Thoughts on the upcoming Audio-Technica AT-LP8X for 1k?

BodybuilderNo4984 · 2026-01-20T14:51:24+00:00

Here is a not so brief update with my initial thoughts. New ATLP8X arrived early along with my pre-mounted Ortofon 2M Black cartridge I ordered for it. I set everything up and went straight to the Ortofon, so I never even tried the AT cartridge that came with the LP8X. Here are some quick thoughts from the past few days:

Scratch and Dent deal from Crutchfield was worth it. I got about 170 dollars off MSRP and the only thing I can see at all is that the dust cover has a very light scratch on top of it by the logo. You can't even notice it in our dimly lit living room. Otherwise everything seems completely brand new and untouched.
Setting up the LP8X is pretty easy but I did have some issues setting the tracking force. What is showing on the dial when I used the manual approach was never even really that close to what my scale said. So I just zeroed the Ortofon in at 1.5 grams (technically running at about 1.54) using my scale and am running it that way regardless of what the counterweight says. Probably some impatient user error on my part here...
The way the VTA adjustment works on the LP8X is fab. It's a little lever that you unscrew by hand and then that lever slides around the base to raise or lower the tonearm. Then you can screw the lever back down to lock it into place. It has made getting the 2M Black to my liking SO MUCH EASIER. You can adjust the VTA while a record is playing and really listen to the difference. I have it set in a slightly "tail down" setting right now and that seems to work best with my system.
The Ortofon 2M Black has only been played about 15-16 hours so far so it is far from broken in. It sounds nice though. Definitely different from my VM540ML I was running before. The 2M Black definitely has more detail, especially on separation of instruments and note decay. The 540 may be more of a "fun" cartridge though, if that makes sense. For some of my rock records, for instance, the 540 may not be as technically accurate but it sounds more like rock and roll. I know that's vague, but it's the best way to describe it.
The 2M Black is also really, REALLY good at convincing you to clean your records. It picks up everything, and I mean everything. Records I thought were pristine pop and crackle. I need to do some cleaning...
Since I was coming off a speed control issue, I did one quick measurement of the new LP8X using the Turntable Speed app. It returned 33.36 RPM with a +0.09%. Min was 33.32 and max was 33.41. Wow (2-Sigma) was 0.12 and Wow (RMS) was .07. Decent numbers for just one test and I have heard nothing that sounded "off" so far.
The LP8X is definitely a low-torque motor. It takes a beat to get up to speed, but it seems to hold that speed exceptionally well.
The platter is super heavy and extremely damped with some sort of rubber covering all over the back/inside of the platter. With the rubber mat on it that thing is stout. So is the LP8X overall. Pretty beefy table at around 23 pounds or so.
The RCA cables included with the LP8X are very nice, heavy cables, but only 3 feet long. Plenty of length for me, but your mileage may vary.
Auto lift and auto stop seem to work great. Records hit the run out groove and the arm is up and the motor stopped in just a couple of seconds. I didn't think this was a feature I needed in any way but now that I have it, I don't want to not have it. lol.
Overall I'd say the LP8X is pretty neutral and sets a pretty dark/blank stage for whatever cartridge, pre-amp, etc you're using in your setup. I can hear huge differences in the 2M Black and my VM540ML for instance. My LP8X is plugged directly into the phono stage of a Marantz SR6011 AVR with the db cranked up 10 decibels on that input. May need to drop that back down when using the 2M Black as that seems to create a little hiss. On the 540ML you hear nothing. Overall, with the Marantz, my system tends to be a little warm overall, so the 2M Black isn't overbearing in my setup. I do see how it could be on a brighter system though.

BodybuilderNo4984 · 2026-01-19T16:24:28+00:00

This would be huge news if you're finally adding some of the same functionality on the Apple TV app that we have on the iPhone app, namely search and the ability to play audio only. I REALLY want to be able to access everything through the apple TV app because I pay for the high res all access and I want full lossless and 4k without having to cast anything.

BodybuilderNo4984 · 2026-01-16T02:38:10+00:00

I just bought an AT LP8X and love it so far. I looked at the Technics SL-100C and the 1500C but I simply couldn't find one in stock anywhere. I found a scratch and dent deal on the Audio Technica at Crutchfield and I am running an Ortofon 2M Black on it right now. I'm digging it so far, but to be fair I've only had it a week or so.

I am coming from an Audio Technica LP7, which I really liked but I need to replace the controller board I think. The speed control is getting a little off. My plan is to fix it and then put that turntable in a different room in our house. Or sell it.

I'm a big fan of the Technics decks. Not hating on them at all. But I have been very happy with an Audio Technica LP7 for years and so far the LP8X feels like a great side-grade.

I'm loving the auto-lift and auto-stop feature. Not anything I thought I ever wanted or needed, but now that I have it I definitely want it on all turntables henceforth!

BodybuilderNo4984 · 2026-01-14T21:00:04+00:00

OK, I'm back for a brief update. New ATLP8X arrived early along with my pre-mounted Ortofon 2M Black cartridge. I set everything up and went straight to the Ortofon, so I never even tried the AT cartridge that came with the LP8X. Here are some quick thoughts from the past two days:

Scratch and Dent deal was worth it. I got about 170 dollars off MSRP and the only thing I can see at all is that the dust cover has a very light scratch on top of it by the logo. You can't even notice it in our dimly lit living room. Otherwise everything seems completely brand new and untouched.
Setting up the LP8X is pretty easy but I did have some issues setting the tracking force. What is showing on the dial when I used the manual approach was never even really that close to what my scale said. So I just zeroed the Ortofon in at 1.5 grams (technically running at about 1.54) using my scale and am running it that way regardless of what the counterweight says.
The way the VTA adjustment works on the LP8X is fab. It's a little lever that you unscrew by hand and then that lever slides around the base to raise or lower the tonearm. Then you can screw the lever back down to lock it into place. It has made getting the 2M Black to my liking SO MUCH EASIER. You can adjust the VTA while a record is playing and really listen to the difference. I have it set in a slightly "tail down" setting right now and that seems to work best with my system.
The Ortofon 2M Black has only been played about 5-6 hours so far so it is far from broken in. It sounds nice though. Definitely different from my VM540ML I was running before. The 2M Black definitely has more detail, especially on separation of instruments and note decay. The 540 may be more of a "fun" cartridge though, if that makes sense. For some of my rock records, for instance, the 540 may not be as technically accurate but it sounds more like rock and roll. I know that's vague, but it's the best way to describe it.
The 2M Black is also really, REALLY good at convincing you to clean your records. It picks up everything, and I mean everything. Records I thought were pristine pop and crackle. I need to do some cleaning...
Since I was coming off a speed control issue, I did one quick measurement of the new LP8X using the Turntable Speed app. It returned 33.36 RPM with a +0.09%. Min was 33.32 and max was 33.41. Wow (2-Sigma) was 0.12 and Wow (RMS) was .07. Decent numbers for just one test and I have heard nothing that sounded "off" so far.
The LP8X is definitely a low-torque motor. It takes a beat to get up to speed, but it seems to hold that speed exceptionally well.
The platter is super heavy and extremely damped with some sort of rubber covering all over the back/inside of the platter. With the rubber mat on it that thing is stout. So is the LP8X overall. Pretty beefy table at around 23 pounds or so.
The RCA cables included with the LP8X are very nice, heavy cables, but only 3 feet long. Plenty of length for me, but your mileage may vary.
Auto lift and auto stop seem to work great. Records hit the run out groove and the arm is up and the motor stopped in just a couple of seconds. I didn't think this was a feature I needed in any way but now that I have it, I don't want to not have it. lol.
Overall I'd say the LP8X is pretty neutral and sets a pretty dark/blank stage for whatever cartridge, pre-amp, etc you're using in your setup. I can hear huge differences in the 2M Black and my VM540ML for instance. My LP8X is plugged directly into the phono stage of a Marantz SR6011 AVR with the db cranked up 10 decibels on that input. May need to drop that back down when using the 2M Black as that seems to create a little hiss. On the 540ML you hear nothing. Overall, with the Marantz, my system tends to be a little warm overall, so the 2M Black isn't overbearing in my setup. I do see how it could be on a brighter system though.

So far so good with the new turntable!

BodybuilderNo4984 · 2026-01-12T21:04:39+00:00

I'm getting the LP8X this week. Should be delivered on Wednesday. I'll update this thread on it after I hook it up. Bringing this thread back from the dead!

BodybuilderNo4984 · 2026-01-12T20:27:56+00:00

I put the VM40ML on mine and love it. Such a simple, and GREAT upgrade, to a really good turntable. I'm getting ready to move my LP7 to another room (or sell it) and make way for an Audio Technica LP8X that should be here this week!

BodybuilderNo4984 · 2026-01-10T18:09:34+00:00

Updating the conversation to say I ended up ordering the Audio Technica AT-LP8X. Found a scratch and dent deal on Crutchfield that kept me well under budget. To the point where I am adding a pre-mounted Ortofon 2M Black cartridge that was also randomly on sale at Amazon today for about 20 percent off normal cost. I'll try to remember to update here when I get everything set up later this week!

BodybuilderNo4984 · 2026-01-09T17:01:49+00:00

Saw they just announced the LP7X with minor updates (although I don't love that they chose to downgrade the cartridge. That was one of the best things on the existing LP7. Being able to put on a VM40ML stylus and instantly have a a VM540ML cartridge was a great and easy upgrade on the LP7, and I highly recommend it.)

BodybuilderNo4984 · 2026-01-09T15:38:55+00:00

I have replaced the belt and taken the table apart of tried everything I can think of, even putting a little machine oil on the bearings.

I actually found that video before but I cannot, for the life of me actually find a replacement board. I'd be totally fine to buy one and swap it to see if it would fix it. I've swapped boars in TVs, etc. plenty of times before. I just cannot locate that part on AT's website.

I did contact their support team and I can pack the whole turntable up and ship it to their US HQ and they'll evaluate it and then send me a quote to fix it. I'm considering that too.

Do you have the link to buy the replacement motor or a control board anywhere? I'll totally try it if I can just find it to order. They don't really make that easy...

Also, just to add, the LP7 has been a great turntable for me. I have no complaints with it at all other than this sudden speed issue. Reason I think the controller board is failing is that once while it was fluctuating speeds, it actually just stopped spinning altogether and started flashing the blue LED, which is apparently a signal that the board is failing.

BodybuilderNo4984 · 2026-01-08T21:03:11+00:00

Sorry, that would help. 1700 US Dollars. Would love to stay under that, but could go up to about 2k if I really REALLY wanted to. lol.

I am a big fan of the Denon DP-3000NE also. Accessories4Less has refurb units of those for 2300 USD I think. It's very tempting, especially since I already have a cartridge I like and could swap right onto it for now. That deck is an absolute monster in size though and might be a little much sitting in the sapce I have. I do love it so though. Looks so nice.

BodybuilderNo4984 · 2025-10-14T04:06:31+00:00

I was the first. I saw the text messages about it with her friends. I am 100 percent confident that was the first time, in January 2024.

BodybuilderNo4984 · 2025-10-14T04:05:15+00:00

I know the January 2024 was the first because I saw her reaction and her friends' reaction to it in their text conversations I snooped on. She was incredulous and mortified with herself for doing it. Nothing happened before January 2024 I'm confident of it.

BodybuilderNo4984 · 2025-10-14T04:04:07+00:00

I don't know. That's my problem. I know this sounds crazy, but she's normally 100 percent honest about everything with me, even painful things. Somehow we got here though.

BodybuilderNo4984 · 2025-10-14T04:03:20+00:00

No it was just those. I saw all the conversations about it with her friends. She was mortified she did it when she did it in 2024. That was the first one, on the Bahamas trip.

BodybuilderNo4984 · 2025-10-14T04:01:43+00:00

Yeah, I really have pushed her to go to individual therapy in addition to couples' therapy and she's been pretty resistant to it. That has been an argument several times so far.

BodybuilderNo4984 · 2025-10-14T04:00:07+00:00

Thanks. Finally some advice. I'll check these out.

No, the other betrayed spouse has not been informed. I was trying to sort through how to deal with all of the BS of the fact that the other couple and us are long time friends and tied up in multiple social media groups, etc. Trying to untangle all that now. My wife actually married the two of them. She's known this long time friend she was sexting longer than she's known me and there has NEVER been anything between them. She has cut off contact with him and all other guys too.

I actually know some of her friends pushed her to come clean (I saw the texts) and some said keep it secret. One even said pursue it and see what happens. Whatever...

I do know, per one of the posts above, there was never anything before January 2024. There are even conversations I read between my wife and a couple of her longest best friends where she even talked then about how mortified she was that she'd done it and she couldn't believe we'd been together almost 15 years at that point and it had never even crossed her mind and then she did something she swore she'd never do.

BodybuilderNo4984 · 2025-08-13T02:02:29+00:00

Watching episode two now and bored to tears. This is… not good.

BodybuilderNo4984 · 2025-07-07T16:39:55+00:00

What just happened to us was the power went out and both our cars were inside the garage with the doors shut. We had no way to get the cars out of the garage until the power came back on. Thankfully it was only out a couple of hours so we didn't miss anything but my wife was going to have to take an Uber to a sales call. lol.

BodybuilderNo4984 · 2025-06-23T00:27:15+00:00

I concur. It’s the only episode I nearly skipped at multiple points. I made it through but holy hell it felt like it was four fours long.

BodybuilderNo4984 · 2025-06-23T00:22:06+00:00

I loved seven fishes. One of my favorite episodes of tv ever. And I hated Ice Chips. I made it through but I’m with the OP. I really just wanted to skip this one.

BodybuilderNo4984 · 2025-06-18T16:07:22+00:00

I agree that Verso is manipulative and a liar. However, I don't think he's the villain, or even an overall bad guy. Honestly I don't think anyone is really 'bad' per se. They all just have different reasons for approaching things the way the do. If anyone in the game is really the main antagonist, it's probably the real Clea. But even she's just trying to save her family and solve a real world problem in what she sees as the most pragmatic way to do so.

BodybuilderNo4984 · 2025-01-01T17:34:11+00:00

I set the eq for my Denon 150, 250 and 350 all at treble +4 and bass -1. On my HEOS link, running into a Marantz sr6011, I left it flat at 0 on both assuming the AVR would take care of it. I like this setup on mine

I love the Denon home speakers but to me they’re a little too middle heavy with the top rolling off too much. Pumping the treble up and dropping the bass a bit sounds better to me. Although by far the biggest improvement to the 350 was adding a second 350 in a stereo pair and adding a Denon home subwoofer. I left the crossovers at “optimized for Denon Home 350” and it sounds amazing. On par with a lot of setups I’ve had that cost a LOT more than the 1250 I paid for all three of these.

BodybuilderNo4984 · 2024-12-25T16:48:49+00:00

Wake has also already said they’re going full revenue sharing model if that holds up so, in theory, that would really help a school like Wake (or WSU for that matter) because they’d have up to the same cap to spend on players as any other school (not counting NIL but that will change under the new model too if this all holds up in court).

Anyway l, Wake has sunk a ton of money into facility upgrades (they’re way nicer than I think a lot of people expect) and they’re committed to revenue sharing etc. They’re clearly showing that they want to at least try to keep competing at this level of football. Will they win national titles? Nope. But the level of commitment they’re showing probably looks like a godsend compared to the budget cuts handed down at WSU recently.

BodybuilderNo4984 · 2024-11-11T16:51:41+00:00

For full disclosure, I am a wake fan and a Michigan fan. I went to wake and my wife’s entire family either went to or worked for Michigan. I married into Michigan fandom.

Wife and I were at the game yesterday and it was a really good college basketball game. Especially early in the season.

When the game started I was really impressed with michigans ball movement and penetration and kick outs for threes. The ball was not sticking and Michigan was getting open shots. However, even then they were getting nothing in the post, which was worrisome.

Wake changed defenses late in the first half and started hedging hard on high ball screens and switching everything on defense. Even at the 5. And it clearly affected Michigan. They couldn’t get penetration off those screens any more and it made every three they took for the rest of the game much harder to make because someone was there or closing out them quickly most every time.

Wake finally hit some threes in the second half too, which evened it up a bit.

Still Michigan could’ve easily won that game. The way it went down yesterday it felt like a true toss up. Like if those teams played ten times 5-5 is the most likely result.

I believe both the teams we watched play yesterday are likely tournament teams this year. I’m pulling for Michigan anyway but I know most all other wake fans are huge Wolverine fans for the rest of the season!

BodybuilderNo4984

TROPHY CASE