With the landmark Audio-Technica AT-LP5, consumers have access to a direct-drive turntable in the best tradition of high-fidelity models, at affordable prices. The new AT-LP5, unveiled at the IFA 2015 show in Berlin, features a tonearm based on designs from the sixties, and offers phono, line and USB outputs.
These days, Audio-Technica has good reasons to be proud of its origin, deeply rooted in the turntable market. The company was established by Hideo Matsushita as a phonograph cartridge manufacturer in 1962, in Tokyo, Japan, and it continued to design and sell cartridges, tonearms and record players until today.
With the new Audio-Technica AT-LP5, the company proves that an affordable turntable can deliver the performance, design and reliability expected of high-fidelity models. The new direct-drive turntable with its precision-engineered cast aluminium record platter is fitted with the exclusive high-performance AT95EX Dual Moving Magnet cartridge, itself mounted on an AT-HS10 lightweight head-shell, not compromising in materials or components.
The LP5’s J-shaped tonearm, which helps minimize tracking errors, is based on original Audio-Technica designs from the 1960s and 70s. 33 1/3rd & 45 RPM speeds, phono or line stereo outputs with separate grounding, a low-resonance damped & weighted chassis structure, the heavy 5mm thick rubber-composite platter mat and sleek matte black paint finish create a comprehensive package.
Audio-Technica European President Richard Garrido says, “The LP5 is a hi-fi turntable that offers performance far beyond what many people may expect at the price. Audio-Technica has been innovating in vinyl reproduction since 1962 and our in-house knowledge, skills and professional audio experience means that we are ready to launch a turntable which will communicate the performance of an artist like nothing else at this level.”
With great attention paid to the complete analog signal path, subtle features such as the gold-plated u-shaped connections of the HS10 headshell, the choice of using both the internal or an external phono pre-amplifier, and a stable high-rated internal mains power supply with enhanced grounding, the audio reproduction credentials of the LP5 are clear for all to see.
Vinyl is currently undergoing a full-on revival and 2015 is set to be the biggest total year for vinyl since 1994. The new Audio-Technica LP5 is the ideal way for discerning newcomers to get involved, or for vinyl fans looking to replace their existing turntable and upgrade their listening experience. “Our cartridges are famous for their performance - the LP5 gives music fans an amazing entry point into the joy of quality analog sound.” says Richard Garrido.
And while it’s every bit the traditional Audio-Technica turntable, the LP5 doesn’t ignore newer technology: a USB output and bundled Audacity software allow users to record vinyl music onto Mac and PC in a choice of digital audio formats.
Just a few months back, in May 2015, Audio-Technica also introduced its AT-LP60 turntable system in eye-catching blue, red, silver and black finishes, offering a complete affordable package (US$129.95 retail) with a heavy-duty precision cast aluminum platter, a high-quality Dual Magnet stereo cartridge with replaceable stylus, and a pickup arm with soft damping control. Its built-in switchable phono preamp enables it to be used with a wide variety of contemporary audio systems, like powered speakers, and A/V receivers that do not include a dedicated phono input, or even direct connection to computers.The new Audio-Technica AT-LP5 aims higher and will appeal to the more discerning users looking for a higher quality system to play their precious vinyl and reintroduce the joy of hi-fidelity. According to Audio-Technica, the AT-LP5 will be available in limited quantities from September 14th 2015 for approx. US$500.
www.audio-technica.com
