Audio-Technica - AT-LP8X Semi-Automatic Direct-Drive Turntable

A rare treat among direct-drive decks: audiophile build quality with a semi-automatic tonearm lift that ends every side gracefully.

The AT-LP8X expands Audio-Technica's direct-drive lineup with a newly designed low-torque, direct-drive DC servo motor that improves wow and flutter performance, paired with a speed-sensor system for accurate rotation and an electronic brake. It plays 33-1/3, 45 and 78 RPM records on a 25 mm rubber-damped, anti-resonance die-cast aluminum platter, seated in an MDF cabinet with height-adjustable feet. Its defining feature is a newly designed tonearm lift that automatically raises the tonearm at the end of a record side and stops the motor, so you can relax into a side without hovering near the deck.

The J-shaped tonearm with adjustable VTA (vertical tracking angle) is inspired by classic Audio-Technica models of the 1960s and '70s, and carries the lightweight AT-LT10 headshell fitted with an AT-VM95E cartridge featuring a 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus for excellent channel separation and low distortion. The AT-LP8X provides pure phono-level output via a detachable RCA cable with ground, feeding your choice of phono preamp for maximum flexibility. A subcounterweight is included to accommodate heavier cartridges.

Features

• Direct drive with a DC servo motor and speed-sensor system
• Semi-automatic: the arm lifts and the platter stops at the end of a side
• Three speeds, 33-1/3, 45 and 78 RPM
• 25 mm die-cast aluminum platter with rubber damper and a 2.5 mm rubber mat
• Static balanced J-shaped aluminum tonearm with VTA adjustment, 247 mm effective length
• Removable AT-LT10 headshell with an AT-VM95E BK dual magnet cartridge
• Counterweight and subcounterweight supplied for a wide range of cartridge weights

Specifications

• Drive Method: Direct drive, semi-automatic
• Motor: DC servo motor with speed-sensor system
• Speeds: 33-1/3, 45 and 78 RPM
• Starting Torque: 1.0 kgf·cm
• Platter: Die-cast aluminum with rubber damper, 25 mm (1″) thick, with 2.5 mm rubber mat
• Tonearm: Static balanced J-shaped aluminum with VTA adjustment, 247 mm (9.7″) effective length, 15 mm (0.59″) overhang, tracking error less than 2.0 degrees
• Headshell: AT-LT10 removable headshell, 10.7 g (0.38 oz) including lead wires
• Cartridge: AT-VM95E BK dual magnet, 0.3 x 0.7 mil bonded elliptical stylus, removable
• Replacement Stylus: AT-VMN95E BK; accepts any VM95 series stylus
• Stylus Pressure Range: 0.0-4.0 g
• Wow and Flutter: Less than 0.1% (WTD) at 3 kHz (JIS)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Greater than 60 dB
• Output Level: Phono 4.0 mV at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec
• Power: AC 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz, internal switching supply with detachable power cable. US operation 120 V, 60 Hz
• Power Consumption: 8 W
• Dimensions: 17.72″ (450 mm) W x 13.86″ (352 mm) D x 6.34″ (161 mm) H
• Weight: Approx. 23 lbs (10.4 kg)
• Included: Dust cover with removable hinges, rubber mat, platter, counterweight, subcounterweight, AT-LT10 headshell with AT-VM95E BK cartridge, 45 RPM adapter, RCA audio cable (3.3′ / 1.0 m), power cable (5.9′ / 1.8 m)