Audio-Technica AT-LP120 turntable modifications

If you don't like the sound of your AT-LP120 or AT-PL120 turntable's built-in preamp, you can easily remove and bypass it. The metal "ballast weight" can also be easily removed to make the turntable lighter.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• audio-technica
• at-pl120
• at-lp120
• at-lp120usb
• atlp120
• atpl120
• turntable
• record
• player
• phonograph
• mod
• mods
• modification
• modifications
• usb
• preamp
• remove
• bypass
• metal
• ballast
• weight
• in
• base

[chrisdelapena1123]

@vwestlife I just finished watching your video and actually got curious whether the Audio Technica AT-LP60 turntable can be modified in the same way if a user is just planning to use the unit for listening. I tried to see if anybody ever attempted but could not find anything. Don't own any of the two but the AT-LP60 is <$100.00 and would be awesome if a simple mod like this can improve the sound quality. I know it's not the same turntable but if you have any insights, it would be great. Thanks!

[vwestlife]

@chrisdelapena1123 It is certainly possible to remove the built-in pre-amp, but try it first to hear if it sounds OK to you. I've had Sony and Pioneer turntables based on the same chassis as the AT-LP60, and their built-in pre-amp sounds excellent, so I have no reason to want to remove it.

[nightgoat99]

Great video and awesome track! However, I googled the hell out of every word on that album cover, and I cant find the album or the track (or your previous AT lp120 video). Can you please tell me the name of the track and or the orchestra playing? Thanks.

[vwestlife]

@nightgoat99 The name of the band is not credited anywhere. It just says "Reader's Digest presents the Arthur Murray Dance Album" and is dated 1976. The song is "South of the Border".

[somuchface]

what is the best cartridge for this turntable? the stock cartridge is shitty. I hear the SHURE M97 is topnotch.

[vwestlife]

@somuchface Audio-Technica now sells the AT-LP120 turntable with the AT95E cartridge, so I guess that would be their own recommended upgrade for it.

[vwestlife]

@phantasm1004 Did you actually watch the video? I clearly explained the reason for removing the preamp and demonstrated the positive benefit of doing so. And Audio-Technica only provides a one-year warranty. If you're so concerned about that, then simply wait until one year after you buy it before you do any modifications. I think that is plainly obvious to anyone who is interested in this video!

[phantasm1004]

i would venture that AT purposely placed that metal plate in the table for a reason other than just to make it heavier!

[delaflav1000]

why get a $300 turntable if ur gona destroy it & take it apart!! lol! ushould have got a cheap!! $60 turntable insted!!! retard!!! lol!!

[bmaric2]

hallo, how can i adjust tone arm lift? it goes to fast so the needle hits the record heavily i try with little screw but i failed ?????????????????????????????

[qahtani]

Whoa, I see a Tandy 1000 -- RL and a CM-11 monitor? LOL.

[nightgoat99]

@vwestlife Thanks! I believe it's Arthur Murray TV Dance Orchestra, for those interested. If I can find this on vinyl, it will be the first song I play on the AT LP120, if I can stop buying vinyl long enough to get one ;)