STOW, OH, September 30, 2024 — Our friends at Audio-Technica are pleased to announce the introduction and availability of its AT-LP8X Semi-Automatic Direct Drive Turntable.
The AT-LP8X is Audio-Technica’s new flagship turntable and its first-ever semi-automatic model.
It is designed to deliver exceptional vinyl record playback, with features including a VM95 Series cartridge (included), adjustable VTA (vertical tracking angle), a newly-designed motor, and additional refinements.
In addition to delivering outstanding sound from 33-1/3, 45 and 78-RPM records, the Audio-Technica AT-LP8X offers the convenience of semi-automatic operation, where the tonearm raises itself off the record and the motor stops at the end of a side. The AT-LP8X comes with a pre-mounted high-performance AT-VM95E Dual Magnet phono cartridge with an elliptical stylus, for superior resolution, stereo imaging, and tracking. The cartridge is pre-mounted on Audio-Technica’s new AT-L10 removeable headshell (also available separately) for easy installation. The AT-VM95E is compatible with any VM95 Series replacement stylus.
Adjustable Vertical Tracking Angle VTA
The J-shaped aluminum tonearm is inspired by classic Audio-Technica designs and has adjustable VTA, enabling it to be optimized for virtually any phono cartridge. In addition, the AT-LP8X provides adjustments for anti-skating and tracking force, and comes with a sub-counterweight that enables the use of cartridges with a weight range from 14 to 23.5 grams.
The AT-LP8X incorporates a new low-torque direct drive DC motor, with a speed sensor system that ensures accurate speed stability. It features a 1-inch-thick (25 mm) rubber-damped, anti-resonance, die-cast aluminum platter and a rubber mat, the most substantial platter ever offered on an Audio-Technica turntable, for reduced resonance and more accurate and uncolored vinyl playback. It also features a new internal switching power supply that is optimized for audio use, ensuring minimum noise in the signal chain. The AT-LP8X comes with a detachable RCA cable, removeable hinged dust cover, and 45-RPM adapter.
The Audio-Technica AT-LP8X Semi-Automatic Direct Drive Turntable is now available, at a suggested U.S. retail price of $999 / CAD $1,348. For the Silo, Frank Doris.
Audio-Technica was founded in 1962 with the mission of producing high-quality audio for everyone. As we have grown to design critically acclaimed headphones, turntables and microphones, we have retained the belief that great audio should not be enjoyed only by the select few, but accessible to all. Building upon our analog heritage, we work to expand the limits of audio technology, pursuing an ever-changing purity of sound that creates connections and enriches lives.
— For further information regarding product availability and pricing in Europe, contact Tanya Williams (TWilliams@audio-technica.eu) please mention The Silo when contacting.
Audio-Technica Introduces Its ART Series AT-ART20 High-End Phono Cartridge
STOW, OH, June, 2022 — Audio-Technica recently reached out to The Silo and announced the introduction of its AT-ART20 Dual Moving Coil Stereo Cartridge, the latest in A-T’s ART Series of high-end phono cartridges. The AT-ART20 utilizes Audio-Technica’s magnetic-core design to achieve extraordinary musical realism. Complementing its superlative vinyl playback performance, the AT-ART20 has a striking, distinctive contoured appearance.
“Our goal in creating the new AT-ART20 was to capture the full expressiveness of the original recording,” said Bob Peet, Audio-Technica Global Product Manager – Analog Products. “
To that end, the AT-ART20 embodies technologies and know-how that are the result of our 60 years of experience in phono cartridge design and manufacturing.”
The AT-ART20 (SRP: US$2,900 / CAD$3,760) delivers expansive, detailed sound with unmatched imaging and dynamics. The AT-ART20 utilizes the advanced manufacturing and polishing techniques that have been developed in the eyeglass industry of Sabae City in Japan’s Fukui Prefecture. The cartridge’s body features graceful curves with a flowing, organic design that has never been previously achieved. The body is made of precision-machined titanium combined with an aluminum cartridge base and an elastomer under cover, a selection of materials that provides significant resonance reduction along with lower mass. The cartridge body has threaded mounting holes to facilitate installation.
The AT-ART20 features dual moving coils aligned in an inverted “V” shape which provides optimal channel separation for superior stereo imaging and wide dynamics. The front yoke of the magnetic circuit is 0.6 mm thicker than previous designs, to improve magnetic flux density and increase the output efficiency by more than 15 percent to 0.55 mV.
The cartridge employs a nude special line-contact stylus with a solid boron cantilever just 0.011 inches (0.28 mm) in diameter, to extract a remarkable amount of information from the record groove. The boron cantilever is connected to the armature utilizing a stepped-pipe construction, which provides increased rigidity and improved strength with decreased resonance for a purer audio signal with clearer, more detailed sound.
The AT-ART20’s tip reinforcement plate is made of titanium, which reduces overall mass and improves the cartridge’s high-frequency performance, which extends to 50,000 Hz.
The Audio-Technica AT-ART20 Dual Moving Coil Stereo Cartridge is now available. Contact us on where and how to place your order.
Audio-Technica have much to offer for this year’s gift giving season and we will get to all of the highlights below. But first, let’s take a look at what we believe is a Christmas gift stand out: the inimitable AT-LP60SPBK-BT.
Sure, the product name is a bit of a mouthful but that is deservedly so because this system is packed with features. Read on……
Audio-Technica has made giving and receiving the ‘gift of great sound’ easy for music lovers and gaming enthusiasts.
Power, play/pause, volume and hands-free calling buttons are located on the top of the speaker for easy access, with the built-in mic (for making calls via a paired smartphone) conveniently located on the front of the speaker next to the power LED. A 3.5 mm (1/8″) jack and TF card slot are available on the back of the speaker, allowing you to listen to audio from a wired device or from files saved on a TF or microSD card.
The new AT-LP60SPBK-BT wireless turntable and speaker system makes a perfect gift for anyone who wants to get started with vinyl listening or rediscover their record collection. The AT-LP60SPBK-BT (SRP: 299.99$CAN) comes with everything needed to listen to records including a fully automatic AT-LP60-BT turntable with pre-mounted Dual Moving Magnet high-quality cartridge plus a Bluetooth stereo rechargeable speaker and accessories.
The turntable provides 33-1/3 and 45RPM vinyl playback through the included speaker, which can be placed up to 30 feet away and even in another room. The turntable will also play records through other compatible Bluetooth wireless speakers, headphones and playback devices. The AT-LP60BT can also be used as a conventional wired turntable and has a built-in switchable phono preamp for compatibility with the widest range of audio systems.
A fully automatic belt drive turntable with a dual magnet cartridge and high quality diamond stylus.
Although we weren’t fortunate enough to receive other A-T products, we certainly know about them and wouldn’t have been disappointed with Audio-Technicas wireless QuietPoint® noise-cancelling over-ear ATH-ANC700BT, Solid Bass® ATH-CKS550XBT in-ears or their Pure Digital Drive ATH-DSR5BT in-ear headphones. Both offer outstanding wireless sound in a choice of styles. For everyone into gaming (which means just about everyone these days), the ATH-PG1 and ATH-PDG1 closed- and open-back gaming headsets take game audio to the next level.
The
compact rechargeable speaker features two 1.75-inch full-range drivers
and a passive radiator in an aluminum enclosure for clear, powerful
sound with enhanced bass. The speaker has buttons for controlling music
playback and a mic that allows making calls from a smartphone. It
includes a stand, AUX audio jack and a card slot for playing music from a
TF or microSD card.
Audio-Technicas ATH-ANC700BT QuietPoint over-ear wireless active noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones offer an unmatched combination of comfort, wireless convenience and improved ANC technology. The noise cancelling operates in a wider frequency range than typical ANC designs, yielding a major advancement in noise-cancelling performance and audio quality.
The
ATH-ANC700BT (SRP: 279.99$CAN) features a handy touch and swipe control
system for answering calls and controlling music playback. It employs
large 40 mm drivers for impactful sound and supports Bluetooth codecs including aptX®
and AAC for improved wireless audio. The ATH-ANC700BT is Hi-Res Audio
compatible (when connected with the included cable). It provides up to
25 hours of battery life and can also be used in wired mode. Available
in a matte black finish, the ATH-ANC700BT comes with a pouch, USB
charging cable and a 3.9-foot (1.2m) cable with a 3.5 mm jack.
Comfort and style along with exceptional noise cancelling technology make this a smart choice for travelers and commuters wanting uninterrupted listening.
For some listeners its all about the bass.
Audio-Technicas Solid Bass ATH-CKS550XBT in-ear wireless headphones offer powerful low-frequency performance along with clear, detailed midrange and treble. The ATH-CKS550XBT (SRP: 99.99$CAN) features a comfortable ergonomic design and is equipped to answer calls and control music playback. Its NFC functionality allows easy pairing with other devices. Available in black/gold and white, the ATH-CKS550XBT employs a 9.8 mm Dual Magnetic Field Multiple-Transition driver and a special bass venting system for exceptional bass reproduction, and includes aptX sound-improvement technology. It comes with XS/S/M/L eartips, a USB charging cable, and a cable for use if the battery runs out.
Is there a discerning listener on your holiday gift list?
If so, they will be sure to appreciate the ATH-DSR5BT wireless in-ear headphones with Pure Digital Drive (SRP: 579.99$CAN). This rave-reviewed, exclusive Audio-Technica technology keeps the audio signal completely digital from source to driver, using a dedicated chipset to eliminate the sonic degradation that can be caused in traditional D/A converters and amplifiers. The result is remarkably pure, detailed and natural wireless audio quality.
The ATH-DSR5BT supports aptX, aptX HD, AAC and other wireless formats up to 24-bit/48kHz signals in Bluetooth
transmission. Its rechargeable battery provides approximately eight
hours of continuous use (500 hours standby). For listeners who prefer
over-ear headphones, Audio-Technica also offers its
smartphone-compatible ATH-DSR9BT wireless model with Pure Digital Drive
(SRP: US$549.00), which incorporates ultimate-performance features
including large 45 mm True Motion Drivers, 4-core voice coils and other
refinements for natural music reproduction with extraordinary resolution
and dynamic impact.
Games are always popular holiday gifts and the gaming experience just is not complete without clear and powerful sound. Audio-Technicas high-performance ATH-PG1 closed-back and ATH-PDG1 open-back headphones deliver an immersive, richly detailed sonic environment. The ATH-PG1 and ATH-PDG1 (SRP: 189.99$CAN each) offer a host of gaming-centric features including a flexible gooseneck microphone with detachable cable, smartphone cable, extension cable and a lightweight comfort-fit design. The headsets large-diameter drivers deliver intense sonic involvement with an expansive sound space that draws listeners completely into the playing field.
Gamers take note- this is a serious ‘bit of kit’. Outstanding performance for a gamer who appreciates not only great audio but also the preferred comfort of open ear headphones.
At CES 2020 Audio-Technica will introduce a host of innovative products including headphones, turntables and mics across a wide variety of categories, from high value to ultimate-performance.
New QuietPointtruly wireless in-ear headphones combine next-generation truly wireless technology with digital hybrid active noise-cancelling electronics. The result is improved high-fidelity sound with superior noise cancelling performance.
A new belt-drive turntable combines an exceptional vinyl listening experience with a stunning, high-gloss piano black finish that complements any music system. The turntable includes a VM95E phono cartridge, built-in phono preamp and accessories.
Audio-Technica will introduce four all-new high-end headphones. The on-ear models combine beautifully crafted exotic woods with superb sound. The in-ear model features an exclusive hybrid multi-driver system for unmatched in-ear listening. All offer Hi-Res Audio quality.
Two Sonic Sport in-ear headphones will make their debut. One model features a built-in portable music player for the ultimate in on-the-go listening convenience. Both headphones offer a host of fitness-friendly features and powerful, immersive sound.
Audio-Technica’s newly upgraded ATR Series microphones feature improvements such as USB-C connectivity, high-performance internal A/D converters and restyled designs. They’re ideal for streaming, podcasting, recording, live performance and more. For the Silo, Frank Doris.
If you find yourself in the area, please visit us at CES Booth 20648, South Hall 1, Las Vegas Convention Center to hear these and other products.
“If there is no sound philosophy in making the audio gear, then all product you make is plagiarism.”Zoran Mihajlovic
Having grown up around record players of dubious quality, I remember very clearly my first ‘real’ turntable. An audiophile friend of the family helped my father put together an entry level system for my 15th birthday. The system included 3 way Acoustic Research speakers, Sansui integrated amplifier, Sansui 3 head cassette deck and my first decent turntable- a gently used Sansui direct drive with a shiny S-arm and what looked like a strange silver hockey puck.
At 15 I was into my second year of drumming and with this turntable was now able to play along to LP records without having to worry about the inevitable skipping that the cheap family record player performed almost every time I hit the bass drum hard. I later learned that the puck was actually a custom made record clamp that the previous owner had fashioned to squeeze every last bit of performance out of the record player.
There is a surprising amount of science behind the advantages of using record clamps to ‘push’ the vinyl down onto the slipmat and platter and people that use them swear by them. In general terms, the added mass from the fitted clamp flattens warps in the record and a beneficial flywheel effect takes place once the record is spinning at speed.
Today, turntable designs have advanced and exotic materials and technologies are incorporated into high end models. This has translated into a need for ultra high quality clamps designed to properly secure records to all kinds of esoteric spindles and platters.
Enter Zoran Mihajlovic- a man devoted to producing the highest quality record clamps such as the Model 1 via his Serbian company Supreme Analog. At 3000 euros (at time of this article, 1 euro = 1.5 Canadian dollars) , this is a record clamp (Supreme-Analog calls it a record weight) that is produced on order only and commands attention.
70mm wide, 50mm high, 460g weight Swiss stainless steel and Serbian sinked wood
If you are on a more modest budget, they also offer the BL-006 for 250 euros. Also made from Swiss stainless steel, the more basic model weighs in at 950g and ships world wide for free in a solid wood box.
It’s easy to tell that Supreme-Analog have a real passion for audio and they make a number of interesting products including jewel like tonearms and gorgeous horn speakers. Check them all out. For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.
