Audio-Technica has released a new entry-level turntable to offer new record collectors with ease of use. Retailing in Singapore at S$339, it carries the torch of the LP60-series turntable that has evolved over the years from the plain “LP60”, then a refreshed design LP60X, then with USB option (LP60XUSB), then with Bluetooth option (LP60XBT).
Apart from a more sleek and modern design, the new LP70XBT features a fixed headshell fitted with VM95-series cartridge that is compatible with all VM95-series styli. The VMN95C conical stylus in blue comes with the turntable as a default. As you grow more discerning in your analogue appreciation, you can upgrade to other stylus models like the elliptical (VMN95E), elliptical nude (VMN95EN), shibata (VMN95SH), and eventually the microline (VMN95ML). This is a big advantage compared to the LP60 which only has one AT3600L stylus model to swap to.
And because the turntable only supports VM95-series stylus, the tonearm does not need to be adjustable either with the counterweight or tracking force. Everything is being calibrated at the factory. For a more versatile automatic turntable, check out the AT-LP3XBT, which comes with adjustable tonearm and removable headshell.
Here’s a quick comparison between the LP60XBT and LP70XBT:
| AT-LP60XBT | AT-LP70XBT | |
| Cartridge | AT3600L | AT-VM95C, upgradable to other VM95-series styli |
| Tracking Force | 4 grams | 2.2 grams |
| Bluetooth | aptX adaptive, aptX, SBC | aptX adaptive, aptX, SBC |
| Wow and Flutter | < 0.25% | < 0.25% |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | > 50 dB | > 55 dB |
| Maximum tracking error angle | Not stated | less than 2 degrees |
| Weight | 2.6kg | 2.9kg |
Assembling Audio-Technica Turntables For Beginners
Since the LP70XBT is catered for entry-level record collectors, I believe new owners may have not previously owned a turntable, or have owned those budget suitcase record players. Unlike many other audio products, Audio-Technica turntables require some work to assemble the parts. I have reviewed all kinds of AT turntables from the entry-level to the flagship models, so I am very familiar with unboxing and assembling them. So in this article, I will spend more effort to share my experience.
As a regular product reviewer for more than a decade, I usually have to return the products after I finish my review. Most of the products are quite easy to pack back, and the most challenging types of products I have had to “rebox” are vinyl record turntables. So here’s my tip: I do unboxing videos so that I can watch them to repack properly. In addition, I am mindful to retain the plastic wrappers, cable ties, and even protection tapes so that I can restore the product in its original boxed condition.
In fact, you can say that the vinyl experience starts from the moment you unbox the turntable, remove the individual components, assemble them carefully, until the turntable is one. Like piecing your Lego set, except it’s not that complicated nor time consuming. If you watch my LP70 unboxing video, you can get it done within 10 minutes.
The few components that must be assembled on the LP70XBT are:
- Platter and the belt
- Turntable mat on the platter
- Dust cover
Thanks to the fixed headshell and cartridge, you are spared of adjusting tracking force and anti-skate which require a little more skill.
The LP70XBT weighs less than 3kg, so it’s a breeze to move them around. Just remember to lock the tonearem when moving, and unlock before you press the “Start” button. You also have to push the tonearm lever forward to the “lower down” position or else when the tonearm moves automatically to the start position, it will not lower down for the stylus to contact the record groove.
The LP70XBT supports Bluetooth wireless connectivity, which is very convenient for the modern audio technologist. The Bluetooth pair button is at the left corner, just press and hold until the LED blinks red-blue. The traditionalists and the purists would go for cable connection, and the LP70XBT supports built-in phono amplifier (LINE) or bypass internal amplifier (PHONO), the latter allows you to use external phono amp to amplify the electrical audio signal.
The above is the waveform comparison of Enya “Orinoco Flow”, a track I used to compare every single turntable and cartridge since the beginning of my vinyl journey. For this listening test, I used the VM95ML microline stylus. And these are my observation notes:
- Bluetooth (first waveform): audio is compressed and lower volume. The upper frequencies are lost but they sound passable for casual listening. It does not do justice to the vinyl records.
- LINE (second): audio is more dynamic, no more signs of compression. This is the benchmark.
- PHONO (third): I connected to the AT-PEQ30 phono amp and observed that the bass is actually less packed but the treble is a little more airy.
For the last waveform, I compared with the audio quality of the AT-LP2022 through PEQ30 (LP2022 does not have built-in phono amp). There is better definition of the sound on the LP2022, more clean, more resolving. The difference is not huge, but on the LP2022 (or any better turntable with removable headshell), owners can upgrade to other cartridges, and that will make a lot more obvious difference. Go read my other article where I compare turntable cartridges.
Conclusion
Even for someone who values audio quality, there is a place for an entry-level turntable like the LP70XBT. I find it more convenient to play vinyl records. I just place the records on the platter and hit play then the tonearm will move to the start position. When the record reaches the end of the groove, I do not have to stop what I am doing to rush to lift the tonearm back or stop the player. And because it uses the VM95 cartridge, I can switch to a higher-end stylus, use RCA line-out cables, or even get a separate phono amplifier, to upgrade the audio quality.
If you are looking to own your very first turntable with better-quality cartridge without the fuss of the tonearm operations, the LP70XBT is my recommendation over the LP60XBT. If you want a slightly more versatile automatic turntable that allows you to swap other cartridges, then the LP3XBT might be a better option. But among all these, the LP70XBT is the best-looking with the right balance of price and audio quality, as well as versatility in connecting to your modern audio systems and upgrading to better stylus. It retails in Singapore at $339.
