Additionally, the AT-LP8X comes equipped with the Audio-Technica’s AT-VM95E cartridge. The neat thing is that should you choose, you can easily swap and upgrade this cartridge with any of the five other models in the VM95 line.
Unlike a lot of modern “integrated” turntables, the Audio-Technica AT-LP8X doesn’t come with a built-in phono preamp, meaning you’ll have to get an external one (if you want to hook it up to a powered or active speaker system) or pair it with an integrated amplifier or receiver that has one.
The brand’s first semi-automatic
The main standout feature of AT-LP8X is its semi-automatic design — a first for Audio-Technica. This means that you still have to manually pick up the tonearm and drop the needle on the record — which is one of the best things about listening to vinyl — when you don’t have to pick up the tonearm when the record finishes.
When the record is done, the AT-LP8X’s tonearm will automatically lift so the record stops playing — just like an automatic turntable. Thus, you don’t have to worry about hearing that annoying gravelly sound when the record ends (which isn’t good for your turntable’s stylus or the record).
