Audio-Technica AT-PL120 Professional Direct-Drive Turntable

The biggest problem with modern turntables is that modern receivers can't usethem without a pre-amp. I was attracted to this item because it has an internal pre-amp, which means I can connect it to any audio connection in the back of my receiver. What's more, it also has the option to use an external pre-amp if you wish. It takes a while to set up properly, but any one can do it by following the simple manual step by step. When I played my first lp, I couldn't believe the sounds I'd been missing all these years. Regardless of the cost and inclusiveness of the sound system you have, this turntable is the only one you'll ever need to buy. I'm very happy with it's performance and quality and recommend it highly!

Amazon shipped the turntable well and it came undamaged, altho the box was roughed up. It ships in the original box, so if it is a gift or surprise, watch out. Set up was easy and it worked right away. The only problem so far is the cueing light seems to have burned out on day 2 already. Also be careful of the arm hold down, its plastic and won't take any abuse, period. This is my second purchase of this model for family members, and it seems like a reasonable value. It would be VERY nice if the arm would automatically pick up at the end of the album, but it doesn't. The integral pre-amp feature is super, especially with new surround sounds that lack phono inputs. All in all the best value I could find.

i bought this for my 68 year old father so he could listen to all of his favorites that have been stashed away for years. this product is VERY user friendly...easy to figure out....and VERY affordable!! it has provided my dad with hours of happiness and he has had no problem at all figuring out how to hook it up or use all of its functions. This is perhaps the best gift i ever gave him....A+++

I've owned the AT-PL120 for a couple of years now. I can't say I have ever been disappointed with the turntable. At this price, no other turntable can hold a candle to this fine piece of audio equipment.

A few notes:
-->There is a slight hum to this turntable as others have noted - IF YOU WIRED THE CARTRIDGE INCORRECTLY! I initially had a hum, but changed the wiring from the head-shell to the tone-arm and now there is absolutely no audible noise whatsoever. There was obviously a ground loop.
--> As others have also noted, the clasp that holds the tone-arm in place is a bit flimsy. A friend of mine was over playing some records, and she snapped the clasp accidentally (I wasn't too pleased). However, the next day I called Audio Technica and they sent me a new clasp absolutely free - no questions asked. Outstanding customer service considering I have had the product over two years!
--> The cartridge that is included with the turntable is a quality cartridge when you consider that it is the "stock" cartridge. I suggest anyone who purchases this turntable also picks up the Shure M97xE High-Performance Magnetic Phono Cartridge it pairs excellently with this cartridge and is also a relative steal at $50 on Amazon.
--> Lastly, for those without a receiver that has phono inputs, the turntable contains its own amp; a very nice addition, considering most audio receivers these days no longer include phono inputs.

In short: you cannot go wrong with this turntable. If you have any serious complaints with this turntable, or you're expecting filet mignon at hamburger prices. Excellent sound, solid engineering, at a price that's half that of the competition!

Best turntable I've ever owned. My collection of classical music LP's has come alive again.