Lewis CaliburnAudio-Technica has unveiled a new addition to its line of direct-drive turntables: the AT-LP8X.
Bringing refined, accurate audio and convenient listening to audiophiles and vinyl enthusiasts alike, the AT-LP8X combines the reliability and precision of a direct-drive motor with the user-friendly operation of a semi-automatic system.
The sleek new turntable takes inspiration from the brand’s classic models from the ‘60s and ‘70s, showcasing a J-shaped aluminium tonearm. The newly designed tonearm lift that automatically raises at the end of a record and stops the motor is a rare feature for a direct-drive turntable and not only reduces the risk of needle wear or damage but also gives users the freedom for convenient, hassle-free listening.
In addition, the tonearm comes equipped with the brand new AT-LT10 headshell, which connects it to the black AT-VM95E cartridge for tonal quality.
The turntable’s robust MDF box plinth, adjustable feet, thick rubber-damped, anti-resonance, die-cast aluminium platter, and 2.5 mm rubber mat work together to temper unwanted noise and vibration.
For users looking to customise their audio experience, the stylus can be replaced or interchanged with any of the five additional styli in the VM95 line and the tonearm’s VTA (vertical tracking angle) adjustment and sub counterweight enable the use of a broad range of other cartridges.
The semi-automatic turntable has three speeds (33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM) and features a J-shaped tonearm with adjustable VTA (vertical tracking angle).
A newly designed tonearm lift automatically raises the tonearm at the end of a record and stops the motor, the 25 mm rubber-damped, anti-resonance, die-cast aluminium platter comes with a 2.5 mm rubber mat and is driven by a sensor-monitored motor that ensures a continuously accurate platter rotation speed, and a newly designed low-torque, direct-drive DC servo motor improves wow and flutter performance.
The motor and its efficient internal switching power supply are housed within a box plinth constructed of 16 mm MDF (medium density fiberboard) and is equipped with height-adjustable feet for excellent protection against unwanted noise and vibration.
Phono-level output provides pure, direct transmission of the cartridge’s signal, the 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, and the included sub counterweight provides an expanded cartridge/headshell weight range of 14.0 g – 23.5 g.
A detachable RCA output cable (dual RCA male to dual RCA male with ground), 45 RPM adapter, and removable hinged dust cover is included.
The Audio-Technica AT-LP8X turntable is available from now in select stores only, RRP £859 / €999. The Audio-Technica AT-LT10 headshell is available now online and in stores, RRP £50 / €59.