Audio-Technica AT-LP3BK Turntable Automatic Belt-Drive Black

Product Information

The AT-LP3 is designed with a traditional “Phono” output along with a built-in phono preamp that provides an RIAA equalized line-level output. This makes the turntable compatible with traditional “Phono” inputs on amplifiers and receivers, as well as Aux or line-level inputs on powered speakers, integrated amplifiers, and computer analog soundcards. Other features include a damped arm lift, die cast aluminium platter, 4.5mm rubber platter mat and an all in weight of 5.2kg. A built in phono amplifier is useful, especially for those on a strict budget. An external model will improve sound quality though so, again, if you buy the LP3, put one of your ‘to buy’ list.

Without touching the counterweight carefully place the tonearm in its rest and temporarily secure it with the plastic tie.

AUDIO-TECHNICA AT-LP3

Verdict: Despite suffering from the odd sonic and design issue, the AT-LP3 remains a solid bet for any beginner or budget-level buyer. Rather unusually for a turntable at this price though, it gives you plenty of flexibility for upgrades as and when you see fit. Although the brass section wasn’t the smoothest I’ve ever heard and strings never really flowed as they should, the orchestra did offer a grand and rather epic staging that provided Francis with a large canvas to paint her words.

The damped arm lift is joined by a die cast aluminium platter, 4.5mm rubber platter mat and an all in weight of 5.2kg which is heavier than the Dual MTR-75, possibly due to enhanced damping, which is a good thing. If you are connecting to a specified PHONO input on a stereo receiver or an external RIAA preamp, then move the switch on the rear of the turntable to the PHONO position, which disengages the turntable’s internal preamp. Built-in switchable phono/line pre-amplifier with detachable dual RCA output cable with grounding wire Audio Technica understands what it takes to create entry-level products. It grasps what each performance is about, prioritising an entertaining performance ahead of focusing on any particular facet. I feel obligated to start this post by saying I am NOT an audiophile and won’t pretend to be one. I just wanted to post a brief review of my current TT set up since I did not find any info about my TT on here after a brief search. I thought this might help others who are new to the vinyl community. Here’s the story:

Compare to Similar Products

Once the belt is properly installed on the motor pulley, you may remove and discard the red ribbon. Using a better quality external phono amplifier, vocal crescendos on jazz can be a little bright and unfocused with brass being a touch smeary. The midrange was quite strong, though, with a ‘big’ sound, providing an entertaining musical response. Carefully place the platter on the turntable’s center spindle, and make certain the platter is fully seated on the spindle. At last, there’s an almost-all-in-one, budget turntable that treats your records as music and not a mere curiosity.

Connect the turntable’s attached RCA cable to your desired powered speaker or stereo receiver/amplifier. For audio devices that have a separate ground terminal, connect the spade lug on the RCA cable to the ground lug on your audio component to help minimize hum. Set the preamp switch on the rear of the turntable to correspond with the device you are connecting to.I began by playing the Connie Francis original pressing Sings Bacharach and David (MGM) from 1968. The lady herself sings in front of a full orchestra. If you want an upgraded performance from the outset, then go for the AT-LP5, or Sony’s PS-HX500; but at this price there isn’t anything that gives us such an enjoyable listen. Bass, meanwhile was rather blurry and boomy but it could have been a lot worse. The above-mentioned damping did help in terms of stability which provided a measure of lower frequency control, driving the song steadily along.

This will be the case with any turntable like this, so if it matters that much to you then manual tonearms are the way to go. Moving on in such a configuration, using an external phono amp and beginning with the lead vocal, despite a bright tone that hung around the various crescendos, Francis did provide lots of energy and vigour and a sense of passion in terms of her delivery. The treble-infused cymbal taps that sat right next to her in the centre of the stereo image were similar unfocused, providing smearing to the upper frequencies. That said, the cymbals were big and bold and were never masked by other frequencies, Audio Technica’s damping application may have helped here. Install the clear plastic dust cover by placing the two hinges into the slots at the rear of the turntable. Note that the dust cover only opens up to a 45 degree angle, but you may also remove the dust cover if you prefer.

The more affordable cousin of Audio-Technica's award-winning AT-LP5 turntable is a true automatic for the people

Once you have completed the setup, connect the power cord to the receptacle on the rear of the turntable and connect the other end to a working AC outlet. Then, making certain the tonearm lift control level is in the “down” position, place a record on the turntable and press the start button! I began the test with the LP3 pushing music through its internal phono amplifier. This configuration is ok and perfectly usable and, as such, will get any analogue fan underway in terms of playing vinyl. In critical terms, though, sound was a little indistinct and muffled at the bottom end with a rolled off suite of upper frequencies that hampered detail. As a money saving option, the built-in unit is acceptable and will produce an admirable sound for the price but an upgrade to an external unit is top priority.