Audio-Technica AT-LP3XBT + Audio-Technica ATH-SP3X Black

I am happy and satisfied with this player because I was looking for a fully automatic one. So a press on the start button is enough to start playing. But especially the automatic switch-off, where the arm returns to the rest position. That is why it is also possible to do other things in the meantime and not have to quickly walk to the player at the end of a record. It also lowers the tonearm quietly through the hydraulically damped arm lift, so that the needle comes quietly onto the approach groove. The headshell has a good sturdy attachment and is easily removable, this is certainly useful if you have a 2nd headshell with a different element and needle or to be able to clean the needle properly periodically. The standard supplied AT-VM95 element with AT-VMN95C (conical) needle is really an entry-level model, but certainly gives a great sound with new vinyl. If you want to improve it, you can easily put a better needle on this element, because AT has made them all compatible with this element. So from Conical, to Eliptical, ND Eliptical, ND Micro-line, to ND Shibata. Since I also own an AT-LPW50PB and an AT-LP5X, both fully manual, a comparison is possible. With these other 2 players the motor is not/barely audible, but with this fully automatic it is. The automatic mechanism also produces a bit more noise from friction than I expected, especially during start-up. For comparison, a classic such as a Dual 1218 fully automatic works much quieter and smoother, but it is mainly made of metal and not plastic ... I therefore do not think that this AT will last 50 years in contrast to the Dual. If you are looking for a fully automatic as a (beginning) vinyl lover, then I think this is not a bad purchase. If you don't really value a fully automatic, then I would really pay about Euro 100,- more to buy for example the previously mentioned AT-LPW50PB or the AT-LP5X. In my opinion both have much more quality.

Nowadays there is not much choice if you are looking for a record player with (at least) an auto stop function. Fortunately, this one has this, plus it also has a good basic needle element that can easily be upgraded, plus it also has Bluetooth built-in (and you know: everything is better with Bluetooth).

It was a difficult choice between a very good vintage turntable or a reasonably affordable new one. In the end I chose this one because I don't have the patience and time to search for a good vintage one. The assembly was simple but at first only 1 of the 2 channels worked. I tightened the holder of the element a bit more and then both channels worked. The horizontal movements of the machine are quite clumsy, compared to what I knew from my parents' turntable (Dual). When starting up, the tonearm comes to an abrupt stop above the edge of the record. Vertical movements are very quiet. The sound is nice but in my opinion better if you use the phono output (and have a good amplifier) than if you use the built-in preamplifier,