Audio-Technica has introduced a new flagship turntable, the AT-LP8X. Marking a slight departure from the rest of Audio Technica’s turntable line, the AT-LP8X is its first direct-drive semi-automatic model. The new flagship also comes with a much higher price tag compared to what traditional Audio-Technica customers are probably accustomed to paying for their entry-level decks.
Audio-Technica has an extensive lineup of phono cartridges priced below $100 and even above $5,000 for those looking to enjoy a state-of-the-art MC cartridge on a ultra high-end table from brands like VPI, Kuzma, Michell, and Thorens.
To deliver an optimal music listening experience, the AT-LP8X includes a VM95 Series (VM95E) cartridge, adjustable VTA (vertical tracking angle), a newly designed motor, and additional refinements.
Compatible with 33-1/3, 45, and 78-RPM records, the Audio-Technica AT-LP8X incorporates semi-automatic operation, where the tonearm raises itself off the record and the motor stops at the end of a side.
The AT-LP8X comes with a pre-mounted high-performance AT-VM95E Dual Magnet phono cartridge with an elliptical stylus, for superior resolution, stereo imaging, and tracking. The cartridge is pre-mounted on Audio-Technica’s new AT-L10 removable headshell (also available separately). The AT-VM95E is compatible with any VM95 Series replacement stylus.
The J-shaped aluminum tonearm borrows from previous select Audio-Technica turntable designs and has adjustable VTA (vertical tracking angle), enabling compatibility with most phono cartridges. The AT-LP8X also provides anti-skating and tracking force adjustability and comes with a sub-counterweight that enables the use of cartridges with a weight range from 14 to 23.5 grams.
The AT-LP8X incorporates a new low-torque direct drive DC motor, with a speed sensor system that ensures accurate speed stability. A 1-inch-thick (25 mm) rubber-damped, anti-resonance, die-cast aluminum platter, and a rubber mat are included. Audio Technica has indicated that the platter is the most substantial they have offered on a turntable.
The new internal switching power supply is optimized for audio use, ensuring minimum noise in the signal chain.
The AT-LP8X comes with a detachable RCA cable, removable hinged dust cover, and a 45-RPM adapter.
Turntable Specifications
- Motor: DC servo
- Drive Method: Direct drive
- Speeds: 33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM
- Turntable Platter: Die-cast aluminum, rubber damper
- Starting Torque: 1.0 Kgf.cm
- Braking System: Electronic brake
- Wow and Flutter: < 0.1% (WTD) at 3 kHz (JIS)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: > 60 dB
- Cartridge Type:: VM (AT-VM95EBK)
- Output Level: PHONO: 4.0 mV nominal at 1 kHz, 5cm/sec
- Power Supply Requirements:100 to 240 V, 50/60 Hz
- Power Consumption: 8 W
- Dimensions: 450 mm (18″) × 352 mm (14″) × 161 mm (6.3″) (W×D×H)
- Weight (Approx). 10.4 kg (23 lbs)
Tonearm Specifications
- Tonearm Type: Static balanced J-shaped tonearm
- Effective Arm Length: 247 mm (9.7″)
- Overhang:15 mm (0.59″)
- Tracking Error Angle: Less than 2.0°
- Stylus Pressure Adjustment Range: 0.0 to 4.0 g
- Applicable Cartridge Weight: 14.0 to 20.0 g (including headshell)
- (When using sub counterweight: 17.5 to 23.5 g)
- Replacement Stylus: AT-VMN95EBKReplacement Headshell: AT-LT10
Accessories Included
- Dust cover
- Rubber mat
- Platter
- Dust cover hinges
- Counterweight
- Subcounterweight
- Headshell (AT-LT10) with VM stereo cartridge (AT-VM95E BK)
- 45 RPM adapter
- RCA audio cable (Approx. 1.0 m (3.3′))
- Power cable (Approx. 1.8 m (5.9′))
The Bottom Line
Audio-Technica continues its solid reputation for delivering a great vinyl music listening experience with the addition of the AT-LP8X turntable to its product line. Semi-automatic operation and the inclusion of a VM series cartridge provide both operational convenience and great music listening. At $999 some may find it a little pricey, but you can pay a lot more and still have to purchase a cartridge in order to get up and going.
On the other hand, AT-LP8X is a traditionally designed turntable that does not have its own built-in phono preamp. This means that if you want to connect it to an integrated amplifier, stereo, or home theater receiver that does not have a dedicated phono input, you will have to place a phono preamp between the turntable and audio system.
Price & Availability
The Audio-Technica AT-LP8X Semi-Automatic Direct Drive Turntable is available for $999 at Amazon or Crutchfield.
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