Audio-Technica AT-LP3BK Turntable Automatic Belt-Drive Black

Product Information

Rotate the platter by hand until the rectangular opening with the red ribbon exposes the brass motor pulley (at the 8:00 position). * Do not confuse the motor pulley with the white plastic post located near the tonearm. Install the clear plastic dust cover by placing the two hinges into the slots at the rear of the turntable. Note that the dust cover only opens up to a 45 degree angle, but you may also remove the dust cover if you prefer. Connects wirelessly to speakers and other devices equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology or to wired audio systems and powered speakers via included dual RCA output cable Install the counterweight, making certain that the stylus force gauge dial is oriented towards the front. As you rotate the counterweight, it will thread onto the tonearm.

If you are connecting to a specified PHONO input on a stereo receiver or an external RIAA preamp, then move the switch on the rear of the turntable to the PHONO position, which disengages the turntable’s internal preamp. If you want an upgraded performance from the outset, then go for the AT-LP5, or Sony’s PS-HX500; but at this price there isn’t anything that gives us such an enjoyable listen. Rather unusually for a turntable at this price though, it gives you plenty of flexibility for upgrades as and when you see fit. This will be the case with any turntable like this, so if it matters that much to you then manual tonearms are the way to go. If its performance wasn’t so thoroughly enjoyable and the price so tempting, we’d tell you to avoid the AT-LP3 and invest more in a bunch of separate components.

The more affordable cousin of Audio-Technica's award-winning AT-LP5 turntable is a true automatic for the people

Featuring fully automatic operation, a built-in phono preamp, removeable universal headshell and replaceable stylus, this Audio-Technica turntable is easy to set up and use, making it an ideal choice for beginners or those looking to level up their listening experience. Play 33⅓ & 45 RPM records your way, experimenting with different styli as you begin to discover your personal audio preferences. Moving on in such a configuration, using an external phono amp and beginning with the lead vocal, despite a bright tone that hung around the various crescendos, Francis did provide lots of energy and vigour and a sense of passion in terms of her delivery. The treble-infused cymbal taps that sat right next to her in the centre of the stereo image were similar unfocused, providing smearing to the upper frequencies. That said, the cymbals were big and bold and were never masked by other frequencies, Audio Technica’s damping application may have helped here.

Connect the turntable’s attached RCA cable to your desired powered speaker or stereo receiver/amplifier. For audio devices that have a separate ground terminal, connect the spade lug on the RCA cable to the ground lug on your audio component to help minimize hum. I began the test with the LP3 pushing music through its internal phono amplifier. This configuration is ok and perfectly usable and, as such, will get any analogue fan underway in terms of playing vinyl. In critical terms, though, sound was a little indistinct and muffled at the bottom end with a rolled off suite of upper frequencies that hampered detail. As a money saving option, the built-in unit is acceptable and will produce an admirable sound for the price but an upgrade to an external unit is top priority. The damped arm lift is joined by a die cast aluminium platter, 4.5mm rubber platter mat and an all in weight of 5.2kg which is heavier than the Dual MTR-75, possibly due to enhanced damping, which is a good thing. It’s a fully automatic turntable, which means you don’t even have to lift the needle yourself – a simple button jab will return the tonearm to its starting position.

This new turntable from Audio-Technica is of the same breed, also built in China and just qualifies for sub-budget status by a single pound. Using a better quality external phono amplifier, vocal crescendos on jazz can be a little bright and unfocused with brass being a touch smeary. The midrange was quite strong, though, with a ‘big’ sound, providing an entertaining musical response. While holding the platter steady, carefully remove the tape securing the red ribbon to the platter. Then use the ribbon to guide the drive belt (attached to the flip side of the platter) over the brass motor pulley. Make certain the belt is properly seated on the motor pulley so it is riding in the pulley’s groove, and verify that the belt is not twisted. Verdict: Despite suffering from the odd sonic and design issue, the AT-LP3 remains a solid bet for any beginner or budget-level buyer. Set the preamp switch on the rear of the turntable to correspond with the device you are connecting to.

Without touching the counterweight carefully place the tonearm in its rest and temporarily secure it with the plastic tie. Although there are sonic issues, this low cost turntable provides a wealth of features and, in sub-budget terms, is put together fairly well. The Moving Coil option is a puzzle and there’s no USB option but the automatic play system works perfectly every time and the internal phono amplifier could be a life saver to those users on a budget. More importantly, it’s a valid and recommended choice when you compare it to the Crosleys and Ions of this world. For any beginner to the world of vinyl, the Audio Technica AT-LP3 is a steady front end for any sub-budget hi-fi system.The AT-LP3 is designed with a traditional “Phono” output along with a built-in phono preamp that provides an RIAA equalized line-level output. This makes the turntable compatible with traditional “Phono” inputs on amplifiers and receivers, as well as Aux or line-level inputs on powered speakers, integrated amplifiers, and computer analog soundcards. Audio-Technica’s LP3XBT turntable combines 60 years of high-fidelity design with the latest Bluetooth® technology, giving you cutting-edge features while drawing on decades of audio experience. Enjoy a turntable that’s built on heritage, but built with the modern listener in mind. Once the belt is properly installed on the motor pulley, you may remove and discard the red ribbon. If connecting to a LINE level input on a stereo (CD, AUX, TAPE, etc.) or powered speakers with an analog AUX input, then move the switch on the rear of the turntable to the LINE position, which engages the turntable’s internal RIAA preamp. Audio Technica understands what it takes to create entry-level products. It grasps what each performance is about, prioritising an entertaining performance ahead of focusing on any particular facet.

Audio Technica has offered another step towards the good sound with this new Audio Technica AT-LP3 turntable. This belt-driven turntable is an excellent upgrade to the original models such as the AT-LP60, although is somewhat more expensive than AT-LP60. Built-in switchable phono/line pre-amplifier with detachable dual RCA output cable with grounding wire Indicates whether MUID is transferred to ANID, a cookie used for advertising. Clarity doesn't use ANID and so this is always set to 0.At last, there’s an almost-all-in-one, budget turntable that treats your records as music and not a mere curiosity. Carefully place the platter on the turntable’s center spindle, and make certain the platter is fully seated on the spindle.