IFA 2015: Audio-Technica introduces its AT-LP5 turntable for £330

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Yesterday it was Technics who unveiled its new prototype turntable to the world at IFA, today it's the turn of Audio-Technica with its £330 AT-LP5.

At least this one is the finished article, and will be in stores from mid September. The Audio-Technica AT-LP5 is a direct drive turntable with a cast aluminium record platter, fitted with an AT95EX Dual moving magnet cartridge, mounted on a lightweight AT-HS10 headshell.

The AT-LP5's J-shaped tonearm is based on original Audio-Technica designs from the 1960s and 70s. The deck can play records at 33 1/3 rpm or 45 rpm, has phono and line stereo outputs with separate grounding, a low-resonance damped and weighted chassis and a rubber-composite platter mat. A matte black paint finish completes the package.

MORE: Technics to release a new turntable in 2016

Richard Garrido, Audio-Technica's European President, says: "The LP5 is a hi-fi turntable that offers performance far beyond what many people may expect at this price."

Owners have the choice of using either the internal or an external phone preamp, and performance is further enhanced by the use of a mains power supply with enhanced grounding, says Audio-Technica.

And in a nod to modern day technology, the LP5 also has a USB output and bundled Audacity software so owners can record their vinyl albums on to a Mac or PC in a choice of digital audio formats.

MORE: IFA 2015 highlights

Andy Clough
Andy Clough

Andy is Global Brand Director of What Hi-Fi? and has been a technology journalist for 30 years. During that time he has covered everything from VHS and Betamax, MiniDisc and DCC to CDi, Laserdisc and 3D TV, and any number of other formats that have come and gone. He loves nothing better than a good old format war. Andy edited several hi-fi and home cinema magazines before relaunching whathifi.com in 2008 and helping turn it into the global success it is today. When not listening to music or watching TV, he spends far too much of his time reading about cars he can't afford to buy.