Audio-technica AT-LP5X
£349
Audio-technica’s original AT-LP5 turntable was a winner. Launched in 2016, its combination of solid engineering, useful features and fine sound made it one of our go-to recommendations for anyone wanting a sensibly priced, fuss-free record player. So it’s no surprise that Audio-technica hasn’t changed a winning formula for this new AT-LP5X model.
At first, it’s hard to notice any obvious changes between the models, but look carefully and you’ll find the addition of a 78rpm speed option alongside the usual 33⅓ and 45rpm. There’s also a new moving-magnet cartridge, the ATVM95E, which builds on the foundations laid by the long-running AT95 design on the original deck. The new cartridge features lower-resonance housing alongside improved mechanicals that result not only in a higher output but also an extended and better-controlled high frequency response.
The built-in phono stage can now cope with both moving-magnet and movingcoil cartridges. There’s a small switch on the back to swap between the two, opening the deck up for use with more ambitious cartridge designs. Considering the Lp5x’s price and ability, we’re not convinced partnering it with even a budget moving coil will bring significant benefits, but it’s good to have the option.
The final change is the removal of the power supply from the chassis to the mains plug. This moves a source of electrical and mechanical noise away from the sensitive deck structure, and so should have some sonic benefits.
The LP5X feels substantial for the price, though its plastic plinth is a little hollow. The deck’s quartz-locked DC servo direct drive motor is quiet and spins the aluminium platter up to speed quickly. We like the crisp feel of the speed selector, and the arm’s detachable headshell makes swapping cartridges a breeze should you wish to upgrade. The company makes six different stylus options that fit the cartridge housing, so it’s easy to improve the sound over time.
Up and running
This Audio-technica is easy to set up. We just put the platter in place, attach the headshell (the cartridge is already fixed) and set the tracking weight and bias, and are up and running in five minutes.
We start listening and it doesn’t take long to realise that the Lp5x’s sonics mirror those of its predecessor. It's a touch cleaner and clearer than before, but not enough to be worth anyone with the older deck upgrading to this one. But the overall sound is still good enough for it to be considered a class leader.
We play Mary J Blige’s No Drama and the Audio-technica turns in a cohesive and musical performance. It’s a robust and surefooted presentation that remains unflustered even as the song becomes more demanding. Detail levels are high, though still behind the Rega, and the information is rendered with organisation and composure. This deck never sounds as though it's struggling, no matter how complex the music gets.
That point is reinforced when we play Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. Here the LP5X does a fine job rendering the scale and power of the piece. Dynamics are delivered with fluidity and force while there’s enough in the way of resolution to track subtle instrumental strands even when there’s a lot going on. The stereo imaging is layered and reasonably precise, making it easy to locate specific instruments within the sound stage. This deck has little to fear from rivals when it comes to solidity and composure.
Switch to Sony’s PS-HX500 and the presentation loses some authority and substance – there isn’t quite the same sense of control either. The Sony counters with greater sonic agility and even more detail through the midrange, though they are both fine performers. The story is the same when recording from their USB outputs, though Sony’s in-house recording software allows recordings to be made in DSD. Either way, the resultant digital files mirror the sonic character of each of the decks.
We bypass the Lp5x’s internal phono stage with our reference Cyrus Phono Signature and, despite the price difference (the Cyrus costs £1495), the comparison shows that the Audiotechnica’s phono stage is a good one. It shouldn't be a limiting factor when the time comes to upgrade.
Audio-technica is right not to mess too much with a winning formula. The AT-LP5X is a well-executed design that sounds great for the money. It’s also well built, easy to set up and nice to use. These things make it worthy of a spot on anyone’s shortlist.