The Japanese manufacturer has revealed a new direct-drive record player. The Audio-Technica AT-LP8X, the successor to the LP5X model, has a semi-automatic design. The Asian specialist has also perfected the anti-resonance system of the aluminum platter, and developed the new AT-LT10 headshell.
AT-LP8X, an improved version of the AT-LP5X
The new Audio-Technica AT-LP8X turntable is inspired by the design of record players from the sixties and seventies. This direct-drive model is an improved version of the AT-LP5X. It incorporates a new low-torque DC servo motor. The latter enhances performance in terms of vibration and platter rotation linearity.
The die-cast aluminum platter is now thicker (2.5cm) for improved anti-resonance characteristics. The J-shaped tonearm is still in place, as is the black Audio-Technica AT-VM95E cartridge.
A semi-automatic model
The main innovation is that of the Audio-Technica AT-LP8X’s semi-automatic design. The tonearm automatically lifts when the record is finished playing and the motor stops. This Lift feature, which can be deactivated, helps preserve the cartridge’s stylus.
The Audio-Technica AT-LP8X direct-drive record player is described as a hi-fi model. The addition of the Lift feature comes at the expense of the phono preamp, which was integrated on the previous generation. The USB-B output for digitizing vinyl records has also disappeared. The AT-LP8X turntable has therefore opted for a more streamlined design, placing greater emphasis on audio performance than on versatility.
A new headshell
The Audio-Technica AT-LP8X turntable comes with a new headshell designed by the Japanese specialist. The AT-LT10 is a universal ½”-mount model for 4-pin cartridges with or without threaded inserts. Its lightweight aluminum body limits vibrations to ensure optimal vinyl record playback. This headshell also features OFC copper wires in order to preserve the signal extracted by the stylus.
Audio-Technica AT-LP8X : technical specifications
- Direct-drive
- Semi-automatic
- 33, 45 and 78 RPM speeds
- Audio-Technica AT-VM95E cartridge
- 2.5cm-thick aluminum platter
- AT-LT10 headshell
The Audio-Technica AT-LP8X turntable will soon be available on Son-Vidéo.com for €999. You’ll also be able to but the Audio-Technica AT-LT10 headshell for €59.
