This new Audio-Technica AT-LP8X vinyl turntable is based on the brand's philosophy and is inspired by the famous AT LP5X, but it has received numerous technical and technological improvements in order to offer the most powerful direct-drive model in this segment.
AUDIO TECHNICA AT-LP8X: DESIGN
It exudes sobriety and build quality. It blends the solidity of well-known vinyl turntables like the Technics SL1200 (not to mention its name!) with the elegance of European audiophile models.
Its matt black finish also contributes to its contemporary design.
Its chassis is carved from a solid, rigid block of MDF. This ensures perfect vibration inertia. The whole unit weighs in at just over 10 kg.
The entire chassis of the Audio Technica AT-LP8X vinyl turntable rests on four large shock-absorbing feet that limit the effects of resonance and low-frequency hitching.
AUDIO TECHNICA AT-LP8X: PLATTER AND DRIVE
The drive system is borrowed from professional vinyl turntables.
The die-cast aluminium platter is non-magnetic. Its periphery is damped by a solid sorbothane ring. It is combined with a 2.5mm rubber mat of excellent quality. It is driven by a new low-torque servo-controlled direct-drive DC motor to improve weeping and flicker characteristics. The motor is equipped with a sensor to maintain precise platter rotation speed. The AT-LP8X can play 33, 45 and 78 rpm records. Audio Technica has optimised the internal switching power supply so that it does not adversely affect audio performance.
AUDIO TECHNICA AT-LP8X: ARM AND CARTRIDGE
The AT-LP8X vinyl turntable's J-bend arm has been designed to minimise tracking error. It was inspired by Audio Technica models produced in the 60s and 70s.
The arm can be used to adjust the contact force, anti-skating and VTA (vertical tracking angle). The counterweight allows a headshell/cartridge combination of 14 to 20g. However, an additional counterweight is included to allow a weight of 17.5 to 23.5 g.
The arm is fitted as standard with a new lightweight AT-LT10 headshell mounted with an Audio Technica AT-VM95E BK (black) cartridge with 0.3 x 0.7 mil (0.00762 x 0.01778 mm) elliptical diamond. It is compatible with any replacement diamond in the VM95 series, offering a wide choice of options depending on requirements and budget.
AUDIO TECHNICA AT-LP8X: AUTOMATIC SEMIAUTOMATIC
The Audio Technica AT-LP8X is equipped with a semi-automatic system via a button on the right-hand side of the chassis. This new design for raising the pick-up arm allows extremely smooth and ‘gentle’ ascent and descent. What's more, at the end of the disc, on the last groove, the pick-up arm rises gently and the motor stops. This is practical and meets the needs of some users, even if it is not, of course, a musical criterion.
Included in the package: mains cable, phono cable, cover and a 45t centring device!
AUDIO TECHNICA AT-LP8X: TESTING AND LISTENING
Once the Audio Technica AT-LP5X vinyl turntable had been removed from its packaging and placed on a piece of furniture... it's fair to say that this turntable looks great!
It can't deny that it belongs to the manufacturer's family of professional products, but with the DNA of an audiophile turntable.
This Audio Technica turntable reproduces music with great nuance and transparency. There's none of the dark, ‘boring’ quality of its direct-drive competitor. On the contrary, the reproduction is clear and defined, even at the top end of the spectrum. With a small MC cartridge, you get the clarity and neutrality of the best belt-driven turntables in this range.
In fact, the arm makes it really easy to accept more high-end MM or MC cartridges. And for a fraction of the cost, you can upgrade the diamond with a higher reference in the AT-VNM95 range.
The bandwidth is very balanced, and there's no attenuation at the top end of the spectrum.
The bass is particularly demonstrative. It will make a strong impression on reggae, electronic music and all contemporary music requiring a convincing response in this register.
He also noted that its ergonomics make it very pleasant and stress-free to use!
If we have to be critical, it doesn't reach the dynamic range of a Rega P3 or a Pro-Ject Debut Pro S. But these two products don't offer the ease of use of the Audio Technica AT-LP8X!
The Audio Technica AT-LP8X surprised us and gave us new advice on certain aspects of direct drive. It's certainly the best value at this price and even better.
To be recommended +++
FranckPrinciple: rigid vinyl turntable
Drive: direct
Motor: DC
Speeds: 33t, 45 & 78t
Turntable: die-cast aluminium
Turntable dimensions : 294 x 5mm
Chainring weight: 360 g
Arm: 247 mm J-shaped
Grip force: 0.1 to 4g
Mass accepted cartridge + headshell: 15 to 23.5 g
Overhang: 15mm
Fluctuation: 0.1
Signal-to-noise ratio : >60 dB
Analogue outputs: RCA + Ground
Hinged dust cover: Yes
Tray cover: Rubber mat,
Headshell holder: AT-LT10
Cartridge: VM (AT-VM95E BK)
Adaptor: 45 rpm
Phono cable: RCA (approx. 1 m)
Customer reviews
Belle platine
Platine livrée dans un temps record bravo à ma platine.com . Rien à faire pour l installation la platine est livrée réglée avec son certificat de réglage.
Très bon produit elle remplace une rega rp3 vieillissante.
Avec la cellule d origine le rendu est déjà correct mais en montant en gamme je pense que l on peut aller beaucoup plus loin.
Qualité irréprochable
Platine en remplacement d'une Thorens TD145 MKII, magnifiquement conçue par la firme japonaise et subtilement préparée par Franck et son équipe pour un déballage en toute sérénité. J'ai immédiatement changé le diamant AT-VMN95EBK par un AT-VMN95ML que j'avais déjà, je garde celui d'origine pour plus tard. J'en ai profité pour changer aussi le câble d'alimentation par un Audioquest NRG-X3 que j'avais sous le coude. Platine "costaude" qui en impose, électronique hyper bien pensé qui ajoute un confort indéniable lors des manipulations et en fin d'écoute. Son doux et dynamique, plutôt porté sur la basse, mais cela peut aussi venir du câble phono livré d'origine qui manque peut être un peu de détails. Un temps de rodage est sans doute nécessaire. Par ailleurs, j'avais un buzz perpétuel avec mon ancienne platine, avec celle là c'est le silence absolu dans les HP, un régal. A l'avenir, je testerai également le diamant Shibata pour encore plus de finesse.