Audio-Technica AT-LP120X Replacement Needle
Direct drive · Manual · 33, 45 and 78 rpm · Built-in phono preamp
Covers the AT-LP120XUSB and AT-LP120XBT-USB.
The needle you need
AT-VMN95E
The AT-LP120X takes the Audio-Technica AT-VMN95E needle.
- Genuine Audio-Technica part
- Elliptical tip
- Fits all 2 versions
Check which model you have
- The AT-LP120X takes a different needle from the AT-LP120, which takes the ATN95E. The two names differ by one letter, so read the model name on your record player before you buy.
Upgrades that fit the AT-LP120X
Audio-Technica makes the AT-VMN95EN (elliptical tip), AT-VMN95ML (microlinear tip) and AT-VMN95SH (shibata tip), which all fit the same AT-VM95E cartridge. They push into the same body as the standard AT-VMN95E, so you change only the needle. The standard AT-VMN95E has an elliptical tip. For 78 rpm records, Audio-Technica makes the AT-VMN95SP, which fits the same VM95 cartridge body.
AT-VMN95EN
Elliptical tip · Diamond
AT-VMN95ML
Microlinear tip · Diamond · About 1000 hours of play
AT-VMN95SH
Shibata tip · Diamond · About 800 hours of play
AT-VMN95SP
Conical tip
New cartridge instead?
The AT-LP120XUSB and AT-LP120XBT-USB take cartridges with a standard half-inch mount, on a headshell you can take off. Audio-Technica gives a cartridge weight range for the tonearm of 3.5 to 8.5 g.
| Cartridge | Type | Stylus profile | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio-Technica AT-OC9XEB | Moving coil | elliptical | 7.6 g |
| Audio-Technica AT-OC9XEN | Moving coil | elliptical | 7.6 g |
| Audio-Technica AT-OC9XML | Moving coil | microlinear | 7.6 g |
| Audio-Technica AT-VM95C | Moving magnet | conical | 6.1 g |
| Audio-Technica AT-VM95E | Moving magnet | elliptical | 6.1 g |
| Audio-Technica AT-VM95EN | Moving magnet | elliptical | 6.1 g |
| Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML | Moving magnet | microlinear | 6.1 g |
| Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH | Moving magnet | shibata | 6.1 g |
| Audio-Technica AT-XP3 | Moving magnet | conical | 6.2 g |
| Audio-Technica AT-XP5 | Moving magnet | elliptical | 6.2 g |
| Audio-Technica AT-XP7 | Moving magnet | elliptical | 6.2 g |
| Audio-Technica AT95E | Moving magnet | elliptical | 5.7 g |
| Audio-Technica VM520EB | Moving magnet | elliptical | 6.4 g |
| Audio-Technica VM530EN | Moving magnet | elliptical | 6.4 g |
| Audio-Technica VM540ML | Moving magnet | microlinear | 6.4 g |
| Audio-Technica VM740ML | Moving magnet | microlinear | 8 g |
| Goldring 1006 | Moving magnet | elliptical | 6.2 g |
| Goldring 1012GX | Moving magnet | other (Gyger II) | 6.2 g |
| Goldring E1 | Moving magnet | conical | 6.8 g |
| Goldring E2 | Moving magnet | conical | 6.8 g |
| Goldring E3 | Moving magnet | elliptical | 6.8 g |
| Goldring E4 | Moving magnet | elliptical | 6.8 g |
| Nagaoka MP-110 | Moving magnet | elliptical | 6.5 g |
| Nagaoka MP-150 | Moving magnet | elliptical | 6.5 g |
| Nagaoka MP-200 | Moving magnet | elliptical | 6.5 g |
| Nagaoka MP-300 | Moving magnet | elliptical | 7.8 g |
| Ortofon 2M Black | Moving magnet | shibata | 7.2 g |
| Ortofon 2M Blue | Moving magnet | elliptical | 7.2 g |
| Ortofon 2M Bronze | Moving magnet | line contact | 7.2 g |
| Ortofon 2M Red | Moving magnet | elliptical | 7.2 g |
| Ortofon OM 5E | Moving magnet | elliptical | 5 g |
Do you need a phono preamp?
A phono preamp boosts the very quiet signal from the cartridge.
The AT-LP120X has one built in that you can switch off, so it plugs straight into powered speakers, or into an amplifier’s phono input with it switched off.
Speakers that work with the AT-LP120X
Connect the AT-LP120X's RCA output to the line input on any of these.
R1280DB
Takes Bluetooth too, so it can play the AT-LP120X's Bluetooth signal with no cable.
Coda W
Also has a phono input, for a record player without a built-in preamp.
M20
Also has an optical input, for a TV.
Spare parts for the AT-LP120X
Replacement USB 2.0 A to B Cable
Part number SVP-408-U2560-076
Fits the AT-LP120XUSB
Replacement Counterweight Assembly for AT-LP120XUSB and AT-LP140XP
Part number SVP-702-120X-133
Fits the AT-LP120XUSB
Replacement Dust Cover for AT-LP120XUSB, AT-LP140XP, AT-LP5X
Part number SVP-705-140XP-1815
Replacement Power Supply for AT-LP120X, AT-LP7, AT-LP5X
Part number SVP-ATPT-LP120XPSU
Fits the AT-LP120XUSB
Key facts: Audio-Technica AT-LP120X
All versions
- DriveDirect drive
- OperationManual
- Speeds33, 45 and 78 rpm
- CartridgeAT-VM95E
- Cartridge mountHalf-inch
- Removable headshellYes
- Tracking force2 g
- Built-in phono preampYes, can be switched off
- USBYes
- Dust coverYes
- PlatterDie-cast aluminium
- Size (W × D × H)452 × 352 × 141.6 mm
- Weight8 kg
What differs between versions
| Fact | AT-LP120XUSB | AT-LP120XBT-USB |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No | Yes, sends to speakers |
| Power supply | External power adapter | External AC adapter, 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz, 1.5A max |
Versions of the AT-LP120X
| Version | Status | Needle | Codes and colours |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT-LP120XUSB | Current | AT-VMN95E | AT-LP120XUSB-BK, AT-LP120XUSB-SV |
| AT-LP120XBT-USB | Current | AT-VMN95E | AT-LP120XBT-USBBK, AT-LP120XBT-USBWH |
Other record players that take the AT-VMN95E
- Audio-Technica AT-LP5X
- Audio-Technica AT-LPW40
- Fluance RT81
- Lenco LBT-215
- Lenco LBT-225
- Lenco LS-600
- TEAC TN-3B
- Victrola Hi-Res Onyx Bluetooth Turntable
- Victrola Stream Onyx
- Victrola Wave Bluetooth Turntable with Auracast
How to change the needle on the AT-LP120X
With the arm on its rest, hold the AT-VM95E cartridge still, slide the old needle straight out of the front, then slide the AT-VMN95E in until it stops.
Audio-Technica gives a life of about 300 hours for the AT-VMN95E.
We take these details from Audio-Technica's own website and check them carefully, but makers change parts and part numbers, and we may miss an update. Before you buy, check the part on Audio-Technica's official website. If you spot an error, please tell us.
Questions about the AT-LP120X
Does the AT-LP120X need a separate phono preamp?
No. The AT-LP120X has a phono preamp built in, and you can switch it off. Leave it on for powered speakers or a line input, or switch it off to use an amplifier with its own phono input.
Is there an upgrade needle for the AT-LP120X?
Yes. Audio-Technica makes the AT-VMN95EN (elliptical tip), AT-VMN95ML (microlinear tip) and AT-VMN95SH (shibata tip), which all fit the same AT-VM95E cartridge. The standard AT-VMN95E has an elliptical tip.
Can I fit a different cartridge to the AT-LP120X?
Yes. The AT-LP120X has a standard half-inch mount, so you can swap the AT-VM95E cartridge for another of the same mount, and the headshell comes off to make it easier.
Can the AT-LP120X play 78 rpm records?
Yes. The AT-LP120X plays at 33, 45 and 78 rpm. For 78s, Audio-Technica makes the AT-VMN95SP, a 78 rpm needle that fits the same VM95 cartridge body.
Do all versions of the AT-LP120X take the same needle?
Yes. The AT-LP120XUSB and AT-LP120XBT-USB all take the Audio-Technica AT-VMN95E.