You've seen it everywhere. Seriously, if you've ever stepped foot in a record store or scrolled through a "starter setup" thread on Reddit, the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X turntable is basically the mascot of the vinyl revival. It’s the white sneakers of the audio world. Reliable, ubiquitous, and reasonably priced.
But here’s the thing: it gets a lot of hate from the "serious" audiophile crowd. They'll tell you it’s a toy. They’ll say it’s going to chew up your records like a hungry toddler. Most of that is just snobbery, honestly.
The AT-LP60X isn't a professional piece of gear, but it isn't a suitcase player either. It occupies this weird, essential middle ground. It’s for the person who wants to hear the crackle of a real record without having to learn the physics of tracking force or anti-skate. You just want to push a button and hear Fleetwood Mac. Is that so much to ask?
Why the "X" actually matters
A lot of people don't realize that the "X" in the name isn't just a cool letter. It marks a significant overhaul of the original LP60. Audio-Technica basically looked at the old model, which had some noise issues, and decided to move the power supply outside the body.
By using an external AC adapter, they moved the "noise" (the electrical hum) away from the sensitive parts that actually pick up the music. It makes a difference. You get a cleaner signal. The base of the tonearm and the headshell were also redesigned to track better in the grooves.
I've seen people try to "mod" these, which is kinda funny. You can't really change the cartridge—the part with the needle—because it's integrated. It’s a permanent fixture. You can replace the stylus (the needle itself), but don't go buying a $300 Ortofon thinking you can slap it on here. It won't work.
The Automatic Mystery
What makes the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X turntable stand out for beginners is that it's fully automatic. Most high-end tables are manual. On a manual table, you have to carefully drop the needle yourself. If you’ve had a few drinks or you’re just naturally shaky, that’s a recipe for a scratched record.
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With this one? You hit "Start."
The gears whir, the arm lifts itself, moves over, and drops perfectly at the beginning of the track. When the side is over, it returns home. It’s mechanical magic that prevents you from accidentally scraping your $40 Target-exclusive Taylor Swift vinyl.
The Setup Hiccups No One Tells You About
Honestly, the most common "broken" unit isn't actually broken. It’s just a belt issue. When you take the AT-LP60X out of the box, the belt is usually pre-installed around the inner ring of the platter, but it's not actually connected to the motor.
You have to reach through a little window in the platter and stretch that rubber band over the brass motor pulley. If you don't do this, the platter won't spin. You'll hear the motor humming, the lights will be on, but nothing moves. I’ve seen dozens of people return these to Best Buy because they missed this one-minute step.
- Remove the plastic platter from the spindle.
- Flip it over and make sure the belt is seated in the groove.
- Put it back on the spindle.
- Rotate the platter until you see the gold motor pulley through the hole.
- Use the red ribbon (don't lose it!) to pull the belt over the pulley.
Another thing: the switch on the back. It’s labeled "Phono" and "Line." This is where most people mess up their sound. If you’re plugging this into a pair of powered speakers (like those popular Edifiers) or a computer, you must set it to "Line." If you set it to "Phono," it’ll sound like a tiny, tinny ghost is singing from inside a tin can.
The "Phono" setting is only for when you have a dedicated amplifier with a specific "Phono" input. The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X turntable has a built-in preamp, which is its biggest selling point for a living room setup. You don't need a stack of extra gear.
Is it actually "Bad" for your records?
This is the big debate. The "Crosley-type" suitcase players use a heavy, ceramic cartridge that genuinely can wear down the grooves of a record over time because they press down too hard.
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The LP60X uses a magnetic cartridge (the ATN3600L). It’s a legend in the budget world. It tracks at about 3.5 grams. While that’s heavier than a $1,000 setup (which might track at 1.8 grams), it’s well within the "safe" zone.
You aren't going to ruin your collection.
However, because the tonearm is short and made mostly of plastic, it can be a bit sensitive. If you put your speakers on the same shelf as the turntable, the vibrations from the bass will travel through the wood, into the needle, and cause it to skip. It's not the turntable's fault; it's physics. Keep your speakers on a different surface if you can.
Limitations You Should Know
It’s mostly plastic. It’s light. This means it doesn't absorb external vibrations very well. If you walk heavily across a hardwood floor, the needle might jump.
Also, the speed isn't always 100% perfect out of the box. Sometimes they run a tiny bit fast—maybe 33.5 RPM instead of 33.3. Most people won't notice, but if you have perfect pitch, it might bug you. There are actually two tiny adjustment screws on the bottom of the unit to fix this, but Audio-Technica doesn't really want you messing with them unless you know what you're doing.
Moving Beyond the Basics
Eventually, you might outgrow this. That’s okay. The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X turntable is a "gateway drug." It’s designed to let you enjoy the hobby without a $500 buy-in.
If you decide you love vinyl, you’ll eventually want something with an adjustable counterweight (to fine-tune the needle pressure) and a removable headshell (to swap cartridges). But for a first timer? This is the right choice. It’s better to have a reliable, automatic table that works every time than a "vintage" find from a garage sale that needs a new motor and a specialized alignment tool you don't own.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your placement: Move your speakers off the same surface as the turntable to prevent skipping at high volumes.
- Upgrade the mat: Replace the stock felt mat with a cork or rubber one ($15–$20). Felt mats hold a ton of static and tend to stick to the record when you lift it off.
- Buy a cleaning kit: A simple carbon fiber brush is essential. Even a brand-new record can have factory dust in the grooves that will make your "new" turntable sound scratchy.
- Verify the switch: Double-check that your Phono/Line switch on the back matches your speakers. If it sounds distorted and loud, flip it to Phono. If it’s whisper quiet, flip it to Line.
Enjoy the music. Don't let the gear snobs ruin it for you.