Audio-Technica’s LP70XBT Bluetooth Turntable Is a Stylish Merger of the Old and New

Audio-Technica’s sleek and durable LP70XBT turntable combines user-friendly features, such as Bluetooth connectivity, with audiophile-approved analogue sound.

The unit’s Bluetooth connectivity makes it more convenient and portable than most turntables on the market, while the inclusion of a phono output and built-in phono preamp makes it a fine addition to any home sound system.

The built-in preamp means you won’t need a separate amp in order to play records through a stereo’s AUX line or powered speakers. On top of this, it’s incredibly easy to set up and hit play, and similarly straightforward to disassemble, allowing you to take it with you on trips away from home.

Credit: Audio-Technica

Like all Audio-Technica products, the LP70XBT looks attractive. It’s constructed of durable, high-quality components, such as a phono cartridge, 0.6 mil conical stylus, J-shaped tonearm, aluminium platter, and three-piece, anti-resonance chassis. It’ll spin discs at either 33-1/3 or 45 RPM.

Unmatched convenience and portability

While Bluetooth turntables aren’t a total anomaly these days, we can’t stress enough the perks of this merger of old and new technology. Audio-Technica has taken this happy marriage one step further by equipping the LP70XBT with a phono output and an in-built preamp.

Home stereo set-ups tend to be bulky and immobile, but the LP70XBT’s Bluetooth technology makes it easy to listen to records in multiple rooms of the house without having to haul all your gear around. It also allows you to take the turntable with you to friends’ places or on trips away.

Credit: Audio-Technica

Easy set-up

The easy setup means you’ll have it operating at an optimal level within minutes of removing it from the box. Audio-Technica has taken care of all the finicky tasks, such as configuring the counterweight and anti-skating mechanism, meaning users can breeze through set-up with confidence.

The tonearm, cartridge and stylus are pre-installed in the turntable’s chassis – i.e., the rectangular base on which everything else sits. It’s recommended that you upgrade the stylus (also known as the needle) every few years, and the LP70XBT’s stylus can be easily swapped out for any other styli in Audio-Technica’s VM95 Series.

Setting up the platter, belt drive and slipmat

The “platter” is the name of the circular surface on which records spin. In the box, the LP70XBT’s drive belt is located on the inside of the aluminium platter, with a small piece of red ribbon attached.

To get started, place the platter over the spindle (the protruding part in the centre of the chassis) and spin it around so that the rectangular opening next to the red ribbon reveals a brass pulley. Now, hold onto the ends of the ribbon and stretch the rubber drive belt over the brass pulley.

Once the drive belt is secured onto the pulley, manually rotate the platter ten times clockwise to confirm the automatic mechanism is working and the belt is correctly positioned.

The LP70XBT comes with an Audio-Technica-branded felt slipmat, which goes on top of the platter. Record nerds tend to amass a vast collection of turntable mats, all of which are compatible with the LP70XBT, but the one in the box is as good as any felt slipmat you’ll find.

Removable dust cover

The LP70XBT looks prettiest when the records are spinning on the chassis unobscured. For this reason, the dust cover can be removed and reaffixed with ease. That said, the dust cover will help to preserve the quality of one’s vinyl collection and protect the turntable when not in use.

To put it on, you simply insert the hinges into the cover and slide the cover into the holes at the rear of the chassis. Then, just plug in the AC power adapter and you’re ready to go.

Credit: Audio-Technica

Connecting to Bluetooth

The LP70XBT is compatible with Audio-Technica speakers and wireless headphones, as well as most other Bluetooth receivers. To use Bluetooth, set the selector switch on the turntable’s rear to ‘line’. There’s a Bluetooth button and LED light on the front left of the chassis. The LED will flash blue and red while searching for devices and maintain a constant blue when paired. Bluetooth will function optimally when the speakers are within 10 metres of the turntable.

Phono output and built-in preamp

You can connect the LP70XBT to any amplifier or receiver with a phono preamp by using the included RCA cable and ground wire. To do so, set the selector switch to “phono” and run the RCA cables into the external device’s phono inputs.

The LP70XBT also has an internal equalised phono preamp, which gives you the option of connecting to AUX lines, powered speakers and devices such as soundbars. To take advantage of this function, set the switch to “line” and connect to your non-phono device directly using the RCA cable.

Hit play and enjoy the pleasures of vinyl

There’s no better way to listen to music than on vinyl, both in terms of the aural experience and the overall romance of the activity. However, the price of a decent record player, amplifier and speaker system can be a major deterrent.

The LP70XBT solves this issue without skimping on quality. It not only looks excellent and includes top-tier parts, but all you need to get started is a Bluetooth speaker.