Here at Knight Sound & Lighting we answer a lot of questions about Audio-Technica turntables. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and our answers.
What Does Turntable Speed Mean? What is a 3 Speed Turntable?
The turntable speed refers to how fast a record spins on the turntable. There are 3 speeds, which are 33 1/3 rpm, 45 rpm, and 78 rpm. The "rpm' stands for "revolutions per minute" and is an indication of how fast the record is meant to spin on the turntable. A 3-speed turntable allows you to play all three standard sizes of records. You can play 7-inch, 12-inch or 10-inch vinyl on a 3-speed turntable. A 3-speed turntable also means you can play all 3 speeds 33 1/3 rpm, 45 rpm, and 78 rpm. Vinyl records come in 3 sizes: 33 rpm, 45 rpm and 78 rpm. A 33 rpm record allows you to play an entire album without having to flip the disc over. It also has tighter grooves and a slower spin rate. A 45 rpm record lets you listen to 4-5 minutes of recording on each side, usually one song per side. A 78 rpm is limited in playback with roughly 3 minutes of music on each side.
Audio-Technica offers a couple of turntables that are capable of playing 3 speeds. These include the AT-LP120XUSB-BK, AT-LP120XBT-USB, AT-LP1240USB-XP, AT-LP140XP-BK.
What is the Difference Between Standard, USB, and Bluetooth Turntables?
A standard turntable gives you the capability to play a record. There are no added features such as USB or wireless capabilities. Turntables with USB connectivity means it includes a USB output that allows you to directly connect to your computer. Turntables with Bluetooth wireless connectivity allow you to pair your turntable with speakers, headphones, or other Bluetooth enabled wireless devices. Some Audio-Technica turntables are both USB and Bluetooth capable. How do I know what functionality is offered with an Audio-Technica turntable? If the Audio-Technica model name or SKU has "BT" in it, then it is Bluetooth enabled. If the Audio-Technica model name or SKU has "USB" in it, then is is USB enabled. Finally, if the Audio-Technica model name has both "BT" and "USB" in it, then it can do both of these things,
Do I Need to Add Speakers to my Turntable? If so, how?
Yes, you need speakers to connect to your turntable. The speakers are needed to project the sound. You can choose either passive or active/powered speakers. Passive speakers do not have a built-in amplifier and are powered by a separate amplifier, which you will need to provide. These speakers are connected to the amplifier through speaker wire. Active/powered speakers have a built-in amplifier.
How Do I Choose the Right Type of Speakers?
Bluetooth Speakers If your turntable is Bluetooth capable, such as the AT-LP60XBT or AT-LP120XBT-USB, you should choose Bluetooth speakers. Any type of Bluetooth speaker should work. The "BT" in the Audio-Technica turntable name indicated "Bluetooth."
Wired Speakers Powered speakers have a built-in amplifier. They are a popular option for Audio-Technica turntables. All of the turntables have a red and white RCA cable (right and left audio) that will plug into speakers or a stereo system. Some speakers have a built-in phono preamp. If it does, the inputs are clearly labeled “Phono” or there is a switch to select “Phono”/“Line” on the back of the turntable. Audio-Technica turntables have the built-in preamp with a switch labeled “Phono”/“Line” on the back. If you choose a passive, non-powered speaker, you need an amplifier or receiver. A passive speaker will not plug into AC power, or volume control on them.
How Do I Add Active (Powered) Speakers To My Turntable?
Setup #1: RCA Input on Powered Speakers: Connect the RCA (red and white) plugs from the turntable into the corresponding RCA inputs on the powered speaker.
Setup #2: 3.5 mm (Female) Input on Powered Speakers: Connect the RCA (red and white) plugs from the turntable cable to the RCA (female) to 3.5 mm (1/8”) mini-plug (male) adapter cable. Match red to red and white to white. Connect the 3.5 mm mini-plug to the powered speakers’ Line Level input. The Line Level input could also be identified as AUDX, Input and iPod.
Setup #3: 3.5 mm (Male) Input on Powered Speakers: Connect the RCA (red and white) plugs from the turntable cable to the 3.5 mm (1/8”) mini-plug (female) adapter cable. Connect the 3.5 mm mini plug to the powered speakers’ 3.5 mm input cable.
Audio-Technica has many useful resources for selecting a new stylus or cartridge. See below for Audio-Technica's take on finding the right cartridge for your turntable, selecting a replacement or upgrading stylus for the VM series phono cartridge, and explaining the different types of styli.
How Do I Set Up My Audio-Technica Turntable?
Each turntable has its own unique setup instructions. Checking out the videos below will provide you with tips and tricks to get the most out of your unit. Find your turntable below to learn how to set it up. If you are having trouble with connecting your turntable to your PC, watch the video in the links below to make sure you have followed every step carefully.
Can you change a stylus on a cartridge?
- Yes, you can.
- If you are changing an ATN95E stylus, click here and follow those instructions.
- If you are changing an AT-LP60 or AT-LP60-USB stylus, click here and follow those instructions.
How Do I Replace or Upgrade a Stylus for the VM Series Phono Cartridge?
- All styli for VM Series cartridges are interchangeable. This makes it easy for you to replace your stylus!
Can I use my Headphones with a Turntable?
- Yes, you can use headphones with a turntable. However, there is no volume control on the turntable so you will want to add an amplifier, such as a headphone amplifier that has a minimum of volume control. Some amplifiers provide a degree of tone adjustment. The Audio-Technica turntables have a built-in RIAA phono preamplifier, which means they don’t have to be connected to a stereo amplifier or receiver with PHONO jacks on them or used with an outboard phono preamplifier.
How Do I Clean My Audio-Technica Turntable’s Dust Cover Without Scratching It?
- Keeping you turntable clean is crucial in getting that top notch listening performance every time. If dust collects on your record, the stylus will pick it up in the record groove, which obstructs the stylus’ contact with the groove. You can use a compressed air duster to blow off the dust on the cover. If there are stubborn spots, you can use a soft sponge and warm water. Once the dust cover is cleaned, take a microfiber towel and blot it dry. If there are scratches on your dust cover, you can use Brillianize or Novus Scratch Remover.
How Do I Select the Right Audio-Technica Turntable for Me?
Choosing a turntable can be very subjective to what your needs are. When deciding on the right turntable for you, Audio-Technica recommends you should consider:
- Ease of setup and use
- Automatic or manual operation
- Speed selection (33/45/78 RPM)
- Permanently attached or replaceable cartridge
Ease of setup/use
- Some easy turntables to setup are the AT-LP3 and AT-LP60 automatic belt-drive turntables, the AT-LP-60-USB (USB turntable), and AT-LP60BK (wireless turntable). On the other hand, the AT-LP120-USB and AT-LP1240-USB require more adjustment, such as balancing the tone arm and setting the tracking force.
Automatic or Manual Operation
- The AT-LP3 and AT-LP60 automatic belt-drive turntables allows you to click the “Start” button and that’s it. The tone arm will automatically do the lifting for you. The AT-LP5, AT-LP120-USB, and the AT-LP1240-USB are all fully manual turntables. You have to manually lift the tone arm and set it on the record. When the record is finished, you have to manually put the tone arm on the tone arm rest. Fully automatic turntables are for causal listening, while fully manual turntables are used for discriminating listening.
Speed Selection (33/45/78 RPM)
- The AT-LP60, AT-LP5 and AT-LP3 play 33 and 45 RPM records. They only play a record forward. Whereas, the AT-LP120-USB and the AT-LP1240-USB can play 33, 45, and 78 RPM records. With these turntables, you can play records backwards and slow the record down or speed it up.
Permanently Attached or Replaceable Cartridge
- When selecting the proper cartridge for your turntable, you should know that the cartridge will affect tonal balance, frequency response, stereo separation and imaging, clarity on musical peaks, and help eliminate noise and distortion.
- The way a cartridge mounts onto the turntable’s tone arm is a factor in determining which cartridge to use. There are two different types of mounting styles of cartridges: half-inch mount and P-mount. The half-inch mount cartridges are secured to the tone arm’s headshell with two screws, spaced ½” apart, and have four terminals that are connected via four individual wires. A P-mount cartridge has four terminals; however, it plugs into the tone arm where it is secured with a single screw. A universal mount cartridge is a P-mount cartridge with a half-inch mount adapter bracket and is compatible with both P-mount and half-inch mount tone arms.
- Another factor involved is whether the cartridge utilizes moving magnets or moving coils. Moving magnet cartridges are more common. The moving coil cartridges are for serious audiophiles. Moving coil cartridges are more expensive and require specialized RIAA preamp and compatible turntable. Their output level is between 0.2mV and 0.5mV. Moving magnet cartridges have an output level between 3mV and 5mV.
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