AUDIO-TECHNICA LP70xBT IS THE BEST VALUE TURNTABLE THIS YEAR!!!

United States of Analog | September 25, 2024

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🎙️ Early Video Analysis

What is this video about?

This video is a review of the Audio-Technica LP-70X-BT turntable, specifically positioned as a beginner-friendly option for the gift-giving season. The host is evaluating whether this $249 Bluetooth-enabled turntable can serve both beginners getting into vinyl and potentially work in higher-end systems.

Gear, products, or brands discussed:

• Audio-Technica LP-70X-BT turntable [00:01:04] – $249, Bluetooth-enabled, fully automatic, built-in phono preamp, comes in black/silver, white/silver, or black/bronze color options
• AT-VM95C cartridge [00:03:16] – Comes with the turntable, features conical stylus, described as “popular”
• Audio-Technica LP-60 [00:02:43] – Mentioned as comparison to other AT entry models
• Audio-Technica SoundBurger [00:02:44] – Briefly compared for traditional appearance
• Sony Auto turntable [00:04:04] – Host’s previous experience with poor needle drop accuracy

Host’s main opinions or takes so far:

• [00:02:07] Calls the LP-70X-BT a “budget-friendly banger”
• [00:02:11] Clarifies it’s “not a be-all, end-all turntable” but good for “audiophiles of tomorrow”
• [00:02:42] Thinks it’s “sleeker and more modern looking” than other AT entry models like the LP-60
• [00:03:57] Praises the accurate needle drop compared to his previous Sony experience
• [00:03:22] Notes there’s already “a path for upgrades” with the VM95C cartridge

Strong recommendations or warnings to viewers:

• [00:02:21] Recommends this over music “coming out of a suitcase” (likely referring to suitcase turntables)
• [00:04:18] Suggests the fully automatic process will result in “fewer expensive stylus” mishaps for beginners

Notable comparisons between products:

• [00:02:42] LP-70X vs LP-60: describes LP-70X as “sleeker and more modern looking”
• [00:02:44] LP-70X vs SoundBurger: LP-70X is “more turntable looking” and “more traditional” but SoundBurger “maybe” cooler
• [00:04:04] LP-70X vs his old Sony Auto: LP-70X has much better needle drop accuracy

Funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes:

• [00:00:44] Host jokes about people saying turntables are “for their kids” but “when I’m looking them dead in the eye, I can see they’re the ones that have the turntable in mind”
• [00:01:45] “I can shut down a party in a hurry. I can clear a room” – referring to his enthusiastic vinyl discussions
• [00:04:14] Makes a pun about “run-out groove” and jokes “I’m turning this review into a master class already”

Summary:

The host introduces the Audio-Technica LP-70X-BT as his go-to recommendation for beginners asking about turntables during gift-giving season. He humorously acknowledges that his typical enthusiastic approach to vinyl recommendations – asking about budgets, phono preamps, and system components – tends to overwhelm and scare away potential vinyl newcomers. This year, he plans to lead with the LP-70X-BT as a simpler solution.

At $249, the LP-70X-BT is positioned as a fully automatic, Bluetooth-enabled turntable that removes many barriers for beginners. It includes a built-in phono preamp, supports multiple Bluetooth codecs, and comes with the popular AT-VM95C cartridge. The host appreciates its modern aesthetics compared to other Audio-Technica entry-level models and notes that it offers upgrade paths for users who want to improve the setup over time.

The host emphasizes the turntable’s user-friendly features, particularly praising its accurate automatic needle drop compared to his previous Sony experience. He positions this as perfect for “audiophiles of tomorrow” who want to avoid the poor quality of suitcase turntables, while also suggesting it could work as a second table for experienced users with some modifications. The fully automatic operation is highlighted as a key benefit for preventing costly stylus damage that beginners might otherwise experience.

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⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis

What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this portion?

• Audio-Technica LP70xBT turntable [04:30-09:19]
• VM95C cartridge with conical stylus [05:12, 06:36, 06:41]
• Audio-Technica LP-60 turntable [07:47]
• Audio-Technica SoundBurger [07:47]
• Fluance RT-81 turntable with elliptical 95 cart [08:19]
• “Spinner” turntable from company with “big orange square logo” [08:04]

What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?

• [05:29] Measured tracking force at 2.36 grams, slightly above the cartridge’s 2.2g upper spec but deemed acceptable
• [05:34] LP speed measured at 33.42 RPM, very close to the 33.33 standard
• [05:45] Tone arm construction feels more solid than some $1,000 turntables he owns
• [06:18] Internal phono preamp rated “G to VG” – much better than expected at this price point
• [07:34] No concerning distortion or groove noise detected
• [07:39] Channel separation capabilities rated “VG”
• [07:41] Overall sound characterized as “extremely pleasing and fun”
• [08:44] “Not too many” downsides at this price point
• [09:00] Build quality could be heavier/better but sound quality proves good engineering

What listening tests or sound quality observations were described?

• [07:12] Sound described as “clear and lively, not flat and unexciting like I’ve heard from some other beginner tables”
• [07:22] Characterized sound as “not so much as neutral, but maybe more on the warm side”
• [07:28] No concerning distortion or groove noise detected
• [07:34] Praised “surprising left-to-right channel separation capabilities”

What price/value assessments were made?

• [08:11] LP70xBT at $250 “shamed” a $400 competitor turntable
• [08:19] Fluance RT-81 also costs $250 but requires more setup knowledge
• [06:24] Internal preamp noted as “much better than what I have heard at this price point”

What comparisons to other gear were mentioned?

• [07:47] Host prefers LP70xBT over Audio-Technica’s LP-60 and SoundBurger in same price range
• [07:55] LP70 has better specs, signal-to-noise ratio, and lower tracking force than LP-60
• [08:04] LP70xBT at $250 outperforms unnamed $400 “Spinner” turntable
• [08:19] Compared to Fluance RT-81 – similar price but RT-81 has beefier MDF build and elliptical stylus but requires more manual setup

What audiophile tips, advice, or how-to content was provided?

• [04:48] Important to correctly set the 12″/7″ disc size switch to avoid dropping needle on spinning felt
• [06:46] Explained advantages of conical stylus: stays out of deep groove debris and imperfections, potentially fewer pops and clicks
• [07:58] Lower tracking force means “less wear on your records, kids”
• [08:27] Notes that beginners with RT-81 “will need to get their hands dirty” with more adjustments

What memorable quotes or strong takes were expressed?

• [05:20] “Audiophiles are going to be shaking their head” (about lack of counterweight/anti-tracking adjustment)
• [07:07] “and that’s pretty groovy. Yeah, I said groovy.”
• [07:47] “And no offense, Audio-Technica, but I will take the LP-70 over your LP-60 and your SoundBurger offerings in the same price range any day”
• [08:11] The $400 competitor turntable “was shamed by this $250 offering”

Summary

The host conducts detailed technical measurements and listening tests of the Audio-Technica LP70xBT, finding it performs surprisingly well for its $250 price point. He measures the tracking force at 2.36 grams (slightly high but acceptable) and turntable speed at 33.42 RPM (very accurate), while noting the tone arm feels more solid than some $1,000 turntables he owns. The built-in phono preamp receives a “G to VG” rating, which he considers much better than expected at this price level.

During listening tests, the host describes the sound as “clear and lively” with a warm character, good channel separation, and no concerning distortion or groove noise. He explains the advantages of the conical stylus, noting it stays out of deep groove debris and may produce fewer pops and clicks. The overall sonic performance is deemed “extremely pleasing and fun,” leading him to strongly prefer it over Audio-Technica’s own LP-60 and SoundBurger models in the same price range.

The host positions the LP70xBT favorably against competitors, claiming it “shamed” an unnamed $400 turntable and comparing it to the similarly-priced Fluance RT-81. While acknowledging the RT-81 has superior build quality with MDF construction and an elliptical stylus, he notes the LP70xBT’s automatic features make it more beginner-friendly for those who “don’t want to overthink it.” His few criticisms focus on build quality aspects like the plinth weight, while praising Audio-Technica’s engineering decisions and the company’s reputation in professional audio.

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🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict

Gear, products, and brands discussed in this final portion

• Audio-Technica LP-70XBT turntable [00:09:39 onwards]
• Audio Technica VM-95 stylus line [00:09:54]
• $50 elliptical stylus upgrade (green one) [00:10:02-00:10:05]
• Microline and Shibata replacement styluses ($200) [00:10:15]
• Isolation feet [00:10:25]
• Record Doctor record clamp [00:10:35]
• Hudson Hi-Fi acrylic mat [00:10:40]
• Shitt Audio phono preamp [00:11:24]
• Klipsch Forte speakers [00:11:53]
• NAD C3050 amplifier [00:11:53]
• Kitsune KT-ELCR1 Mark V phono preamp [00:11:58]
• RELL Classic 98 subwoofer [00:12:07]

Host’s final verdict or conclusion

[00:12:22] The Audio-Technica LP-70XBT is “finally an appropriate answer to the question, how do I get into vinyl?” and is described as “the automatic choice for a first table or a second table in a less critical situation.” The host concludes it’s “one of the best budget listening experiences” he’s had recently, including streaming [00:09:34].

Final recommendations

Buy recommendation: The LP-70XBT is recommended as the top choice for beginners getting into vinyl [00:12:22] or as a second turntable [00:12:37]. The host specifically recommends it for “this holiday season, or any season for that matter” [00:12:31].

Upgrade considerations:

• $50 elliptical stylus upgrade after gaining experience [00:10:02]
• Various accessories like isolation feet, record clamps, and acrylic mats [00:10:25-00:10:45]
• Shitt Audio phono preamp for more advanced users [00:11:24]

Skip recommendation: Advises against $200 Microline or Shibata stylus replacements at this level [00:10:15] and warns against tonearm modifications that would void the warranty [00:10:59-00:11:03].

Final tips, caveats, and advice for viewers

• Be careful when swapping stylus due to fixed headshell [00:10:20]
• Only upgrade stylus after gaining experience with “big sausage fingers” [00:10:10]
• Remove dust cover to reduce vibrations – “go commando” [00:11:09]
• Don’t modify tonearm weight as it voids warranty [00:10:59]
• Can simply enjoy the turntable right out of the box as designed [00:11:31]

How the video wrapped up

The video ends with the host thanking viewers for watching United States of Analog [00:12:50], mentioning an affiliate link in the description [00:12:41], and directing viewers to click on YouTube’s suggested next video with humorous instructions about using “your remote or your finger or your mouse, a large stick, anything you have handy” [00:13:05-00:13:17].

Memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions

• “The LP-70 knows exactly what it is and makes the process of playing records pretty idiot proof” [00:09:25]
• “Just go commando” (referring to removing the dust cover) [00:11:14]
• “Or just forget everything that I’ve said in the last two or three minutes and just enjoy your LP-70 right out of the box. That’s what it’s designed for” [00:11:31]
• “Even in that scenario, the LP-70 held its own” (when connected to a $10,000 system) [00:11:49]

Summary

In the final portion of this review, the host provides extensive upgrade suggestions for the Audio-Technica LP-70XBT, including stylus upgrades, isolation feet, record clamps, and mat replacements. However, he balances this by acknowledging that the turntable is designed to work excellently right out of the box. He shares his experience testing the LP-70XBT with a high-end $10,000 system featuring Klipsch Forte speakers and premium amplification, noting that even in that demanding scenario, the turntable performed admirably.

The host delivers his strongest endorsement by declaring the LP-70XBT as the definitive answer to “how do I get into vinyl?” He positions it as the automatic choice for first-time buyers or anyone needing a second turntable for less critical listening situations. This represents a significant endorsement, suggesting he sees this turntable as filling a crucial gap in the entry-level market.

The video concludes on an enthusiastic note, with the host emphasizing that this turntable offers one of the best budget listening experiences he’s encountered recently, even comparing favorably to streaming. He wraps up with typical YouTube engagement requests and his characteristic humor, directing viewers to the next suggested video with playful instructions about clicking with various objects including “a large stick.”

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Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.