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. AT LP3 offers a full automatic in handling, meaning that the turntable will find the first groove on the record by itself and you will not have to worry if you have left the needle in the groove after listening to the entire side of the record. The tonearm will then lift and return to the stand. With the ease of use, the AT-LP3 also has an interesting look and it will easily fit into any interior design just like the very popular and award-winning AT-LP5 turntable. Other features include a damped arm lift, die cast aluminium platter, 4.5mm rubber platter mat and an all in weight of 5.2kg. 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.

Once you have completed the setup, connect the power cord to the receptacle on the rear of the turntable and connect the other end to a working AC outlet. Then, making certain the tonearm lift control level is in the “down” position, place a record on the turntable and press the start button!

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. 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.

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. Carefully place the platter on the turntable’s center spindle, and make certain the platter is fully seated on the spindle.

Next was a more contemporary pressing and the high energy sounds of Die Werkpiloten via Germany’s Vinyl on Demand label from 2012. 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. I began by playing the Connie Francis original pressing Sings Bacharach and David (MGM) from 1968. The lady herself sings in front of a full orchestra.

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.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. Without touching the counterweight carefully place the tonearm in its rest and temporarily secure it with the plastic tie.

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. 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. Of course, the Audio Technica phono amplifier is part of the build budget for this turntable and, hence, will be limited in terms of sonic quality. As soon as you can buy yourself a separate, external unit, do so. Internally fitted phono amplifiers also produce electrical noise which hampers sound quality. External models don’t infect a turntable in the same way.Although the brass section wasn’t the smoothest I’ve ever heard and strings never really flowed as they should, the orchestra did offer a grand and rather epic staging that provided Francis with a large canvas to paint her words. 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. 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. 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.