Audio Technica AT-LP70XBT Review
For less than $250, Audio-Technica wants to offer the new AT-LP70 XBT as the “ultimate entry-level turntable.” Well then, let’s see what the analog specialist delivers at this price!
It’s no surprise that advertising texts sometimes overshoot the mark. After all, making a big splash is part of the craft! But when confronted with the promise in the Japanese analog specialist Audio-Technica’s press release, stating that its new turntable “combines simple beauty with breathtaking sound,” we were truly taken aback for a moment. Because we’re not talking about a noble high-end gem here, but an entry-level turntable available in white or black, named AT-LP70XBT. After our amused astonishment, the decision was quickly made:
We simply had to take a closer look at this confidently announced piece!
What comes out of the box—beauty is in the eye of the beholder—actually makes quite a neat impression. “Simple” fits the description: The top side of the flat turntable isn’t overloaded, and it extends beyond the lower body with its large conical feet. The low weight makes us doubt the solidity of the three-part chassis designed to suppress resonance. A mere 2.9 kilograms (about 6.4 lbs.) resist being lifted. Can this really amount to something?
One argument for testing Audio-Technica’s budget-friendly analog offering was not least the use of the AT-VM95 C cartridge with a conical stylus. You might wonder why, since this MM pickup costs only $39. True, but it’s better than its price suggests. It was integrated directly into the J-shaped tonearm, with absolutely nothing to adjust. Arm height, overhang, and tracking force are all fixed. A stylus swap is not possible. From the factory, it applies a practical tracking force of 19.5 millinewtons. We measured it. There’s no real need to replace it anyway. And if you ever want to upgrade in quality, you could opt for the AT-VMN95 E stylus insert with an elliptical diamond at some point, costing $35.
TEST EQUIPMENT
Turntable: Technics SL-1200GR2
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Phono Preamps: NAD PP2e, Pro-Ject S2 B
Phono Cable: Pro-Ject Connect it Phono E
Integrated Amps: Audionet SAM 20 SE, Symphonic Line RG14 MK5 S Edition
Speakers: Sonus Faber Sonetto V G2
Despite the Low Price: A Convenient Fully Automatic Turntable
If you suspect that the low price means sacrificing convenience, you’re completely wrong. The LP70XBT belongs to that rare group of fully automatic turntables. After placing the record on the felt mat that lightly “weights” the 500-gram aluminum platter, you simply press the start button on the right, and the record begins to spin. The tonearm then swings into position over the lead-in groove and gently lowers itself.
At the end of the record, the tonearm automatically lifts and returns to its rest. The platter stops. If you want to interrupt playback in the middle, just hit the stop button. All these procedures run smoothly, without jerky motions or annoying grinding noises from within. A damped lift is available for manual intervention in the process, for example, to move the tonearm or return it to its rest by hand.
To ensure that this all works for LPs as well as singles (an adapter is included), there’s a switch for the two speeds. Another slider at the base of the tonearm determines how far the arm moves inward. Since both values can be set independently, playing maxi-singles—which are the size of an LP but spin at 45 RPM—is no problem.
Regarding playback, the owner of Audio-Technica’s clever turntable has three options: Using the rear-mounted RCA jacks, it can be connected to the phono MM input of your amplifier. If there isn’t one, set a tiny switch from “Phono” to “Line.” Then the LP70XBT, which always comes with a dust cover, takes over the equalization and pre-amplification, delivering a line-level signal.
Internal or External Amp, Plus Bluetooth
But it can also be done wirelessly, as a Bluetooth connection is available. Pressing the appropriately marked button on the left prompts the unit to search for a partner and connect to it. This can be an amp, a boombox, headphones, or a pair of active speakers with volume control, expanding the turntable’s range of uses.
As T+A’s high-end media player MP3100HV indicated, the Japanese unit transmitted data in the higher-quality aptX mode. Conveniently, even after the tonearm returns and the motor stops, the LP70XBT, powered by an external power supply, maintains the Bluetooth connection and indicates this with a blue LED. This means you don’t have to re-establish the connection after changing the record.
So there’s a lot packed into this affordable turntable. Setting it up is simple. You only need to place the platter onto the spindle. The drive belt is already looped around and just needs to be pulled over the motor pulley using the provided fabric loop. Then put on the dust cover and remove the stylus guard—and off you go.
Of course, the talk of “breathtaking sound” is nonsense. On the other hand, we were more than surprised at how lively, clean, and engaging the LP70XBT performed. It exhibited no distortions or any other significant shortcomings. Even paired with our reference system, this lightweight, given its low price and modest construction, delivered a respectable performance.
Somehow, with such an entry-level candidate, you end up playing different music than the usual audiophile test records. So, for example, we put on an album by Alexandra. The Audio-Technica credibly conveyed the melancholy in “Grau zieht der Nebel” (“Gray draws the fog”) and the longing in “Erstes Morgenrot” (“First Red of Dawn”). Whether it was via Bluetooth or the internal phono preamp made little difference. The sound images always appeared sonorous, detailed, and even somewhat three-dimensional. That’s a flawless result for a turntable that sits at the lower end of the price range for entry-level devices.
An All-Inclusive, Worry-Free Package
Sure, Richard Clayderman’s piano on “Für Elise” isn’t projected rock-solid into the space. But there were also no wobbly sounds, even with piano music that’s sensitive to wow and flutter. With typical pop records, the lightweight but skillfully implemented construction of the LP70XBT matters even less. And the slightly subdued high-frequency range ensures that overly bright records don’t sound shrill.
Okay, there’s not much you can do to optimize the sound further. A higher-quality phono cable than the included one—Pro-Ject’s Connect it Phono E for about $50 (1.2 m) would be an improvement—and the mentioned better replacement stylus are sensible options.
But basically, the Japanese turntable is an all-inclusive, worry-free solution that requires no fuss—and none is intended. It sounds pleasantly balanced, free of major errors, and quite appealing for what it is. Especially in normal, simpler setups, which is its natural environment.
This makes it similar to Audio-Technica’s mobile battery-powered AT-SB 727 turntable tested in STEREO 10/24, which also got the most out of its limited concept. In the end, the LP70XBT really does contain more than a few sparks of truth from that grandiose announcement.
Audio-Technica AT-LP70XBT Tech Specs
| Product / Price Class | Turntable / Up to $500 |
|---|---|
| Website | www.audio-technica.com |
| Dimensions (W x H x D in cm) | 40 x 11 x 33 |
| Weight (kg) | 2.9 |
| Distributor (Germany) | Audio-Technica Deutschland |
| Contact Phone | +49 257340 |
| Turntable Type / Drive System | Fully Automatic / Belt Drive |
| Bluetooth / Connections | Yes / RCA |
| Integrated Phono Preamp / Cartridge Included | Yes / Yes |
Performance Scores
| Sound Quality | 60% (6/10) – Rounded, colorful, and resolved sound image, tonally pleasant |
|---|---|
| Rumble | Adequate |
| Speed Deviation (in %) | Satisfactory (+0.3%) |
| Power Consumption in Standby (Watts) | Very Good (1.2 W) |
Features and Usability
| Dust Cover Included | Yes |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | Good |
| Replaceable Tonearm Cable | Yes |
| Speed Settings (RPM) | 33, 45 |
| Pitch Adjustment / Speed Regulation | No |
| Footstep Damping | No |
| Power Switch | No |
Handling and Operation
| Ease of Speed Switching | Simple with button |
|---|---|
| Manual Quality | Very Good: Detailed and thorough (PDF in German only) |
| Warranty (Years) | 2 |
| Adjustable / Detachable Headshell | No |
| Initial Setup | Very Good |
| Ease of Use | Very Good |
Verdict
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AUDIO-TECHNICA LP70xBT IS THE BEST VALUE TURNTABLE THIS YEAR!!!
Hey... Budget turntables don't have to suck anymore... well. at least THIS ONE doesn't! Welcome back, audiophiles! Today ...
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