Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB
$399Cheaper
Released 2019
Best Turntables · head-to-head
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB vs Rega Planar 1
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB is cheaper at $399. Every spec and price links to its source.
Rega
Rega Planar 1
$595
Released 2016
Which is better: the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB or Rega Planar 1?
The Rega Planar 1 wins 1 of the 1 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0. The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB is the cheaper at $399. Get the Rega Planar 1 for the stronger spec sheet, the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB to spend less.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices verified at capture; live price may differ.
Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| 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 |
| Release | 2019 | 2016 |
Sources — Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB: audio-technica.com (verified 2026-06-15). Rega Planar 1: rega.co.uk (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB and Rega Planar 1?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (6 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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 true vs Rega Planar 1 false
- USB output: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB true vs Rega Planar 1 false
- Weight (lb): Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB 17.6 vs Rega Planar 1 9.3
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.
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.)
Praised: Reveals fine detail without harshness; beyond entry-level resolution; Rhythmic, expressive, unified 'performance' presentation across genres; Carefully engineered build with easy plug-and-play setup.
Flagged: Can sound slightly less perky / overly warm on lush recordings; No modern features (no USB or wireless); pricey for 'entry level'.