Audio Technica LP120X is the updated version of the coveted LP120 and comes with a few notable upgrades such as a new DC servo direct-drive motor and an upgraded phono preamp. Like its predecessor, the Audio Technica LP120X has a modest price tag and is loaded with features, not to mention, it has exceptional sonic performance which makes it really worthwhile to get. It is suitable for both beginners and veteran users. The LP120X built-in phono preamplifier also enables us to directly connect powered speakers to this wonderful turntable.
You can also choose to go for passive speakers if you already have amplifiers that can drive these loudspeakers and the amps themselves can be connected to the Audio Technica LP120X. By looking at the wide range of active and passive speakers to choose from, we really do have tons of potential choices but the question is which one of them are the best speakers to pair up with your Audio Technica LP120X turntable. To find these matching speakers, we must first learn more about the sound characteristics of the LP120X and your speakers’ requirements. We are also planning to share with you a list of the best speakers to go for later on.
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Sound Characteristics of Audio Technica LP120X
The Audio Technica LP120X has a pleasing sound quality which sounds great with vinyl records. The size of the soundstage is better than expected and does seem slightly bigger than its predecessor. The bass performance is pretty polite and does not have that thumping kick to it but it does have amazing agility and accuracy. The low-end reproduction is detailed and rich, keeping a nice pace with the higher frequencies. You probably might want to integrate an active subwoofer to help add more weight and impact to the overall bass performance. If you are an aspiring DJ, integrating a sub might help you to provide a punchier music performance.
More Details at Amazon – Audio-Technica AT-LP120X
Overall sound reproduction is smooth and clean, the Audio Technica LP120X does not reach a level of cringe no matter how loud the volume is or the type of music we are playing. It is capable of delivering natural-sounding vocals as well with a balanced timbre. There are plenty of details to boot but the subtleties are not as audible as we want them to be. All in all, we feel that the Audio Technica LP120X has a slightly better sound quality and sonic performance than its predecessor the LP120 but you do need to pay a bit more for the upgrade though.
Your Speakers Main Requirements
You might want to work on your budget first and see how much you can invest comfortably in a pair of speakers. If your budget is not high, we will suggest going for active speakers as they have built-in power amplifiers to drive themselves and you can connect them directly to the Audio Technica LP120X thanks to its phono preamp. If you already own or planning to get additional amplifiers then probably getting passive speakers will be ideal as well. Going for separates does give you an opportunity to fine-tune the sound quality to your liking. You should also finalize whether you will be getting additional HiFi audio components such as a powered subwoofer during your budget planning.
A powered subwoofer will improve the overall bass performance and deliver deeper bass frequencies. Since the Audio Technica LP120X does lack bass weight and impact, a sub can help to provide that body-thumping bass. Unless the music you are listening to is not bass-heavy then having a subwoofer might not be necessary. Whether you are working on setting up a desktop sound system will influence the type of speakers you will need. For this case, you probably need a pair of compact bookshelf speakers. If your listening room is medium to large in size, you should go with larger speakers such as floor-standers or big stand-mounters.
Are you having issues with limited space? If it is a yes, then you might want to go with smaller speakers as they have a smaller footprint. You can add in a compact subwoofer if you find the bass performance from small speakers lacking. You should check with your spouse for approval especially if you are setting up the sound system in your living room. These are some of the usual speaker requirements which you might want to consider and you should also add in a few more on your own. It is advisable to take some time to run through this checklist and once you are firm with what you want then please check out the best speakers which you can go for and match them with your Audio Technica LP120X turntable.
Best Speakers to pair with Audio Technica LP120X
The Audioengine A5+ is one of the best powered speakers to pair with your Audio Technica LP120X turntable. It has a built-in Class AB amplifier with a total power output of 150 Watts (peak) and comes with loads of features. You can connect a powered subwoofer to enhance the overall bass performance and deliver deeper low frequencies. The Audioengine A5+ is a pair of active speakers well-regarded by the audiophile community and their sonic characteristics are a suitable match with the Audio Technica LP120X, not to mention, they have some similarities as well. Furthermore, it is reasonably priced and worth your time to take a look.
More Details at Amazon – Audioengine A5+ Powered Speaker (Black)
The Wharfedale Diamond 220 is one of the best passive speakers to match with the Audio Technica LP120X especially if you prefer warm sounding stereo system. This is an award-winning bookshelf speaker with smooth music delivery and has a pleasing sound quality. It is capable of delivering deep bass frequencies which belies their size. There are also great at producing details, providing you with a rich music presentation of your favorite tunes without ever sounding harsh. The warm sonic nature of the Wharfedale Diamond 220s will make it a terrific pair of speakers for vinyl music playbacks.
The Dali Spektor 2 will be another pair of amazing passive speakers which is ideal for listeners who want a more entertaining music presentation of their favorite tunes. The alacrity performance of the Spektor 2 will immediately engage you and pull you right into the music. Their vocal reproduction is superb and will fit nicely with your Audio Technica LP120X. Furthermore, the Dali Spektor 2 does not sound harsh even with this much energy being added into the overall sound reproduction. It is an excellent pair of articulate bookshelf speakers which will match well with the Audio Technica LP120X and provide an enjoyable music listening experience.
More Details at Amazon – DALI SPEKTOR 2 Passive Bookshelf Speakers
The Klipsch R-51PM is one of the best powered speakers to match with the Audio Technica LP120X and for listeners who want a brighter sounding stereo system. It even has its own phono preamp built into it which you can use. There is also a Bluetooth connection for wireless music streaming and a dedicated subwoofer output for you to connect to an active sub. Klipsch R-51PM has a clean and clear overall sound reproduction, the lively music presentation can help to provide a more engaging experience for its users. The R-51PM powered speakers will be a suitable match with the Audio Technica LP120X turntable and you should check them out.
More Details at Amazon – Klipsch R-51PM
For listeners who have really tight budget or do not want to invest much in a pair of speakers. The Edifier R1280T will be an ideal choice for you and your Audio Technica LP120X turntable. It is a pair of active speakers with 42 Watts of RMS power and it even has a remote control when you can adjust the volume remotely which is really convenient. The affordable price tag of the R1280T should fit most listeners’ budgets. It has a clean overall sound reproduction with a nice level of clarity but it does lack bass weight. Still, for active speakers at this price point, it is difficult to nitpick the Edifier R1280T speakers.
More Details at Amazon – Edifier R1280T Active Bookshelf Speakers
If you prefer studio monitors, we will suggest going for those which have their own built-in amplifiers as these amps are already tuned and optimized to drive them. The JBL 305P MkII will be an exemplary choice to go for and pair up with your Audio Technica LP120X. It is a highly rated and well-received powered studio monitor with a wide sweet spot, enabling you to sit comfortably at your listening seat without worrying you are off-axis. If you require more bass output, the Yamaha HS8 will be an excellent choice for you. It is a pair of 8″ active studio monitors with a frequency response of 38Hz to 30kHz, able to deliver powerful bass without compromising clarity.
More Details at Amazon – JBL Professional Studio Monitor 305PMKII
More Details at Amazon – Yamaha HS8 Black
To Sum It Up
For listeners who are planning to go for passive speakers, it will be wise to audition them using the same amps so to get a more accurate result. Auditioning speakers in your own listening room is highly recommended as well. These are some of the best active/passive speakers which you can go for and they are certainly worth your time to check them out. You can also use this list as a reference and compare it with other speakers’ models/brands that are not listed here.
