Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB turntable
Budget turntables · 2019–present In production
$399 US reference price
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB is a current direct-drive, manual operation, 33/45/78 rpm playback budget turntable. Documented convenience features include a built-in phono preamp, USB output. The US reference price is $399.
Decision snapshot
The five things to check first
- Plays
- 33/45/78 rpm
- System hookup
- No separate phono preamp
- Cueing
- Manual cueing
- Stylus path
- Mapped: AT-VMN95E
- Buying status
- Current model
Setup bottom line: Add amplification and speakers, but a separate phono preamp is not required. Check model-specific stylus evidence →
The famous SL-1200 lookalike: a manual direct-drive deck with pitch control, USB ripping and a switchable phono stage. Hugely capable for the money and endlessly upgradeable via the VM95 stylus family.
The default recommendation for a first direct-drive turntable.
Model history: Replaces the AT-LP120-USB: per Audio-Technica's own support notes, the X update brings a lower-noise DC servo direct-drive motor, the newer AT-VM95E cartridge (up from AT95E) in a new AT-HS6 headshell, a switchable phono preamp with defeat option, a detachable RCA cable with dedicated ground wire, and an external power supply.
Checked against the manufacturer’s site: 2026-07
Who it suits
Best suited to: a first turntable for casual, low-effort listening. Less ideal for: an existing hi-fi system where you want to hear more detail — the fixed cartridge and light tonearm are the limiting factors there.
Compatibility and setup
- Manual operation: you cue and lift the tonearm by hand at the start and end of each side — there’s no auto-return or auto-lift.
Good to know
- Has a built-in phono stage, so it can feed a normal line input on an amplifier or powered speakers without a separate phono box.
- Has a USB output for recording vinyl to a computer.
Specifications
| Drive | direct drive |
|---|---|
| Speeds | 33/45/78 rpm |
| Operation | manual |
| Cartridge included | AT-VM95E |
| Built-in phono stage | Yes |
| USB output | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Platter | die-cast aluminium |
| Tonearm | S-shaped with detachable headshell |
| Wow & flutter | <0.2% |
| Dimensions | 452.0 mm (17.80") W x 352.0 mm (13.86") D x 141.6 mm (5.57") H |
| Weight | 17.6 lb (8 kg) |
| Finishes | Black |
| Years | 2019–present |
How it sits in the catalogue
Its direct-drive mechanism is shared by 17% of current models in the database (32 of 183). A built-in phono stage puts it with the 47% of current decks that plug straight into any amp or powered speaker. On price it sits mid-pack of its category — 61% of priced budget decks cost less.
Cartridge and replacement stylus
Factory cartridge: Audio-Technica AT-VM95E · replacement stylus: AT-VMN95E · around $49.
Keep the evidence layers separate
Buying evidence for this model
- US reference price
- $399. A dated guide value for comparison, not an offer or availability claim.
- Live retailer offers
- No live offer feed is enabled for this model.
- Retailer links
- Brand or product routes to relevant US retailers; a search link is not a stock claim.
An internally verified exact identifier may improve offer matching, but it is not published as a catalogue fact unless independently corroborated. Always confirm the exact model, final price, delivery and returns with the retailer.
Where to buy the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB
18 US retailers stock Audio-Technica — linked directly to the product page where we have one, otherwise to a site search for the deck.
| Retailer | Type | Shipping | Product link |
|---|---|---|---|
| LP Gear | parts specialist | Free shipping to the USA on orders over $79.99 (some products excluded). | View at LP Gear ↗ |
| Sweetwater | music retail | Free shipping on almost every order, no minimum. | View at Sweetwater ↗ |
| Turntable Lab | hifi independent | Free shipping to the continental US on most orders (bulk/oversized items excluded). | View at Turntable Lab ↗ |
| Adorama | electronics chain | Free shipping on most orders over $49 in the contiguous US. | Search at Adorama ↗ |
| Amazon | marketplace | Free shipping on $35+ orders (free on most items with Prime, often same/next day). | Search at Amazon ↗ |
| Audio Advice | hifi independent | Free shipping on most orders. | Search at Audio Advice ↗ |
| B&H Photo Video | electronics chain | Free expedited shipping on most orders in the contiguous US. | Search at B&H Photo Video ↗ |
| Best Buy | electronics chain | Free shipping on orders $35+; free store pickup at most locations. | Search at Best Buy ↗ |
| Crutchfield | electronics chain | Free shipping on nearly all orders, with free 2-day delivery on most gear. | Search at Crutchfield ↗ |
| eBay | marketplace | Shipping set per seller; many listings ship free within the US. | Search at eBay ↗ |
| Elusive Disc | hifi independent | Free shipping on orders over $79. | Search at Elusive Disc ↗ |
| Guitar Center | music retail | Free standard shipping on most orders $25+. | Search at Guitar Center ↗ |
| Music Direct | hifi independent | Free shipping on orders over $49. | Search at Music Direct ↗ |
| Reverb | used marketplace | Shipping set per seller; many listings ship free within the US. | Search at Reverb ↗ |
| Target | department store | Free shipping on orders $35+ or with Target Circle Card; same-day pickup at stores. | Search at Target ↗ |
| Upscale Audio | hifi independent | Free USA shipping on orders over $99 (exclusions for oversized items). | Search at Upscale Audio ↗ |
| Walmart | department store | Free shipping on orders $35+ (free with Walmart+); store pickup available. | Search at Walmart ↗ |
| World Wide Stereo | hifi independent | Free shipping on all orders. | Search at World Wide Stereo ↗ |