radio-audio home page

Search Advanced SearchView Cart   Checkout   
 Location:  Home » ipod » Turntables » Audio-Technica AT-PL120 Professional Direct-Drive Turntable  
safe buy by amazon
Categories
ipod
hdtv
musical instruments
speakers
dvd
antenna
satellite dishes
recorder
reciever
radio transmitter
radio amplifier
audio amplifier
home theater
Related Categories
• Turntables
Turntables & Accessories
Audio & Video
Categories
Electronics
• Audio & Video
Refurbished & Used
Special Features
Electronics Features
Electronics
• 2006
Update Year
GPS Units
Refinements
Electronics
• Turntables
Turntables & Cassette Decks
Home Theater & Audio
radio-audio

Audio-Technica AT-PL120 Professional Direct-Drive Turntable

Audio-Technica AT-PL120 Professional Direct-Drive Turntable

zoom enlarge 
Brand: Audio-Technica
Category: CE

List Price: $249.90
Buy New: $180.00
You Save: $69.90 (28%)



New (37) Used (1) from $170.00

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 199 reviews
Sales Rank: 834

Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Batteries Included: No
Shipping Weight (lbs): 28.3
Dimensions (in): 17 x 9 x 21
Legal Disclaimer: Warranty does not cover misuse of product.

MPN: AT-PL120
Model: AT-PL120
UPC: 042005132010
EAN: 0042005132010
ASIN: B00012EYNG

Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Features:
  • Selectable internal stereo phono preamplifier--choose from phono or line-level output
  • Direct-drive, high-torque motor; includes professional cartridge and headshell
  • Selectable 33-1/3, 45, and 78 rpm speeds; +/-10 percent or +/-20 percent pitch adjust; high-accuracy quartz-controlled pitch lock
  • S-shaped tone arm assembly with adjustable counterweight, antiskate adjustment, tone-arm height adjustment and lock
  • Measures 17.8 x 6 x 13.9 inches (W x H x D)

Accessories:

  • Monster Cable Interlink 200 Interconnect Cables 2 Meter
  • Monster Cable I400MKII-2M Interlink 400 MkII Advanced Bandwidth Balanced Audio Interconnect
  • Panamax M8-HT-PRO Power Line Conditioner and Surge Protector
  • Panamax MFP-400 Flat-panel Power Protection
  • Panamax M8-HT Power Line Conditioner and Surge Protector

Similar Items:

  • Shure M78S Wide Groove Monophonic Cartridge
  • Shure M97xE High-Performance Magnetic Phono Cartridge
  • Stanton H4-S Replacement Headshell
  • Stanton Record Cleaner Kit
  • Audio Technica AT440ML Dual-Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge

Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.com Product Description
Audio-Technica's AT-PL120 direct-drive, high-torque professional turntable is perfect for DJs and other music enthusiasts, especially in an era that many would call "postvinyl," when it's no longer the norm for audio/video receivers or even integrated amplifiers to offer a dedicated phono input. A selectable internal stereo phono preamplifier lets you plug the turntable directly into any line-level input, even your PC's (when used with a stereo RCA to minijack "Y" adapter cable, not included). Alternately, you can use the player's phono output and an outboard, higher-quality phono preamplifier for even better sound quality.

The AT-PL120's S-shaped tone arm assembly comes with an adjustable counterweight, an antiskate adjustment, a tone-arm height adjustment and lock, a tone-arm lift with hydraulic action and lift lever, and a tone-arm rest with a locking mechanism to keep the arm stable during transport.

The turntable uses a DC servo motor to maintain accurate rotational speed at either 33-1/3 45, or 78 rpm, governed by a selectable, high-accuracy quartz-controlled pitch lock--all of which gives new life to 7- and 12-inch singles you may not have played for years.

Unleash your inner DJ with the 'table's pitch-adjustment feature, with variations ranging from either +/-10 percent or +/-20 percent. A pop-up stylus target light and stroboscopic platter speed indicator offer visual assistance in queuing and playing your favorite tunes. Forward and reverse play options unlock countless creative doors (and haven't you always wondered what Prince is saying at the end of "Darling Nikki"?).

The 'table comes with a cast-aluminum record platter, a slip mat, and a professional cartridge and headshell (model ATP-2) that plugs directly into the tone arm. Adjustable, antivibrational feet keep the platter level, regardless of your environs.

A start/stop button with remote start/stop input lets you integrate the player with your more sophisticated DJ tools. The player also includes a 45 rpm adapter with storage receptacle for the adapter and for a surplus or replacement headshell (sold separately).

What's in the Box
Turntable, removable hinged dust cover, slip mat, headshell/cartridge (ATP-2), AC power cord, 45 rpm adapter, and a user's manual.

Product Description
high-torque direct drive motor * selectable quartz-controlled speed lock * playback at 33-1/3, 45, or 78 rpm (45 rpm adapter included) * cast aluminum platter with slip mat * warranty: 1 year *


Customer Reviews:   Read 194 more reviews...

1 out of 5 stars Do you feel lucky...?   November 8, 2008
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

There are a lot of customer reviews on the AT-PL120. Many cite it's virtues, a few highlight it's vices. I am inclined to assume that the ownership experiences of each reviewer are valid. And that leads me to assume that the build quality of the PL120 varies. How can some reviewers have tone arm skating issues and some do not? How can some reviewers be plagued with annoying hum while others find none? After nearly a year of ownership I am left with a strong suspicion that the PL120 is not coming to market designed well enough nor built consistently well enough to excel in all usage environments. In short, I do not trust it enough to buy another or out-and-out recommend it to someone else. Hence, a one-star rating.

Don't get me wrong. The platter spins, and speeds are stable. That half works fine. To a small degree I have had skating issues, mostly at the beginning of a spinning record while lowering the stylus onto the record. Sometimes the tonearm will skip inward a few grooves before settling, and no possible anti-skate setting will eliminate this tendency all the time. (Could it be that the cueing mechanism lowers the tone arm a little too slowly?) I have learned to lower the stylus onto a stationary record, then spin the platter clockwise until the stylus finds a groove, and then start the platter. I also put up with the hum problem. The PL120's included cartridge picked up a hum. Trying to replace it with a Grado Blue cartridge made the hum a little louder. I finally discovered that connecting my very first cartridge, a 1980s vintage ADC Integra XLM-III tamed the hum. I found a replacement stylus for it, and that's what I'm now using. I have it's worst vices tamed for now exactly where it sits. Who knows what will pop up if I try to move it?

To those who found no problems in your ownership experience: congratulations, and enjoy. To those who found problems, I understand your frustration. To those contemplating purchasing an AT-PL120 I advise reading ALL the reviews, not just the favorable ones. Prospective buyers might want to address the question, do you feel lucky?



5 out of 5 stars Simply a must!   November 1, 2008
If you are a vinyl beginner, don't be fooled by the bargain bin $100 turntables with automated arm action. You will suffer in a world with bad surface noise and no way to replace the stylus or change the adgustments (all which are vital to the vinyl experience!). This turntable, only around $200, is the perfect for a budding vinyl enthusiast! The build is great and everything works (that's a first!). The direct drive motor is perfect for easily cueing the record, as well as having high torque for speedy starts. This baby can even play 78s! But more importantly, it has a built in pre-amp for those lacking a proper phono input, as well as a modest cartridge. It's only faults are in the manual. If you have never even touched a turntable, it can be very confusing to figure out exactly how to set the tracking force to 3.5 grams. Another thing to note is the hum in the background. This turntable does lack a grounding wire, but the hum is barely noticeable with music playing anyway. For it's price and ease of use, the AT-PL120 is a must!


5 out of 5 stars Everything described and more!   October 24, 2008
The biggest problem with modern turntables is that modern receivers can't usethem without a pre-amp. I was attracted to this item because it has an internal pre-amp, which means I can connect it to any audio connection in the back of my receiver. What's more, it also has the option to use an external pre-amp if you wish. It takes a while to set up properly, but any one can do it by following the simple manual step by step. When I played my first lp, I couldn't believe the sounds I'd been missing all these years. Regardless of the cost and inclusiveness of the sound system you have, this turntable is the only one you'll ever need to buy. I'm very happy with it's performance and quality and recommend it highly!


4 out of 5 stars AT-PL120 does the job   September 20, 2008
Amazon shipped the turntable well and it came undamaged, altho the box was roughed up. It ships in the original box, so if it is a gift or surprise, watch out. Set up was easy and it worked right away. The only problem so far is the cueing light seems to have burned out on day 2 already. Also be careful of the arm hold down, its plastic and won't take any abuse, period. This is my second purchase of this model for family members, and it seems like a reasonable value. It would be VERY nice if the arm would automatically pick up at the end of the album, but it doesn't. The integral pre-amp feature is super, especially with new surround sounds that lack phono inputs. All in all the best value I could find.


5 out of 5 stars awesome easy to use and affordable!   September 14, 2008
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

i bought this for my 68 year old father so he could listen to all of his favorites that have been stashed away for years. this product is VERY user friendly...easy to figure out....and VERY affordable!! it has provided my dad with hours of happiness and he has had no problem at all figuring out how to hook it up or use all of its functions. This is perhaps the best gift i ever gave him....A+++

Hot products

Nikon coolpix p80




Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12MP Digital SLR Camera

Canon PowerShot Pro Series S5 IS 8.0MP


Apple iPod nano 8 GB Black (3rd Generation)




Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18- 135mm

Apple iPod touch 16 GB with Software Upgrade


Nintendo Wii Console + Wii Sport 5 Games

amazon store


about us | privacy policy | terms and conditions

Radio-Audiophile.com review- For hardcore Radio Audio machine ,buy cheap IPOD , accessories , speakers , electronic gadgets , mobile , iphone , garmin GPS , sound cards,digital audio interface,computer sound machine ,software , radio exciter ,broadcast ,audio power amplifier,RF power amp,AV systems ,DVD player ,HDTV, home theatre , sound effects ,mixer , DJ and accessories.Discount and lowest price "special promotion" everyday.
credit card
amazon astore affiliates
sponsored links
Onkyo HT-SR800 Black Home Theater System
$335.96 - $499.00 from 2 stores. User rating:4.0 out of 5. Neatly Covering All A/V Formats, Precisely Tailored for Your Home When it comes to all-in-one home theater, the HT-SR800 has made a clean break from the pack. You're looking at packaged home theater that neatly integrates your high-definition entertainment and your HDTV through an HDMI channel that transports video with a resolution all the way up to 1080p. Ably supported by component video switching, the HT-SR800 will handle most of the A/V components or formats currently available, as well as the spectacular quality of high-definition discs. Also, reinforcing the convenience of matched components, this package is the first to use an Audyssey room-correction technology specifically designed for integrated systems. The options - XM Radio (including 5.1 surround sound radio with Neural Surround decoding) and iPod integration-can really extend your reach, making the HT-SR800 one of the more complete home theater packages available. Special Features- HDMI Pass Through (2in/1out , 1080P compatible) - A separate audio connection is necessary "Audyssey 2EQ" Auto room calibration w/Microphone XM and Sirius satellite radio ready
Sony HT-7100DH Home Theater System
$349.95 - $378.08 from 2 stores. User rating:3.0 out of 5. Grab your popcorn and revel in the intense movie-watching experience that is the HT-7100DH home theater system. Take your entertainment to new aural heights as 900 watts of surround sound fill your room while you watch high definition DVD media or listen to XM satellite radio. For fast and easy setup, the HT-7100DH automatically calibrates the included speakers for an optimal sound field and the most dramatic effects. The Digital Media Port (DMP) is also great for when you want to listen to external sources like Bluetooth devices or Walkman music players in powerful 5.1 channel digital surround sound.
Bose 3-2-1 Home Theater System
$958.24 - $999.98 from 2 stores. User rating:3.1 out of 5. If you've been looking for a surround sound solution that doesn't require hours of setup and creative ways to hide the wires, the search is over. Introducing the Bose 3-2-1 system, a revolutionary advancement in home entertainment that's much easier to live with. Designed to provide performance and simplicity unmatched by conventional component or all-in-one solutions, this system delights the ears and the eyes. Five speakers are replaced by two. A stack of electronics is replaced by a single media center that includes an integrated DVD/CD player, AM/FM tuner, amplification and signal processing. A patented Acoustimass module hides easily in a corner or behind your furniture. And everything is easily connected with just three wires and a power cord, making setup a snap. The 3-2-1 system combines an Articulated Array speaker design with proprietary signal processing to give you much of that same performance. Hear the roar of a train from left to right from just two visible speakers positioned in the front of your room. Enjoy a spacious soundstage and lifelike surround effects whether you're watching the game, listening to a favorite CD or enjoying the latest on DVD.
Sony DAV-IS10 Home Theater System
$399.97 - $558.99 from 5 stores. User rating:0.0 out of 5. The 5.1 channel home-theater-in-a-box system features five tiny speakers - each about the size of a golf ball. The system, matched with a compact, single disc DVD/CD player/receiver, includes a unique subwoofer that helps the tiny speakers create sounds typically reserved for full size speakers. While the system features small speakers, it packs all the power of conventional home theater-in-a-box systems with 450 watts of total system power (satellite speakers 50W x 5, plus 2-way subwoofer 100W x 2). The system is specially tuned to deliver a natural sound field that takes the focus off the subwoofer while supplementing mid range and lower frequencies.
Philips HTS3555 Home Theater System
$250.81 from 1 store. User rating:4.9 out of 5. This state-of-the-art digital home entertainment system delivers powerful surround sounds and a theater-like audio/video experience. The ultimate in both style and performance.PRODUCT FEATURES:Dock included for GoGear and iPod;USB Direct plays photos and music from USB flash drives;MP3 Line-in for music playback from Portable Media Players;1080i HDMI with high definition video upconversion;DTS, Dolby Digital and Pro Logic II surround sound;12-bit/108MHz video processing for sharp, natural images;DivX Ultra for enhanced playback of DivX media files;Plays CD, (S)VCD, DVD, DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R DL;Plays DivX, MP3, WMA and JPEG digital camera photos.