Audio Technica AT-LP7 Turntable
If you are looking for a well-built fully manual turntable with built-in phono stage the Audio Technica AT-LP7 should definitely be on your short list. Audio Technica have applied their many years in the industry to design a simple to use high performance offering that will bring your vinyl collection to life. A high performance moving magnet cartridge and stylish dust cover are included and the phono stage offers selectable Moving Magnet or Moving Coil options to allow full flexibility both now and in the future.
Audio-Technica began in 1962 as a designer and manufacturer of high-end phonograph cartridges, bringing to the audio world the innovative Dual Moving Magnet stereo cartridge with its outstanding channel separation, extended frequency response and superb tracking. The AT-LP7 builds on this heritage. Recognising the critical role a cartridge plays in reproducing high-fidelity audio from vinyl, Audio Technica's engineers designed this fully manual, belt-drive turntable around their VM cartridge line, incorporating the finest materials and structures in support of the cartridge's performance.
The AT-LP7 comes with a VM520EB Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge with a 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical bonded stylus and an AT-HS10 headshell. That stylus can be replaced with any of the other six styli available in the VM line, giving users an easy means of upgrading the stylus without buying a whole new cartridge. The headshell attaches to a J-shaped tone arm that takes its inspiration from the classic AT models of the 1960s and '70s. The tone arm features a metallic gimbal suspension system and precision bearings to mitigate tracking errors, and includes an adjustable counterweight and anti-skate control. The height of the tone arm can be adjusted from 0 mm to 6 mm to accommodate a wide variety of cartridges.
The turntable chassis is constructed of 40 mm-thick MDF (medium density fibreboard), an excellent anti-vibration damping material that limits low-frequency acoustical feedback. The anti-resonance platter is made of 20 mm-thick polyoxymethylene and is driven by a sensor-monitored motor that ensures a continuously accurate platter rotation speed of 33⅓ or 45 RPM. The AT-LP7 also includes a built-in switchable phono/line preamp for connection to components with or without a dedicated phono input, and, quite unusually, a selector switch to designate operation with a moving magnet or moving coil cartridge.
Belt-Drive Turntable: The Audio Technica AT-LP7 is a fully manual, belt-drive turntable with two operation speeds (33-1/3 and 45 RPM). The AT-LP7 turntable's motor features a speed-sensor system to maintain accurate platter rotation speed at both speeds.
Anti-Vibration Construction: The turntable chassis is constructed of 40mm thick MDF (medium density fibreboard), an excellent anti-vibration damping material that limits low-frequency acoustical feedback. The anti-resonance platter is made of 20 mm-thick polyoxymethylene and is driven by a sensor-monitored motor that ensures a continuously accurate platter rotation (no mat is included). The integrated anti-resonance feet provide a stable foundation.
J-Shaped Tonearm: The headshell attaches to a J-shaped tone arm that takes its inspiration from the classic AT models of the 1960s and '70s. The tone arm features a metallic gimbal suspension system and precision bearings to mitigate tracking errors, and includes an adjustable counterweight and anti-skate control. The height of the tone arm can be adjusted from 0 mm to 6 mm to accommodate a wide variety of cartridges.
Dual Moving Magnet Stereo Cartridge: The AT-LP7 comes with a VM520EB Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge with a 10 g AT-HS10 headshell and 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical bonded VMN20EB stylus (the cartridge will need to be installed - see User Manual). The VM520EB Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge also features an aluminium cantilever and durable low-resonance polymer housing, as well as paratoroidal coils that improve generating efficiency and a centre shield plate between the left and right channels to reduce crosstalk.
Please Note: The stylus can be replaced with any of the other six styli available in the VM line, giving you an easy means of upgrading the stylus without buying a whole new cartridge.
MM/MC Operation: The AT-LP7 can be set for moving magnet (MM) or moving coil (MC) operation. If using the included or any other type of moving magnet cartridge, set the MM/MC Cartridge Selector Switch to the "MM" position. If using a moving coil (MC) cartridge (sold separately), set this switch to the "MC" position. The MM/MC Cartridge Selector Switch is set to the "MM" position out of the box, since the included VM520EB cartridge is a moving magnet (MM) type cartridge.
Please Note: The included cartridge is an MM cartridge. MC cartridges are sold separately.
Switchable Preamp: The AT-LP7 features a built-in switchable phono/line preamp that enables it to be connected directly to a computer, home stereo, powered speakers, and other components that have no dedicated turntable input.
Stereo RCA Output: The AT-LP7 is outfitted with a set of stereo RCA outputs and includes a 1m stereo RCA cable to connect to your AV receiver, integrated amplifier, or powered speakers. Use the "GND" terminal to connect the grounding line of the RCA cable to the ground terminal of the amplifier.
Dust Cover: The Audio-Technica AT-LP7 turntable comes with a dust cover that is also removable. The dust cover simply rests on top of the turntable (there are no hinges).
AC Power Adapter: The Audio-Technica AT-LP7 includes an external AC power adapter with an attached DC cable.
About Audio Technica
Inspired by the depth of emotion he witnessed at vinyl listening sessions organised during his tenure at the Bridgestone Museum of Arts in Tokyo, Hideo Matsushita was determined to enable more people to experience the warmth of analogue listening. In a small Shinjuku apartment, he established Audio Technica and began developing cartridges. His first two products, the AT-1 and AT-3, achieved success and enabled Hideo to expand his business. He opened a larger headquarters in Machida, where the company still operates today.
Building on a shared passion for listening, Audio Technica have designed many critically acclaimed headphones, turntables and microphones whilst remaining a family business and with the firm belief that high-quality audio should be accessible to all.
Audio Technica believe that sound should be natural and so they strive to reproduce true, accurate, representations of audio. They start every product with the pure vibration created when sound is captured, using this analogue transducer technology to create products that transcend everyday sensory experiences. The quest to create pure, natural, audio is perpetual - it never stops, never ends.
Audio Technica headphones, turntables and microphone systems are used across the globe in a wide variety of applications, from live concert tours and recording studios to theatres, educational facilities, and houses of worship. There are also millions of music enthusiasts, gamers and content creators who use Audio Technica products every day.
Our Take On The Audio Technica AT- LP7
The Audio Technica AT-LP7 is a well-built, fully manual turntable with a built-in phono stage, making it an excellent choice for vinyl enthusiasts. Audio Technica, leveraging their extensive industry experience, has designed this high-performance turntable to bring your vinyl collection to life. The AT-LP7 features a high-performance moving magnet cartridge and a stylish dust cover, with a phono stage that offers selectable Moving Magnet or Moving Coil options for future flexibility. Originating in 1962, Audio Technica has a rich history in high-end phonograph cartridges, and the AT-LP7 builds on this legacy. The turntable comes with a VM520EB Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge and an AT-HS10 headshell, allowing easy stylus upgrades. The J-shaped tone arm, inspired by classic AT models, includes a metallic gimbal suspension system, precision bearings, and adjustable features to reduce tracking errors. The chassis is made of 40 mm-thick MDF for superior anti-vibration damping, while the anti-resonance platter ensures accurate rotation speeds. Its sleek, contemporary design combined with advanced engineering makes the AT-LP7 a standout choice for vinyl enthusiasts looking to enhance their listening experience.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: Manual Belt Drive Turntable with Switchable Phono Preamp
- Fully manual, belt-drive operation with two speeds: 33⅓ and 45 RPM
- Motor features a speed-sensor system to maintain accurate platter rotation speed
- VM520EB Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge provides outstanding channel separation and extended frequency response, and allows for easy replacement with any VM stylus
- J-shaped tone arm features a metallic gimbal suspension system and precision bearings for excellent tracking
- Built-in switchable phono pre-amplifier with selectable modes for moving magnet or moving coil cartridges
- 20 mm-thick, anti-resonance, polyoxymethylene platter
- 40 mm-thick MDF (medium density fibreboard) chassis
- Lightweight AT-HS10 Headshell
- AC adapter handles AC/DC conversion outside of the chassis, reducing noise in the signal chain
- Includes stereo RCA interconnect cable, 45 RPM adapter, and dust cover
- Motor: DC Motor
- Drive Method: Belt Drive
- Speeds: 33⅓ RPM, 45 RPM
- Turntable Platter: Polyoxymethylene
- Wow & Flutter: < 0.08% WRMS (33⅓ RPM) at 3 kHz
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >60dB
- Output Levels
- Phono: 4.5 mV nominal at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec
- Line (MM): 280 mV nominal at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec
- Phono Pre-Amp Gain
- MM: 36 dB nominal, RIAA equalized
- MC: 56 dB nominal, RIAA equalized
- Power Supply Requirements: 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz, 0.5 A Max.
- Included Accessories: VM520EB Dual Moving Magnet Stereo Cartridge with Replaceable Stylus, AT-HS10 Lightweight Headshell, Dust Cover, Platter, Drive Belt, Counterweight, 45 RPM Adapter, 1m Stereo RCA Audio Cable, 1.3m AC Adapter
- Finish: Black
- Dimensions
- With Dustcover (WxHxD): 450 x 157 x 352 mm
- Without Dustcover (WxHxD): 450 x 143 x 352 mm
- Weight: 8.3 kg
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 1 Year
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.