The LP8X is one of the more innovative turntables from Audio-Technica in recent years. Retailing at S$1359 in Singapore, this is their most expensive turntable currently in production (although their most expensive turntable is the AT-LP2022 60th Anniversary limited-run edition, that model is no longer in production).
The LP8X is technically a “semi-automatic” direct-drive turntable though the name gives a slightly negative connotation for a top-line model, but I’m sure many audiophiles would not mind having this particular automatic function. The platter start-stop and tonearm lift are controlled by electronic buttons. It resolves a pain point for record lovers: when the vinyl record runs out of groove, the LP8X will auto-lift the tonearm and auto-stop the platter. The tonearm must move close to the label before it detects and stops, so if your record groove is cut short (like 12-inch singles), then the turntable might not auto-stop. The tonearm does not automatically swivel around, only the start-stop and tonearm lift mechanisms are automated. There is a switch behind the turntable to disable auto-stop if your want to play odd-sized records.
Unlike the LP60XBT or the LP70XBT, the automatic operations are dead silent. After pressing the lift button, the tonearm lift mechanism moves immediately, but due to the gap to the tonearm, it takes about a second for the tonearm to lift off from the groove. The start-stop button is also instant but the motor takes a split second to start spinning and to stop (direct drive turntables comes to a stop quicker than belt-drive because there is an electronic brake). I have a habit of pressing the start-stop button followed by the lift button, so very often the audio will slow down before the needle leave the groove. On manual turntables, the start-stop is definitely more instantaneous, and tonearm lift is also immediate when the user pushes the lift lever.
The overall construction and design appears similar to the AT-LP5X, both are also running with direct-drive motor, but the LP5X is only S$599. Also, the LP5X has USB output and built-in phono preamp, while the LP8X does not have either of these features, so you must connect the LP8X to a separate phono preamp before connecting to an audio amplifier or active speakers.
| AT-LP8X | AT-LP5X | |
| Drive Method | Direct Drive | Direct Drive |
| Speeds | 33.3, 45, 78 RPM | 33.3, 45, 78 RPM |
| Weight | 10.4 kg | 7.3 kg |
| Wow and Flutter | < 0.1% WTD at 3 kHz | < 0.2% WRMS at 3 kHz |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | > 60 dB | > 50 dB |
| Power Consumption | 8W | 3W |
| Tracking Error Angle | Less than 2° | Less than 3° |
| Overhang | 15mm | 17mm |
| Output | Phono | Phono, Line (MM Cartridge), USB |
| Price | S$1359 | S$599 |
The LP8X can adjust tonearm height, supports additional counterweight to accommodate heavier cartridges up to 23.5 grams, while previous models support only up to 20 grams. The RCA cables are more premium quality.
Audio-Technica designed a new AT-L10 headshell for the LP8X that is pre-fitted with the entry-level AT-VM95E cartridge. If you are already spending over a thousand dollars on a turntable, the least you can do is to upgrade to a better cartridge like the VM95ML that will elevate the sound quality at an instant. The LP8X runs on a newly designed internal switching AC power supply which is the first I’ve seen on an Audio-Technica turntable.
I appreciate that Audio-Technica is adding semi-auto features to higher-end turntable models to cater to discerning consumers like me who wants auto-stop function without having to settle for plasticky automatic turntables like the premium-entry LP3XBT with swappable headshell. A denser plinth like the LP8X will minimise unwanted vibrations from the various moving components. Based on my listening tests and comparison with other reference tracks recorded with other turntables since 2021, the LP8X operates quietly and I cannot detect any obvious operational noises coming from the auto mechanisms.
No doubt the turntable construction affects the overall accuracy of audio presentation, just like a pair of speakers. Even the phono preamp contributes to the equation, which I am going to discuss in my next article. As the LP8X does not have built-in phono preamp, the audio quality really depends greatly on both the cartridge quality and the phono preamp quality, which you can do further research on my website.
Verdict
The Audio-Technica AT-LP8X is a turntable designed for audiophile consumers who desire a better-performing record player that comes with auto-stop and auto-lift operations. Its versatile tonearm allows ease of swapping various headshells and cartridges with its adjustable counterweight, vertical tracking angle (VTA), anti-skate. Retailing at S$1359 in Singapore, it is a premium price to pay for the auto-stop feature so you do not have to worry about stopping the turntable after the record finishes playing.
Buy from Audio-Technica Singapore website: AT-LP8X-Semi-Automatic-Direct-Drive-Turntable
