Head-to-head · Best Turntables Under $500

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB vs Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.6 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about DJs, listeners who'll digitize their vinyl collection, and anyone who wants plug-and-play with any speaker — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Turntables Under $500

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB

4.6

$349

The AT-LP120XUSB is the do-everything pick. Direct-drive plus built-in preamp plus USB output covers DJing, digitizing records, and listening through any speaker without an external phono stage. Less audiophile-leaning than the Fluance RT85 but vastly more versatile.

Strengths

— Direct-drive motor — instant start/stop and DJ-friendly torque
— Built-in phono preamp switchable to line-level for any input
— USB output digitizes vinyl to your computer directly

Watch-outs

— Direct-drive transmits more motor vibration than the Fluance RT85's belt-drive
— AT-VM95E cartridge is good but trails the Ortofon 2M Blue on the RT85
— Heavier and bulkier than the Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB

$349 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #3 in Best Turntables Under $500

Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB

4.5

$499

The T1 Phono SB is the electronic-speed pick. Glass platter plus electronic speed control plus built-in preamp gives you a complete listening solution out of the box. Style-forward Pro-Ject design. The build is lighter than the RT85's, and the cartridge trails it on detail.

Strengths

— Glass platter and electronic speed control (SB suffix) for stable rotation
— Pre-installed Ortofon OM5E cartridge
— Built-in phono preamp — connect directly to powered speakers or any line input

Watch-outs

— Ortofon OM5E cartridge trails the RT85's 2M Blue in detail
— Some testers report tonearm skating issues vs the RT85
— Lighter chassis than the Fluance RT85 — more sensitive to footfall

$499 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB

Only direct-drive pick. Only pick with USB output. Built-in preamp like the Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB. Less audiophile-grade cartridge than the Fluance RT85.

Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB

Built-in preamp like the AT-LP120XUSB. Glass platter (vs Fluance's acrylic, Audio-Technica's aluminum). Lighter cartridge than the Fluance RT85. Style-forward vs the utilitarian AT-LP120XUSB.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB	Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB
Cartridge	AT-VM95E	Ortofon OM5E
Drive	Direct	Belt with electronic speed control
Preamp	Built-in switchable	Built-in
USB	Yes (records to PC/Mac)	—
Pitch Control	±8% / ±16%	—
Platter	—	Glass
Style	—	Minimalist matte finish

← See the full ranking of best turntables under $500