Vinyl via Bluetooth from audio-technica AT-LP120

We were enchanted the first time we used a turntable which can play wirelessly to Bluetooth headphones. Dropping the needle on a vinyl LP then wandering around on wireless headphones just felt so damned cool.

All the better when the deck behind the transmission technology is audio-technica’s established AT-LP120 direct-drive turntable, now reinvented as the $749 AT-LP120xBTUSB, those last letters indicating that it retains the USB direct connection for a computer introduced with the LP120xUSB model last year.

New-century stuff aside, this turntable is a fully-manual design with 33⅓, 45, and 78 rpm speeds available, and a high-accuracy quartzcontrolled pitch lock and pitch change slider allowing for adjustments ranging from ±8% or ±16%. The stroboscopic platter’s little red light indicates the current speed.

The S-shaped tonearm comes equipped with an AT-HS6 headshell and an AT-VM95E Dual Magnet cartridge. As part of the VM95 series, the stylus — which has a removable plug-type target light — can be replaced with any other model of

Cthe range, offering a nice upgrade path. There’s platter is die-cast aluminium, felt mat supplied.

So there are four ways to listen to vinyl on the AT-LP120xBTUSB. The detachable dual RCA output cable will play at phono level, or you can switch in the built-in phono preamp if your amp doesn’t have a phono input of its own. You can access the sound digitally (outrageous as that sounds) by plugging the USB into computer and playing (or recording) through that. Or via Bluetooth to a wireless speaker or headphones. More info: are and due diligence must be taken when purchasing from the internet or when buying bargain goods. But we note the recent return of outlet Hi Fi Disposals, created back in 1991 during “the recession we had to have”, and which has returned during other times of crisis to assist retailers, distributors and manufacturers in disposing of superseded, overstocked or otherwise unsaleable stock at below-RRP prices. The site also carries returned items, repaired items returned under warranty, show and display stock, stock affected by fire or water events, or with damaged packaging. Importantly these are all clearly graded as to their history and their condition, and Hi Fi Disposals also has a six-month guarantee as standard. It operates under the respected ownership of Audio Dynamics, so has the further advantage that you can ask questions and get advice from experienced industry folk. Delivery service is Australia-wide unless otherwise stated. More info: www.hifidisposals.com