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Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB vs Pro-Ject Debut Carbon

Product Comparison: Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB vs Pro-Ject Debut Carbon

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Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB Direct-Drive Professional Turntable in Silver

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Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Red

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General Specifications

Brand

Audio-Technica

Pro-Ject

Model

AT-LP120-USB

Debut Carbon

Origin

Japan

About the Product

This professional stereo turntable features a high-torque direct-drive motor for quick start-ups and a USB output that connects directly to your computer. Other features include: forward and reverse play capability; cast aluminum platter with slip mat and a start/stop button; three speeds 33/45/78; selectable high-accuracy quartz-controlled pitch lock and pitch change slider control with +/-10% or +/-20% adjustment ranges; and removable hinged dust cover. A selectable internal stereo phono pre-amplifier allows the turntable to plug directly to components with no dedicated turntable input. A USB cable and adapter cables are included along with Mac- and PC-compatible Audacity software to digitize your LPs.

The new DEBUT Carbon DC was designed to set new standards in this category for the coming decade – perfectly timed as analogue today is again a respected source, while the demand for good turntables is growing again! The most obvious improvement is the inclusion of a CARBON TUBE for the tonearm, which increases stiffness and decreases unwanted resonance.

Key Specs

Drive Type

Direct Drive

Operation Type

Manual

What customers say about "Key Specs"

Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB Direct-Drive Professional Turntable in Silver

The beltless direct drive does not use a belt. Just drop it into place.
The direct drive motor one can tune with the pitch control should it become inaccurate (it isn't, the strobe to platter gives quick visual reference of the accuracy).
Direct drive that stops and starts records immediately.
The direct drive mechanism starts up fast and brakes automatically when you stop rotation.
This product is amazing. High quality. Heavy, sturdy and a tough direct drive!
The only negative is that this is not a fully automatic turntable, my first. Meaning that at the end of the record, the listener must make the move to end the session. This is the only negative I have found so far.

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Red

Now, everything on this table is manual.
It's a belt driven turntable vs the direct drive of the AT 120 which is supposed to lessen distortion even though at 12 lbs it's about half the weight of the AT 120.
My only issue with this turntable is that every once in a while I will turn on the table and it will rotate in the wrong direction.
There are no buttons, no switches, no pitch control, no lights, no return mechanism, no markings, NOTHING.
The problem seems to be with the motor somehow, and the fix is relatively simple - under the platter near the belt drive, there is a metal plate from which the motor hangs.

Size & Weight

Height

6.1 in.

4.6 in.

Width

17.7 in.

16.4 in.

Depth

13.9 in.

12.5 in.

Weight

23.5 lbs.

12.3 lbs.

What customers say about "Size & Weight"

Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB Direct-Drive Professional Turntable in Silver

Well, It has a nice weight to it, the feet are a nice size to provide not just lift, but actual slight tilt-able support.
They sound good could be louder, but the sound fills the room and they have a good amount of base for the small size.
Perfect for a small to medium size room.
The weight of this unit is impressive.
It is a bit pricy and I've seen some of smaller size but those are of no means problems with this one.

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Red

Set the weights right and you get no bounce.
The anti-skating mechanism is a small counter-weight that hangs off the back of the tone arm and loops over a little hook with fishing line.
Solid sound and clean design.
It has a floating weight that is a bit finicky, especially if you're someone like me who has to wear glasses.
The turntable sounds great but my issue is that the weight that balances the tone arm is constantly falling off.. I have to be so careful it doesn't fall off.. It is so frustrating using it
However, I believe there is a design flaw in the grounding of the turntable.

Audio

Record Sizes

Playable Record Speeds

33 ⅓, 45, 78

33 ⅓, 45

Stylys/Cartridge

Magnet phono cartridge and long-life diamond stylus

Ortofon 2M red

Integrated Preamp

Yes

What customers say about "Audio"

Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB Direct-Drive Professional Turntable in Silver

The included cartridge is a top-notch value, it’s got a good amount of weight in the unit and platter, the direct drive motor is strong, and it looks nice on a shelf.
This record player played it just fine, without skipping, and only minor hissing.
It actually made the needle bounce on the record!
The speed of the motor is very even - it required no adjustment out of the box - although that is easy to do as I tried adjusting it.
Speeds are very accurate, dynamic range of the provided cartridge is excellent, and the versatility of being able to run it into an amp or use its own preamp is a nice feature.

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Red

Let me preface by saying I am not an audio junkie. If it sounds good, I like it.
Another nice detail - the time it takes for you to close the cover and hit record on your tape deck is shorter than the time it takes for the needle to drop on the turntable. Very clever indeed. This TT is a keeper. Have no doubt.
Sure, this is an entry-level piece, but you will be amazed how clear and crisp those records will sound.
My records sound phenomenal. A great entry into high quality vinyl players.
Very easy to set up and got excellent sound from the MM cartridge that came with the turntable.

Features

Control

Power dial, Start/Stop, Speed control switch, Pitch control, Quartz Speed Lock, Voltage Selector Switch

On/Off switch

Functions

Vinyl player

Platter Material

Aluminum die-cast

Felt mat

Dust Cover Included

Yes

Speaker(s) Included

Interfaces

Stereo RCA audio out

Extras

Mac- and PC-compatible Audacity software digitizes your records, Professional anti-resonance, die-cast aluminum platter with slip mat

Increased platter size with more weight, Precision belt drive with synchronous motor, New DC power supply with ultra precision frequency DC-driven AC generator (like Speed Box) for ultimate speed stability, 7 high-gloss colours

Dust Cover Included
Speaker(s) Included

What customers say about "Features"

Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB Direct-Drive Professional Turntable in Silver

Plays my vinyl collection perfectly with fully manual operation.
My vinyl collect sounds great and I've had no problems in 5 years. For me that's 5 stars!
The hinged cover opens with a good, solid feel and stays put in the open position.
I like that the cover is a heavy piece of plastic that feels like you're really closing the thing.
The thickness of the dust cover was also impressive.

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Red

Plays my vinyl with zero issues.
It has really brought a whole new level of enjoyment to my vinyl collection!
A great entry into high quality vinyl players.
Is a great entry level turntable for those that are just getting into the world of vinyl.
One word of advice: get rid of the included felt mat immediately, and upgrade to a custom-cut cork mat.

Warranty / Certifications

Manufacturer Warranty

1 year(s)

Certifications

Other Information

MSRP

299.00 $