AT-LP3XBT - Fully Automatic Turntable with Bluetooth
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Turntables · Fully automatic with Bluetooth

Place the record on the platter, press start, sit back — and enjoy the music either through your home hi-fi system or wirelessly via Bluetooth headphones and speakers. The Audio-Technica AT-LP3XBT combines the convenience of a fully automatic turntable with the freedom of modern wireless transmission. As an evolution of the popular AT-LP3, it brings together over six decades of the Japanese manufacturer's analogue expertise in a turntable that is ready to play in just a few minutes.

Inside lies a well-thought-out complete package: a straight, balanced tonearm with a universal headshell, the high-quality AT-VM95C dual moving magnet cartridge and a built-in, switchable phono preamplifier. This means the AT-LP3XBT works with any amplifier — with or without a phono input — with active speakers, or via Bluetooth with Qualcomm aptX with wireless devices. Ideal for beginners discovering their first records, and equally suited to experienced listeners looking for a convenient second or everyday turntable.

A single press of a button is all it takes for the AT-LP3XBT to pair with Bluetooth headphones or speakers — whether in the living room, on the terrace or during an evening with friends. Wireless transmission is particularly high-quality thanks to the Qualcomm aptX codec: it transmits the signal with higher quality and lower latency than the standard Bluetooth codec SBC. This requires the receiving device to also support aptX; otherwise, the turntable automatically connects via SBC.

Bluetooth is an option on the AT-LP3XBT, not a requirement. For wireless transmission, the analogue signal is digitised — those who prefer a purely analogue signal path can connect the turntable in the traditional way via the RCA outputs. With the phono preamplifier switched on, it delivers line level for any high-level input or for active speakers. When switched off, the signal is sent unamplified to the phono input of an amplifier or to a separate phono stage — a convenient upgrade path for later.

With the AT-VM95C, Audio-Technica has opted for one of the most popular cartridges in its price range. The patented dual moving magnet design features two magnets arranged in a V-shape, precisely aligned with the two groove walls — this ensures clean channel separation and a stable, detailed stereo image. The conical stylus is robust, tolerant of minor alignment errors and reliably tracks even older or frequently played records.

The real highlight is its compatibility: the AT-VM95C accepts all replacement styli from the VM95 series. If you want higher resolution, simply fit a higher-quality stylus with an elliptical, MicroLinear or Shibata profile — no tools required, no readjustment needed. This means the turntable grows with your own demands, and a worn stylus can be replaced in seconds.

The fully automatic system takes care of the trickiest tasks: at the touch of a button, the tonearm gently lowers into the lead-in groove; at the end of the side, it lifts off and returns to its rest by itself. This protects stylus and records, making the AT-LP3XBT a relaxed choice for anyone who doesn't want to jump up after every side. Those who prefer to cue a specific point manually can use the hydraulically damped tonearm lift; the lockable tonearm rest secures the arm during transport or when changing records.

It plays LPs at 33⅓ and singles at 45 revolutions per minute — in other words, the entire standard vinyl collection. One detail with an audible impact is the external power supply: the conversion from alternating to direct current takes place outside the chassis, keeping interference away from the sensitive signal path. The result is a quiet background against which the music stands out clearly.

Compared to the AT-LP3, the AT-LP3XBT offers four key new features: built-in Bluetooth connectivity, the high-quality aptX codec, the upgradeable AT-VM95C cartridge and an external power supply for a lower-noise signal path. The tried-and-tested strengths — fully automatic operation, built-in phono preamplifier, straight tonearm and simple set-up — remain unchanged.

This makes the AT-LP3XBT the ideal choice for anyone who appreciates the convenience of the AT-LP3 and also wants to add the freedom of wireless playback to their system — striking the perfect balance between traditional analogue sound and modern connectivity.