The recent new Audio-Technica turntable I reviewed, the AT-LP3XBT, is a really convenient automated record player that I would highly recommend to casual record collectors who want to enjoy analogue music without the fuss and hassle of handling the tonearm. Plus, it auto stops at the end of the record, which even discerning audio lovers like myself appreciate. However, if you are looking for a more professional-styled turntable that still caters to the digital generation, the AT-LPW50BT is probably the one to get.
The review model features the rosewood finishing, hence “RW” on the model code. This model is a refresh of the LPW50 series and now comes with Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity. The 30mm thick medium-density fibreboard (MDF) plinth (which is the turntable body) feels solid and dense like real solid wood, and the feet have rubberised support that allows them to have some degree of tilt, so that the turntable can sit on uneven surfaces.
The tonearm is made of carbon fibre and the entire system is finished in aluminium, including the headshell, creating nice contrast against the rosewood body. The Bluetooth pairing button is located next to the anti-skate control instead of the lower left corner where the LP3XBT and LP60XBT are located. Putting the button here would be better than locating it at the rear of the turntable where it would be hard to reach.
Moving to the rear, the LPW50BT comes with RCA connectors, a switch to select the built-in preamp or to bypass it for external preamp. There is also a power switch next to the DC connector. The LPW50BT only support MM cartridges, without option to support MC cartridges, unlike AT-LP5X or AT-LP7. MM stands for moving magnet and most cartridges use MM. If you want to use moving coil cartridges to play your records, then the LPW50BT is clearly out of your league.
With a retail price of S$658, the LPW50BT is more expensive than the LP5X which is designed for more demanding owners, as it supports 78 RPM speed, supports MC cartridges, USB recording, heavier mass for better stability. I guess the justification for being pricier would be the Bluetooth feature and a nicer-looking plinth finishing. And according to specs, the LPW50BT has a tracking error angle of less than 2 degrees compared to LP5X 3-degree, which means the LPW50BT can track the vinyl groove more accurately across the entire surface.
I spent some time comparing the audio between these two turntables and with two styli – the VMN95E elliptical and the VMN95ML microline. When listening casually, there are no obvious difference between the two when using identical styli. But when I compared closely, it is undeniable that different turntables using identical accessories will sound different. For my tests, I am using the external Audio-Technica AT-PEQ30 phono preamp.
My observation is that between the LP5X and LPW50BT, the LPW50BT generates a little more bass resonance, and the midrange produces a little more harmonic ring. Between the two styli, the strength of the microline stylus is evident when playing demanding passages, with musical details from the upper frequencies performed clearly. The VM95E, however, could not reproduce both ends of the frequencies at the same time, which really is an expected outcome anyway. But this focused audition led me to conclude that the VMN95E is no slouch and will deliver identical sonic performance on vinyl records with less complex music. In general, the VMN95E does not sound any less clear, it just loses a bit of the resolution from the upper frequencies so some of the sparkles are buried and sounded less forward.
As to whether I prefer the LP5X or LPW50BT, it would like to conclude that the difference is negligible and would be happy with either models. My preference would be on my LP5X because all my headshells are the straight type whereas the LPW50BT uses the angled AT-HS4. But if you are a new turntable owner, I would say the LPW50BT is a better choice as it strips away some of the more premium old-school turntable features – like 78 RPM speed and MC cartridge support – while enabling Bluetooth connection and a good-looking rosewood finish. I mean, even if you end up not playing the turntable that regularly, at least it should look good.
And speaking of looking good, I am in love with the AT-LP2022 limited edition turntable. But I’ll save that for another post.
Likes
- Looks good
- Tonearm counterweight is adjustible and headshell is swappable to support different cartridges
- Supports Bluetooth, analog output with built-in preamp or external preamp
- Able to dock the tonearm without lowering the lift lever
Dislikes
- Does not support MC cartridges, thus limiting the choice of upgrade
- More expensive than the LP5X given fewer features (except Bluetooth)
