Japanese manufacturer Audio-Technica is adding to its turntable range with a model designed for discerning music lovers. The Audio-Technica AT-LP7X combines a sleek design with carefully selected components to guarantee a realistic, customizable sound reproduction. What can we expect from this first belt-driven manual reference in the Audio-Technica LP range?
Meticulous design for controlled performance
The Audio-Technica AT-LP7X turntable adopts a minimalist, elegant aesthetic, with a matte black finish that blends discreetly into any interior. But this apparent minimalism conceals a design conceived to limit vibrations and optimize playback conditions for the Audio-Technica AT-VM95E cartridge. The 40mm-thick MDF chassis absorbs external resonance, while the 20mm acrylic platter ensures excellent inertia for stable record rotation.
The J-shaped aluminum tonearm echoes the design of Audio-Technica models from the 1960s and 1970s. Lightweight and rigid, it rests on a dual-axis precision bearing for smooth and accurate tracking. This attention to detail in the mechanics aims to limit mechanical interference and ensure faithful signal reproduction.
A high-performance, scalable cartridge
The AT-LP7X manual turntable comes ready to use with an Audio-Technica AT-VM95E cartridge, pre-mounted on an AT-LT10 headshell. This moving-magnet (MM) model, featuring an elliptical stylus, is renowned for its low distortion and good channel separation. For even greater flexibility, the diamond can be replaced by any model in the VM95 series. The Japanese manufacturer’s expertise means you can take advantage of the compatibility of its equipment to easily upgrade your vinyl system. A practical choice for upgrading your turntable without having to replace the entire cartridge.
AT-LP7X: a flexible, adaptable turntable
The Audio-Technica AT-LP7X belt-driven turntable features a switchable phono preamp. This feature allows the turntable to be connected to a wide variety of systems, whether or not they are equipped with a dedicated phono input. What’s more, the rear-mounted gain selector ensures compatibility with moving-magnet (MM) cartridges, as well as moving-coil (MC) models, which require greater amplification power.
Thanks to this flexible approach, the turntable can be used with active speakers as well as with a more traditional hi-fi amplifier. The integrated, but switchable, preamplifier makes it an upgradeable piece of equipment capable of adapting to various current and future configurations.
Note from the expert
MM (Moving Magnet) and MC (Moving Coil) cartridges do not have the same pre-amplification requirements, as their electrical output levels are very different. An MM cartridge delivers a relatively high signal, while an MC cartridge produces a much weaker signal. As a result, an MC cartridge requires higher gain and more precise preamplification to achieve a usable level without noise. MC cartridges also often have a different impedance, which requires specific adaptation of the phono stage. An MM/MC gain selector on a turntable or preamplifier therefore allows you to optimize the signal according to the cartridge used, avoid distortion or hiss, and ensure faithful sound reproduction. This is a real advantage for upgrading your system without changing the electronics.
Precise settings for customized playback
Designed for the discerning user, the Audio-Technica AT-LP7X allows precise adjustment of several key parameters. The antiskating adjustment compensates for the centrifugal force applied to the tonearm, improving groove tracking stability. For its part, the VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle) setting ensures optimum compatibility with a variety of cartridge sizes.
The turntable comes with a 16g counterweight, but can accommodate a heavier model (32g, sold separately) to accommodate more massive cartridge/headshell assemblies. This modularity reinforces the positioning of the Audio-Technica AT-LP7X turntable as a highly customizable model.
Summary
With the AT-LP7X turntable, Audio-Technica offers a complete analog solution, designed to offer both ease of use and a high level of customization. Its shock-absorbing chassis, precise tonearm and acrylic platter make it an accomplished model, suited to audiophiles seeking precise sound without compromising on compatibility. Available now at a price of €799, the Audio-Technica AT-LP7X is in line with the brand’s line of equipment, combining technical rigor and timeless aesthetics.
