Of course, the Audio Technica phono amplifier is part of the build budget for this turntable and, hence, will be limited in terms of sonic quality. As soon as you can buy yourself a separate, external unit, do so. Internally fitted phono amplifiers also produce electrical noise which hampers sound quality. External models don’t infect a turntable in the same way.

Connects wirelessly to speakers and other devices equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology or to wired audio systems and powered speakers via included dual RCA output cable

The more affordable cousin of Audio-Technica's award-winning AT-LP5 turntable is a true automatic for the people

If its performance wasn’t so thoroughly enjoyable and the price so tempting, we’d tell you to avoid the AT-LP3 and invest more in a bunch of separate components. It’s a fully automatic turntable, which means you don’t even have to lift the needle yourself – a simple button jab will return the tonearm to its starting position. Although there are sonic issues, this low cost turntable provides a wealth of features and, in sub-budget terms, is put together fairly well. The Moving Coil option is a puzzle and there’s no USB option but the automatic play system works perfectly every time and the internal phono amplifier could be a life saver to those users on a budget. More importantly, it’s a valid and recommended choice when you compare it to the Crosleys and Ions of this world. For any beginner to the world of vinyl, the Audio Technica AT-LP3 is a steady front end for any sub-budget hi-fi system. Using a better quality external phono amplifier, vocal crescendos on jazz can be a little bright and unfocused with brass being a touch smeary. The midrange was quite strong, though, with a ‘big’ sound, providing an entertaining musical response. Once you have completed the setup, connect the power cord to the receptacle on the rear of the turntable and connect the other end to a working AC outlet. Then, making certain the tonearm lift control level is in the “down” position, place a record on the turntable and press the start button!

While holding the platter steady, carefully remove the tape securing the red ribbon to the platter. Then use the ribbon to guide the drive belt (attached to the flip side of the platter) over the brass motor pulley. Make certain the belt is properly seated on the motor pulley so it is riding in the pulley’s groove, and verify that the belt is not twisted. Without touching the counterweight carefully place the tonearm in its rest and temporarily secure it with the plastic tie. AT LP3 offers a full automatic in handling, meaning that the turntable will find the first groove on the record by itself and you will not have to worry if you have left the needle in the groove after listening to the entire side of the record. The tonearm will then lift and return to the stand. With the ease of use, the AT-LP3 also has an interesting look and it will easily fit into any interior design just like the very popular and award-winning AT-LP5 turntable. Bass, meanwhile was rather blurry and boomy but it could have been a lot worse. The above-mentioned damping did help in terms of stability which provided a measure of lower frequency control, driving the song steadily along. Lasting power of attorney (LPA) forms changed on 1 July 2015.There is now just 1 paper form to make and register an LPA instead of 2.

Audio Technica has offered another step towards the good sound with this new Audio Technica AT-LP3 turntable. This belt-driven turntable is an excellent upgrade to the original models such as the AT-LP60, although is somewhat more expensive than AT-LP60. Built-in switchable phono/line pre-amplifier with detachable dual RCA output cable with grounding wire Other features include a damped arm lift, die cast aluminium platter, 4.5mm rubber platter mat and an all in weight of 5.2kg. Rather unusually for a turntable at this price though, it gives you plenty of flexibility for upgrades as and when you see fit. If you want an upgraded performance from the outset, then go for the AT-LP5, or Sony’s PS-HX500; but at this price there isn’t anything that gives us such an enjoyable listen.