Audio-Technica LP60X vs LP120X UK 2026 | £120 vs £270
LP60X (£120) is dead simple. LP120X (£270) sounds noticeably better. But the real reason to spend extra might surprise you. Full UK comparison.
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Take Our QuizTwo turntables, one brand, very different purposes. The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X and AT-LP120X are both popular choices, but they serve different needs. Here's how to decide between them.
The LP60X: Simplicity First
The AT-LP60X (around £120) prioritises ease of use. Fully automatic operation: press start, the arm lowers, the record plays. When it ends, the arm lifts and returns. No fiddling required.
Belt drive, built-in phono preamp, fixed cartridge. You cannot adjust tracking force, swap cartridges, or tweak anything. That's intentional. The LP60X is designed for people who want to play records without thinking about settings.
Sound quality is perfectly adequate. Not exceptional, not poor. It plays records well and won't damage them. Reviewers praise its reliability.
The simplicity pick — fully automatic, no setup, just press play
The LP120X: Enthusiast Territory
The AT-LP120X (around £270) is built for control and upgradeability. Direct drive motor. Adjustable pitch control with quartz lock. Removable headshell for cartridge swapping. Adjustable counterweight for precise tracking force. Bypass switch for the built-in preamp.
DJs use LP120X units for scratching and beat matching. Collectors use them as long-term platforms for cartridge upgrades. The design descends from the legendary Technics SL-1200.
Sound quality surpasses the LP60X noticeably. Better motor consistency, better stock cartridge, better tonearm. The difference is audible even through modest speakers.
The enthusiast pick — direct drive, upgradeable cartridge, lifetime turntable
Feature Comparison
Operation: LP60X automatic, LP120X manual Drive: LP60X belt, LP120X direct Cartridge: LP60X fixed, LP120X removable Adjustable tracking force: LP60X no, LP120X yes Pitch control: LP60X no, LP120X yes Preamp bypass: LP60X no, LP120X yes Price: LP60X around £120, LP120X around £270
Sound Quality Difference
The LP120X sounds better. Fuller bass, more detail, better dynamics. Whether that matters depends on your speakers and ears.
Through £100 speakers, both sound good. The LP120X's advantages are audible but not dramatic.
Through £300 speakers, the LP120X pulls ahead noticeably. The LP60X starts to sound a bit thin by comparison.
The LP60X sounds fine. It won't disappoint casual listeners. The LP120X sounds good enough to satisfy enthusiasts for years.
Who Should Buy the LP60X
Beginners uncertain if vinyl will stick. People wanting zero complexity. Those with modest speaker setups. Anyone prioritising simplicity over features. Budget-conscious buyers.
The LP60X is a safe, sensible choice. If you decide to upgrade later, you've lost little. If vinyl becomes a lifelong hobby, the LP60X still serves as a bedroom or secondary unit. See our complete best turntables under £200 guide for more options in this price range.
Who Should Buy the LP120X
Those confident they'll enjoy vinyl long-term. Anyone planning to upgrade cartridges. People with good speakers who want to hear the difference. Those who enjoy adjusting settings. Future DJs.
The LP120X is a long-term investment. Many owners keep them for decades, upgrading cartridges while the turntable itself remains. It grows with you.
The Honest Truth About Diminishing Returns
The jump from no turntable to an LP60X is huge. You go from not playing records to playing records. Everything changes.
The jump from LP60X to LP120X is smaller. Better sound, more features, more capability. Worth £150? For serious listeners, yes. For casual use, debatable.
The jump from LP120X to a £600 turntable is smaller still. Diminishing returns are real. Most vinyl enjoyment comes from having any decent turntable, not from having the best turntable.
Making the Choice
If you're unsure about vinyl: LP60X. Test the waters without major investment.
If you're committed to vinyl: LP120X. It'll serve you for years and justify its cost over time.
Both treat records well. Both have built-in preamps. Both connect to powered speakers easily. Neither is a wrong choice, just different tools for different needs. See our turntable and speaker packages guide for complete setup recommendations.
Prices approximate at time of writing. Our quiz can help you decide based on your specific situation.
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Start the QuizFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the LP60X and LP120X?
The LP60X (£120) is a fully automatic, belt-drive turntable aimed at beginners - press start and it plays. The LP120X (£270) is a manual, direct-drive turntable with adjustable pitch control, removable headshell, and better build quality. The LP120X sounds noticeably better and has real upgrade potential.
Is the AT-LP120X worth the extra money over the LP60X?
If you are serious about vinyl, yes. The LP120X sounds noticeably better, allows cartridge upgrades, has adjustable tracking force, and the direct-drive motor offers better speed stability. However, if you just want to play occasional records casually, the LP60X is perfectly adequate and much simpler to use.
Which Audio-Technica turntable should a beginner buy?
If you want absolute simplicity and minimum cost, buy the LP60X (£120). If you think you will get seriously into vinyl collecting and want room to grow, spend the extra £150 for the LP120X - you will not outgrow it. The LP120X also makes sense if you plan to DJ or need pitch control.
Can you upgrade the cartridge on the LP60X?
No, the LP60X has a permanently mounted cartridge that cannot be upgraded or replaced (though you can replace the stylus). The LP120X has a removable headshell, allowing you to upgrade to better cartridges like the Ortofon 2M Red or Audio-Technica VM540ML for improved sound quality.
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