The Platters That Matter: Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP

The AT-LP140XP Black and AT-LP140XP Silver is the latest in a new lineup of turntables from Audio Technica announced at CES earlier this month. Amongst the flurry of the more domestic manual belt-driven turntables, the AT-LP140XP sits as their latest offering with great features for both hi-fi aficionado and DJs alike. Audio Technica has been producing phono products for the last 50 years, so they know a thing or two when it comes to DJ appealing turntables. Consisting of a high-torque direct drive motor at its core, mounted on an anti-resonant damped aluminium platter. The AT-LP140XP can be used in 33-1/3 and 45 speeds, with 78RPM achievable by selecting both speed buttons simultaneously. Of course, the S-shaped tonearm is fully adjustable in height and tracking force (counterweight) as well as anti-skate control.

AT-LP140XP Designed for the DJ

The Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP hosts many other features for DJ’s at all levels and purposes. Even at a glance away the build quality is immediately in the rugged category, as are the push buttons and pitch fader. The AT-LP140XP has a start-stop button as expected, and the ability to toggle between forward and reverse play. Pitch control on the Audio-Technica turntable is equally versatile which features a quartz controlled pitch lock for guaranteed zero (ideal for recording/archiving your vinyl) and an adjustable pitch slider which gives you range options for +/-8%, +/-16% and a wider +/-24% range. The unit also features a strobe indicator on the platter, pop up target light and a removable hinged dust cover. To the rear of the unit, the cables for the phono output are removable – a godsend to those looking to space their turntables out or run them wider to accommodate other DJ gear. This incorporates the ground wire, too. The base of the turntable itself is designed with damping being the main priority, to reduce the risk of low frequencies feeding back or adding colour to the sound.

What’s included with the AT-LP140XP

These days, it’s pretty difficult to get a DJ oriented turntable ‘ready to go’ out of the box with everything including the cartridge (sure, its a choice thing) but there’s loads of people who will want to get these home and test them, or use them in a Hi-Fi capacity. Audio-Technica has been kind and included their AT-XP3 DJ cartridge with a 0.6mil conical stylus and the AT-HS6 headshell. Awesome. The AT-LP140XP also includes:

Counterweight
Felt Mat
Dust Cover
45 RPM centre adapter
Plug Type stylus target light

AT-LP140XP Technical Specification:

Specifications:

• Type: 3-speed, fully manual operation
• Motor: High-torque DC motor
• Drive Method: Direct drive
• Speeds: 33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM
• Turntable Platter: Die-cast aluminum
• Starting Torque: >2.2 kgf.cm
• Wow and Flutter: <0.2% (WTD) @ 3 kHz (JIS)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >50 dB
• Output Level: Preamp “PHONO”: 5.5 mV nominal at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec
• Power Supply Requirements: 115/230V AC, 60/50 Hz
• Power Consumption: 11W
• Tonearm type: Balanced S-shaped tonearm with detachable headshell
• Effective arm length: 230.5 mm
• Overhang: 16 mm
• Tracking error angle: Less than 3 degrees
• Applicable cartridge weight: 3.5-8.5 g
• Anti-skating range: 0-4 g
• Replacement Stylus: ATN-XP3

Expected Release in March, priced at just £379!

Any questions? Comment below!