The Audio Technica LP120 is a high-quality turntable made for professional DJs. It also comes with a cool feature of converting your vinyl records into digital audio files via Audacity software which is compatible with PC/Mac. The LP120 has a modest price tag and will perform really well with the right pair of speakers. If you are currently on a search for matching speakers then look no further.
We are preparing a list of the best speakers that you can pair with the Audio Technica LP120 but first let’s start with learning more about this professional direct-drive turntable. By acquiring more information about the LP120 such as its sonic characteristics and merits, we can then find the right speakers that are compatible and matching. Once we have gathered enough info, from there we will share with you the list of the best speakers.
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Sonic Characteristics and Important Specifications of Audio Technica LP120
The stylish Audio Technica LP120 looks professional and exudes confidence, along with its well-regarded reputation, you should be proud to play this turntable in front of a live audience. It also provides plenty of value to its users, thanks to the plethora of features been built into the turntable. One of which will be the DAC with a USB input where you can connect your PC/Mac directly to the Audio Technica LP120. Using the aforementioned Audacity software, you can convert the vinyl records into digital files. There is also a built-in preamplifier enabling you to connect to a pair of active speakers.
You can also choose to connect to power amplifiers where they can drive your passive speakers. The Audio Technica LP120 has 3 selectable speeds 33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, and 78 RPM. If you are cueing at a venue with low lighting, the popup stylus target light will make it easier. It has a solid build aluminum platter with a slip mat and is also stroboscopic with a speed indicator. Another notable feature will be the variable pitch control with a quartz speed lock and there are many more features we didn’t mention. All these features already make the Audio Technica LP120 worthy of your investment.
More Details at Amazon – Audio-Technica LP120 Direct-Drive Professional Turntable
It has a very well-balanced sonic signature and the Audio Technica LP120 is rather merciful when it comes to bad recordings. The LP120 never once sounded shrill or harsh no matter which song or music we played. It has a sound quality that is pleasing to the ears. We also feel the direct-drive turntable is somewhat lacking alacrity when delivering the music. There is a lack of energy with its music presentation and is rather laid-back as well. Still, there is a nice level of clarity and since the Audio Technica LP120 doesn’t go overly bright on us, we wouldn’t need to worry about listener fatigue.
It has a well-balanced overall sound reproduction with plenty of details to boot, not to mention, the highs are crisp and clear. The bass performance is agile and tight but if only there were a bit more punch. At this price point, we shouldn’t be nitpicking too much though. The midrange reproduction is smooth and helps to deliver natural-sounding vocals. The music timing and pacing are on the safe side which does make the Audio Technica LP120 suitable for most music genres. It has a very low noise operation and gives us an enjoyable music listening experience without unwanted distractions.
The Audacity software is really neat and has its own set of awesome features, for instance, it can reduce noise so to provide you a cleaner sounding digital audio files. Audio Technica LP120 sonic characteristics are well-suited for turntables playback and sometimes a little too suitable. It is a talented all-rounder and would make a great entry-level turntable for both professionals and casual listeners. Using this acquired data and information, we can now work out a list of the best speakers that you can go for and partner with your Audio Technica LP120 direct-drive turntable.
Audio Technica LP120 Specifications
- Type: Direct Drive Manual Turntable
- Speed: 33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM
- USB: 16 bit 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz USB selectable
- Outputs: Phono, Line
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 450mm x 157mm x 352mm (17.7″ x 6.1″ x 13.9″)
- Weight: 10.7 kg (23.5lbs)
Best Speakers to pair with Audio Technica LP120
The M-Audio BX5 D3 is one of the best speakers to pair with the Audio Technica LP120 turntable. It is an active studio monitor made for music production and mixing. The BX5 D3 uses custom Class A/B analog amplifiers distributing 100 Watts of power to the speaker drivers. It is modestly priced and even comes with an onboard Acoustic Space Control, enabling you to finetune the sound quality so that you can get the most accurate sound possible. M-Audio BX5 D3 has a high level of clarity and with the LP120 easy on the ears sound quality, the overall sound reproduction would not sound harsh.
More Details at Amazon – M-Audio BX5 D3
For listeners who have a tight budget, the PreSonus Eris E3.5 will be an ideal choice for you to go for. It is a pair of active studio monitors with an affordable price tag that will fit most budgets. The E3.5 is compact in size and will be amazing desktop speakers. It may be affordable and small but it does not compromise the sound quality and will work together really well with the Audio Technica LP120 turntable. The compact PreSonus Eris E3.5 can fill a small listening room with detailed and clear music presentations with excellent clarity but it does lack the bass performance. Even so, at this price point, we really can’t complain much though.
More Info at Amazon – PreSonus Eris E3.5 Studio Monitor
If you need a pair of active speakers that can deliver ample bass performance then the Yamaha HS8 will be a fine choice to go for and partner with your Audio Technica LP120. It has an impressive frequency response of 38Hz-30kHz and with a total power output of 120 Watts in each speaker (bi-amp). The Yamaha HS8 will be more than capable of producing bass frequencies with weight and prominence. Furthermore, the accuracy of the bass reproduction is superb, giving you high-quality low frequencies. The overall sound reproduction is powerful, very detailed, and highly accurate, a magnificent speaker for the price.
More Info at Amazon – Yamaha HS8 8″ Studio Monitor
The Audioengine A5+ will be one of the best speakers to match your Audio Technica LP120 especially for listeners who are not interested in using studio monitors. The A5+ is a pair of highly-rated active speakers with up to 150 Watts of Peak power via a Class AB amplifier. Like the LP120, the Audioengine A5+ is a brilliant all-rounder and will fare well with most music genres. There is also a subwoofer output where you can connect to an active sub and improve the overall bass performance. The energetic performance of the A5+ active speakers will complement the Audio Technica LP120 really well and provide a slightly more enthusiastic music presentation.
More Info at Amazon – Audioengine A5+ (Plus) Powered Speaker
The Kanto YU4 is another amazing pair of powered speakers that will be a suitable match for the Audio Technica LP120 direct-drive turntable. The warm sonic characteristic of the YU4 speakers and the smooth delivery make them ideal for vinyl record playbacks. If you want a relaxing and laid-back music presentation of your favorite tunes, these are the active speakers to go for. It uses a Class D amplifier with up to 140 Watts Peak power and has a dedicated subwoofer output which is great for listeners who want to boost the bass performance. The Kanto YU4 comes with a Bluetooth receiver as well and supports Qualcomm aptX.
More Info at Amazon – Kanto YU4 Powered Speakers (Pair)
For listeners who are interested in getting passive speakers to pair with their Audio Technica LP120, you might want to check out Dali Spektor 2. It is a pair of bookshelf speakers that has a lively and expressive music delivery which will give you a more energetic performance. The Spektor 2 agility will keep the overall sound reproduction composed and organized. If you prefer smooth-sounding passive speakers with a hint of warmish sonic character, the Wharfedale 12.1 will be an exceptional choice to go with your Audio Technica LP120 turntable. It is an award-winning stand-mounter with solid bass delivery and fluid midrange reproduction.
More Info at Amazon – Dali Spektor 2 (Black Ash) Bookshelf Speakers
More Info at Amazon – Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 Bookshelf Speakers (Black Oak)
To Conclude
If you plan to go with passive speakers, you will need external power amplifiers to drive them and these amps might affect the overall sound quality based on their performance and characteristics. Whether it is passive or active speakers you are considering of getting, we highly suggest listening to them first before making a decision. The speakers listed here are worth your time and effort to audition them, not to mention, they all have modest price points.
