The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBTa-USB is a wireless direct-drive turntable designed for playing vinyl records and connecting to various audio systems, including Bluetooth-compatible devices and computers.
Function Description:
This turntable allows users to play 33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM records. It features a direct-drive DC servo motor, ensuring stable platter rotation. The built-in phono equalizer function enables connection to amplifiers with or without a dedicated PHONO input, as well as active speakers. For digital archiving, the turntable includes a USB output to connect to a computer, allowing users to record vinyl to digital audio files using compatible software like Audacity. A key feature is its Bluetooth wireless technology, enabling connection to Bluetooth headphones, active speakers, or wireless stereo speakers, offering flexibility in audio output. The S-shaped tonearm is designed for precise tracking and includes adjustments for counterweight, tracking force, and anti-skate to optimize playback and protect records and the stylus.
Important Technical Specifications:
Communication Specifications:
- Communication system: Bluetooth version 5.0
- Maximum RF output: 10 mW EIRP
- Maximum communication range: Line of sight - approx. 10 m (33')
- Frequency band: 2.402 GHz to 2.480 GHz
- Modulation method: GFSK, π/4DQPSK, 8DPSK
- Compatible Bluetooth profiles: A2DP
- Support codec: Qualcomm® aptX™ Adaptive audio, Qualcomm® aptX™ audio, SBC
Turntable Specifications:
- Type: 3-speed, fully manual operation
- Motor: DC servo motor
- Drive method: Direct drive
- Speeds: 33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM
- Turntable platter: Die-cast aluminum
- Starting Torque: > 1.0 kgf.cm
- Braking System: Electronic brake
- Wow and flutter: < 0.2% WRMS (33 RPM) at 3 kHz
- Signal-to-noise ratio: > 50 dB
Output Levels:
- "PHONO": 4 mV nominal at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec
- "LINE (MM)": 240 mV nominal at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec
- Phono Pre-amp gain: 36 dB nominal, RIAA equalized
USB Function:
- A/D, D/A: 16 bit 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz USB selectable
- Computer interface: USB 1.1 Compliant Windows 8 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: 3.2 W
- AC Adapter: 12 V, 2 A
- Dimensions: 452.0 mm (17.80") x 352.0 mm (13.86") x 141.6 mm (5.57") (W x D x H)
- Weight: 8 kg (17.6 lbs) (without dust cover)
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 (Included):
- 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 x 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)
- Headshell overhang adjustment: ± 5 mm
Usage Features:
- Platter Speed Buttons: Dedicated buttons for 33 and 45 RPM. 78 RPM is selected by pressing both buttons simultaneously.
- Quartz Lock: A "Quartz" button activates a quartz lock function, holding the platter at 0% pitch regardless of the pitch slider position for precise speed.
- Pitch Adjust Slide Control: Allows for variable pitch adjustment when quartz lock is disengaged.
- Strobe Dots: Located on the platter edge, these dots, illuminated by a light under the power dial, provide a visual indication of accurate platter speeds.
- Removable Stylus Target Light: Plugs into a jack on the turntable deck to illuminate the stylus position for easier cueing in low light conditions.
- START/STOP Button: Engages and disengages the motor/platter rotation.
- Tonearm Lift Control Lever: Manually raises and lowers the tonearm for precise placement on the record.
- Anti-Skate Control Dial: Counteracts the inward force on the stylus during playback, preventing skipping and ensuring even wear.
- Pre-amplifier Selector Switch: Allows selection between PHONO and LINE output levels, accommodating different amplifier inputs.
- Bluetooth Pairing: A wireless function button initiates pairing with Bluetooth receiver devices, indicated by an LED that flashes red and blue during pairing and lights blue when connected.
- Standby Mode: If inactive for more than 30 minutes, the turntable enters standby mode, indicated by blinking platter speed buttons, to conserve energy.
- Headshell Receptacle: A dedicated storage spot for an extra headshell (not included).
Maintenance Features:
- Dust Cover: Protects sensitive components when not in use. It is recommended to remove it during playback to prevent record damage or sound degradation.
- Stylus Replacement: The manual provides instructions for removing the old stylus and installing a new replacement stylus (AT-VMN95E). It is recommended to replace the stylus after 300 hours of use or if sound quality deteriorates.
- Cartridge Replacement: Detailed steps are provided for replacing the AT-VM95E cartridge with another commercially available cartridge, including instructions for adjusting overhang, tonearm balance, and tracking force.
- Stylus Cleaning: Users are advised to clean the stylus tip before each use, especially if dirt or grime is present, using a stylus cleaner (sold separately) by moving the brush from the rear to the front of the stylus tip.
- Turntable Body Cleaning: The turntable body can be cleaned with a soft, dry cloth after disconnecting the AC adapter. Avoid using benzenes or thinners.
- Packaging for Moving: Instructions are provided for safely packing the turntable using its original materials when moving, including securing the tonearm, removing the platter, counterweight, and headshell to prevent damage.