Does Bluetooth streaming make sense on a DJ turntable? Yes, but probably not for DJing. Greg Scarth explains.
The name of Audio-Technica’s AT-LP120XBT-USB takes a little bit of decoding, but to summarise, this may well be the Japanese brand’s most versatile turntable to date, expanding on the existing AT-LP120XUSB with the addition of Bluetooth wireless connectivity, allowing you to stream music directly from vinyl to a smart speaker or headphones.
So, about that model number. Let’s break it down. AT-LP refers to the brand’s whole turntable range, and the 120 model is part of a series of what Audio-Technica describe as ‘step-up models’, i.e. above the entry-level options but not the professional/audiophile range. The X in the product title indicates that this is the updated model, introduced in 2019 to replace the original AT-LP120. Finally, the BT-USB suffix indicates that this model includes both Bluetooth and a built-in USB audio interface, allowing you to connect it directly to a computer as well as to analogue inputs on an amplifier or powered speaker.
In terms of the basics, the LP120XBT-USB is essentially the same as the AT-LP120XUSB, which we reviewed back in March. You can read the full review here. In summary, it’s an excellent turntable, especially when you factor in the price. Sound quality is very good via the included AT-VM95E cartridge and stylus. Build quality is excellent, with durability to stand up to the rigours of DJing as well as more careful use as a hi-fi listening turntable. Controls are simple and easy to use, largely following the classic Technics formula with a large pitch fader, solid start/stop and speed buttons, and a pop-up light to help with cueing tracks.
With the basic features and sound quality already covered in our review of the AT-LP120XUSB, we won’t repeat ourselves too much here, but it’s worth a reminder of the versatility of the connectivity options. Traditionally, turntables only offered a low-level ‘phono’ output which could be plugged into a DJ mixer or the phono input of a sound system. The AT-LP120XUSB also offers a built-in pre-amp and line level output, which doesn’t require a specialist DJ mixer or phono input. Alternatively, you can connect via USB to a computer using the turntable’s audio interface, which is a handy option if you want to digitise your vinyl collection.
All of which brings us to the question of Bluetooth. We’ve seen Bluetooth options appearing on quite a few DJ mixers recently, which leads to the question of whether you’re meant to DJ over a wireless connection. The simple answer is no, not really. Bluetooth is a compressed format, meaning that sound quality isn’t as good as a wired connection. There’s also the issue of latency – the delay between the sound being played by the stylus and coming out of the speakers – which makes mixing just about impossible. So why is Bluetooth still a handy feature? Simply because there are times when ultimate sound quality isn’t the be-all-and-end-all, where convenience is more important. If you just want to listen to your vinyl via a smart speaker rather than plugging into a DJ mixer or amp, Bluetooth is handy. Likewise, if you’ve got Bluetooth headphones, why not stream directly to them rather than going via a wired connection? Pairing the turntable with your Bluetooth devices is a simple case of holding down a button above the pitch fader, then everything you play on the turntable will stream wirelessly with your paired device. It’s a convenient option which simply adds to the versatility of the turntable, making it suitable for just about any playback scenario we can think of.
Above all else, the LP120XBT-USB is a turntable which works for all possible needs, across a broad range of different uses and listening scenarios. It’s a high-quality turntable if you just want to play records, or a capable DJ deck for mixing on. It’s got the versatility of phono and line outputs so you can connect it directly to just about any DJ mixer, hi-fi amp or powered speakers. It’s got Bluetooth for wireless playback to smart speakers or headphones, and the option to link directly up to a computer via its built-in USB interface.
If you don’t need the Bluetooth features, you can save yourself a decent chunk of cash with the standard LP120XUSB. Alternatively, if you want a more precisely focused DJ turntable without the Bluetooth or USB features, the LP140XP is the way to go. Navigating Audio-Technica’s sprawling turntable range might be a little bit confusing, but the LP120XBT-USB is the best option for anyone who wants as much versatility as possible. It’s an LP120XUSB on steroids, packed full of all the connectivity options you could wish for.
Greg Scarth
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