Audio Technica AT - LP 120 USB Turntable opinion

I guess this turntable has a built-in phono stage to be connected via a USB cable/connector to a high-level input on.a receiver/integrated amp.

The usb is to record digitally to a pc I think.

I agree, AT120 is a darn good and easy start to vinyl. I had two of them, happy for many years. I can't remember what rude thing I did to the first one, but I was at fault, not it. 2nd one has USB out.

Your AT120 (and many modern turntables) has a built-in optional phono equalizer. You would think, dinky little card, can't be good right?

I had a McIntosh SS C28 Preamp. Overhauled to spec by the factory in Binghamton. Surprisingly, I (and my listening friends) preferred the AT120's dinky phono eq to the McIntosh C28's phono. Recently I started a conversation regarding how good a $14. Pyle Phono EQ sounded. A dinky card inside also.

As for springs, I didn't need any and my floors are very springy. I stopped using my Thorens TD124 because the bearing was so susceptible to vertical movement, the AT120, standard feet had no similar problem.

My personal taste is wood, not plastic, and I wanted a long arm, then 2 arms, finally 3 arms, so I am using a Vintage JVC large wood plinth. 

I gave my AT120 to a friend, he specifically wants to dig out his old vinyl, get the music on his computer, and give the LP's away. Many people have no interest in analog per se, or even superior sound, just the convenience of listening to their old favorites via their computers, not even high quality digital. Not our crowd, but perfect for their desires.

Many people inherit some LP's, are curious, perhaps want to play them to make a connection to the prior relative, No real analog preference, the AT120 is a terrific solution for them IMO.

Usually beginning with supplied elliptical cartridge, easy but not a good performer, changing the cartridge is the first thing I recommend,  it has poor separation (only 20 db) and poor channel balance (2db).

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at-vm95e

 A better elliptical for amateurs (less critical setup), an advanced stylus shape for people with higher interest.

Here's an elliptical pre-mounted in a headshell, $160. much better channel separation 27db, slightly better channel balance 1.5db

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/type/moving-magnet/vm520eb-h

advanced MicroLine stylus also pre-mounted

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/type/moving-magnet/vm540ml-hf

Separate cartridges only for someone willing to acquire simple alignment tools and learn alignment skills.

And, if moving to an advanced stylus, LP cleaning skills become more important.