Audio Technica AT-LP8X Turntable

About The Audio Technica AT-LP8X Turntable

Audio-Technica expands its acclaimed direct-drive turntable lineup with the all-new AT-LP8X, a semi-automatic turntable. Featuring a newly engineered tonearm lift, the AT-LP8X automatically raises the tonearm and stops the motor at the end of each record side, providing hassle-free listening, quality sound, and practical features that will leave you wondering how you managed without them!

Inspired by classic Audio Technica models of the 1960s and ’70s, the AT-LP8X turntable’s J-shaped aluminium tonearm is fully equipped with a newly designed AT-LT10 headshell and AT-VM95E BK (black) cartridge with 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus, providing excellent channel separation and low distortion for outstanding tonal quality.

For easy customisation, the stylus can be replaced or interchanged with any of the five additional styli in the VM95 line, making it easy to experiment with different styli profiles and upgrade to a higher-quality stylus to enjoy more refined sound or switch to an AT-VMN95SP stylus to play 78 RPM records. Additionally, the tonearm’s VTA (vertical tracking angle) adjustment and sub counterweight enable the use of a broad range of other cartridges.

The AT-LP8X plays 33, 45, and 78 RPM records. Its 25mm rubber-damped, anti-resonance, die-cast aluminium platter comes with a 2.5mm rubber mat and is driven by a sensor-monitored motor that ensures a continuously accurate platter rotation speed. The motor and its efficient internal switching power supply are housed within a box plinth constructed of 16mm MDF (medium density fibreboard) and equipped with height-adjustable feet for excellent protection against unwanted noise and vibration.

The turntable comes with a detachable RCA output cable (dual RCA male to dual RCA male with ground), a 45 RPM adapter, and a removable hinged dust cover.

Our Review

The Audio-Technica AT-LP8X is a semi-automatic direct-drive turntable that mixes vintage vibes with some smart modern touches. It’s powered by a sensor-monitored motor that spins a chunky 25mm die-cast aluminium platter, damped with rubber to cut down on resonance and keep your records running smoothly at 33⅓, 45, or 78 RPM. The J-shaped aluminium tonearm - based on classic AT designs - comes with a removable AT-LT10 headshell and an AT-VM95E BK cartridge, giving you clean sound with low distortion and good channel separation. You’ve also got adjustable VTA and a sub counterweight, so it’s easy to run different cartridges, and the stylus is a breeze to swap out - there are plenty of upgrade options in the VM95 line, including one for 78s. The auto-lift and motor stop at the end of the record is super handy if you tend to drift off while listening, and who hasn’t done that? Everything sits on a solid 16mm MDF plinth with height-adjustable feet, keeping things stable and quiet without making a fuss. All-in-all we think Audio Technica has nailed it with the AT-LP8X with smart looks, useful features and solid sound quality and we think a lot of our customers will agree.