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.

Main Feature & Specifications

• Design: Semi-Automatic Direct-Drive Turntable
• Three Speeds: 33⅓, 45, 78 RPM
• Please Note: A dedicated SP cartridge or the replacement AT-VMN95SP stylus is required to play 78 RPM records
• Motor features a speed-sensor system to maintain accurate platter rotation speed
• Newly designed low-torque, direct-drive DC servo motor improves wow and flutter performance
• 25mm rubber-damped, anti-resonance die-cast aluminium platter with 2.5mm rubber mat
• J-shaped tonearm with adjustable VTA (vertical tracking angle)
• Newly designed tonearm lift automatically raises the tonearm at the end of a record side and stops the motor
• AT-VM95E BK (black) cartridge (0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus) is compatible with any VM95 Series replacement stylus, offering a wide choice of options for every budget and application
• Newly designed lightweight AT-LT10 headshell 
• Included sub counterweight provides an expanded cartridge/headshell weight range of 14.0 g – 23.5 g
• Newly designed internal switching power supply, optimized for audio performance
• MDF (medium density fibreboard) plinth construction
• Phono-level output provides pure, direct transmission of the cartridge’s signal
• Includes detachable RCA output cable (dual RCA male to dual RCA male with ground), 45 RPM adapter, and removable hinged dust cover
• Motor: DC Servo
• Drive Method: Direct Drive
• Speeds: 33⅓, 45, 78 RPM
• Turntable Platter: Die-cast aluminium, rubber damped
• Starting Torque: 1.0 Kgf.cm
• Braking System: Electronic brake
• Wow and Flutter: < 0.1% (WTD) at 3 kHz (JIS)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: > 60 dB
• Cartridge Type: VM (AT-VM95EBK)
• Output Level: 4.0 mV nominal at 1 kHz, 5cm/sec
• Power Consumption: 8 W
• Effective Arm Length: 247mm
• Overhang: 15mm
• Tracking Error Angle: Less than 2.0°
• Stylus Pressure Adjustment Range: 0.0 to 4.0 g
• Applicable Cartridge Weight: 14.0 to 20.0 g (including headshell) (When using sub counterweight: 17.5 to 23.5 g)
• Replacement Stylus: AT-VMN95EBK
• Replacement Headshell: AT-LT10 
• Included Accessories: Dust Cover, Rubber Mat, Platter, Dust Cover Hinges, Counterweight, Sub Counterweight, Headshell (AT-LT10) with VM Stereo Cartridge (AT-VM95E BK), 45 RPM Adapter, 1m RCA Audio Cable, Power Cable
• Removable Power Cable: Upgrade to a Premium Power Cable for better performance 
• Colour: Satin Black
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 450 x 161 x 352mm
• Weight: 10.4 kg
• Manufacturer's Warranty: 1 Year

Note: All Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.