Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X Review
A classic beginner-friendly vinyl record player (turntable) that's plug-and-play and reliable.
Also worth considering
- Crosley C6Check on AmazonEntry-Level
- Victrola Century 6-in-1 Music CenterCheck on AmazonEntry-Level
Quick Specs
Hover over ⓘ to learn what each means
- Drive Type ⓘ Belt drive = quieter listening, great for home use. Direct drive = instant start/stop, good if you want to DJ or scratch records.
- belt
- Speeds ⓘ This tells you which records you can play. 33 RPM plays full albums, 45 RPM plays singles. If it includes 78, you can also play old vintage records from your grandparents' collection.
- 33, 45 RPM
- Built-in Preamp ⓘ Yes = plug directly into any speakers and you're ready to go. No = you'll need to buy a separate phono preamp or use a receiver with a 'phono' input.
- Yes
- USB Output ⓘ Yes = you can plug into your computer and save your vinyl as digital files to listen on your phone. No = vinyl only, no digital copies.
- No
- Cartridge ⓘ This is the part that actually touches your records. A good cartridge means better sound quality. You can always upgrade this later without buying a new turntable.
- ATN3600L (integrated)
Our Take
The AT-LP60X is the turntable we point most first-timers toward, and for good reason. It does everything it needs to do — plays records reliably, sounds decent, and asks almost nothing of you in return. Plug it into any powered speakers or a receiver and you're spinning in minutes.
That simplicity is both its strength and its ceiling. The cartridge is integrated (not user-replaceable), and there's no counterweight to adjust. It's not designed to grow with you — it's designed to get you started. If you know you'll be a serious listener in two years, you might want to start one step up. But if you just want to play your records without fuss, this is the honest answer.
Skip it if you're already sure you want a manual turntable with upgrade options, or if you're buying for someone who will quickly outgrow an entry deck.
Sound Quality
For an entry-level automatic, the LP60X sounds solid. It won't resolve micro-detail or wow you with soundstage depth, but it plays music clearly and without obvious distortion. Bass is present if a little soft; mids are clean enough for casual listening. Compared to cheaper all-in-one suitcase players, it's a meaningful step up. Compared to something like the Fluance RT82 with an Ortofon cart, the gap is audible — but that's also a different tier. Best use case: albums you love and want to hear, not albums you're critically evaluating.
Setup and Ease of Use
Setup is about as simple as it gets. Put it on a flat surface, plug the RCA cables into your speakers or receiver, and you're done. The built-in preamp handles everything — no external phono stage needed. Fully automatic means the tonearm lowers itself and lifts at the end of the side. The main gotcha: make sure your speakers have RCA inputs or that you have an adapter. No USB, so digitizing records isn't an option here.
What We Like
- ✓ Fully automatic and easy to use
- ✓ Built-in phono preamp for simple setup
- ✓ Great value for first-time buyers
What Could Be Better
- ✗ Limited upgrade path
- ✗ Lightweight build
Best For
First-time buyers who want simple setup
Sold Out on Amazon?
If this turntable isn't available, these similar options are worth considering:
- Check availability
Fluance RT80
Similar price with adjustable counterweight and solid wood plinth.
Compare and explore more options:
- → Best Turntables for Beginners — picks across every beginner budget
- → Best Turntables Under $300 — top picks for budget-conscious buyers
Ready to Buy?
Get the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X and start enjoying vinyl today.
Check current price on Amazon