Audio-Technica LP70xBT TURNTABLE： UNBOXING, ASSEMBLY and SET-UP!
United States of Analog | September 21, 2024
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This video is an unboxing, assembly, and setup demonstration of the Audio-Technica LP70xBT turntable. The host is showing viewers what comes in the box and walking through the initial setup process on camera, with plans for a full review in a future video.
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- Audio-Technica LP70xBT turntable [00:00:01]: Described as a beginner turntable that is fully automatic and includes everything needed to start playing vinyl
- Casio Casio Royale watch [00:00:51]: Under $30 watch that the host uses as an analogy, noting it specs better than many professional watches costing much more
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- [00:00:26] This is “very much a beginner turntable” but “it’s not a bad thing” since “we all have to start somewhere”
- [00:00:39] Initial impressions suggest “this could be a decent player” with “real possibilities” [00:00:47]
- [00:00:44] Notes he has “reviewed a lot of hot trash in the beginner turntable department” but this one looks promising
- [00:01:33] Already seeing potential “upgrade paths” for the turntable
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- [00:01:59] The fully automatic functionality is described as “a nice touch for beginners”
- [00:02:02] Emphasizes the ease of use: “You pretty much just set up the turntable, hit the start button, and you are playing vinyl”
Were there any funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?
- [00:01:08] The host poses an interesting analogy: “Can the LP70 be the Casio watch of turntables? Can it be fully functional?”
- [00:00:44] Memorable description of previous reviews: “I reviewed a lot of hot trash in the beginner turntable department”
Summary
The host of United States of Analog begins an unboxing and setup video for the Audio-Technica LP70xBT turntable, positioning it as a beginner-friendly option. He emphasizes his experience reviewing many poor-quality entry-level turntables but expresses cautious optimism about this particular model based on his initial impressions straight out of the box.
Drawing an interesting analogy to his Casio watch, which delivers professional-grade specs at a budget price point, the host wonders if the LP70xBT could be the turntable equivalent – offering solid functionality and value in the beginner segment. He notes the turntable’s fully automatic operation as a key selling point for newcomers to vinyl.
The video shows the initial setup process, with the host highlighting practical details like the tone arm securing mechanisms and the automatic functionality that allows users to simply hit start and begin playing records. He mentions seeing potential upgrade paths already, suggesting the turntable could serve as either a starter deck or a secondary unit in an audio setup, with plans for a comprehensive review to follow this setup demonstration.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this portion?
- Audio-Technica LP70xBT turntable [02:05-03:34]
- Lightweight aluminum platter [02:11]
- Red drive belt [02:31]
- Audio-Technica branded felt slip mat [02:51]
- RCA phono cable with ground cable [03:03]
- Plastic 45 adapter [03:11]
- Basic power supply [03:17]
- Stylus and cartridge [03:20]
What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?
- [02:20] Acknowledges this is a “beginner table” without all the features of more expensive turntables, but states “I don’t think that really matters here”
- [03:11] Notes the 45 adapter is “very lightweight plastic”
Were there any price/value assessments?
- [02:28] Price mentioned as around $200-249
Any audiophile tips, advice, or how-to content?
- [02:05] Explains the automatic return feature – tone arm returns to original position at end of record so “you don’t have to worry about walking away from it”
- [02:37] Mentions normally using gloves when handling drive belts
- [03:26] Emphasizes the importance of using a “light touch” when handling cartridges and styli to avoid damage
Any memorable quotes or strong takes?
- [03:26] “Now, as many tone arms, cartridges, and styli as I’ve handled over the years, I’m not proud to tell you that I have damaged a few just by not using my head, by being careless, not using a light touch”
Summary:
This portion shows the host continuing the assembly process of the Audio-Technica LP70xBT turntable, installing the lightweight aluminum platter onto the spindle. He acknowledges that as a beginner-level table priced around $200-249, it lacks features like internal damping found on more expensive models, but maintains this doesn’t matter for its intended market segment.
The assembly continues with installing the drive belt using a red ribbon guide, followed by placement of the Audio-Technica branded felt slip mat. The host inventories what comes in the box, including RCA cables with ground wire, a lightweight plastic 45 adapter, and basic power supply, giving viewers a complete picture of the included accessories.
The segment concludes as the host prepares to uncover the stylus, taking a moment to share valuable advice about handling delicate cartridge components. He admits to damaging styluses in the past due to carelessness and emphasizes the critical importance of using a light touch when working with these precision components, demonstrating the kind of hard-earned wisdom that experienced audiophiles can pass on to newcomers.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this final portion:
- Audio-Technica LP70XBT turntable (Bluetooth model) [00:05:10]
- $2,000 MoFi turntable (mentioned for comparison) [00:04:45]
What is the host’s final verdict or conclusion:
- [00:05:25] For beginners: “this could be the answer. In fact, I think it is the answer”
Were there any final recommendations — buy, skip, or consider:
- [00:05:25] Strong recommendation for beginners – calls it “the answer”
Any final tips, caveats, or advice for viewers:
- [00:04:50] Personal preference against using dust covers because they “detract from the looks and the sound of the turntable”
- [00:05:05] Acknowledges covers may be useful for protection from pets or small children
- [00:03:47] Careful stylus handling: “We don’t want to drag that against the stylus in any way”
How did the video wrap up:
- [00:05:14] Teaser for upcoming full review
- [00:05:16] Standard YouTube call-to-action (like, subscribe, notification bell)
- [00:05:22] Encouragement to “have fun playing records”
Any memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions:
- [00:04:45] “I have a $2,000 Mofi table that doesn’t even do that, so you’re kind of ahead of the game”
- [00:05:25] “if you’re a beginner, this could be the answer. In fact, I think it is the answer”
Summary:
In the final portion of this setup video, the host completes the turntable assembly by removing the stylus guard and explaining that the LP70XBT comes pre-balanced without needing counterweight or anti-skate adjustments. He demonstrates installing the optional dust cover, noting its quality hinges that include an automatic stop feature, which he points out is better than his $2,000 MoFi turntable.
The host shares his personal preference against using dust covers, feeling they detract from both aesthetics and sound quality, though he acknowledges practical reasons others might want protection from pets or children. He emphasizes the turntable’s low-profile, lightweight design and ease of setup, positioning it as particularly beginner-friendly.
The video concludes with strong enthusiasm for the LP70XBT as a beginner turntable, with the host stating it “is the answer” for newcomers to vinyl. He teases an upcoming full review and encourages viewers to subscribe, ending on an encouraging note about enjoying records, reinforcing his positive first impressions of this Audio-Technica model.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
