Audio-Technica AT-LP5X Fully Manual Direct Drive Turntable

Product Information

The good news is you don't need to follow any additional steps to activate your extended 6-year warranty. This is a clever and considered development of a very good budget turntable that’s served to make it better still. A totally satisfying turntable, particularly after upgrading the sylus to the N95ML (microline) option. Founded in 1962 by Hideo Matsushita, Audio-Technica positioned itself immediately as a leader in the manufacture and design of innovative audio products.

The air will dislodge from the bearing as it goes and the oil will disburse evenly throughout the bearing. Products labelled '*item fulfilled by Exertis on behalf of hmv' will be supplied to you directly by Exertis via their approved couriers.The note of caution that needs to be sounded here is that, just as the direct competition to the LP5X has changed, so too have the turntables above it. Drawing on Audio-Technica's heritage, the AT-LP5X features a precision-engineered J-shaped tonearm, ensuring optimal sound quality and reduced distortion. Keeping the classic signature Audio Technica design but with upgraded technology, AT-L5PX is performance enhancing, smoother playing and hands on. The AT-LP5X is equipped with a built-in switchable phono pre-amplifier, making it highly versatile for a wide variety of audio setups. In the time since the previous model launched, the level of pitch stability that affordable belt drives can deliver has made some detail improvements but this still feels almost digital in terms of the absolute consistency on offer.

These decks are actually pretty modular and not difficult to strip down at all and new oil does make a notable difference. A key standout design feature is the J-shaped tonearm, inspired by the original Audio Technica turntables from the 60s and 70s. For fun, we bypass the LP5x’s internal phono stage with our reference Cyrus Phono Signature and take a listen. While the LP5x lacked a little focus, its midrange was a touch more incisive, delivering slightly more information. The motor whips the platter up to speed quickly with a slight growl as it locks onto the correct speed.Combined with the cast aluminium platter and low resonance chassis, it gives the AT-LP5X ideal speed stability for perfect pitch and the lowest distortion.