As someone who thinks about shopping and gifting for a living, it can be admittedly difficult to buy gifts for me. However, when my mom bought me the Audio-Technica Stereo Turntable vinyl player as a Christmas gift back in 2017, she hit the nail right on the head. I’m a serious music lover and a fan of collecting physical media, so having a record player is the best of both worlds. Since receiving my record player, I’ve kept it with me through every move of my adult life, and it’s still one of my most prized possessions.
Sure — streaming your music is quick and easy, but there’s something inherently satisfying about blasting your favorite tracks from a record player like the Audio-Technica Stereo Turntable. After using it for almost a decade, here’s everything I think you should know.
What is the Audio-Technica Stereo Turntable?
Audio-Technica Stereo Turntable AT-LP60X
- Easy to use
- Automatic play
- Affordably priced
- Speakers not included
- No Bluetooth connection
The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X is a fully automatic, turntable vinyl player designed for both vinyl beginners and aficionados alike. It plays both 33-⅓ and 45 RPM records, and comes with a replaceable stylus needle and a felt mat, for improved audio tracking and record protection, according to the brand. The record player also has a removable hinged cover, which helps to protect your records from dust while playing (it’s also helped to keep my record player’s needle stylus from being broken throughout my many moves). It can be connected directly to your speakers, computer or other audio output using the built-in phono preamp along with the included RCA audio cable, and is also available to purchase in a bundle with speakers included.
How I use my Audio-Technica Stereo Turntable
My Audio-Technica record player has been with me for years, including one international move and four different apartment moves, and each time, I’ve always kept it in my bedroom. I’ve realized over time that I’m actually really protective of my physical music collection since it’s taken so many years and plenty of hard work to build, which is why I prefer to have it in my personal space. I also like to keep my record player and record collection close to one another, so that I can easily grab a record or check a track listing while I’m using it.
Rather than casually throwing my Spotify on shuffle on our Roku or a Bluetooth speaker, I like to use my record player when I’m looking to do longer, more mood-specific listening. It’s my go-to music device whenever I’m cleaning my room or doing other household projects that I know will take me a while. I can choose a lineup of records that fit my vibe for the day, and just play through them all without having to worry about skipping tracks or taking the time to make a separate playlist. Although playing music from my phone is easier, I like that using my record player lets me unplug from the distractions of apps and messages and focus on nothing but the task at hand and, of course, the music.
Why I love my Audio-Technica Stereo Turntable
One of the things I love most about my Audio-Technica record player is its simplicity. While some turntables may have more complex settings, this one is straightforward — I just plug it in, place my record down, select a speed and press play. The button control on this turntable is automatic, meaning I don’t have to manually drop or remove the needle when starting or stopping an album. Instead, with the push of a button, the needle arm raises and falls onto the record almost instantly. When initially setting up the record player, I’ll be honest — I was shocked to find there were no speakers attached or included. Funnily enough, my mom had initially meant to buy me the Bluetooth-compatible version of this turntable so it could easily pair with the Bluetooth speaker I had at the time. However, she accidentally bought this version instead. Luckily, I already had a pair of bookshelf speakers that were meant for my CD player, but they ended up being compatible with the record player. Once the speakers were connected, I was good to go and could start listening right away.
Despite the fact that I was using older speakers, the sound quality was still great — crisp and smooth with a sharp clarity that’s unique to an analog listening experience. Right before the music starts, there’s a small swell of excitement — you see the needle lower, and hear the soft crackle that signals it meeting the record. Then, as it dances along the record’s grooves, the first notes come through, and the music finally appears; it’s one of my favorite moments to share with music, and one that’s only possible with a record player.
Owning this record player has also helped to deepen my relationship to music, and through it, connect with the people around me. I’ve been collecting records since before I ever had a record player, but getting this turntable really pushed my vinyl-buying obsession into overdrive. Since, I’ve curated a collection filled with records that cross genres and eras, a lot of which I wouldn’t come across in my day-to-day streaming algorithm. I like treating record collecting not only as a way to own permanent, physical versions of the music I already love, but also as a mode of music discovery.
If I come across a record with gorgeous artwork, an interesting tracklist and credits from producers or artists that I am familiar with, I’m likely to pick it up, regardless of whether or not I’ve heard it before. That’s my favorite part about the process — there’s an exciting, delayed gratification that comes with getting music for a record player that you can’t get with streaming services. Only after buying the record, bringing it home, and putting it on my Audio Technica record player will I know what music it has in store for me. It throws me back to the days when I would be late to school because I would take the bus to buy CDs at my local music store on the day they were released, and would have to anxiously wait until the day was over to go home and blast them on my CD player. That nostalgic feeling is replicated with this record player, and I love that it can help to restore that feeling of wonder and excitement around music.
My record player has also unexpectedly added a more social element to my music listening experiences. I’ve bonded over record collecting with friends, while on dates and even in record stores with other shoppers. Playing the music itself has also resulted in more communal listening — my roommates will sometimes turn their music off when they hear my record player and ask me to keep my bedroom door open so they can listen along. I’ve even had friends come over simply to sit around on my floor and listen to records together for hours, talking about the music and looking through the covers, tracklists and liner notes while it plays. I love being able to fully immerse myself into the sound with my loved ones. The analog nature of this record player also offers me a chance to disconnect from my phone, tablet or computer and just enjoy the album.
Record Player alternatives
If you’re interested in buying a record player, the Audio-Technica turntable is a great option, but due to the lack of Bluetooth connectivity and speakers, it may not be the best option for everyone. If you want a record player with built-in Bluetooth connectivity, try checking out the Crosley C100BT. You can also try the Angels Horn AT-3600L for a more vintage look, or the Crosley Cruiser if you want to dip your toe into the physical media pond with a more affordable record player. For those looking to splurge, the Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2 is a more advanced model. However, whichever record player you choose, it’s sure to open you up to a new world of music listening, discovery and collection, just like mine has.
Crosley C100BT Record Player
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Adjustable pitch control
- Plays two record sizes
- Not automatic
This record player plays both 33 ⅓ and 45 RPM (revolutions per minute) records, and includes a slipmat and dust cover, according to the brand. You can use the built-in Bluetooth receiver to pair speakers or wireless headphones, along with the switchable preamp and RCA outputs to connect to external or stereo speakers as well. It also has adjustable pitch control, so you can customize your record’s playback speed, and an adjustable counterweight to help you create the right amount of needle pressure when listening.
Angels Horn AT-3600L
- Bluetooth compatible
- Retro design
- Affordable
- Not automatic
If you’re looking for a record player that blends modern convenience with more of a throwback aesthetic, this model from Angels Horn may be just what you’re looking for. It has Bluetooth capabilities for wireless listening, along with a sleek, wooden design that gives the record player a vintage feel. Though the needle on this turntable isn’t automatic, it does use a high-quality Audio-Technica magnet cartridge to help with enhancing sound quality and clarity, according to the brand.
Crosley Cruiser Plus
- Portable design
- Three record speeds
- Bluetooth-compatible
- Best for beginners
This turntable plays at three record speeds: 33 ⅓, 45 and 70 RPM, according to the brand. It has Bluetooth compatibility and built-in, full-range stereo speakers that allow you to listen directly from the record player itself. It also includes RCA outputs and a headphone jack, in case you want to do some solo listening, according to the brand. The Cruiser Plus also has a suitcase design that makes it easy to pack up and carry anywhere.
Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2
- Minimalist design
- High-quality parts
- Long warranty
- Very pricey
- No Bluetooth
The clean, minimalistic design of this record player makes it a beautiful addition to any room. It plays 33 ⅓ and 45 RPM records, and is designed to cut down on vibration and resonance, which helps to increase the quality and clarity of the player’s sound, according to the brand. Though it doesn’t have bluetooth, you can connect your favorite external speakers using the RCA connectors. This record player also has a 25-year spare parts availability guarantee, which makes it great for long-term use.
The bottom line
You may be asking yourself, “Do I really need a record player?” The answer is probably no, but if you’re a music fan and are looking for a fun and interesting (albeit expensive) new hobby, a record player is definitely the right choice for you. Owning my Audio-Technica turntable has brought me closer to music and allowed me to develop what I hope will be a lifelong hobby in record collecting. It’s also been a great way to discover new music and to share those special listening experiences with friends, which is something I’d recommend to any music lover out there.
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select, covering deals, sales, wellness, lifestyle and more, along with being a longtime record collector and music fan. For this piece, I wrote about my Audio-Technica Stereo Turntable and all the reasons I still love it after all these years.
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