What a great Turntable! 3 years of use and I do not regret it! AT may be huge but their quality is legit, this table works well! The 95e cartridge it comes with is ok but you can upgrade it to the 95ml stylus for greater instrument separation and clarity! It is great upgrade from the lp60 because this one also has its own built-in phono pre-amp. I’m not an audiophile but have been listening to music all my life, and this table changed the way I interact with some of my favorite bands/artists, seriously. It’s a great value for your money, and I would recommend it for anyone who loves music.
E
Erik B. Beatty
★★★★★
Broke after 10 days
Sounded great until the center spindle started making a ticking/rubbing noise at just 10 days! Emailed AT support and they are completely absent. Returning the unit.
Michelle M.
★★★★★
Perfection for this newbie!
I ordered this based on the reviews since I have no first hand experience or knowledge when it comes to record players. I started collecting records a year ago and joined a bunch of record and audio groups on facebook. Quickly I learned there is a LOT to know about record players and speakers and amplifiers etc. I was so overwhelmed that I spent a year in frozen mode over what to buy. I had sold myself on getting vintage equipment but then became paralyzed over that as well. I was looking at all price points. I knew I wanted to avoid the stuff you can buy in the box stores. I was really wanting to find a complete set- player, amp and speakers. But not much fits into that category. So I finally went for this one based on the reviews and got a pair of Klipsch speakers, these are The Fives and the color match is spot on with the record player. I watched YouTube videos on them and decided it would be a great option. Memorial weekend they were marked down significantly so I went for it. I couldn’t be happier! Listen to this sound! It’s deep and sexy just like I had hoped for. If you are like me and you don’t know what you are doing, just type these names into YouTube and watch some videos. Thank goodness there are set up videos on there as well!!! Oh and in case you didn’t know this record player has a built in amp, so you only need to buy speakers. Also if you dig my music this is Chris Botti.
Dan
★★★★★
Plays perfectly
Definitely a huge upgrade from a automatic LP60 to this manual player. Sounds much clear and crisp. I’m impressed with the quality and ease of set up.
R
Richard Green
★★★★★
Audio-Technica AT-LPW40WN - Retro cool that sounds great
Waited a few months before writing my feedback on the Audio-Technica AT-LPW40WN.
I come from the turntable generation and decided to purchase one to listen to albums I've saved as well as purchase new albums to listen to. My needs were simple, - affordable, quality sound, analog delivery and good looks. I looked at a LOT of turntables and while many looked great i chose this model because of its design, simplicity and manufacture reputation for delivering good audio.
Packaging is done just right with instructions clearly showing how to setup. FYI, on Youtube you can find a few step by step visual tutorials on how to setup and operate so check those out if needed. Its really easy.
I won't bore you with technical BS because if you are like me, you just want something that sounds good, and thankfully, this turnable is great!!! This model includes an optional preamp which today is more commonly needed because most modern receivers do not have a phono input. Something you need to consider when making turntable purchase. For me, I am running my turntable into a Denon receiver's media channel which supports RCA inputs. The sound is fantastic with no noise from the turntables internal amp which is in the on position. The turntable is manual so you have to do the work, but I prefer that. This is something to keep in mind when buying. If you want the turntable to return the arm at the end of the album then this is NOT the turntable for you. Its totally manual. This turntable does come with a lever to raise and lower the needle which makes it easy to operate. The speed of the turntable is spot in in both 33 1/3 and 45.
If you are looking for a solid performing turntable that sounds great and looks sleek then I highly recommend the Audio-Technica AT-LPW40WN.
Ilerick Camano
★★★★★
Spectacular
This was a present for my husband’s bday, extremely elegant, very high quality and the sound is fantastic. Not for beginners since the needle is manual. Fully recommend.
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Pat Duggins
★★★★★
This turntable is great!
I play it through a pair of powered Klipsch speakers, and it sounds great. I love that it's manual. It has a hydraulic lift that gently sets the needle on your record!!! It also has a sensor monitored speed control function!
AC
★★★★★
My first turntable and I'm glad I went with this
This is my first turntable. I did a lot of research and went back on forth on different brands, different models. Fluance RT83 - RT85, Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo, T1 Phono SB or the Drop+Audio Technica VTA version of this AT-LPW40WN. The Fluance tables are too beefy looking for me. I get that they are a lot of value for money, but I didn't like how it looks. Yes, a turntable is about the sound, but I also have to look at this thing in my house. The beefy plinth was just not my cup of tea. So moving on to the other TTs. Pro-Ject TTs were on the top of my list, however the price, while I can afford it, do I really want to spend that much on my first go at this hobby? My wife would've probably killed me. We're down to Drop+AT VTA. I was ready to buy one, however they increased the price overnight to $400. While I liked the entire package, I didn't appreciate the price increase. So I looked at this turntable that the Drop+AT VTA was based off of, the AT-LPW40WN (does Audio Technica use the same product naming team as Sony?)
Anyways, I found an AT-LPW40WN an online retailer was selling for $299.99 and sadly when I was about to pull the trigger on it, someone had bought the last one. I know there was a price increase on these and on the day I was ready to buy, I scored a "Like New" warehouse deal that was very close in price of the original MSRP.
When the TT was delivered, the box was a little beat, and I was getting ready for the worse. However once I opened it up, everything was as advertised, "Like New." It was never setup by anyone, and was just an open box. I took the parts out, took the included quick start manual. The instructions were enough for me and I put the whole TT together without any issues. I read some people felt the instructions were minimal, however, I feel if you can put together IKEA furniture, you can put together this TT. Maybe the only thing that needed more guidance was the balancing of the tone arm and the anti-skate. Everything else was straightforward. I was able to do all this with just the manual. Keep in mind, this is the first time I've ever set up a TT. Audio Technica has a setup video that is very helpful for those who need visual guidance on setting this up.
Onto the sound. Sound is very subjective, you might think differently from me. This TT sounds really good to me out of the box with the internal phono preamp. I am using Edifier R1280DBS speakers. I had also initially plugged this TT into my Vizio soundbar and the sound was fine as well. So called "audiophiles" would explode hearing that. But they're not really the clientele this TT is going after. At this price point, there's a lot of value here in terms of sound, looks, specs and functionality. The AT-LPW40WN is a nice turntable that is not too entry level, and has some room (not a lot) of upgradeability for people to tinker with in the future, such as, different VM95 series cartridge, mats, stabilizers.
So what is the con? After owning it for 2-3 days, a few turns of the speed knob, the glue that held it together came apart. so I thought the speed knob was broken. Because it kept spinning in place. I happened to realize the knob is just a cover of the actual knob that turns. When I pulled it up, I was surprised barely any glue was used. I can fix it with some gorilla glue myself, its not big deal, but I would've liked for it to not had come off in the first place after 2-3 days of ownership. Even now, without me fixing it with glue, the knob turns fine, unless I try to make it spin on purpose. Another con is probably the inability to use Q-Up. There's not enough space to add that, it would have been nice to not have to rush back to lift the tone arm once a record is done playing. But you kind of know that going into this purchase that this is a fully manual turntable, can't really complain.
My current setup is AT-LPW40WN, iFi Zen Phono, Edifier R1280DBs.
As a first time TT owner, I'd have to say the decision process was the hardest part. To make it easier, you REALLY need to set a firm price point you want to spend. Then start looking at TT's at the price point with the features you want. The sound, the looks, future proof. Trusted Youtubers help, but ultimately it comes down to you. I'm glad this TT worked out for me.
Nate P.
★★★★★
Can't beat it for the money.
I don't know why people aren't screaming from the rooftops about this TT.
You have a carbon fiber tonearm, good cart, electronic speed control and a built in preamp.
I've been using this for almost a year and upgraded the cart to the AT VM540ML because I'd worn out the original stylus and wanted a Microline stylus.
For the money, I don't think there's a better option for belt drive.
S
Salmonerd202
★★★★★
Nice entry machine for vinyl
I bought this wanting to upgrade from the cheap suitcase player I was given, and the initial draws were the wood veneer, and the carbon fiber tonearm. I bought this along with some kanto powered speakers, and it’s a great entryway into vinyl.
It was easy enough to set up, but it’s best recommend to get a digital gram scale to accurately set the tracking force as the included knob is a bit inaccurate. I also bought a blank lp to properly adjust the anti skate. The included rca cables are ok but I would def invest in a nicer set to improve sound quality. You must also purchase a couple other things to truly get this machine to shine. Lastly, my final complaint would be it lacks an upgradable path. I’d like to be able to purchase a heavier duty platter or have the option of getting different materials like acrylic, and I wish the foot pads were a little nicer.
Pros- lots of bang for your buck (carbon tonearm, accurate motor, nice looking plinth, good enough cartridge and stylus.)
Cons- need to buy extra stuff to get it set up properly and I wish it had an upgrade path.
Jeff
★★★★★
Great Turntable
Great quality and sound, however for $300 I thought it would have a built-in amplifier. However, I recommend purchasing if you want a great high quality sound and look, but be prepared to spend extra money on an amplifier!
Dmytro Chub
★★★★★
factory defect on a protective cover
I received a turntable with a factory defect on a protective cover. this is not reflected in the sound, but I am not pleased. I wrote to the seller, I'm waiting for an answer. separately, this cover costs $ 70 (((unpleasant
A
Alex
★★★★★
Absolutely Stunning, yes it is.
It’s so gorgeous. This was my first turntable so I wanted a balance of quality and style. This is the perfect mix.
MarcSivam
★★★★★
Excellent product ...
Love the look, super easy to set up, sounds fantastic! Highly recommend!
M
Matthew Crittenden
★★★★★
It's amazing
It's my first turntable and I really like it. It's beautiful aesthetically, and when paired with my receiver the sound it produces through my speakers is absolutely incredible. Very happy with this purchase.
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Ebenezer Kofi Asare
★★★★★
This player sounds so good
I just love how this vinyl player sounds. Excellent sound. Highly recommended
A
Aaron Aguilera
★★★★★
Fantastic price for a beautiful "beginner" turntable
Before I found this gem of a turntable that seemingly nobody talks about, I did a lot of research on different brands such as Audio Technica, Planar, U-Turn and Pro-Ject. One reason I was turned away from the last three I mentioned were that some of their belt-driven turntables had speed consistency issues according to some Youtube video reviews and written reviews that I read. For the life of me, I couldn't imagine spending over $400 on something that COMES WITH known issues. On the other hand, I didn't want to be basic and go with the AT LP-120 as I kind of had the feeling most of the rave reviews were from people who just don't really know any better. The electronic/USB feature must take away from something else's performance, or so I figured.
I was just about to throw the towel in when I stumbled across the LPW40WN, which I've never even seen anyone mention before, even after asking about turntables in online forums. The reviews already had me convinced this was the turntable I wanted to go with, and when I looked at the price, I was blown away as other brands have similar turntables for at least $100 more.
Audio Technica has a Youtube video for setting up this turntable, which made life much easier. Thank goodness, because the start-up guide is mainly pictures with no explanation if you're stuck with a question.
After having spun about 20 records on my LPW40WN, I've come to the conclusion that not only am I extremely satisfied, but I'm glad I overdid my research and skipped out on those other turntables. I haven't experienced any speed fluctuations, the stylus is apparently pretty nice according to those more knowledgeable than I, and it just LOOKS BEAUTIFUL. I've posted pictures online and visitors have commented on the stunning wood grain appearance and carbon-fiber tone arm. This turntable is obviously great for beginners as it has a built-in pre-amp, so that's one less thing to have to buy and do research on. However, since I'm no audiophile, I can see myself having this for many years to come, even when I'm no longer new to spinning vinyl.
L
Leanne
★★★★★
Great Table, Confusing Setup
No wobble, nice materials, makes me so happy. The only thing is that the tone arm is pretty difficult to balance effectively-- for beginners like myself. The manual definitely isn't enough and the AT youtube tutorial also is pretty ineffective in explaining it fully. Other than that, it's an amazing looking and sounding turntable. :)
J
Justin Weber
★★★★★
The best compromise there is.
I'll start this review by saying that I spent weeks obsessing over the right replacement for my old LP60, which was a fine table to start with, so anything was going to be an upgrade.
Going into my search, my requirements were that I wanted something that was automatic, had a pre-amp built in, had a removable headshell and cables for upgrading, wasn't just black, and was of a quality that it wouldn't breakdown in a couple of years. I had a budget of $300-$400.
Much to my dismay, there's not really anything out there that matches that exactly. All of the fully automatic tables seemed cheap or overpriced. The Denon DP-300 had tons of reviews that said it broke down in a few years, it only came in black and the cables were built in. The AT-LP3, which seemed like a winner, had a cheap plastic-y build that just felt unstable. Everything else was a cheap brand like Crosely that I didn't trust.
After that research, I figured I needed to expand my budget and I was set on Wirecutter's suggestion of a Denon DP-400. It had only auto-stop with arm lift - which felt like the more important half of fully automatic - but it had everything else I was looking for, including coming in white. But it had a really dumb dustcover that you can't use while a record is playing and doesn't really protect the turntable. As a family with cats, it was a deal breaker.
I looked into the Fluance tables. They seemed really nice and had auto-stop (but no arm lift) and they came with nice needles already. But the RT-82 and up didn't have a phono pre-amp (which wouldn't have been a dealbreaker). The deal breaker was that I really didn't like the look of it. It was hulking and wanna-be classy. I also didn't like that the cheaper $250 RT-81 that did come with a pre-amp came with the old AT-95E needle instead of the new VM95E that is more upgradable without remounting the cartridge and the motor didn't have a sensor monitoring speed.
So I decided to look into fully manual tables. I started with U-Turn and they seem like a great option, but it gets expensive quickly as I added on options. With pre-amp, a decent needle, and the color I wanted, I was quickly getting past $400 (and that was without some basics like a tone arm lift or a dial to select the speed).
I did briefly look into old turntables and DJ turntables, but it quickly got too overwhelming for me. I didn't know how long the old tables would last and more of them didn't have preamps anyway. The DJ tables just had too many features I didn't care about and they didn't have the look I wanted.
Enter this turntable. I decided that I'd give a fully manual table a try because this had a pre amp, speed dial, tone arm lift, looked great, came with the VM95E needle, had a functional dustcover, removable cables, and had a quality motor with a speed sensor. And the tone arm is carbon fiber, which only seems to be available on tables that are hundreds of dollars more. It even, contrary to some reports on the web, had adjustable feet so you can level it. All in all, it seemed like a lot for the money if I was willing to give up on auto-stop.
So I got it and I couldn't be happier. It feels solid, much more substantial than my old LP-60. All the dials and dust cover feel like they'll last a while. It sounds great. Didn't have any issues with ground hum or the table being too boomy. For the record, I'm plugging directly into a Sonos Play 5 for now. It looks excellent. It's not quite as nice as the solid wood U-Turn tables since this is a veneer, but it's a great shade and it's sleek.
Do I wish it was automatic? Yes, a bit. But it hasn't been as big of a drag as I thought and I get a kick out of lowering the tone arm lift and watching the needle gently drop. The tone arm mechanism is easy to set up and I cross checked it with a needle tracking force scale and it's accurate. The alignment of the cartridge was spot on out of the box. Everything was packaged safely and securely.
So if you're in the some boat as I was - looking for something that will last without breaking into the $500+ range and still gives you a good set of features - I'd highly recommend this turntable.
Joshua jj
★★★★★
Amazing turntable
Was kind of expecting to get this all put together and set up (which was a breeze and I’ve never set this style up before) just to be disappointed and return it. But I was blown away by the sound quality and build quality of this turntable. Not to mention it looks amazing, especially the carbon fiber tone arm. I was thinking I would have to replace the cartridge right away but it sounds amazing. Highly recommend. And to the review about the ground hum....I didn’t even connect the ground cable and zero hum/noise (sometimes it’s better that way)
V
Virgil Aviles
★★★★★
It sounds fantastic!
I’m using a legacy Nakamichi RE-3 with Klipsch R-51M speakers and the AT-LPW40WN Audio Technica turntable. I attached a video of how this turntable and setup sounds. I hope it will help with your decision of buying it. It’s playing an old Gigi Grynce Quintet LP.
