Head-to-head · Best Turntables Under $500

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB vs Sony PS-LX310BT

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

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The short answer

Sony PS-LX310BT comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.8 vs 4.4). Sony PS-LX310BT is best for: First-time vinyl buyers who want plug-and-play simplicity, automation, and the ability to stream records to wireless speakers or headphones. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #2 in Best Turntables Under $500

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB

4.4

2 sources$399as of Oct 24

The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB is the most versatile turntable under $500: a direct-drive deck with a quartz-locked motor, a built-in switchable phono stage, USB ripping, and DJ-friendly pitch control. It is unflappably speed-stable and built like a tank. The stock cartridge and felt-over-aluminum platter limit its outright sound, but no rival here matches its feature set.

Strengths

— DC servo direct-drive motor with quartz speed lock delivers exceptional speed stability
— Built-in switchable phono preamp works with any line input or powered speakers
— USB output lets you rip vinyl to digital files on a computer

Watch-outs

— Aluminum platter with felt mat is less resonance-damping than acrylic
— Reviewers note a faint high-pitched whine audible in quiet passages
— Stock AT-VM95E cartridge is a competent starter rather than a refined one

$399 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Turntables Under $500

Sony PS-LX310BT

4.8

3 sources$448as of Oct 24

The Sony PS-LX310BT is the convenience champion of the group: fully automatic, with Bluetooth to up to eight devices, a built-in three-setting phono stage, and USB ripping, all for well under $300. What Hi-Fi calls it one of the best 'my first turntable' decks it has heard. It is plastic-heavy and not the most resolving here, but for hassle-free, wireless-friendly vinyl it is unbeatable value.

Strengths

— Fully automatic operation: one button starts, plays, and returns the arm
— Bluetooth pairs with up to 8 wireless speakers or headphones
— Smooth, speed-stable, listenable sound that punches above its price

Watch-outs

— Mostly plastic construction feels lightweight
— Bluetooth output is convenient but not audiophile-grade
— Fixed cartridge limits the upgrade path

$448 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB

The AT-LP120XUSB is the most feature-complete deck here: unlike the U-Turn Orbit Plus it has a built-in phono stage, and it is the only one with pitch control and a 78 RPM speed. Its direct-drive motor has no belt to replace, unlike the belt-drive Sony PS-LX3BT, Sony PS-LX310BT and U-Turn Orbit Plus, though its felt-over-aluminum platter damps less resonance than the Orbit Plus's acrylic platter.

Sony PS-LX310BT

The Sony PS-LX310BT and its successor, the Sony PS-LX3BT, are the two fully automatic Bluetooth decks here, and like the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB both include a built-in phono stage. Its plastic build and fixed cartridge mean it trails the AT-LP120XUSB and U-Turn Orbit Plus on upgradeability.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB	Sony PS-LX310BT
Cartridge	AT-VM95E (moving magnet)	—
Drive	Direct drive, DC servo with quartz lock	Belt drive, fully automatic
Platter	Die-cast aluminum with felt mat	Die-cast aluminum
Speeds	33⅓, 45, 78 RPM	33⅓, 45 RPM
Wow & Flutter	Less than 0.2% WRMS	—
Phono Preamp	Built-in, switchable	Built-in, 3 gain settings
Outputs	RCA (line/phono), USB	RCA, USB
Weight	23.1 lb	7.72 lb
Material	Aluminum	Plastic
Bluetooth	—	Yes (up to 8 devices)
Dimensions	—	430 x 108 x 367 mm

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