Turntable with Bluetooth

[ssashton]

I know it is audiophile blasphemy, but I'm looking for recommendations for a turntable with bluetooth output for about £200 gbp ($250 usd).

My sister-in-law wants to explore vinyl, but does not have any existing system or experience so I think a bluetooth capable TT actually makes sense - she can connect it to her bluetooth headphones or get wireless powered speakers as a simple low complexity solution.

I suppose powered speakers could also accept a line-level input but the speakers would need a easy to use volume control.

I saw Audio Technica make the LP60XBT and I know they make some good cartridges so.. may it's not bad? I assume most of these budget options will include a stylus.

Thanks!

 

[JeffS7444]

I think that would be a wonderful choice. IIRC, the Mykesonic" all-on-one combos (dunno about the vertical model) also looked like solid options.

 

[Tom C]

Those both look like good options. Looks like they both come with the same cartridge. Replacement stylus is affordable, which is nice.

 

[lini]

I saw Audio Technica make the LP60XBT and I know they make some good cartridges so.. may it's not bad?

That's not really a bad product, but more like consumer stereo class. If your sister-in-law could spend roundabout 100 quid more (than the 200), she'd be better served with an AT-LP120XBT-USB, which already is hifi class and much more substantial. And its stock AT-VM95E cartridge could easily be upgraded with an AT-VMN95ML needle for really good hifi quality, whereas the AT-LP60XBT has next to zero upgrade potential.

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini

 

[Saponetto]

I think that would be a wonderful choice. IIRC, the Mykesonic" all-on-one combos (dunno about the vertical model) also looked like solid options.

@JeffS7444 You just saved my day... those turntables are an excellent gift idea for my granddaughter's birthday!

 

[yofi]

The LP60XBT is an older platform that’s been through a few revisions. Its biggest advantage is that it’s automatic. Controls like start/stop/cue up-down are all mechanical and give decent feeling feedback. The end user does not have to futz with the arm in any way unless they’re cleaning dust off the stylus.

However the arm and cartridge are not adjustable in at all. You’re at the mercy of whoever adjusted it at the factory. These things have been mass produced for a few decades. You’d think they’ve probably worked the kinks out by now.

I don’t have the LP60 but I do have the Sony PS-LX310BT in a second system. It uses the same core mechanism as the LP60, the same cartridge, but adds more contemporary looks, and a USB output for recording.

You’re stuck with the venerable Audio Technica AT3600L cartridge, however that’s not really a bad thing. It has a balanced sound signature and it will track through absolutely anything without distorting. The stylus can be upgraded even though the cartridge is fixed in place. A company here in the states called LP Gear makes elliptical and micro line styli for it. Audio Technica themselves now offer an elliptical upgrade called the ATN3600LE. I will only ever buy Audio Technica cartridges because they just have tracking figured out. Inner groove distortion bugs the heck out of me and I’ve been less than impressed with the Grado and Ortofon cartridges I’ve tried on my Technics over the years.

 

[Somafunk]

Bought the Audio Technica AT-LP70xBT for a mates kid last Xmas and for his first “real” turntable it’s decent

AT-LP70XBT

At the heart of the AT-LP70XBT is a top-notch phono cartridge for unmatched, high-fidelity audio. Built with Audio-Technica’s industry-leading phono cartridge expertise, the AT-VM95C is a ve ...

www.audio-technica.com

 

[ssashton]

Thanks for the replies!