What I do like about this unit is that it is not trying to offer you features you don’t need. This is a pretty simple turntable, but it does what it is supposed to. The belt-driven platter is stable and offers a good smooth start-up and an even continuous payback. The rubber mat may seem like unfamiliar territory to many DJs, but it creates the perfect surface for a non-slip rotation of your records, whilst keeping them stable beneath the stylus. The controls are fairly sparse with a speed selection, record size selection and a start/ stop button. An adaptor is also included for 7” records.
Aside from the platter, the tone arm is the most important device on a turntable to achieve an even and steady playback. The AT-LP3 offers a balanced tone arm with a solid and adjustable counterweight to get the right tension on your stylus. Although the arm itself is straight, the headshell is mounted at an angle to ensure the stylus sits comfortably in the record grooves with the least amount of side pressure from the outer regions right into the centre of the record.
This is not a turntable designed for DJ use; it has been built to deliver clear and concise playback of a record from start to finish. It does just that, and paired with a good preamp and decent amplification system there is no reason why you shouldn’t fully enjoy all of your record collection with the aid of the Audio-Technica AT-LP3. It’s simple and that is its charm.
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