Turntables

Just curious, why a turntable?  I would think that in this price range you would be better staying all digital.

Automatic mechanisms are costly and can degrade sound with their relative complexity. Recommend saving a little longer for the Pioneer PLX1000.

As mentioned, automation adds cost, so the price either goes up, or something else that impacts sound quality gets a short cut. Most audio buffs opt for better sound quality so you don’t see many modern high quality automated TTs around. You might find a decent used automated TT around that’ll sound on par with the LP120X, but what’s available is always an unknown.

My kids gave me an LP120XUSB 3 years ago, and I’ve enjoyed it a lot. It sounds very good in its stock form, and has more potential with easy stylus upgrades to the VMN95EN, ML, or SH. I opted for the SH early and was very pleased. I also use an upgraded outboard phono stage, and later on added a better cartridge. The LP120X shares the same tonearm as the beefier LP140XP and can sound excellent, though it has zero automation. The arm lift makes manual operation pretty easy.

I also had an AT120 (pre usb days). It is a great TT to delve into LPs and see if you stick with it, then eventually upgrade if you get hooked on vinyl.

As noted, upgrade the stylus right away to ML microline or SH shibata. It makes a significant difference. I also chose ML.

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Soundsmith's explanation of stylus shapes

https://www.sound-smith.com/articles/stylus-shape-information#:~:text=There%20are%20of%20course%20bonded,(Soundsmith)%20and%20so%20on.

note: cartridges with advanced stylus shapes cost more, however they last much longer than elliptical, so hour for hour, they are really not expensive.

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It's Built-In optional phono preamp. I had a well respected McIntosh C28 SS preamp, up to specs by Audio Classics. I preferred the AT120's dinky phono preamp to the C28's phono stage.

Later, sold the C28, bought McIntosh Tube tuner/preamp mx110z, also up to specs via audio classics, phono is preferred to the AT120.

Then, during covid times, staying home, I upgraded everything (main/office/basement) and gave the AT120 to a friend who is quite happy with it.

There are aftermarket 'end of play auto lifts' that are excellent add-ons, IF you can fit one.

That model AT120 has no clearance between the edge of the platter and the tonearm base, so I do not think you can fit one.

Keep that in mind if you consider an alternate TT. Buy from a source you can return, because you may not like one, then get a different one. I tried the Q up, didn't like it, bought the more expensive Audio Technica, love it.

i.e. my JVC has a wide tapered rim, reduces the space to the Tonearm base. I can ONLY fit the AT one between my 12,5" arm (because it's base is much further away. Cannot fit one for either of my 9" arms.

you want the usb out feature?

IF not, then many vintage TT's were semi-automatic, many Direct Drive. Quartz Locked Direct Drive is best.

an example

this one is quartz locked

get the new technics 1500

The Fluance is belt drive but it has an Auto-Stop feature!

I got the Technics a few months ago and it would meet all of his requirements except cost

viridian

I wsh,

I’m retired, and enjoy finding and learning about equipment I never knew about.

I always think about both the OP and others following the discussion.

I am often looking for friends as well, and share those findings.