Audio Technica - AT-LP5X - Fully Manual Direct Drive Turntable with Built-In MM/MC Phono Preamp & USB

Over 50 years of Japanese audio design, upgraded. The Audio-Technica AT-LP5X is a fully manual, three-speed (33⅓, 45 and 78 RPM) direct drive turntable with a J-shaped tonearm, factory-fitted AT-VM95E dual moving magnet cartridge, die-cast aluminium platter, built-in switchable MM/MC phono/line preamp, and USB output for digitising records. Elegant matte black finish.

Analogue Heritage, Upgraded

The AT-LP5X builds on Audio-Technica's analogue heritage and more than 50 years of Japanese audio design. It is the successor to the well-regarded AT-LP5, keeping that turntable's contemporary styling and performance while adding upgraded technology and improved low-frequency reproduction. Everything you need to start playing is in the box, and the build gives you plenty of room to grow: a cartridge you can upgrade, a preamp you can switch off, and connections for almost any system.

Direct Drive — Three Speeds, No Belt Changes

At the centre of the AT-LP5X is a low-noise direct drive motor that spins a precision-machined, die-cast aluminium platter at 33⅓, 45 and 78 RPM. Drive is direct to the platter, with more than 1.0 kgf·cm of starting torque and an electronic brake, so the platter reaches speed and stops cleanly, and rotation stays stable and on-axis. Wow and flutter is below 0.2% WRMS at 33 RPM, and a 5mm rubber damping mat on top of the platter isolates the record from low-frequency feedback while giving every LP format a stable surface.

Fully manual operation means you set the tonearm down yourself, so you stay in control of every spin. It is a satisfying, hands-on way to play records.

J-Shaped Tonearm — A Nod to the 1960s and '70s

The AT-LP5X keeps the J-shaped tonearm, a design inspired by classic Audio-Technica models of the 1960s and '70s. A metallic gimbal suspension system and precision bearings help reduce tracking errors, and the arm has an adjustable counterweight and anti-skate control for flexibility with different records and cartridges.

The arm comes fitted with a lightweight 9.3g AT-HS6 headshell and the black AT-VM95E dual moving magnet stereo cartridge, which has a replaceable stylus so you can refresh or upgrade it down the track.

Built to Keep Vibration Out

The cabinet uses anti-vibration damping materials with heavy-mass metal chassis inserts, designed specifically to limit low-frequency acoustic feedback. The AC adapter is external, so AC/DC conversion happens outside the chassis and keeps noise out of the signal chain. The result is a quiet, stable platform for the stylus, and a turntable with a real sense of solidity at 7.3kg.

Switchable MM/MC Phono Preamp — Plug In and Play

A built-in, switchable phono/line preamp lets the AT-LP5X connect to amplifiers with or without a dedicated phono input, as well as powered speakers and other components. Switch the preamp on and plug straight into a line input, or switch it off and connect to a separate phono stage. The preamp supports both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges (36dB nominal gain for MM, 56dB nominal gain for MC, RIAA equalised), so a future move to a moving coil cartridge is straightforward.

USB Output — Digitise Your Collection

A USB output connects the AT-LP5X directly to a computer, converting at 16-bit with a selectable 44.1kHz or 48kHz sample rate. It is compatible with USB 2.0 on Windows 7 or above and macOS (OS X) or above, which makes it simple to archive favourite records.

In the Box

The AT-LP5X comes with the AT-VM95E cartridge fitted to the AT-HS6 headshell, an AC adapter, a dual RCA to dual RCA stereo cable, a 45 RPM adapter, a USB cable, and a hinged dust cover with mounting hardware.

Feature Cards

⚙️ Direct Drive — 33⅓, 45 & 78 RPM

A low-noise direct drive motor with more than 1.0 kgf·cm of starting torque and an electronic brake spins the die-cast aluminium platter with stable, on-axis rotation. Wow and flutter below 0.2% WRMS.

🎯 J-Shaped Tonearm — AT-VM95E Fitted

A heritage-inspired J-shaped tonearm with metallic gimbal suspension and precision bearings, adjustable counterweight and anti-skate. Fitted with the AT-HS6 headshell and black AT-VM95E dual moving magnet cartridge with replaceable stylus.

🔌 Switchable MM/MC Phono/Line Preamp

Connect to any system, with or without a phono input. Supports MM and MC cartridges, giving you a clear upgrade path.

💻 USB Output — 16-Bit, 44.1/48kHz

Connect directly to a computer to digitise your records. Windows 7+ and macOS compatible.

Editorial Blockquote

"Building on Audio-Technica's analogue heritage and over 50 years of Japanese audio design, the AT-LP5X features upgraded technology while keeping the contemporary style and acclaimed performance of its predecessor." — Audio-Technica

At-a-Glance Bullets

• Fully manual, three-speed direct drive turntable — 33⅓, 45 and 78 RPM
• Low-noise DC servo direct drive motor — starting torque > 1.0 kgf·cm — electronic brake
• Die-cast aluminium platter with 5mm rubber damping mat
• Wow and flutter: < 0.2% WRMS (33 RPM, 3kHz) — Signal-to-noise ratio: > 50dB
• J-shaped tonearm with metallic gimbal suspension and precision bearings
• Adjustable counterweight and anti-skate control
• Lightweight AT-HS6 headshell (9.3g)
• AT-VM95E dual moving magnet cartridge (black) — replaceable stylus
• Built-in switchable MM/MC phono/line preamp
• Phono preamp gain: MM 36dB nominal — MC 56dB nominal (RIAA equalised)
• Output level: Phono 4.0mV nominal / Line 250mV nominal
• USB output: 16-bit, 44.1kHz or 48kHz selectable — USB 2.0
• Mass-damped high-density polymer cabinet with heavy-mass metal chassis inserts
• External AC adapter — 100–240V AC, 50/60Hz
• Dimensions (W × D × H): 450 × 352 × 157mm — Weight: 7.3kg
• Includes RCA cable, 45 RPM adapter, USB cable, hinged dust cover
• Elegant matte black finish

Finish / Colour Options

• Matte Black

Specifications

Turntable

Tonearm & Cartridge

Preamp & Outputs

General

Closing Quote

"Fully manual. Direct drive. Three speeds, a switchable preamp and USB. The Audio-Technica AT-LP5X — everything you need to fall in love with your records, with room to grow."