A turntable that’s not for everyone

The Analog Comeback with a Breathtaking Design

There are pretty turntables. There are good turntables. And then there’s this: the AT-LPA2 by Audio-Technica. A slab of transparent acrylic that looks like it came straight out of a Japanese sci-fi movie, but with the soul of the '70s. No screens, no blinking lights, no menus. It has something else: presence. And a sound so good it’s almost scary.

Who Should Be Looking at This Turntable?

This isn’t for people who want to “try vinyl and see what the fuss is about.” It’s for those who’ve already owned an entry-level model and were left wanting more. More detail, more clarity, more truth. Because the AT-LPA2 doesn’t forgive. Whatever’s in the groove, it brings out. And if the record is good, get ready to hear it like never before.

Design: Acrylic, Precision, and Zero Compromises

Materials That Aren’t Just for Show

30 mm acrylic chassis. 20 mm acrylic platter. Yes, it’s heavy — and not just physically. This beast has character. The body isn’t there to look pretty (although it does). It’s there to control vibrations like a Zen monk in the middle of an earthquake. And the motor? Physically separated into its own control unit to keep everything spinning just right. No interference, no hums, no nonsense.

Carbon Fiber Tonearm: Elegance Meets Extreme Performance

Audiophile-Level Adjustments

The carbon fiber tonearm is a piece of art in itself. Light, precise, and packed with every adjustment an audiophile could dream of: VTA, azimuth, string-driven anti-skating… All designed to let the stylus glide effortlessly without skips or stumbles.

Premium Cartridge Included

And speaking of the stylus, it comes equipped with an AT-OC9XEN right out of the box — a moving coil cartridge that’s pure pleasure. But don’t expect to just hook this up to your living room system and go. You’ll need a proper MC phono stage. This isn’t plug & play. It’s plug & take a deep breath.

The Purist’s Turntable: No Digital Frills

What You Won’t Find (and That’s a Good Thing)

No Bluetooth. No USB. No built-in preamp. Because if that’s what you’re looking for, this isn’t your turntable. This is pure analog territory. A place where vinyl speaks with no filters. You sit down, watch it spin, and realize you don’t need anything else. No notifications. No algorithms. Just music. The real kind.

Price & Value: Is the AT-LPA2 Worth It?

A Lifetime Investment

Price? €1,999. Is that expensive? Depends what you compare it to. Plenty of smartphones cost more and last half as long. This, if treated right, will last a lifetime. And probably beyond.

Final Thoughts: A Turntable That Stakes Its Claim

Let’s be clear — the AT-LPA2 isn’t for everyone. It’s for people who know what they’re listening to. And want to listen properly.

A turntable that doesn’t just play music. It tells your story.