Audio-Technica AT-LP5X turntable Elevated with The Vessel A3SE cartridge

ATLP005XA3SE
$598.00
Audio-Technica AT-LP5X turntable Elevated with The Vessel A3SE cartridge

"Most turntables I recommend in the column sell for under $500 because that is where most of the public is shopping. While these turntables can certainly sound very good and bring a lot of enjoyment, they are limited in their ability to bring out the musical magic hidden in the grooves of a vinyl record. To bring that magic to the forefront you typically need a fairly expensive cartridge, which usually means a fairly expensive turntable to go with it. That has changed with LP Gear's The Vessel A3SE cartridge. It is only $99 (or $138 pre-mounted in a headshell). Over the months I reviewed it I came to consider it many orders of magnitude better than any $99 cartridge. I've described it as having 'sound that is silky-smooth, rich, clean, precise and detailed, with beautiful tonality from deepest bass to highest treble.' It mates beautifully with affordable Japanese direct-drive turntables, delivering a musically engaging performance that belies the total price. LP Gear has apparently caught on to this and now offers the cartridge in an affordable, turnkey turntable package." (Don Lindich, Sound Advice)

What Hifi? 2016 Award Winner Improved with The Vessel A3SE cartridge
Expressive rhythmically and dynamically; spacious soundstage
Excellent build, attention to detail and quality feel throughout
Audio-Technica J-shape tonearm engineered to minimize tracking error
33⅓ & 45 RPM selectable speeds

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Audio-Technica AT-LP5X turntable Elevated with The Vessel A3SE cartridge

Code: ATLP005XA3SE
$598.00




Product Info

AUDIO-TECHNICA AT-LP5X TURNTABLE ELEVATED WITH THE VESSEL A3SE CARTRIDGE
- A What Hifi? award winning, next-generation LP5 turntable elevated by the A3SE cartridge.1

This next-generation LP5 turntable pushes the acclaimed performance of its predecessor to new stellar heights, with upgraded features like the vVessel A3SE cartridge and a preamp gain switch to accommodate both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges.

Direct-drive, high-torque low-noise motor
Fully manual operation with three speeds: 33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM
Exclusive The Vessel V3SE Moving Magnet (retail value $129.00) stereo cartridge with replaceable stylus
Lightweight AT-HS6 headshell
J-shaped tonearm J-shaped tonearm, modeled after original Audio-Technica designs from the 1960s-70s, is eengineered to minimize tracking errors
Switchable MM/MC built-in pre-amplifier line enables connection to components with or without a dedicated phono input
Heavy rubber damping mat for improved low-frequency reproduction
Sleek, matte black finish
adapter handles AC/DC conversion outside of the chassis, reducing noise in the signal chain
Includes dual RCA (male) to dual RCA (male) stereo cable, 45 RPM adapter, USB cable
Included dust cover and mounting hardware

The AT-LP5X direct-drive turntable brings advanced technology and sleek, contemporary styling together for performance that exudes and feels as fantastic as it sounds. Born of Audio-Technica's rich analog heritage, the AT-LP5 incorporates a J-shaped tone arm that takes its inspiration from the classic A-T models of the 1960s and '70s. The tone arm features a metallic gimbal suspension system and precision bearings to mitigate tracking errors, and includes an adjustable counterweight and anti-skate control. It comes outfitted with a lightweight (10 g) AT-HS6 headshell and high-performance AT-VM95E Dual Moving Magnet stereo cartridge, fitted specifically for this turntable.

Constructed of anti-vibration damping materials with heavy-mass metal chassis inserts, the AT-LP5 is a class leader in limiting low-frequency acoustical feedback. Its precision-machined, die-cast aluminum platter is powered by a direct-drive, high-torque motor, ensuring stable, on-axis rotation at 33-1/3 or 45 RPM. The platter is topped by a 5 mm thick rubber damping mat that improves low-frequency reproduction.

The AT-LP5X features a built-in switchable MM/MC phono/line preamp that enables it to be connected directly to a computer, home stereo, powered speakers and other components that have no dedicated turntable input. The turntable is also equipped with a USB output for direct connection to a computer, and comes with PC- and Mac-compatible Audacity software that lets you convert your records to MP3, WAV or other digital audio file formats.

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Footnote 1: See full context and more comments at Audio Technica AT-LP5 review.

Specifications
Audio-Technica AT-LP5 specifications
- Type: 2-speed, fully manual operation
- Motor: DC motor
- Drive method: Direct Drive
- Speeds: 33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM
- Turntable platter: Die-cast aluminium, precision machined
- Starting torque: >1.6 kgf.cm
- Braking system: Electronic brake
- Wow and flutter: < 0.2% WRMS (JIS WTD) with 33 RPM
- Signal-to-noise ratio: > 50 dB
- Output level pre-amp: Pre-amp PHONO: 4 mV nominal at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec ; Pre-amp LINE: 150 mV nominal at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec
- USB function: A/D, D/A - 16 bit 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz USB selectable; Computer interface - USB 2.0 Compliant Windows XP, Vista or above or MAC OSX or above
- Dimensions: 450.0 mm W × 352.0 mm D × 157.0 mm H
- Weight: 7.4 kg
- Accessories included: Dust cover with mounting hardware ; AC line cord ; Dual RCA (male) to dual RCA (male) stereo cable ; 45 RPM adapter ; USB cable ; Recording software ; Cartridge alignment and overhang adjustment template.

The Vessel A3SE Cartridge Specifications
- Type: Moving Magnet
- Frequency range: 20-25,000 Hz
- Output voltage @ 1kHz: 3.0 mV
- Channel balance @ 1kHz: <1.5dB
- Channel separation @ 1kHz: 22dB
- Dynamic compliance (100Hz): 8 × 10-6 cm/dyne
- Tracking ability at 2.0g : 60 µm
- Cantilever: Special type aluminum pipe
- Stylus type: Super elliptical
- Stylus tip radius: 7.6µm × 15.5µm
- Tracking force: 2.0 g
- Internal impedance @ 1kHz: 670 ohms
- Internal inductance: 270 mH
- Recommended load resistance: 47 kOhm
- Cartridge color, body/stylus: Black/Gold/Sky Blue
- Weight: 6.0 g
- Mounting hardware included: 2 × Screws, 2 × Nuts
- Stylus replacement: A3SE stylus

Customer Reviews