Audio Technica AT-LP120 a cheaper SL1200?

[monty78pig]

Hi everyone,

Just wondering about getting an Audio Technica AT-LP120 as my next turntable (to replace my rather battered Hitachi HT-350). It seems to be a copy of the Technics SL1200 with an internal USB interface (to be removed of course ). It sports quartz locked direct drive, and a 78rpm speed setting, which is a big plus for me. I could use it for my 78rpm transfers and also for LP listening with a Shure M97-XE on a separate head-shell.

I'm somewhat suspicious, though, as the specs look very good but the price is rather low and I'm a firm believer in the 'no-free-lunch' philosophy.

Has anyone got any experience with these? Thoughts?

 

[gofar99]

Hi, No free lunch for sure. Check the vinylengine.com forums for detailed comments. The new TT is a plastic copy of a rather good TT. The price as you noted is a clue. A reasonable 1200 is considerably more costly than a new 120.

 

[sreten]

Hi,

Its not a bad turntable by any means, but is no 1200.
Which BTW is being rereleased at ten times the cost of the AT.
The USB interface does not need removing, it has a bypass.

The only thing I'd change is the slip mat (DJ stuff).
Kabusa do a decent 1/4" mat but it is out of stock.
They also do a decent budget headshell.

rgds, sreten.

 

[Hiten]

Has anybody measured AT-LP120s Speed stability and noise specifications ? If they are above average one can use motor and platter, build a plinth and tonearm around it.
Regards.

 

[monty78pig]

Wow, $4000+ for the new SL1200 ! Looks amazing though... What I would give (apart from $4000, obviously).

I wonder if the tone-arm on the AT-LP120 is any good though? I'm trying to work out just how 'plasticy' it is for the money.

 

[sreten]

I'm trying to work out just how 'plasticy' it is for the money.

Hi,

Think lots of ABS plastic in place instead of die cast metal.

FWIW that is entirely reasonable for a budget SL1200.

FWIW I think the tone-arm is unlikely to be poor.

rgds, sreten.

 

[monty78pig]

Think lots of ABS plastic in place instead of die cast metal.

As long as it's not that dreaded stuff with the seams and flashing showing, I don't mind plastic . Seems to come with a respectable AT95, too.

The new 1200 looks incredibly tempting, though. I'm going to have to exercise great restraint in not blowing my savings on it . Especially as it also has a 78RPM function.

Oh well...