Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB: The Perfect First Turntable?
If you’re just getting into vinyl, chances are the Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB has already appeared on your radar.
It’s one of our best-selling beginner turntables, and for good reason. Audio-Technica has managed to combine simplicity, affordability and solid sound quality into a deck that removes many of the barriers newcomers face when starting their vinyl journey.
We’ve spent years with the AT-LP60XUSB both in our listening room and out on the shop floor. From spinning classic LPs to testing its USB recording functionality, we’ve run it through the same real-world scenarios most first-time vinyl buyers will encounter.
And the short answer?
For anyone starting their vinyl journey, this remains one of the easiest turntables to recommend.
Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB: SHS 60-Second Summary:  Price: £148 (see latest pricing) The Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB has built a reputation as one of the most beginner-friendly turntables on the market, and after spending years with it, it’s easy to see why. This fully automatic belt-drive turntable removes the complexity that often comes with vinyl playback. With a built-in phono stage, pre-installed cartridge, and simple start/stop controls, you can be listening to records within minutes of unboxing. What makes the AT-LP60XUSB particularly unique is its USB output, allowing you to digitise your vinyl collection if you wish. It’s not a feature everyone will use daily, but it’s a nice bonus for anyone wanting to archive their records. Sound quality is surprisingly capable for the price, too. While it won’t compete with higher-end audiophile decks, it delivers a warm, enjoyable presentation that captures the charm of vinyl playback without overwhelming beginners with technical setup. In fact, that ease of use is exactly why we include it so often in our beginner turntable bundles. For us, the AT-LP60XUSB remains one of the safest starting points for vinyl, especially if you value convenience and simplicity. | |
| Pros: ✓ Fully automatic operation (great for beginners) ✓ Built-in phono preamp for easy setup ✓ USB output for digitising records ✓ Excellent value for money | Cons: ✖ Limited upgradeability ✖ Lightweight construction compared to premium decks |
Ready for a deeper dive? Use the links below to jump to the good stuff:
Price & Availability
Design & Build
Setup & Ease of Use
Sound Quality
Audio-Technica Turntable Comparison
Our Verdict
Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB Review: Price & Availability
The Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB typically sits around the £150 mark, which firmly places it in the entry-level turntable category.
At this price, it’s competing with a few other beginner-friendly decks. The Sony PS-LX3BT is a popular alternative if you like the idea of Bluetooth streaming, while the Pro-Ject E1.2 is a step up in cost and leans more towards traditional hi-fi performance if you’re thinking about upgrades further down the line.
What we really like about the AT-LP60XUSB though is that it’s a proper turntable, not one of those all-in-one suitcase-style record players with built-in speakers. Those might look fun, but they rarely do your records (or your ears) any favours.
Instead, the LP60XUSB is designed to be paired with external speakers, which is exactly how vinyl should be enjoyed.
In fact, one of our favourite starter setups is pairing it with the Edifier R1280DB powered speakers. It’s a brilliant entry-level bundle that sounds great, looks smart and gets you spinning records within minutes. If you want something that’s ready to go straight out of the box, our turntable speaker bundles take the guesswork out completely.
At Smart Home Sounds, the AT-LP60XUSB is available with Free Next Day Delivery, Expert Advice and our Lowest Price Guarantee.
Read More: Best Turntable & Speaker Bundles: Expert Picks for Every Budget
Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB Review: Design & Build
Visually, the AT-LP60XUSB keeps things simple and understated.
The low-profile plinth, clean controls and removable dust cover give it a minimalist look that fits comfortably into most setups. It’s available in a few finishes, although the classic gunmetal version is easily the most popular.
As you’d expect at this price point, the construction is fairly lightweight compared to more premium turntables, but it still feels solid enough for everyday listening.
One of the biggest advantages here is the fully automatic operation, which also keeps the control layout refreshingly simple.
On the top panel you’ll find a switch to select the record size. Most modern vinyl is the standard 12-inch LP, but if you’re playing 7-inch singles, you can switch the setting so the tonearm drops in the correct position. Along the front edge there’s also a 33 / 45 RPM speed selector.
Once everything is set, all you need to do is press Start. The tonearm lifts, moves into position and gently lowers onto the record. When the side finishes, the turntable automatically lifts the arm and returns it to its rest position, stopping the platter.
For beginners, this removes a lot of the worry about accidentally dropping the stylus or damaging your records.
For those who like the idea of the LP60XUSB but want something that feels a little more premium, the Audio-Technica LP70XBT is also worth a look. It’s usually only around £70 more, but brings a more refined design, improved finish and built-in Bluetooth for wireless listening.
Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB Review: Setup & Ease of Use
If there’s one area where the AT-LP60XUSB really shines, it’s how easy it is to get up and running.
Unlike many traditional turntables that require cartridge alignment, tracking force adjustments or phono preamp setup, the LP60XUSB arrives almost entirely plug-and-play.
Setup typically takes just a few minutes:
• Place the platter on the spindle
• Loop the belt around the motor pulley
• Connect your speakers or amplifier
• Plug in the power
That’s about it.
Another big advantage here is the built-in phono stage. This means you can connect the turntable directly to powered speakers, sound systems or amplifiers without needing a separate phono preamp.
For beginners, this removes a lot of the complexity that can sometimes make vinyl feel intimidating.
In fact, one of the setups we often recommend for first-time buyers is pairing the LP60XUSB with a set of powered speakers like the Edifier R1280DB. It’s a simple, great-sounding system that lets you start enjoying records without needing a full hi-fi stack.
Of course, if you already have an amplifier with a phono input, the turntable can easily slot into a more traditional setup too.
Either way, the LP60XUSB makes getting into vinyl about as straightforward as it gets.
Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB Review: Sound Quality
For a turntable at this price, the AT-LP60XUSB actually sounds surprisingly good.
No, it’s not going to rival more serious hi-fi decks from the likes of Pro-Ject or Rega, but that’s not really the point here. The LP60XUSB is designed to give newcomers an enjoyable, fuss-free introduction to vinyl and in that respect it absolutely delivers.
Across a mix of records during our time with this deck, the overall presentation is warm, smooth and easy to listen to. Vocals come through clearly, guitars have plenty of character and there’s a nice sense of musical flow that captures the charm people love about vinyl playback.
Bass performance is respectable too. It’s not the deepest or most controlled low-end you’ll hear from a turntable, but it’s more than capable when paired with a decent set of speakers.
The biggest thing to remember here is that the LP60XUSB is about accessibility rather than ultimate performance. It’s designed to get people playing records quickly and easily, and in that role it does a brilliant job.
For many first-time vinyl listeners, the sound quality will already feel like a huge step up from streaming through a phone or laptop speaker.
Audio-Technica Turntable Comparison: Where Does the AT-LP60XUSB Sit?
The AT-LP60XUSB sits right at the entry point of Audio-Technica’s turntable lineup, and that’s exactly where it excels.
It’s designed to remove the barriers that often come with vinyl. Fully automatic operation, a built-in phono stage and simple setup make it one of the easiest ways to start playing records.
However, if you’re already thinking a step or two ahead, there are a couple of models in Audio-Technica’s range worth considering.
Audio-Technica AT-LP70XBT (RRP: £219)
If you like the idea of the LP60XUSB but want something that feels a little more premium, the AT-LP70XBT is a great next step up.
It keeps the beginner-friendly nature of the LP60XUSB but adds a more refined design, improved finish and built-in Bluetooth connectivity for wireless listening.
For many people, it hits a nice middle ground between ease of use and a slightly more polished turntable experience.
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB (RRP: £299)
If you’re looking for something with more long-term upgrade potential, the AT-LP120XUSB is where things start to move into more traditional hi-fi territory.
Unlike the LP60XUSB, the LP120XUSB features:
- A direct-drive motor
- Adjustable tonearm settings
- A more distinctive build
- Better upgrade potential
That means you can upgrade components over time and squeeze more performance out of your system as your vinyl collection grows.
Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB Review: Our Verdict
After spending years with the Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB, it’s easy to see why it continues to be one of the most popular beginner turntables on the market.
This is a deck we’ve recommended countless times in the store, in beginner bundles and even personally. In fact, it’s the exact turntable I ended up buying for my dad last Christmas when he wanted to get back into vinyl. It’s just one of those products that’s easy to recommend because it does exactly what it promises.
It removes the complexity that can sometimes make vinyl feel intimidating and replaces it with a simple, enjoyable listening experience. No fiddly setup, no tonearm adjustments to worry about. Just place a record on the platter, press Start and you’re listening within seconds.
Of course, if you’re already deep into the hi-fi world you will probably want something more upgradeable. But for anyone just getting into turntables, the LP60XUSB strikes a brilliant balance between simplicity, sound quality and value.
Pair it with a well-matched set of powered speakers, like the Edifier R1280DB, and you have a setup that captures everything people love about vinyl. Warmth, character and a much more engaging way to enjoy music.
| If you’re just starting your collection, it’s also worth noting that we sell vinyl here at Smart Home Sounds. You’ll find a growing selection of classic albums and new releases ready to spin on your new turntable. Shop Vinyl >> |
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