Audio-Technica is introducing two new wood-based, belt-driven turntables, the AT-LPW40TN and AT-LPW30TK, with prices starting at £259. The turntables’ wood-based chassis have been chosen for their “natural acoustic and anti-resonance properties”. They both use high density wood in an effort to minimise feedback from low frequency energies. The flagship model in the series, the AT-LPW40WN, boasts a dark walnut wood finish on high density base. The AT-LP30WN has a teak veneer finish.
Both turntables have an anti-resonance, die-cast aluminium platter with rubber mat. The AT-LPW40WN (above and top) features a sensor-monitored motor to ensure accurate platter rotation speeds at 33 1/3 and 45 RPM, while its straight carbon fibre tonearm is designed to provide superior rigidity. The AT-LPW30TK (below) harbours a straight aluminium tonearm. Both turntables provide hydraulically damped tonearm lift control and tonearm lockable rest and feature an adjustable counterweight allowing the use of several models of phono cartridges, anti-skate control is provided to minimising distortion and optimise channel balance.
Both models arrive with a switchable built-in RIAA phono preamplifier activated or bypassed by the phono/line switch. When in “line” position, the LPW40WN and LPW30TK can connect directly to a pair of active powered speakers. The RIAA preamplifier enables you to use an amplifier or a receiver featuring either a line input or a phono input.
Both models are factory fitted with Dual Moving Magnet phono cartridges from the company’s recently introduced VM95 series. Mounted on a AT-HS4 universal ½”-mount headshell the VM95E installed on the AT-LPW40WN has a 0.3 x 0.7 mill elliptical stylus, while the VM95C cartridge fitted on the AT-LPW30TK features a 0.6 mil conical stylus. Both cartridges are compatible with five of the VM95 series range of replacement styli, from conical to shibata offering five different options for every budget and application, along with easy installation. The Audio-Technica AT-LPW40WN is available in January, priced at £299 / €349, while the AT-LPW30TK is available in spring, priced at £259 / €299.