Audio-Technica AT-LPA2 review

Audio-Technica seems unusually bullish about its most premium belt-drive AT-LPA2, proclaiming it ‘the finest turntable it has ever developed’. We would have to agree. Despite being founded in 1962 and specialising in phono cartridges from the beginning, Audio-Technica has been surprisingly restrained on the record player front.

The brand’s first effort was the fun Sound Burger portable turntable that was originally released in 1982, and recently updated with Bluetooth. It wasn’t until 2007 that Audio-Technica launched a full-size record player, a relatively budget USB-equipped deck called the LP120-USB.

Since then, there have been strong efforts, the likes of the affordable, five-star AT-LP5x and mid-priced AT- LP8x come to mind, but nothing as ambitiously priced as the AT-LPA2 we have on test here.

Design & build

Visually, the Audio-Technica AT-LPA2 is an arresting sight. It is made mostly of transparent acrylic and, in the right setting, can look stunning.

The beautifully clear material creates such interesting optics and reflections that we can’t help but be drawn to it, particularly when it catches light in a certain way. The plinth uses a 30mm acrylic slab, while the platter is a chunky 20mm thick.

Acrylic wasn’t just chosen on aesthetic grounds; it also has good internal damping and excellent stability. The whole acrylic structure is supported and isolated from external vibrations by four height-adjustable feet.

The AT-LPA2 uses a servo-controlled DC motor, which is regulated by an optical sensor under the platter spindle to ensure speed accuracy. The motor is driven by an external controller – a neat metal-cased unit that governs power on/off and the speed switching between 33⅓ and 45 RPM.

Keeping the controller (with its built-in power supply) outboard and well away from the sensitive stylus/record interface keeps unwanted electrical interference to a minimum.

We like the fitted tonearm. It looks classy, has lovely smooth bearings and uses a carbon-fibre armtube. Audio-Technica supplies a choice of counterweights (110g and 130g) to accommodate a wide range of cartridges. Even the arm height is adjustable to optimise VTA (vertical tracking angle).

Given the company’s position as one of the leading cartridge manufacturers, it comes as no surprise to find that the AT-LPA2 is fitted with something interesting.

The AT-OC9XEN is the company’s step-up moving coil cartridge and is priced at a relatively modest £279 / $399 / AU$699 if bought separately. We can’t understand how Audio-Technica manages to sell it at such an aggressive price.

Its threaded aluminium body is beautifully made, and the internal coils use high-grade PCOCC copper. Costs have to be managed, of course, so the elliptical nude stylus is more in tune with the price, as is the aluminium cantilever.

A quick look at the specs shows that the recommended tracking force range is 1.8-2.2g, and the cartridge tracks securely at the 2.0g we ultimately settle on. If your phono stage is compatible with moving coil cartridges and has a choice of loading settings, then 100-150 ohms works well.

Every turntable works best on a level, solid and low-vibration support, and this Audio-Technica is no different. Ideally, that support should be placed well away from the speakers to maximise performance.

Once that’s sorted, there is little here that is out of the ordinary as far as setup is concerned. You need to put the platter on, connect the speed controller and attach the headshell (which already has the AT-OC9XEN cartridge fitted). After that, there are just the tracking weight and bias to tackle. We were up and running in around 10 minutes.

A turntable at this level deserves good-quality partnering equipment. Our price-compatible system takes in Vertere’s Phono-1 MkII L phono stage, Naim’s Nait XS3 integrated amplifier and Acoustic Energy’s AE1 40th Anniversary speakers. We also plumb the AT-LPA2 into our reference setup of Cyrus Phono Signature/PSX-R2 phono stage, Burmester 088/911 MkIII amplifier and ATC SCM50 speakers to really put a microscope on its performance.

Our turntable reference at this level is Rega’s Planar 6, fitted with the company’s new Nd7 moving magnet cartridge. This package retails for £1655 / $2595 / AU$3499, slightly more than the Audio-Technica in some countries, but still in the same ballpark.

Sound

If you are the least bit concerned that the AT-LPA2’s aesthetics compromise its performance, don’t be. This package sounds good. It has a clean, clear and crisp presentation that we can’t help but admire.

Some credit has to go to the AT-OC9XEN cartridge, of course. Given the relatively low price, it turns out to be a detailed and agile performer with an even tonal balance. Audio-Technica’s extensive experience in making cartridges certainly shines through in this classy and capable moving coil.

It is important to remember that the AT-OC9XEN couldn’t perform this well without the rest of the package doing its job properly. We listen to Orff’s Carmina Burana and are impressed by the amount of detail this record player uncovers, and the way this package organises all that information into a cohesive and musical whole. The shape of notes is sharply defined without sounding hard or edgy, while there is a decent amount of solidity on offer.

This is a frantic piece of music, and this record player makes that clear without losing its composure. Dynamics shifts are handled deftly, and there is no holding back when it comes to attack and punch. The AT-LPA2’s presentation is large-scale and spacious, while the stereo imaging is broad and nicely focused.

The turntable’s core qualities of agility and detail make their presence felt when we switch to Nirvana’s Nevermind. Cobain’s vocals are delivered with suitable attitude and clarity, while the instrumental backdrop brims with energy. Speed stability is good, and that helps the listener just relax and enjoy the music.

Good as the AT-LPA2 package is, the standards are high at this level, and there are areas where it falls short of the best. The rival Planar 6/Nd7 has more rhythmic precision and is notably better at conveying the changing musical momentum of tracks like Come As You Are. The result is that the Rega sounds even more dramatic and interesting to listen to.

We also find that the AT-LPA2 doesn’t sound as three-dimensional as its rival, not only in soundstage depth, where it is notably flatter, but also when rendering voices and instruments, where it falls a touch short of delivering the body and texture we expect.

The comparison between the decks isn’t just one-way traffic through, as the Audio-Technica turntable is that bit cleaner and crisper in the way it defines detail. We suspect that the OC9XEN moving coil has much to do with this

Verdict

There is a lot to like about this turntable package. It is beautifully made and works in an admirably fuss-free way. This AT-LPA2 is easy to set up, a pleasure to use and sounds good. Sure, class leaders such as the Rega Planar 6/Nd7 deliver even more in terms of performance, but this Audio-Technica remains a pleasing listen.

If you are looking to buy in this part of the market, the AT-LPA2 deserves serious consideration, particularly if the appearance appeals.

Review published: 13th April 2026

SCORES

• Sound 4
• Build 5
• Features 3

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Read our review of the Rega Planar 6/Nd7

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