• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Top Record Players

Find Your Perfect Record Player

  • Home
  • Record Player Reviews
    • DJ Turntables
      • Audio Technica AT-LP60 Review
      • Audio Technica AT-LP120 Review
      • Stanton T62 MKII Review
    • Modern Turntables
      • 1byone Turntable Review
      • Crosley C200 Review
      • Fluance RT80 Review
      • House Of Marley Stir It Up Review
      • ION Audio Max Review
      • Jensen JTA475B Review
      • Jopostar Record Player Review
      • Music Hall MMF-1.3 Review
      • Pro-Ject DC Review
      • Pro-Ject VT-E BT Review
      • Teac LP-R660USB Review
      • U-Turn Orbit Plus Review
    • Suitcase Style
      • 1byone Suitcase Turntable Review
      • Wockoder Suitcase Review
      • Crosley Cruiser Review
      • Crosley Nomad Review
      • Electrohome Archer Review
      • Victrola Suitcase Turntable Review
      • Vinyl Music On Turntable Review
    • Vintage Turntables
      • 1byone Nostalgic Turntable Review
      • Crosley CR6231D-GR Review
      • Crosley CR704C-PA Review
      • Crosley Rochester Review
      • D&L Vintage Turntable Review
      • Marantz TT42P Review
      • Victrola 50’s Retro Review
      • Victrola Navigator Review
      • Wockoder Record Player Review
      • Wrcibo Vintage Review
  • Buying Guides
    • Best Record Players
    • Best Vintage Record Players
    • Best Floor Speakers For Vinyl
    • Best Record Players With Speakers
    • Affordable Record Players
    • Vertical Record Players
    • Best Portable Record Players
    • Best Turntables For Sampling
    • Best Record Player Stands
    • Best Record Players Under $100
    • Best Turntables Under $200
    • Best Headphones For Vinyl
  • Tips and Advice
You are here: Home / Record Player Advice

Audio Technica LP120 Vs Technics SL-1200

Last updated July 12, 2022 By David Richard Leave a Comment

Audio Technica LP120 Vs Technics SL-1200Many consider the Technics SL-1200 the best turntable ever made.

It was first released in 1972 and has been upgraded many times since.

The Audio Technica LP120 is modern copy of the SL-1200. It looks virtually identical.

But is it really an exact copy?

Given the huge difference in price, it can’t be, can it?

No. Despite the looks, these two record players are quite different.

Keep reading for a complete comparison of the Audio Technica LP120 and the Technics 1200.

One of these two turntables will be far better suited for you than the other. We’ll help you figure out which one.

Contents

  • 1 Audio Technica LP120 Vs Technics SL-1200
    • 1.1 The AT-LP120
    • 1.2 The Technics 1200
    • 1.3 Difference Between Technics 1200 And AT-LP120
      • 1.3.1 Weight
      • 1.3.2 Output
      • 1.3.3 Selectable Light Color
      • 1.3.4 Overall Quality
    • 1.4 Similarities
    • 1.5 Advantages Of The AT-LP120
    • 1.6 Advantages Of The Technics 1200
    • 1.7 Why To Get The AT-LP120
    • 1.8 Why To Get The Technics SL-1200
  • 2 Technics 1200 Vs AT-LP120: Final Thoughts

 

Audio Technica LP120 Vs Technics SL-1200

We’ll begin our comparison by taking a brief look at each turntable individually, before going into the differences and similarities between the AT-LP120 vs the Technics 1200. Then we’ll look at the advantages of each and help you determine which one is the right choice for you.

 

The AT-LP120

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB
4.5
$399.00
Pros:
  • Compact and portable
  • Bluetooth
  • Extremely durable and high-grade materials
  • Can digitize audio files from vinyl records
  • No issues with skipping or wobbling
  • Tons of advanced features for DJs
  • Can connect to components with no phono input
Cons:
  • Only plays vinyl
  • No built-in speakers
  • Non-DJs don't need all of the features
View On Amazon Our Review
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
08/18/2022 07:59 pm GMT

The AT-LP120 is a direct drive turntable made by Audio Technica. It is a fully manual turntable, meaning you need to make all of the tonearm’s movements. There are no auto-return or auto-stop functions.

It has 3 speeds, 33, 45, and 78 RPM, which are selectable via the buttons on the top of the unit. It has 2 different outputs: analog left and right RCA, as well as USB output which you can use to hook up to your computer and rip the vinyl records to your digital library.

It is priced right in the middle of the mid-level turntable market. I like it quite a bit and I have quite a lot of experience with it, since I own one and listen to it almost daily.

It comes with a variable pitch slider, which you can use to dial in the correct speed for your album, if it needs some adjusting. It also comes with its wall-wart style power supply, which converts A/C power to DC. The exterior DC converter is a nice touch, because it keeps the unit quieter.

 

The Technics 1200

Technics SL-1200 MK7
Technics SL-1200 MK7
5.0
$1,259.99
Pros:
  • One of the best turntables ever made
  • Perfect for DJs
  • Incredible sound and build quality
Cons:
  • High price
  • Weight might be a negative for some
  • Lack of dust cover might be a negative for some
View On Amazon
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
08/19/2022 09:19 am GMT

The Technics 1200 is a short nickname for the Technics SL-1200. It was the catalyst for the start of what we now call DJ culture. These turntables started becoming popular in the 1970s and many still consider them the best turntables ever made.

The SP10, which was the predecessor of the SL1200, was the first direct drive (beltless) turntable and it quickly became popular. The SL-1200 first showed up on the disco scene in 1972, followed by the SL-1200 MK2 in 1979.

As more features are added, the popular and winning design keeps going and keeps the name SL-1200. Today you can purchase a new Technics SL-1200 MK7. If you are interested in previous models, we have a detailed comparison of the Technics 1200 MK2 vs MK5.

It has an aluminum S-shaped tonearm which helps to give you precision tracking without skips.

It is a high-end turntable that costs somewhere around the 1k mark (give or take a few hundred), depending on where you find it. To many enthusiasts today, the Technics SL-1200 MK7 is the gold standard for direct-drive turntables.

 

Difference Between Technics 1200 And AT-LP120

Technics SL-1200

The Technics SL-1200 MK7 costs four time what the AT-LP120 does (roughly). The price difference is the most notable difference and the most obvious when comparing them side by side. But there are obviously other differences.

 

Weight

The Technics SL-1200 MK7 weighs a full 4 pounds more than the AT model, even though they are roughly the same size and form factor. This is a significant difference which is usually a marker of higher quality (but not always). In this case, the heavier weight being a marker of higher quality holds.

 

Output

The Technics SL-1200 MK7 does not have any USB output, only analog outputs. This is a real bummer for me, because if you want to rip your vinyl records to digital with the SL-1200, you have to do it the hard way with a converter.

For the extra several hundred bucks this is a feature they really should have included. The much less expensive AT-120 has a USB output and they even give you the cable.

 

Selectable Light Color

The strobe light that points at the platter on the Technics can be set to red or blue, whereas the AT model is only one color all the time.

 

Overall Quality

The biggest difference here besides the price is the overall quality of the audio output. With much more expensive components under the hood, the Technics just sounds better, no matter how you slice it.

Of course, you can replace the stock cartridge that comes with the AT-LP120 and get closer to the Technics sound, but there is no denying that the Technics is just a superior turntable sound-wise. It better be, for roughly four times the price.

 

Similarities

audio technica lp120

These units look like twins, if set side by side. The Technics has been around in this same form since the 70s, so it is clearly the one being copied

The AT looks nearly identical with the same buttons in the same places. Even the strobe light and utility light are in the same place. The platter looks identical, too. I suppose, if there is already a perfect design that people love, why not copy it?

These are both direct-drive turntables that have no rubber belts to worry about or replace. Some say that direct-drive turntables are not as good as belt drive, because the higher torque motor adds more noise to the music.

This is up to you to decide. I think both these units do a great job of not adding more noise or hum to the output of the record.

A pitch control slider is present on both machines (and in the same place as well).

Both turntables have convenient strobe lights which shine on the raised specially placed dots on the side of the platter to help show you if your unit is functioning properly.

 

Advantages Of The AT-LP120

The price is lower by a lot. It is several hundred bucks cheaper than the Technics. This is a big deal, especially if you are on a budget.

The AT-LP120 has USB output which allows you to rip your records to digital, before they start to wear out. Since records begin degrading the second you play them, it is a real bummer that the more expensive unit has no easy way to rip your vinyl collection to the digital domain.

For me, the fact that the LP-120 is a little lighter is a good thing. I do have back issues from time to time and the lighter turntable is less stressful for me to move, if I need to. Or to set up.

The ATLP-120 has a dust cover that keeps the falling dust and debris (cat hair in my case) from landing on your records. The 1200 does not have a dust cover, because apparently if you are an audiophile, you like having dust and cat hair on your records.

All kidding aside, since turntables are analog devices, a closed dustcover will amplify all the vibrations in the room and you will hear them in the output of your unit. This is a real thing I can hear myself. For that reason, most serious audiophiles immediately discard the dustcover when they get a new turntable.

 

Advantages Of The Technics 1200

technics 1200 tonearm

Well, the price is definitely not one of the advantages. But seriously, the quality of the SL-1200 MK7 is on another level than that of the Audio Technica LP120.

It is almost not fair to compare these units because the pedigree and build quality of the SL series from Technics is almost legendary and the fans of this unit are almost a cult. They are that raving and adoring.

This is for good reason, because this is one of the best sounding turntables you can get, as far as direct drive DJ-friendly ones go.

The sound output is just better with the Technics, and DJs like to say it ‘feels’ better to work on, because the motor is of such high quality. I can’t really comment on that aspect because I have never even DJed a set for my cats.

 

Why To Get The AT-LP120

I know this is going to sound gushing, but here we go. I love this turntable. I use it almost every day. I have heard more than a handful of great turntables in my day, and for the price, the AT-LP120 can hold its own against all of them.

If you are on a budget and can’t afford around a thousand bucks or more, the AT is for you. I fully endorse this thing because I know it is a great unit that will perform well for almost anyone.

If you have a bit more money to spend, but not quite enough for the Technics 1200, there are also higher quality models available from Audio Technica. The AT-LP1240 is a good example. Check out our comparison of the AT-LP1240 vs the AT-LP120.

 

Why To Get The Technics SL-1200

If you can afford it, get it. It sounds excellent, looks great, and lasts for years and years. If you are a DJ, you probably already have 2 of them.

They may not have a ton of features, but if you are serious about the sound quality and you are actively DJing and playing paid gigs, the money you make will be worth saving up for one of these.

Also, a great bonus is that you can brag to your hipster friends that you have an SL-1200, which is always nice, because you know their broke butts don’t have one, let alone two.

 

Technics 1200 Vs AT-LP120: Final Thoughts

The AT-LP120 might look virtually identical to the Technics SL-1200, but what is inside the unit (and what the unit itself is made from) is complete different. But so is the price.

The Technics is an incredibly expensive turntable meant for professional DJs, audiophiles, or those for whom money is not an object. The Audio Technica LP120 is an incredible turntable for the rest of us.

It doesn’t come close to the Technics in terms of sound and build quality, but few do. And they all cost a lot. But the AT is one of the absolute best record players on the market today, in terms of value for money.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

You Might Also Like...

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search This Site

Recent Posts

best turntables under 100 dollars

Best Record Player Under $100 (What To Sacrifice At This Price?)

best record players under 200

Best Turntable Under $200 (Reviews And Comparison)

victrola record player wont turn on

Victrola Record Player Won’t Turn On (How To Fix It)

Victrola Suitcase Record Player Skipping

Victrola Suitcase Record Player Skipping (Troubleshooting Steps)

Technics 1200 MK2 Vs MK5

Technics 1200 MK2 Vs MK5 (Solid Upgrade Or Waste Of Money?)

Rega RP6 Vs VPI Scout

Rega RP6 Vs VPI Scout (It’s A No-Brainer)

Marantz TT42P Review (One Big Reason Not To Get It)

Is My Turntable MM Or MC

Is My Turntable MM Or MC? (And Is MC Worth It?)

Best Record Player (Reviews Of The Top Value Turntables)

How To Tell What Year A Vinyl Record Was Made

How To Tell What Year A Vinyl Record Was Made

Footer

Important Info

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Search

Disclaimer

Some recommended products may use affiliate links. TopRecordPlayers.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

*Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates

Copyright © 2022 · Top Record Players · All rights reserved.