Audio-Technica AT-LP5 Direct-Drive Turntable
Great for spinning vinyl at home, the Audio-Technica AT-LP5 turntable features an AT95Ex stereo cartridge and a J-shape tonearm for excellent sound quality.
Overall User Ratings (based on 4 ratings)
Submitted January 22, 2018 by Richard L in Mobile, AL
"Amazing Turntable!"
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zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
It appears that AT didn't bother to carefully spec this table. They knew it was better than X, so they just slapped X on the package. This seems very much to their detriment, as independent reviews show it surpasses the specs in almost every way. More on this in the details.
Sound
It produces a double tap "cogging" sound when the motor is initially engaged. After which, it becomes quieter than many new, more expensive, belt-drive tables. I like direct drive tables, and I know they can sometimes be noisy, so I've gotten my ear right down to the platter on this one, and it's vert quiet, indeed!
The included cartridge is better than those included on tables that cost double the price. However, all initial carts are intended to be upgraded.
Features
It has no VTA or azimuth adjustment, as far as I know. A thicker/thinner mat can always fix VTA, and tables that cost $1000 don't usually have azimuth. Lack of features is honestly a plus in a home table vs one for DJ use. I wish it didn't even have the pre-amp, but at least it can be switched off. Features like auto-return and such can break, and also add unwanted noise. The anti-skating is great, which definitely matters. The tonearm lever lowers it very slowly. That's also awesome!
It does what it needs to do, not much more. Plays 33's and 45's. Yes, it has USB, which I also wish it didn't have, because RCA recording is just as easy.
Ease of Use
If your headshell comes aligned (mine was), then it's as easy as it gets! They include an alignment protractor so you can be sure. Other than that, it's plug and play!
Quality
Amazing for the price! I imagine it will last a lifetime! Yes, there are better tonearms, better platters, better isolation feet... you can spend $10,000 on a table, and you still wont have "the best". They say you get what you pay for. I feel with this table, you get a little more than that.
Value
Best new, budget, direct drive table on the market for home use. Period. End of discussion. Spend 4X more, and get a Technics SL-1200G or get this one.
Manufacturer Support
I've never needed to contact Audio-Technica.
The Wow Factor
It does kind of look like a black and silver bad-ass... yeah!
Musical Background:
I jam at home, and experiment a bit. I can keep a beat on a drum set, and play a couple tunes on piano.
Musical Style:
I could be listening to GWAR, Coltrane, Hank Williams or Snoop. I could also be listening to Prince Buster, Rucka Rucka Ali, Jay
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Submitted July 8, 2019 by John M in Federal Way, WA
"Fantastic Turntable!"
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zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This is without a doubt the best turntable I have owned! I started years ago with a crappy 70's Pioneer turntable a friend gave me to get me into vinyl and I have been upgrading ever since. For the last 5 years, I have owned an Audio Technica LP-120 and loved it. It was a great starter turntable! It taught me how to set up and adjust a turntable rather than the automatic tables I had owned previously. This table was a breeze to set up and play. The only hiccup I had was the power cable likes to not plug in all the way and it appears the table will not power on or spin. Just give it a nice firm push to make sure.This table sounds higher end than the price suggests. The sound quality is sensational. It just sings! I am not using the stock cartridge because I own an Ortofon 2M Red and it pairs with this table extremely well! If you are on the fence about this table allow me to push you over the edge to buy it. It is an ABSOLUTE STEAL FOR THIS PRICE.
Musical Background:
I listen to music I don't create it sadly.
Musical Style:
I try and listen to a little of everything but mainly Metal, Rock, Alternative and Classic Rock.
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Submitted December 15, 2017 by Richard L in Mobile, AL
"Great for the home"
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zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Although direct drive, it doesn't have the features typical of a modern DJ table. What it has, however, are specs far better than listed, making it a great table for home listening.
Musical Background:
Just play drums and scratch a bit at home these days.
Musical Style:
Literally everything.
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Submitted June 4, 2020 by John A in Northfield, MN
"Included Phono Stage is Very Good"
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zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
All in all a tremendous value: the included phono stage is worthy of any budget contender (sub-$100) & the cartridge & the tonearm are perfectly matched & very good. A+ for zZ and Audio-Technica.
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