Curious about whether the Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP lives up to its DJ-focused reputation? You’ve probably come across various opinions and reviews, but how does it truly stack up in terms of performance and features?
Well, let’s just say that the AT-LP140XP has garnered quite a bit of attention for its sound quality, design, and unique features. But before you make any decisions, there are some key aspects that you might want to consider.
It’s worth exploring how this DJ turntable measures up against the competition and whether it could be the right fit for your specific needs.
Key Takeaways
- The AT-LP140XP turntable is designed with a heavy chassis for stability and vibration damping, ensuring exceptional audio quality.
- It features DJ-friendly features such as platter strobe/light, forward/reverse operation, and variable pitch control, making it suitable for both audiophile listening and DJ applications.
- The turntable comes with a high-performance cartridge and headshell for precise sound reproduction and flexibility with different cartridges.
- While it offers customization options with upgradable IEC power socket and external phono cables, it requires an external phono preamp for optimal performance.
Audio Technica AT-LP140XP Specifications
The Audio Technica AT-LP140XP vinyl DJ turntable boasts a range of advanced specifications designed to meet the needs of DJs and audiophiles alike. The heavy chassis provides stability and vibration damping, ensuring high-fidelity sound reproduction. The turntable features an AT-HS6BK headshell and a high-performance cartridge, offering exceptional audio quality and tracking accuracy. Additionally, the inclusion of a ground knob allows for easy grounding to minimize unwanted noise and interference.
Furthermore, the AT-LP140XP comes equipped with DJ-friendly features such as a platter strobe/light, forward/reverse operation, and variable pitch control, providing users with precise control over their music. The anti-skate control and adjustable height wheel on the S-shaped arm ensure optimal tracking and playback performance. Moreover, the turntable offers upgradable IEC power socket and external phono cables, allowing users to customize their setup according to their preferences.
The inclusion of three speeds, including 78rpm, with selectable tempo range buttons, further enhances the versatility of the AT-LP140XP. However, it’s important to note that the turntable doesn’t include a built-in phono amplifier or USB port for vinyl ripping, which may be a consideration for some users.
Design & Features
Boasting an elegant design and a host of versatile features, the AT-LP140XP turntable offers a sophisticated and user-friendly option for audiophiles and DJs alike.
The direct drive turntable is designed with a conical, Ortofon 2M Red cartridge featuring an ABS cantilever and nylon, ensuring high-quality sound reproduction.
The inclusion of the Audio-Technica AT-HS6BK headshell provides flexibility for users to explore different cartridges, such as the Rega RP, enhancing the turntable’s adaptability for various music preferences.
For the turntable DJ, the AT-LP140XP offers variable pitch control, allowing precise adjustments for mixing and beatmatching.
Additionally, the carbon fibre-reinforced ABS cantilever contributes to the overall durability and performance of the turntable.
Notably, the upgradable IEC power socket presents an opportunity for users to customize their power setup according to their specific requirements.
These design elements and features, coupled with the inclusion of a die-cast aluminum platter and a height-adjustable tonearm, make the AT-LP140XP a compelling choice for those seeking innovation and functionality in a turntable.
Assembly Process
Featuring a disassembled delivery in a plain brown cardboard box, the assembly process for the AT-LP140XP turntable involves plugging together the turntable, tonearm weight, and the mounted cartridge on the headshell.
Here’s a breakdown of the assembly process:
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- Careful Unpacking: Upon receiving your AT-LP140XP, carefully unpack the components from the box. Be attentive to avoid misplacing any small parts during the unwrapping process.
- Component Alignment: Ensure that the turntable, tonearm weight, and mounted cartridge on the headshell are correctly aligned before plugging them together. This step is crucial for the proper functioning of the turntable.
- Quality Check: After assembly, perform a quick quality check to ensure that all components fit snugly and securely. This step can help prevent any issues during operation and prolong the lifespan of your turntable.
The assembly process of the AT-LP140XP is straightforward and designed to provide a hassle-free experience. If you encounter any challenges during assembly, the customer service team is readily available to assist you. This attention to detail and customer support sets the AT-LP140XP apart from other turntables, making it an excellent choice for DJs seeking innovation and reliability.
Usage and Performance
With its high-torque DC motor and manual operation, the AT-LP140XP turntable delivers precise control and exceptional durability for various listening and DJ applications. The direct-drive motor ensures a super-responsive performance, allowing for consistent speed and accurate adjustments with the quartz-controlled pitch lock and variable pitch control.
The inclusion of the new AT-XP3 cartridge with a 0.6-mil conical stylus tip and cantilever enhances sound quality, providing excellent sound extraction for both casual listening and DJ use. The turntable’s bass performance is particularly noteworthy, with wall-shaking capabilities that cater to the rhythm guitar and bass elements of music.
The mass-damped, die-cast aluminum platter minimizes unwanted ringing and resonance, contributing to an overall high-quality sound experience. Whether engaging in audiophile listening or DJ applications, the AT-LP140XP turntable offers a unique blend of sound performance and durability, making it a versatile and reliable choice for music enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Pros and Cons
The AT-LP140XP turntable offers several advantages and drawbacks worth considering when evaluating its suitability for your audio needs.
Pros:
- High-Quality Sound Reproduction: The V-Mount dual magnet construction and cantilever with nylon wire suspension result in tonally superior sound quality. Music sounded almost elegant, making it suitable for audiophiles.
- Direct-Drive Motor: With three speeds available, this DJ turntable ensures consistent speed and reliable performance, essential for professional use.
- Sturdy Construction: The die-cast aluminum construction provides durability, while the adjustable tracking force and anti-skate control allow for precision customization of playback.
Cons:
- External Phono Preamp Required: The absence of a built-in preamp means an additional investment in an external phono preamp is necessary for optimal performance.
- Limited Color Options: The available color options are restricted, which may not suit all aesthetic preferences.
- Higher Price Point: Compared to entry-level turntables, the AT-LP140XP comes at a slightly higher price, making it less accessible for budget-conscious consumers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between Audio Technica Lp140xp and Lp5x?
The difference between Audio Technica LP140XP and LP5X lies in several key aspects: sound quality, motor speed, cartridge compatibility, build quality, pitch control, platter material, DJ use, upgradability, and price point. LP140XP excels in these areas.
What Is the Difference Between Audio Technica 120 and 140?
The Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP offers superior sound quality and build quality compared to the AT-LP120. It has a more robust plinth, enhanced detail in vocals, and a higher torque motor. The AT-LP140XP lacks a built-in phono amplifier and USB port, catering specifically to the DJ community.
Are Audio Technica Turntables Worth It?
Are Audio-Technica turntables worth it? Turntable performance, sound quality, and price comparison affirm their value. User experience, brand reputation, and longevity assessment highlight their reliability. Features comparison, design aesthetics, customer reviews, and value assessment support their worth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP turntable offers impressive sound quality. It delivers enhanced detail and nuance in vocals and harmonies, along with strong and weighty bass.
Additionally, the turntable boasts DJ-focused features like a platter strobe/light, forward/reverse operation, and variable pitch control. These features make it a versatile choice for DJs who require precise control over their music.
However, it’s worth noting that the AT-LP140XP lacks a built-in phono amplifier and USB port for vinyl ripping. These features may be important for those who want to easily digitize their vinyl collection or connect the turntable to speakers without a dedicated phono input.
Thanks for reading our Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP review. It’s an overall a solid option for those seeking a high-performance turntable. Its impressive sound quality, combined with its DJ-friendly features, make it a reliable choice for music enthusiasts and professionals alike.