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Victrola Hi-Res Carbon Turntable vs Audio-Technica AT-LP5X Turntable

The Audio-Technica AT-LP5X is the stronger turntable for most people. Its direct drive, 7.3 kg mass and 50 dB signal-to-noise ratio give steadier speed and a quieter background than the Victrola's light 3 kg belt-drive plinth. The Victrola Hi-Res Carbon wins only if you need wireless Bluetooth output or want a carbon tonearm and removable headshell in a compact deck. Owners of the Victrola report a mixed experience, and its 3.4 rating reflects that; the AT-LP5X has the longer track record for build and reliability.

  • Choose the Victrola Hi-Res Carbon if you want to stream records over aptX Adaptive Bluetooth to wireless speakers or headphones and prefer a compact, light deck.
  • Choose the Audio-Technica AT-LP5X if you want stable direct drive, a heavier vibration-damping plinth and USB recording to a computer.

Prices

  • Victrola Hi-Res Carbon Turntable: $299.99 at Walmart (last seen Nov 8)
  • Audio-Technica AT-LP5X Turntable: $431.00 at Kronos AV (last seen Nov 8)
  • Difference: the Victrola Hi-Res Carbon Turntable is $131.01 cheaper than the Audio-Technica AT-LP5X Turntable at the latest prices (Nov 8)
Victrola
Victrola Hi-Res Carbon Bluetooth Turntable

Victrola Hi-Res Carbon Turntable

Victrola Hi-Res Carbon Bluetooth Turntable

3.4(17 ratings)
$299.99at WalmartObserved at 7:10 PM
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • Bluetooth aptX Adaptive lets you play vinyl to wireless speakers or headphones
  • Carbon fiber tonearm with adjustable counterweight and removable headshell
  • Switchable preamp and gold-plated RCA outs for wired setups
  • Compact and light, easy to place on a small shelf
Cons
  • Light 3 kg plinth picks up more vibration
  • Lower 45 dB signal-to-noise ratio
  • No USB output for digitizing records
  • Moving magnet cartridges only
  • Mixed owner feedback at 3.4 out of 5
Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica AT-LP5X Fully Manual Direct Drive Turntable

Audio-Technica AT-LP5X Turntable

Audio-Technica AT-LP5X Fully Manual Direct Drive Turntable

$431.00at Kronos AVObserved at 7:10 PM
See all prices and details
Visit Kronos AV
Pros
  • Direct drive holds speed steadily with low noise
  • Heavy platter and damped plinth reduce resonance
  • USB output records straight to a computer
  • Switchable MM/MC preamp covers moving coil cartridges
  • Fitted with the AT-VM95E and easy to upgrade
Cons
  • No Bluetooth, so no wireless playback
  • Heavier and larger, needs more shelf space
  • Fully manual operation with no auto return

What separates them

Victrola Hi-Res Carbon TurntableAudio-Technica AT-LP5X Turntable
DriveBelt-drive motorLow-noise direct-drive motor
WirelessaptX Adaptive Bluetooth built inNo Bluetooth
USB recordingNo USB outputUSB output for direct recording to a computer
Weight and damping3 kg plinth, lighter build7.3 kg with die-cast aluminum platter and rubber mat
TonearmStraight carbon fiber arm with removable headshellStatic balanced J-shaped arm with precision bearings
Signal-to-noise45 dB50 dB
Cartridge supportMoving magnet onlyMoving magnet and moving coil, with MM/MC preamp
Speeds33, 45 and 78 RPM33, 45 and 78 RPM

Price history

$419.24$249.99
Oct 31Nov 9
  • Victrola Hi-Res Carbon Turntable: lowest $249.99 on Oct 31 at Victrola.com; $299.99 on Nov 9.
  • Audio-Technica AT-LP5X Turntable: lowest $419.24 on Nov 8 at HomeCineSolutions; $419.24 on Nov 9.

Prices at every store

Victrola Hi-Res Carbon Turntable

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Innovative Technology Electronics LLC

    $299.99Observed at 7:10 PM
    Visit Walmart
  • Victrola.comNew

    In stock

    $299.99Observed at 7:10 PM
    Visit Victrola.com
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $299.99Observed at 7:10 PM
    Visit Best Buy
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by victrola_outlet (99.2% positive, 2,100 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $299.99Free shippingObserved at 7:10 PM
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

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All 12 stores and price history →

Audio-Technica AT-LP5X Turntable

  • Kronos AVNew

    In stock

    $431.00Observed at 7:10 PM
    Visit Kronos AV
  • Microless.comNew

    In stock

    $520.27Observed at 7:10 PM
    Visit Microless.com
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $599.00Free shippingObserved at 7:10 PM
    Visit Best Buy
  • NordstromNew

    In stock

    $599.00Free shippingObserved at 7:10 PM
    Visit Nordstrom

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 19 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecVictrola Hi-Res Carbon TurntableAudio-Technica AT-LP5X Turntable
Drive TypeBelt-driveDirect drive
Turntable TypeTurntableTurntable
Built-In Audio SystemNoNo
Operation TypeManualFully manual
Ports And InterfacesGold-plated RCA Outs, Standard RCA outs, Tradit…USB output
BluetoothYesNo
USB ConnectionNoYes
Record Speed45 RPM78 RPM
Wow And Flutter<0.175<0.2% WRMS (33 RPM) at 3 KHz
Tonearm TypeCarbon fiber tonearmStatic balanced J-shaped tonearm
Tonearm StyleStraightJ-shaped
Dimensions36.2 x 43 x 11.51 cmDeeper by around 1.5 cm (compared to the 140's …
Show all 31 specsShow fewer specs
SpecVictrola Hi-Res Carbon TurntableAudio-Technica AT-LP5X Turntable
StyleModernContemporary style
Weight3 kg7.3 kg
Phono PreampSwitchable preampYes (built-in switchable MM/MC phono/line pream…
Audio Output TypeRCALine, USB
Speaker TypeExternal, Powered speakersPowered speakers (compatible)
Signal To Noise Ratio45 dB50 dB
Cartridge TypeMoving Magnet (MM)Moving Magnet (MM), Moving Coil (MC)
Stylus TypeEllipticalReplaceable
ColorBlack, SilverBlack

What reviewers say

Victrola Hi-Res Carbon Turntable

  • 3.4 / 517 ratings

Ratings average 3.4 out of 5 from 17 buyers, a mixed result. Owners like the carbon tonearm and the Bluetooth convenience but raise concerns about noise and the light build.

What people mention
  • TonearmPraisedBuyers like the carbon fiber arm and its adjustable counterweight.
  • BluetoothPraisedOwners find wireless output convenient for speakers and headphones.
  • NoiseCriticisedSome owners report hum or background noise.
  • BuildMixedThe 3 kg body is easy to place but feels light to some.

Audio-Technica AT-LP5X Turntable

Owners and reviewers describe the AT-LP5X as a solid, well-built direct-drive deck that is easy to set up and sounds clean for the money. The built-in preamp and USB output are frequently praised as convenient, while some criticise the lack of a dust cover and the manual operation.

What people mention
  • Speed stabilityPraisedOwners say the direct-drive motor holds pitch well and start-up is quick.
  • SetupPraisedReviewers find the pre-fitted cartridge and threaded headshell make setup straightforward.
  • PreampPraisedThe switchable MM/MC preamp is seen as a useful convenience for connecting to a stereo or powered speakers.
  • USB recordingPraisedUsers like being able to digitize records directly to a computer.

Questions and answers

Which is better for casual listening with wireless speakers?
The Victrola Hi-Res Carbon, because it has aptX Adaptive Bluetooth built in. The AT-LP5X needs a wired connection to powered speakers or a stereo.
Which turntable lasts longer?
The AT-LP5X has the sturdier build: a 7.3 kg plinth, die-cast aluminum platter and a direct-drive motor with a long service record. The Victrola is lighter and its 3.4 owner rating suggests more mixed long-term results.
Is the AT-LP5X worth stepping up to over the Victrola?
Yes for sound stability and recording. You get direct drive, a 50 dB signal-to-noise ratio and USB output. You give up Bluetooth and a compact footprint.
Can I digitize my records with either one?
Only the AT-LP5X. Its USB output connects directly to a computer. The Victrola has RCA outputs only, so you would need a separate audio interface.
Do both play 78 RPM records?
Yes. Both offer 33, 45 and 78 RPM, though 78 RPM records need a suitable stylus, and both ship with an elliptical stylus meant for LP and 45 play.
Which handles moving coil cartridges?
The AT-LP5X. Its switchable preamp supports both moving magnet and moving coil. The Victrola is moving magnet only.

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Material
Carbon fiber (tonearm)
—
Output Voltage5.5 mV (at 1 kHz, 5cm/sec)—
Power TypeAC Input, 100 to 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz—
Speed45 RPM, 33 RPM, 78 RPM—
Motor TypeBelt-Drive—
Suitable for DJsNo—
Built-In RIAANo—
DJ Use—No
Portable—No
Recording Capability—Yes (USB output for direct connection to a comp…