Sony Vs Audio-Technica Turntable (Which Is The Better Value?)

A handful of firms dominate the record player market.

Two of the biggest are Sony and Audio Technica.

Their turntables also happen to occupy a fairly similar segment of the market.

In the end, it is the differences between a Sony vs Audio Technica turntable that are key.

The differences may not be massive, but they will determine which of these brands is the right choice for you.

Keep reading to for a detailed comparison of Audio Technica and Sony turntables that will help you choose the best brand for your needs.

 

Sony Vs Audio-Technica Turntable

We will begin our comparison of a Sony turntable vs Audio Technica by taking a quick look at each brand individually, before comparing them directly. We will finish with the advantages of each and some reasons to go with either brand over the other.

 

Sony

The Sony Group Corporation is a Japanese multinational corporation based in Tokyo, Japan. Founded in 1946, Sony is one of the most well-known and respected names in the audio industry.

Their turntables are known for their high quality, innovative features, and stylish designs. In the 1970s and 1980s, Sony was one of the leading manufacturers of turntables, and their models such as the PS-X75 and PS-X700, are still highly sought-after by audiophiles today.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced audiophile, the Sony range of high-quality turntables includes one that will suit your needs and that will deliver excellent sound quality, feature durable construction, and also look cool.

 

Audio-Technica

The Audio-Technica Corporation is also a Japanese company. They specialize in designing and manufacturing quality audio equipment, including turntables, microphones, and headphones.

They have been manufacturing turntables for over 50 years, and their turntables are well-respected for their excellent sound quality, durable construction, and wide range of features.

The Audio-Technica record player brand enjoys a stellar reputation. Both professional DJs and audiophiles around the world love their record player models.

Their current range of record players includes both belt-drive and direct-drive models, with features such as Bluetooth connectivity, USB outputs, and built-in phono preamps, to suit a variety of budgets and needs.

 

Similarities Between Sony And Audio-Technica Turntables

With both being Japanese companies with a foothold in the audio equipment industry, Sony and Audio-Technica are similar in a number of ways.

Audio-Technica and Sony are two of the most popular brands of turntables on the market, and for good reason. Both companies produce high-quality turntables that are built to last and that will please audiophiles with their superior sound quality.

Both companies manufacture turntables that feature high-quality components, such as precision tonearms, stable platters, and accurate speed controls, with high-quality materials used throughout.

Audio-Technica and Sony both offer turntables at a variety of price points, from affordable entry-level models to high-end models for audiophiles, and there’s sure to be an ideal turntable for your needs within their product ranges.

 

Differences Between Sony And Audio-Technica Turntables

Despite their similarities, there are also a few distinctions between the two companies. Here are the main areas where Sony and Audio-Technica differ slightly.

 

Drive Type

Audio-Technica turntables are typically belt-driven, while Sony turntables are usually direct-driven. Belt-drive turntables tend to be quieter and are less prone to vibration, but they can be more difficult to set up and maintain.

Direct-drive turntables are more durable and easier to use, but they can be more expensive and produce more vibration. They are the turntables of choice for DJs.

 

Sound Quality

Audio-Technica turntables are generally known for their better sound quality than Sony turntables. Audio-Technica turntables traditionally used higher-quality components, such as precision tonearms and stable platters, in their builds. However, Sony have improved their turntables sound quality in recent years, and the difference is smaller.

 

Price

Generally speaking, Audio-Technica turntables are a touch more expensive than those on offer from Sony. This is largely due to Audio-Technica typically using higher-quality components and offering more features.

You can still find affordable Audio-Technica turntables, but Sony turntables can be a better option for budget-conscious buyers. That said, AT record players are typically a better value, if only slightly.

 

Features

Audio-Technica turntables tend to be more feature-rich than their Sony counterparts. Many Audio-Technica turntables have built-in phono preamps, USB outputs, and Bluetooth connectivity. Sony turntables tend to be slightly more basic, but they are also more affordable.

 

Advantages Of Sony Turntables

Sony turntables have a number of advantages over Audio-Technica turntables, including:

 

Direct-Drive Design

Most Sony turntables are direct-driven, which means that the platter is driven directly by the motor. This design is more durable and easier to use than belt-drive turntables. That said, most audiophiles prefer belt-driven record players.

 

Ease Of Use

Sony turntables are a little easier to setup and use than Audio-Technica turntables. This is because Sony turntables typically have more automatic features, such as automatic start and stop, compared to Audio-Technica.

 

Affordability

Sony turntables are generally more affordable than Audio-Technica turntables. This is mainly due to Sony turntables typically using less expensive components and offering fewer additional features.

 

Advantages Of Audio-Technica Turntables

Most serious audiophiles would agree that Audio-Technica turntables generally have the edge over Sony. Here are the main areas in which Audio-Technica are considered a little superior.

 

Sound Quality

Audio-Technica turntables are known for their superb sound quality, which is due to higher quality constituent parts, the belt-drive design, and their precise speed controls.

 

Features

Audio-Technica turntables are also usually more feature-rich than those made by Sony. Many Audio-Technica turntables have built-in phono preamps, USB outputs, and Bluetooth connectivity, which allow you to connect your turntable directly to your speakers or amplifier, and to digitize your vinyl records or stream them wirelessly to your speakers.

 

Value

Audio-Technica turntables tend to also be better value than Sony turntables. For a given price, you can typically get a better turntable from Audio-Technica than from Sony. The quality is better for the money, and you generally get a few more bells and whistles.

 

Reasons To Get Sony Turntables

Sony turntables are a good choice for people who are looking for a durable, easy-to-use, and affordable turntable, packaged in a cool and modern design.

Sony turntables are a good choice for beginners because they are simple to set up and use straight from the box. They also have a variety of features that make them even easier to use, such as automatic start and stop.

Sony turntables are a good choice for the casual music listener and newer record collector as they offer good sound quality at a more affordable price. One of their models made my list of the best record players for sampling.

 

Reasons To Get Audio-Technica Turntables

If you are looking for the best possible sound quality, features, and value, you may want to check out the Audio-Technica offerings first. They are also a good choice for people who want a turntable with a belt-drive design and excellent sound quality.

Audio-Technica turntables are a good choice for audiophiles because in addition to their excellent sound quality, they also have additional features such as adjustable tracking force and anti-skate, which are important to vinyl collectors. These additional features can reduce wear and tear on your valuable records, prolonging their life.

Overall, AT record players are a better value. If you are on a strict budget, Sony may make more sense. But if you are trying to get the most value for your money, Audio Technica wins out.

I reviewed two of Audio Technica’s most popular turntables on this site. See my review for the AT-LP60 here and for the AT-LP120 here. I also have a comparison of the AT-LP1240 vs the LP120.

 

Sony Turntable Vs Audio-Technica: Final Thoughts

When you compare a sony vs audio technica turntable you quickly notice how similar these two brands are. However, there are also some key differences, and those differences will determine which brand is best for you.

In general, Sony make mores sense, if you have budget constraint. Audio Technica record players tend to give you a bit more value for money. In the end the differences are not huge, though. You really can’t go wrong with either brand.