Audio-Technica unveils new affordable AT-LP3 turntable

For that difficult second deck.

Audio-Technica has shared details of its newest turntable at CES 2017, which it promises will “offer vinyl record enthusiasts a sonic step-up” from an entry-level deck.

Read next: The 8 best turntables to upgrade your vinyl listening experience

Keeping things simple, the AT-LP3 is a fully-automatic belt-drive turntable that seeks to find that difficult compromise between audio quality and ease-of-use.

Adapting characteristics of higher-end models, the AT-LP3 boasts a damped-based construction to reduce resonance at the low-end, while the die-cast aluminium platter is fitted with a 4.5mm thick rubber mat to counter unwanted vibration.

As far as the tonearm is concerned, the AT-LP3 is fitted with a balanced straight tonearm, with hydraulic lift control as well as radial and pivot ball bearings for ease of horizontal and vertical movement.

The AT91R Dual Moving Magnet phono cartridge included uses a lightweight aluminium alloy tube cantilever but can be easily upgraded with its AT-HS3 universal headshell. It also incorporates a switchable Moving-Magnet / Moving-Coil cartridge selector mode typically not found in turntables with a built-in phono pre-amplifier.

The Audio-Technica AT-LP3 will be available in March 2017, priced at £199.99.

The company has unveiled a new series of VM cartridges at CES 2017. The nine new models combine three different cartridge bodies and seven different stylus shapes for use with all types of stereo, mono and 78 RPM records. Click here for more info.