# Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB vs Rega Planar 1: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB (Audio-Technica) and Rega Planar 1 (Rega) among turntables. Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB is the cheaper of the two at $399.

## Side by side

| Spec | Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB | Rega Planar 1 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $399 | $595 |
| Brand | Audio-Technica | Rega |
| Released | 2019 | 2016 |
| Drive type | direct | belt |
| Speeds | 33⅓ / 45 / 78 RPM | 33⅓ / 45 RPM |
| Cartridge included | Audio-Technica AT-VM95E | Rega Carbon MM |
| Built in preamp | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| USB output | Yes | No |
| Weight (lb) | 17.6 | 9.3 |

## Key differences

- Drive type: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB direct vs Rega Planar 1 belt
- Speeds: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB 33⅓ / 45 / 78 RPM vs Rega Planar 1 33⅓ / 45 RPM
- Cartridge included: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Audio-Technica AT-VM95E vs Rega Planar 1 Rega Carbon MM
- Built in preamp: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Yes vs Rega Planar 1 No
- USB output: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Yes vs Rega Planar 1 No
- Weight (lb): Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB 17.6 vs Rega Planar 1 9.3

## What reviewers say

**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.)

**Rega Planar 1** — Two whitelisted hi-fi testers, What Hi-Fi and TechRadar, reviewed the Rega Planar 1 (aka PL1) hands-on, both rating it a class-leading entry-level deck with detailed, rhythmic, unified sound and easy setup. Both are qualitative listening tests with no lab measurements. The only recurring critique is that it can over-indulge warm or lush recordings. No RTINGS-style benchmarks exist. (2 sourced reviews.)

## Sources

- Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB: https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at-lp120xusb (audio-technica.com, verified 2026-06-15)
- Rega Planar 1: https://www.rega.co.uk/products/planar-1 (rega.co.uk, verified 2026-06-15)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/turntables/audio-technica-at-lp120xusb-vs-rega-planar-1/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB ($399) vs Rega Planar 1 ($595) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/turntables/audio-technica-at-lp120xusb-vs-rega-planar-1/
License: CC BY 4.0.