Audio-Technica LP60X vs LP70X vs LP120X: Which Turntable Is Worth It?

These three are the turntables people search for most when they look at Audio-Technica, the Tokyo company that has made phono cartridges since 1962. They differ in two big ways: how much the turntable does for you (automatic or manual) and how far you can upgrade the sound later. Here is a side-by-side look with Audio-Technica's official specs and US list prices (October 2026).

LP60X: simple and safe for your records

The LP60X does everything with one button, which protects both the stylus and your records from clumsy first attempts. Its cartridge is built into the arm, so you cannot change cartridges, but you can replace the stylus: the standard ATN3600L or the ATN3600LE elliptical upgrade, which Audio-Technica lists for $46. Choose it if you want to listen, not tinker.

Prices and stock on Amazon change often. Look for listings shipped and sold by Amazon.com or Audio-Technica.

LP70X: same ease, real upgrade path

For $70 more, the LP70X keeps fully automatic play but uses a longer J-shaped arm and a VM95-series cartridge. That matters because every VM95 stylus fits it: start with the included conical tip, then step up to an elliptical ($52), microline ($159) or Shibata ($199) stylus from Audio-Technica as your collection grows. No tools, no alignment. This is the model we would buy for ourselves.

LP120XUSB: for hands-on listeners

The LP120XUSB is a manual, direct-drive turntable in the classic DJ layout: you cue the arm yourself, set the counterweight and anti-skate, and can swap whole headshells. It plays 78s, has pitch control, and its USB output lets you record your vinyl to a computer. It also comes with the better VM95E elliptical cartridge out of the box.

Which one suits you?

• You just want music on, safely: LP60X.
• You want automatic play now and better sound later: LP70X.
• You want to learn the craft, play 78s or digitize: LP120XUSB.

See every model, including the LP3XBT and the portable Sound Burger, in which Audio-Technica turntable to buy, compare with Fluance, or plan your stylus upgrade.