The Audio-Technica AT-LP60 is a popular entry-level turntable that has been widely praised for its exceptional sound quality, durability, and affordability. However, one of the most frequently asked questions about this turntable is whether it has a built-in preamp or not. If you’re considering purchasing the AT-LP60 or are already an owner trying to understand its features, this article will delve into the details to help you understand the preamp situation.
The Importance of a Preamp
Before we dive into the specifics of the AT-LP60, it’s essential to understand the role of a preamplifier (preamp) in a turntable setup. A preamp is an amplifier that increases the low-level audio signal from the turntable’s cartridge to a level that’s strong enough to drive a speaker system or recorder. Phono cartridges, which read the grooves on a vinyl record, produce a very weak signal that requires amplification to be audible.
Without a preamp, the signal from the cartridge would be too weak to drive a speaker system, resulting in poor sound quality or no sound at all. In the past, preamps were typically separate components that connected between the turntable and the receiver or amplifier. However, many modern turntables, including some entry-level models, have started to integrate preamps directly into the turntable itself.
What to Expect from a Built-in Preamp
When a turntable has a built-in preamp, it provides several benefits:
- Convenience: You don’t need to purchase a separate preamp or worry about connecting it to your turntable and receiver.
- Simplified setup: The turntable is plug-and-play, with the preamp taking care of signal amplification.
- Compact design: The integrated design takes up less space and can make the overall setup look tidier.
On the other hand, built-in preamps might not offer the same level of quality or flexibility as a separate, high-end preamp. If you’re an audiophile or want more control over your sound, a separate preamp might be a better option.
AT-LP60: Does It Have a Preamp?
Now, let’s get back to the AT-LP60. The short answer is that the AT-LP60 does not have a traditional built-in preamp. Instead, it has a phono EQ stage, which is a simplified version of a preamp.
The phono EQ stage on the AT-LP60 is designed to boost the signal from the cartridge to a level that’s strong enough to drive a receiver or amplifier with a phono input. However, this stage does not provide the same level of amplification as a dedicated preamp. The output from the AT-LP60 is typically in the range of 2-5 millivolts, which is still relatively low compared to the 100-200 millivolts required by most receivers or amplifiers.
Why the AT-LP60 Doesn’t Have a Traditional Preamp
There are a few reasons why Audio-Technica might have opted to exclude a traditional preamp from the AT-LP60 design:
- Cost: Including a high-quality preamp would have increased the cost of the turntable, making it less appealing to entry-level users.
- Space constraints: The AT-LP60 is designed to be compact and affordable, and adding a separate preamp would have required more space and complexity.
- Target audience: The AT-LP60 is aimed at beginners and casual vinyl enthusiasts who might not need or want the added complexity of a separate preamp.
How to Connect the AT-LP60 to a Receiver or Amplifier
Since the AT-LP60 doesn’t have a built-in preamp, you’ll need to connect it to a receiver or amplifier with a phono input or use a separate preamp to boost the signal. Here are your options:
- Connect the AT-LP60 to a receiver or amplifier with a phono input: If your receiver or amplifier has a dedicated phono input, you can connect the AT-LP60 directly to it using an RCA cable. The phono input on your receiver or amplifier will provide the necessary amplification and equalization for the signal.
- Use a separate phono preamp: If your receiver or amplifier doesn’t have a phono input, you’ll need to purchase a separate phono preamp to boost the signal from the AT-LP60. Connect the AT-LP60 to the preamp using an RCA cable, and then connect the preamp to your receiver or amplifier.
| Connection Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Phono Input | Connect AT-LP60 to receiver or amplifier with phono input using RCA cable. |
| Separate Phono Preamp | Connect AT-LP60 to separate phono preamp using RCA cable, then connect preamp to receiver or amplifier. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Audio-Technica AT-LP60 does not have a traditional built-in preamp. Instead, it features a phono EQ stage that provides some signal amplification, but not to the same level as a dedicated preamp. While this might seem like a limitation, the AT-LP60 is still a great option for entry-level users who want to start exploring the world of vinyl without breaking the bank. With the right connections and equipment, you can still achieve high-quality sound from the AT-LP60.
Remember, if you’re unsure about the specifics of your setup or need more guidance, it’s always a good idea to consult the user manual or contact the manufacturer’s support team for further assistance. Happy spinning!
Is the AT-LP60 a plug-and-play device?
The AT-LP60 is often marketed as a plug-and-play device, but this claim can be misleading. While it’s true that the turntable comes with a built-in phono amplifier, this amplifier is not a preamp in the classical sense. It’s intended to boost the signal to a level that can drive a pair of powered speakers or a stereo receiver, but it’s not designed to provide a high-quality, adjustable signal that can be sent to a separate preamp or amplifier.
In practice, this means that the AT-LP60 may not be compatible with every sound system, and it may not provide the best possible sound quality. If you’re looking for a turntable that can integrate seamlessly with a high-end stereo system, you may need to look elsewhere. However, if you’re just starting to build your vinyl collection and need a turntable that can connect directly to a pair of powered speakers, the AT-LP60 might be a good option.
Can I connect the AT-LP60 directly to a receiver or amplifier?
The AT-LP60 has a built-in phono amplifier that allows it to connect directly to a receiver or amplifier with a line-level input. This is convenient, because it means you don’t need a separate preamp or phono stage to connect your turntable to your sound system. However, it’s worth noting that the output level of the AT-LP60’s built-in amplifier is fixed, which means you won’t be able to adjust the gain to optimize the signal for your specific sound system.
In some cases, this may result in a signal that’s too weak or too strong, which can affect the sound quality. If you’re using a high-gain amplifier or receiver, you may need to adjust the input sensitivity to avoid distortion or clipping. On the other hand, if you’re using a low-gain amplifier or receiver, you may need to use a separate preamp or booster to get the signal up to a usable level.
Do I need a separate phono preamp with the AT-LP60?
The short answer is, it depends. If you’re happy with the sound quality of the AT-LP60’s built-in phono amplifier, you may not need a separate preamp. However, if you’re looking for higher sound quality or more flexibility in terms of gain adjustment, you may want to consider a separate phono preamp. A good phono preamp can provide a cleaner, more detailed signal that’s optimized for your specific turntable and sound system.
It’s also worth noting that some sound systems may require a separate phono preamp, even if the AT-LP60 has a built-in amplifier. For example, if your receiver or amplifier doesn’t have a phono input, you’ll need a separate preamp to convert the turntable’s phono-level signal to a line-level signal that can be connected to your sound system.
Can I use the AT-LP60 with a tube amplifier?
The AT-LP60’s built-in phono amplifier is designed to provide a relatively high output level, which can be a problem when using a tube amplifier. Tube amplifiers are often more sensitive than solid-state amplifiers, and they may be prone to distortion or clipping if the input signal is too strong. In some cases, the AT-LP60’s built-in amplifier may provide too much gain for a tube amplifier, which can result in a poor sound quality.
If you want to use the AT-LP60 with a tube amplifier, you may need to use a separate phono preamp or attenuator to reduce the signal level. This can help to optimize the signal for your tube amplifier and provide a better sound quality.
Will the AT-LP60 work with my vintage stereo system?
The AT-LP60 is a modern turntable, and it’s designed to work with modern sound systems. However, it may not be compatible with vintage stereo systems that use older phono standards. For example, some vintage systems may use a ceramic phono cartridge that requires a different type of phono input, or they may have a lower input sensitivity that requires a separate preamp or booster.
If you have a vintage stereo system, you may need to use a separate phono preamp or adapter to connect the AT-LP60. You may also need to adjust the turntable’s tracking force and anti-skating settings to optimize the sound quality for your vintage system.
Can I upgrade the AT-LP60’s built-in phono amplifier?
Unfortunately, the AT-LP60’s built-in phono amplifier is not designed to be upgraded or replaced. The amplifier is an integral part of the turntable’s circuitry, and it’s not possible to swap it out for a higher-quality unit. If you’re not happy with the sound quality of the built-in amplifier, you may need to use a separate phono preamp or consider a different turntable that provides a higher-quality signal.
That being said, there are some DIY modification options available that can improve the sound quality of the AT-LP60. For example, you can upgrade the turntable’s cartridge or adjust the tracking force and anti-skating settings to optimize the sound quality. However, these modifications should only be attempted by experienced DIY enthusiasts, and they may void the turntable’s warranty.
Is the AT-LP60 a good value for the price?
The AT-LP60 is a popular turntable, and it’s often priced very competitively. However, whether or not it’s a good value for the price depends on your specific needs and expectations. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly turntable that can connect directly to a pair of powered speakers, the AT-LP60 might be a good option. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a higher-quality signal or more flexibility in terms of gain adjustment, you may need to consider a different turntable or a separate phono preamp.
Ultimately, the AT-LP60 is a good value for the price if you’re willing to accept its limitations and work within its constraints. However, if you’re looking for a more advanced turntable with higher sound quality, you may need to look elsewhere.