The AT-LP140XP has a heavy aluminum platter that helps to minimize wow and flutter, resulting in a smoother and more stable playback. The AT-LP120’s platter is also made of aluminum, but it’s slightly lighter. While this makes it more susceptible to vibrations, it’s still a solid performer for most applications.
Tonearm and Cartridge
The AT-LP140XP features a statically balanced S-shaped tonearm with an adjustable counterweight and anti-skating mechanism. The pre-installed AT-VM95E cartridge is a high-quality moving magnet cartridge that delivers a well-balanced sound. The AT-LP120 also has a statically balanced S-shaped tonearm, but it lacks the adjustable counterweight and anti-skating mechanism. It comes with an AT-95E cartridge, which is a slightly lower-quality moving magnet cartridge than the AT-VM95E.
Connectivity and Controls
Both the AT-LP140XP and AT-LP120 offer a variety of connectivity options, including phono, line, and USB outputs. This allows you to connect them to a variety of audio systems, including amplifiers, powered speakers, and computers. The AT-LP140XP also includes a built-in headphone jack for private listening.
Software and Features
The AT-LP140XP comes with Audacity software, which allows you to record and edit your vinyl recordings on a computer. The AT-LP120 does not come with any software, but it’s compatible with a wide range of third-party software options. Both models feature a removable dust cover to protect the turntable from dust and debris.
Price and Value
The Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP is typically priced slightly higher than the AT-LP120. However, it offers a number of additional features and upgrades, including a more powerful motor, a heavier platter, an adjustable counterweight, and an anti-skating mechanism. The AT-LP120 is a great value for the price, but if you’re looking for a more premium turntable experience, the AT-LP140XP is worth the extra investment.
Final Verdict: Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP vs 120
Both the Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP and AT-LP120 are excellent turntables that offer exceptional performance and value. The AT-LP140XP is the better choice if you’re looking for a turntable with the best possible sound quality, while the AT-LP120 is a great value for those on a tighter budget. Ultimately, the best turntable for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
What You Need to Learn
1. Which turntable has a better sound quality?
The Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP has a slightly better sound quality than the AT-LP120 due to its more powerful motor, heavier platter, and higher-quality cartridge.
2. Which turntable is easier to use?
Both turntables are relatively easy to use, but the AT-LP140XP has a few additional features that make it slightly more user-friendly, such as an adjustable counterweight and anti-skating mechanism.
3. Which turntable is more durable?
Both turntables are well-built and durable, but the AT-LP140XP has a slightly more robust construction with a brushed aluminum finish and a curved base.
4. Which turntable is better for recording?
The Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP is the better choice for recording due to its built-in USB output and included Audacity software.
5. Which turntable is better for DJs?
The Audio-Technica AT-LP120 is the better choice for DJs due to its more affordable price and its classic design, which is popular among DJs.
