Due to its inexpensive cost, simple setup, and capability for wireless playback, the AT-LP60XBT makes an excellent first turntable for beginners. Although Audio-Technica has a long history of producing turntables for consumers, its most recent models are looking to the future by including wireless Bluetooth connectivity for cordless listening. Turntables are being updated for the wireless audio era, and the AT-LP60XBT is a fantastic example of how. According to the company, it “combines high-quality record playback with the ease of wireless operation.”
That is unquestionably affordable. The AT-LP60XBT, which costs under £179 ($149), comes with a built-in, switchable phono stage, wireless connectivity, and can pretty much do everything at the touch of a button. In fact, it resembles using a CD player in many ways. You only need to set the record set on the platter and hit the start button due to its size and rotational speed. The rest is handled by the Audio-Technica, including putting the tone arm back in place at the conclusion. Playing 10-inch discs can be challenging with this deck because it dislikes them regardless of speed, whether it spins at 33.3 or 45 rpm.
The AT-LP60XBT has the appearance of a record player made cheaply, whether you choose the black finish, the red-with-black alternative, or the white-with-black option. The turntable’s body and dust cover are made of thin, flexible plastic, and the entire thing weighs only 2.6 kg, including the platter, which is made of aluminium. The tonearm shares the same basic feeling of flimsiness. None of this should be shocking in a sub-£200 turntable that is packed with features, but some potential buyers could find it off-putting.
We all know that a wired connection performs better than a wireless connection. And everyone is aware that nobody buys an Audio-Technica LP60-XBT in order to establish a wired connection. The smart move would be to initially connect the XBT to a wireless streamer. Once established, pairing is quick and has proven reliable up to the maximum 10-meter range recommended by Audio-Technica. The XBT didn’t even provide a passing suggestion that it would allow the connection to break throughout the testing of its wireless capabilities.
Although connecting the AT-LP60XBT to a stereo amplifier seems incredibly archaic, there’s no denying that the deck sounds better this way. This is largely because there isn’t any complicated analog-to-digital-and-back-again processing taking place.
There is a slight firming up of the bottom tones, improved tempo control, and a stronger sense of cohesion and unity. When heard in this fashion, the AT-LP60XBT sounds more like a well-organized budget turntable, albeit it’s still a little on the safe side and lacking in punch and brightness.