Audio Technica AT-LP8X

The AT-LP8X is a semi-automatic direct-drive turntable from Audio-Technica. It incorporates a mechanism that automatically lifts the tonearm at the end of the side and stops the motor, simplifying everyday listening. It plays all three standard speeds, 33 1/3, 45 and 78 rpm, allowing it to accommodate recent pressings as well as older 78 rpm records.

The aluminium tonearm, J-shaped and inspired by the brand's historic models, holds the AT-LT10 headshell and an AT-VM95E cartridge fitted with a 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus. The stylus can be replaced with any other model from the VM95 range, and the tracking angle (VTA) adjustment, combined with the counterweight, allows the use of other compatible cartridges. The servo-controlled motor offers a starting torque of more than 1.0 kgf.cm and speed fluctuation of less than 0.2% WRMS at 33 rpm, ensuring stable rotation. The die-cast aluminium platter, 25 mm thick and lined with anti-resonance rubber, rests on an MDF chassis mounted on adjustable feet that absorb vibrations.

On the electronics side, a built-in phono preamplifier can be switched on or off depending on the setup: switched off, the phono output delivers 4 mV nominal at 1 kHz for 5 cm/s to an external preamplifier; switched on, the line output provides 250 mV nominal under the same conditions, with 36 dB of gain and RIAA equalisation, for direct connection to a line input. A USB interface enables analogue-to-digital conversion at 16-bit, 44.1 or 48 kHz, compatible with Windows and Mac, for digitising a vinyl collection. The signal-to-noise ratio is stated as greater than 50 dB.

This turntable is aimed at enthusiasts seeking a complete, upgradeable vinyl setup, capable of standalone operation thanks to its switchable preamplifier or of integrating into an existing hi-fi system. The ability to digitise records via USB also makes it a sensible choice for archiving a physical record collection.