Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB
$399Cheaper
Released 2019
Best Turntables · head-to-head
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB vs Technics SL-1500C
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB is cheaper at $399. Every spec and price links to its source.
Technics
Technics SL-1500C
$1499.99
Released 2019
Which is better: the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB or Technics SL-1500C?
The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB 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. The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB 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 | Technics SL-1500C |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $399 | $1499.99 |
| Brand | Audio-Technica | Technics |
| Released | 2019 | 2019 |
| Drive type | direct | direct |
| Speeds | 33⅓ / 45 / 78 RPM | 33⅓ / 45 / 78 RPM |
| Cartridge included | Audio-Technica AT-VM95E | Ortofon 2M Red MM |
| Built in preamp | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| USB output | Yes | No |
| Weight (lb) | 17.6 | 21.2 |
| Release | 2019 | 2019 |
Sources — Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB: audio-technica.com (verified 2026-06-15). Technics SL-1500C: musicdirect.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB and Technics SL-1500C?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (3 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- Cartridge included: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Audio-Technica AT-VM95E vs Technics SL-1500C Ortofon 2M Red MM
- USB output: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB true vs Technics SL-1500C false
- Weight (lb): Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB 17.6 vs Technics SL-1500C 21.2
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.
Technics SL-1500C
No sourced tester review yet.