Audio Technica - AT-LP7 - Fully-Manual Belt-Drive Turntable

The two turntables I had before this for reference are an AT LP60 that I bought to get my foot in the door 3 years ago, that I still have, and a pro ject debut III that I didn't like the look of with the dust cover on, so I decided not to use it. Which was fine, until a speaker fell off its stand and onto the tone arm. I sold it as is for parts (I had the speed box with it too, so it was an easy sell), and started doing research for my next one. So,I was in the market for another turntable, when I first came across the LP 7. I tried to find some other models from different companies like fluance that I liked as much aestetically. I could not, and I knew I would be regretting it if I didn't pull the trigger. Thankfully, the LP 7 looks just as good with the dust cover ... MoreThe two turntables I had before this for reference are an AT LP60 that I bought to get my foot in the door 3 years ago, that I still have, and a pro ject debut III that I didn't like the look of with the dust cover on, so I decided not to use it. Which was fine, until a speaker fell off its stand and onto the tone arm. I sold it as is for parts (I had the speed box with it too, so it was an easy sell), and started doing research for my next one. So,I was in the market for another turntable, when I first came across the LP 7. I tried to find some other models from different companies like fluance that I liked as much aestetically. I could not, and I knew I would be regretting it if I didn't pull the trigger. Thankfully, the LP 7 looks just as good with the dust cover on as it does off, in my opinion. I happened to make the purchase from Crutchfield, who also have installment plans available. The YouTube setup video was a huge help, as I had only set up two turntables previously. The stock cartridge sounds so good! And it also picks up very little silibance from records that may have seen better days. The Ortofon OM5e cartridge on my old pro ject was not very good in this situation, and had audible inner groove distortion alot of the time. I recently purchased a Fosi Audio tube phono stage for 70$, upgrading from my stock phone stage on my Yamaha a-s501 integrated amp. I can't remember if it was the what hifi review or if it wasn't another site, but they were of the opinion that this was the best table Audio Technica has made, and likely the best turntable under 1,000$. I completely agree.

A Work of Excellence

There are times when it's difficult to wrap your brain around an idea. One such idea, can Audio Technica manufactor a high end audiophile type turntable? The answer seems a bit convoluted. AT has for years provided the market with low end and entry level tables. Bot a high end table??? Well, though I'm not by any means an expert, but I purchased this table about six months ago, so I believe I can sst least supply some accurate observations.To start, the looks of this belt drive TT are striking. As a first impression the solid black look certainly has an impact. There is a thick black plinth with large rounded legs. The platter is also black, as is the tone arm. The dust cover is tinted ash and is unhinged. The belt rides outside the housing abs is visible when the ... MoreThere are times when it's difficult to wrap your brain around an idea. One such idea, can Audio Technica manufactor a high end audiophile type turntable? The answer seems a bit convoluted. AT has for years provided the market with low end and entry level tables. Bot a high end table??? Well, though I'm not by any means an expert, but I purchased this table about six months ago, so I believe I can sst least supply some accurate observations.To start, the looks of this belt drive TT are striking. As a first impression the solid black look certainly has an impact. There is a thick black plinth with large rounded legs. The platter is also black, as is the tone arm. The dust cover is tinted ash and is unhinged. The belt rides outside the housing abs is visible when the table is in use. It looks every but the high end table.Of course the looks of a component are not important if it's performance is lacking. Fortunately eith this table, that's not the case.Right at the beginning of assembly I was struck by the convenient construction. The legs are well isolated and easily ajustable for leveling. Next, I noticed the solid feel of the plinth which is composed of a nice, plastic composit material. The platter is a composit of a hard plastic combo type of material and is quit heavy. It spins with buttery smoothness. The "J" shaped arm is also of a solid built and it carries the AT VM E Magnetic cartridge with a silky, yet accurate smoothness across the vinyl. The tracking and anti skate controls are well displayed and easy to use.And the sound? It's nothing short of marvelous. I have played every type of music on vinyl of various conditions without a hint of false coloring. The setup makes a surpurb tracker. I could tap the side of the table without effect.It's a dream to watch the stylus floating in the groves as the vinyl sits upon the Delvin platter. AT states one should not use a mat as this material is a more than sufficient damper of vibration. I have found this to be true.AT provided a built in phono Amp which can be bypassed with the throw of a switch on the back side. Close by is another switch for choosing Carts.If there's any drawback it could be with the tonearm's tendency to drift while one attempts to achieve balance. It takes a little while to get used to that type of sensitivity. Also, note this TT does not play at 78 RPMs.Aside from those very minor issues, this is a fabulous TT. It's certainly worth the asking price. It's AT's work of excellence.

Approaching excellence

Sound:I can't imagine any improvements that could be made with the sound this table produces. Of course as a component it's dependent on other equipment. But, if paired with competent amp and speakers the sound produced is sure to please.Features:This is a no frills turntable. It appears Audio Technica decided to manufacture a high quality table, and this put the expense of construction into producing good, high quality. As a result you have a fully manual, belt drive table.Ease of Use:This table was do easy to set up and use one has to hold back during initial setup. All connections were solid. It was up and running in less than an hour.Quality:This is a very nicely constructed component. Not only does it look great, but it feels expensive and operates ... MoreSound:I can't imagine any improvements that could be made with the sound this table produces. Of course as a component it's dependent on other equipment. But, if paired with competent amp and speakers the sound produced is sure to please.Features:This is a no frills turntable. It appears Audio Technica decided to manufacture a high quality table, and this put the expense of construction into producing good, high quality. As a result you have a fully manual, belt drive table.Ease of Use:This table was do easy to set up and use one has to hold back during initial setup. All connections were solid. It was up and running in less than an hour.Quality:This is a very nicely constructed component. Not only does it look great, but it feels expensive and operates without a problem.Value:Yes. In fact, this component is probably the best turntable priced under $1000 on the market.Manufacturer Support:Its easy to contact Audio Technica and talk to a person. And, the techs are always competent, helpful, and respectful.The Wow Factor:The table has a very appealing, and expensive look. Watching it accuratly spin and track is a pleasure.Overall:If one decides to venture into the rairified area of high end, high fidelity you almost surely to be faced with component cost exceeding thousands each. The cost and the various amoubt of equipment can be overwhelming and may lead to confusion. Thus, it's important that your first choice is a good one. The Audio Technica WP7 is that type of choice. First, it's solid black look is striking. It has a very thick plinth composed of an exotic composite material that dies a great job of dampening vibrations. The sturdy legs are fully adjustable and end with rubber feet to aid in isolation control. The platter is composed of a delvin material. It's heavy to promote consistent speed, and moves with a buttery smoothness. Audio Technica states one does not need a mat. There is a nice J shaped arm, which connects to the plinth by a very good controls. There is an easy to read anti skate controls, and a VRT control if you wish to use a cartridge of different hight. The included VM520EB magnetic cart is a nice touch. It does a fine job and is easily upgraded. There is a front control knob an exposed, visible belt which smoothly ride around the platter, and an unattached tinted dust cover. The rear panel had controls for cartridge type; MC or MM, and inline or phono amp controls. The included phono cables are much better than the standard type normally included. And an inpute for the included power control. In all, it has a very nice, high end look. But looks do not mean much if the performance us lacking. Thankfully that's not the case with this table. First, it tracks with great ease. It easily passes any tapping text. In fact, nothing I did out if the ordinary stopped the table from tracking. And, due to a nice servo motor, speed is constantly adjusted and is accurately maintained. When combined with the before mentioned, occluded magnetic cartridge the sound is excellent. The table presents a wide, and accurate sound stage with very good separation. From low and high, the sound was excellent. No matter what vinyl I played, this table easily mastered. Without a doubt this is a great turntable. It's a great first step into high fidelity at a great price. Indeed its a component that approaches excellence in every way. Easily recommended.

As good as it gets

I can't imagine a better TT under$1500.With a servo controlled belt drive moter, an ultra thick iso plinth, iso adjustable legs, a heavy delvin platter, a gimble balanced "J" shaped tonearm with full controls, and an unhinged dust cover; one gets quite a component for the price.On top of all this, the solid black colored material provides great looks and finally a top tier sound.

Even if you're new to vinyl, get this.

I hadn't owned a turntable since the 1980s, so I was out of the know when it comes to the details of LPs and turntables. I did a lot of internet research, and considered brands like Rega, Project, U-Turn. Over the course of a few months, I learned what adjustments I wanted to be able to make, figured out I wanted automatic speed control, and because I was just getting back into vinyl, a built-in phono pre-amp. Finally, I settled on this model, and it's perfect. Super simple to set up even for a vinyl neophyte, but also has a lot of upgrade paths for cartridges, both moving magnet and moving coil, and I've already gone to an outboard pre-amp. Is the sound night and day compared to what's built-in to the AT LP-7? Not really. The built-in preamp is solid as far as I ... MoreI hadn't owned a turntable since the 1980s, so I was out of the know when it comes to the details of LPs and turntables. I did a lot of internet research, and considered brands like Rega, Project, U-Turn. Over the course of a few months, I learned what adjustments I wanted to be able to make, figured out I wanted automatic speed control, and because I was just getting back into vinyl, a built-in phono pre-amp. Finally, I settled on this model, and it's perfect. Super simple to set up even for a vinyl neophyte, but also has a lot of upgrade paths for cartridges, both moving magnet and moving coil, and I've already gone to an outboard pre-amp. Is the sound night and day compared to what's built-in to the AT LP-7? Not really. The built-in preamp is solid as far as I can tell, but conventional wisdom will tell you that a separate outboard preamp is the way to go. Anyway, you can switch this table's preamp to off if you want to go with a standalone unit.Ultimate this table is great for beginners, but still audiophile, and the price can't be beat for the value you get in terms of quality and features.

Great turntable, well built, very easy to use.

The removable head shell allows much easier cartridge alignment and changing. The height adjustable arm is a most welcome feature, which most turntables in this price range are missing. Platter is much better than comparable turntables. Built-in phono preamp is good, but stand alone phono preamps allow more cartridge loading adjustments.

Jack of the trade

The integrated Phono out was lower gain than expected but super clean. The option to choose MM and MC is excellent for versatilityThe DC input allow to use any External Linear Dedicated Power Supply for low noise. The only noises you would hear is when you turn on the max gain, and there is a mechanical noises coming from the Motor, but that is very very low level. It is to be expected when the motor is fixed to the Table itselfThe Cartridge is pre-aligned and easy to put on. Still recommend a recheck with correct tool, the adjusting tone arm is excellent. Recommended to check tracking force again once you have new mat and height adjustments.The platter and the bearing is excellent. The materials is so good that no mat was provided and wouldn't need it. ... MoreThe integrated Phono out was lower gain than expected but super clean. The option to choose MM and MC is excellent for versatilityThe DC input allow to use any External Linear Dedicated Power Supply for low noise. The only noises you would hear is when you turn on the max gain, and there is a mechanical noises coming from the Motor, but that is very very low level. It is to be expected when the motor is fixed to the Table itselfThe Cartridge is pre-aligned and easy to put on. Still recommend a recheck with correct tool, the adjusting tone arm is excellent. Recommended to check tracking force again once you have new mat and height adjustments.The platter and the bearing is excellent. The materials is so good that no mat was provided and wouldn't need it. However, Cork or Hide would also work wonderful

Love this turntable! Great sound, easy to setup

Was looking to upgrade from what I had. But didn't want to spend the bank. Everything I read was great, so was a little sceptical, man am I glad to be wrong. Just great sound, look and easy to setup and use. Just all around happy. Easy to upgrade also which is a big huge plus. I'm getting the Headphones now.

Nice table. I'm happy!

I waited a while for this turntable to become available again and I am glad I did. It is worth the wait. It is a very solid and stable table that looks great. I know some do not care for the dust cover but I actually prefer to not have hinges. This works great in my space and I always remove the cover completely when playing anyhow. Regarding sound, I am finding that this table offers more clarity and is less muddy than my previous table (LP120 with VMN95ML). I had planned to replace the stylus with a VM540ML but I'm enjoying the stock VM520EB so much that I'm going stick with it for a while. I do not think you will be disappointed with this turntable.

Optimizes My OC9 XML Cartridge

This LP-7 turntable optimizes my OC9 XML cartridge; and, the reverse can be said as well, the OC9 XML cartridge optimizes my LP-7 turntable. It is a thing of engineered beauty. At all levels.This is a turntable performing well above its price point. Having said that, I do not flatter myself as an audiophile. However, I am a serious listener. My equipment includes: a Pioneer VSX-LX 303 A/V receiver, Klipsch RP 600M (bookshelf) and RP 600C speakers, a Polk Audio PSW 350 (10") subwoofer and (as already mentioned) an OC9 XML cartridge. The LP-7 turntable makes a substantial contribution to this excellence.