Audio Technica AT LP7 turntable

The Audio-Technica AT-LP7 is a fully manual belt-drive turntable, offering two playback speeds: 33⅓ and 45 RPM.

Audio-Technica AT-LP7 – Chassis

The robust chassis is constructed from 40 mm thick MDF (medium-density fiberboard), effectively reducing resonances and vibrations transmitted to the platter and tonearm.

During the design of the AT-LP7, particular attention was paid to chassis geometry, ensuring optimal positioning of the platter, spindle and tonearm for accurate, distortion-free tracking.

The chassis rests on height-adjustable, damped isolation feet, providing excellent protection against external vibrations while allowing precise leveling of the turntable.

Audio-Technica AT-LP7 – Drive System

Audio-Technica chose a drive system rooted in pure audiophile tradition. The motor drives the platter via its outer perimeter, a design commonly found on high-end turntables.

The motor is decoupled from the chassis using three spacers mounted on silent blocks, minimizing vibration transfer. It features an optical speed sensor to ensure precise platter rotation.

The platter itself is machined from 20 mm thick high-density acrylic. Its mass and rigidity provide high inertia and extremely stable rotational speed. Thanks to its material properties, no platter mat is required.

An external switching power supply isolates AC/DC conversion, preventing electrical interference from affecting audio performance.

Audio-Technica AT-LP7 – Tonearm & Cartridge

The AT-LP7 is equipped with a J-shaped aluminum tonearm, inspired by classic Audio-Technica designs from the 1960s and 1970s.

The tonearm features a dual-axis gimbal suspension with precision ball bearings, optimizing tracking performance. It offers full adjustability, including adjustable VTA (vertical tracking angle).
The supplied 16 g counterweight allows cartridge and headshell weights ranging from 14.0 to 23.5 g.

As standard, the AT-LP7 comes fitted with an Audio-Technica AT-VM95E BK cartridge, featuring an elliptical stylus (0.3 × 0.7 mil).
The VM95 cartridge body is compatible with all VM95 replacement styli, offering a wide upgrade path for different budgets and listening preferences.

The cartridge is pre-mounted on the lightweight, removable Audio-Technica AT-LT10 headshell.

Audio-Technica AT-LP7 – Technologies

The Audio-Technica AT-LP7 includes a switchable built-in phono preamplifier, compatible with both MM (Moving Magnet) and MC (Moving Coil) cartridges.

While the integrated preamp is relatively basic, it delivers acceptable performance with the supplied cartridge. However, its 56 dB gain makes it less suitable for demanding MC cartridges.

The turntable is supplied with an RCA phono cable with ground wire, which we recommend upgrading over time for optimal performance. Accessories also include a 45 RPM adapter and a removable dust cover.

Audio-Technica AT-LP7 – Sound Performance

From the very first notes, the Audio-Technica AT-LP7 delivers precise and highly realistic sound reproduction. Bass is rich, full-bodied and deep, without ever becoming excessive or overpowering.

The turntable is extremely quiet, allowing it to extract a high level of detail across the entire audible spectrum, particularly in the low frequencies.

Midrange reproduction is detailed and exhibits a distinctly analog texture, free from harshness yet maintaining excellent clarity for this price segment. High frequencies are clean, open and finely nuanced.

Naturally, changing the stylus or cartridge has a significant impact on tonal balance and overall performance, highlighting the AT-LP7’s strong upgrade potential.

The Audio-Technica AT-LP7 is an excellent choice for music lovers on a limited budget, offering performance well above its price point and a solid foundation for future upgrades. Build quality and engineering are remarkable for a turntable priced below €900.

Audio-Technica engineers describe the AT-LP7 as “the best turntable they have ever designed”—a statement that is easy to support. At its current price, it may well be one of the best deals on the market.

Our favorite – highly recommended