Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB
$399
Released 2019
Best Turntables · head-to-head
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB vs Fluance RT81
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Fluance RT81 is cheaper at $299.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Fluance
Fluance RT81
$299.99Cheaper
Released 2016
Which is better: the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB or Fluance RT81?
The Fluance RT81 wins 1 of the 1 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0. The Fluance RT81 is the cheaper at $299.99. The Fluance RT81 both leads on specs and costs less — the straightforward pick.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB | Fluance RT81 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $399 | $299.99 MSRP on fluance.com, June 2026. |
| Brand | Audio-Technica | Fluance |
| Released | 2019 | 2016 |
| Drive type | direct | belt |
| Speeds | 33⅓ / 45 / 78 RPM | 33⅓ / 45 RPM |
| Cartridge included | Audio-Technica AT-VM95E | Audio-Technica AT95E |
| Built in preamp | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| USB output | Yes | No |
| Weight (lb) | 17.6 | 14.1 |
| Release | 2019 | 2016 |
Sources — Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB: audio-technica.com (verified 2026-06-15). Fluance RT81: fluance.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB and Fluance RT81?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (5 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- Drive type: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB direct vs Fluance RT81 belt
- Speeds: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB 33⅓ / 45 / 78 RPM vs Fluance RT81 33⅓ / 45 RPM
- Cartridge included: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Audio-Technica AT-VM95E vs Fluance RT81 Audio-Technica AT95E
- USB output: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB true vs Fluance RT81 false
- Weight (lb): Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB 17.6 vs Fluance RT81 14.1
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB
One whitelisted source (SoundGuys) yields verifiable review text for this exact model. It is a qualitative roundup, not a lab test: SoundGuys names the AT-LP120XUSB the best all-around turntable for most people (9.6 pick), praising USB-to-FLAC ripping and 33/45/78 rpm playback with a built-in preamp and direct drive, while flagging that it is not automatic and the tonearm height is not adjustable. No measurements were reported. (1 sourced review.)
Praised: Named best all-around turntable for most people (9.6 pick); USB output rips vinyl to lossless FLAC; plays 33/45/78 rpm; Direct-drive with built-in preamp, easy do-everything setup.
Flagged: Not automatic (no auto-play/auto-stop); Tonearm height not adjustable.
Fluance RT81
Three whitelisted outlets (What Hi-Fi, TechRadar, TechHive) reviewed the exact Fluance RT81 hands-on and agree it is a standout entry-level turntable: easy near plug-and-play setup, a defeatable built-in phono preamp, and clear upgrade headroom via swappable cartridge and phono stage. None published lab measurements. Criticisms are largely model-dependent: TechRadar flags a plastic tonearm with average tracking and slightly inconsistent speed, What Hi-Fi says pricier rivals better it on detail and dynamics, and TechHive misses USB ripping and Bluetooth. (3 sourced reviews, 3 lab-tested.)
Praised: Easy, near plug-and-play setup; Defeatable built-in phono preamp; Upgradeable cartridge and phono stage give room to grow.
Flagged: Outclassed on detail and dynamics by pricier rivals (Rega/Pro-Ject); Plastic tonearm with only average tracking; Inconsistent platter speed on sustained notes.