Audio-Technica has announced the launch of two new DJ-oriented additions to its extensive turntable and cartridge line-ups – the AT-LP140XP turntable and AT-XP3 cartridge.
Designed in Tokyo, Japan, the fully manual, pro-level AT-LP140XP features a high-torque direct drive motor and anti-resonant, mass-damped die-cast aluminium platter for stable, on-axis rotation (at 33Â and a third, 45 and 78RPM). The S-shaped tonearm allows adjustment for height, tracking force and dynamic anti-skate control; other professional features include start/stop button, forward and reverse play, selectable quartz-controlled pitch lock and pitch change slider (with +/-8%, +/-16% and +/-24% adjustment ranges), stroboscopic platter with speed indicator and retractable plug-type stylus target light. The LP140XP (which is available in both black and silver finishes) comes with a detachable RCA output cable and is equipped with a phono level output supplying a strong 5.5mV.
Audio-Technica, which designed its first cartridge in 1962, has drawn on over 50 years of experience in creating the new AT-XP3, which is also included on the LP140XP.
Combining the features expected of a DJ-specific cartridge with true hi-fi audio performance, the AT-XP3 cartridge features V-Mount dual magnet construction – for outstanding channel sparation and extended frequency response – carbon fibre-reinforced ABS cantilver and nylon wire suspension for precise tracking. The robust design of the AT-XP3 means that, unlike most hi-fi cartridges delivering comparable sonic performance, it allows for manual cueing and back-cueing.
The AT-XP3 is available as a single cartridge, or complete with the AT-HS6BK headshell (as the AT-XP3/H bundle), which features a 9g die-case aluminium body with integral finger-lift.
