Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB Repair

In 2009, Audio-Technica released the AT-LP120-USB, the first professional, direct-drive turntable for the brand. It followed the resurgence of vinyl, which had long been dying, but pop culture had made surface once more. Audio Technica made it a direct-drive turntable instead of a belt driven turntable, which had long previously been the norm for vinyl players. A direct-drive turntable means it is powered by its own motor, which makes for a faster, more consistent experience, although the loss of the belt can lead to worse sound quality due to the vibrations of the motor function. Overall however, they are far more accessible and ergonomic for consumers. The model has since been updated to its modern AT-LP120XUSB counterpart.

The Audio-Technica LP120-USB has a clear, plastic dust cover that’s easy to remove and replace. It also has very easy-to-read buttons with the ability to change the speed and pitch. It has a silver on black coloration with a little bit of green on the tone arm.

Turntable Specifications

• Dimensions: 450.0 mm (17.72) W x 352.0 mm (13.86") D x 157.0 mm (6.1") H
• Weight: 10.7 kg
• Drive method: Direct drive
• Type: 3-speed, fully manual operation
• Motor: DC Motor
• Speeds: 33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM
• Pitch variation: +/- 10% or +/-20%
• Turntable Platter: Die-cast aluminum
• Starting Torque: >1.6 kgf.cm
• Braking system: Electronic brake
• Power supply Requirements: 115/230V AC, 60/50 Hz
• Power consumption: 11W

Tonearm specifications

• Type: Static balanced S-shaped tonearm
• Effective length: 230.5 mm
• Overhang: 16 mm
• Maximum tracking error angle: Less than 3°
• Stylus pressure adjustment range: 0 to 4 g
• Applicable cartridge weight range: 3.5 to 8.5 g

Cartridge and headshell specifications

• Cartridge Model: AT-VM95E
• Cartridge Type: VM
• Recommended load impedance: 47,000 ohms
• Output voltage: 4.0 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec) Stylus 0.3 × 0.7 mil bonded elliptical stylus
• Cantilever: Aluminum pipe
• Tracking force range: 1.8 to 2.2 g (2.0 g standard)
• Cartridge weight: 6.1 g (0.22 oz)
• Headshell model: AT-HS6 Headshell weight 9 g (0.32 oz) (including lead wire)

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USB function

• A/D, D/A: 16 bit 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz USB selectable
• Computer interface: USB 1.1 Compliant Windows 7 or above, or MAC OSX or above

General specifications

• Power supply requirements: 100 to 240 V, 50/60 Hz, 1.5 A Max.
• Power consumption: 2.75 W
• AC Adapter 12 V, 3 A
• Dimensions: 452.0 mm (17.80") × 352.0 mm (13.86") × 141.6 mm (5.57") (W × D × H)
• Weight: 8 kg (17.6 lbs) (without dust cover)
• Accessories: Dust cover, Felt mat, Platter, Counterweight, Headshell (AT-HS6) with VM stereo cartridge (AT-VM95E), 45-RPM adapter, Stylus target light, Dust cover hinges, USB cable (1.9 m (6.2')), RCA audio cable (approx. 1.4 m (4.6')), AC adapter (approx. 1.3 m (4.3') (AD-SA1230WD)
• Replacement stylus (sold separately): AT-VMN95E
• Replacement headshell (sold separately): AT-HS6

User Manual

History of Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB

Amazon  link to Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB

What is a direct-drive turntable?