Audio-Technica AT-LP120 vs Music Hall USB-1: ultimate comparison

Whether you need to compare Music Hall usb-1 vs Audio-Technica AT-LP120, your own priorities have to be on top. As for me, LP120 can boast its humility, passion, creativity, and expertise in sound, while Music Hall sounds more luxurious and more natural than more expensive but still entry-level models. Besides, few record players at this price seem as dynamic and lush right out of the box.
Audio-Technica AT-LP120 and Music Hall usb-1 have a dual magnet and moving magnet (MM) types of cartridge relatively. The two units performance reach the speed of 33.3, 45 RPM, accompanied by different output levels. Preamp "PHONO" of LP120 is 2.5 mV nominal at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec versus 3.6 mV nominal at 1 kHz from USB-1.
Also worth mentioning that the Sonic performance of the second one is shockingly good at this price and it's so much better than any of the other "budget" tables on the market today.
Design & build quality
Music Hall's adjustable pitch works nice and holds the speed, especially after the belt breaks in a bit, and the tracking is set to 2.5 grams. Those might nitpick things like the plastic base or the foam platter cover, but none of those things detract from the performance in my opinion and are certainly not worth paying hundreds of dollars more, just like those willing to buy high-priced LP. But be aware that at a higher price you'll receive balanced S-shaped tone arm with hydraulically damped lift control and lockable rest. So it's up to you.
Audio-Technica AT-LP120 pros & cons
- This professional stereo turntable features a high-torque direct-drive motor for quick start-ups and a USB output that connects directly to your computer;
- The turntable uses a DC servo motor to maintain accurate rotational speed at either 33-1/3 45, or 78 rpm, governed by a selectable, high-accuracy quartz-controlled pitch lock-all of which gives new life to 7- and 12-inch singles you may not have played for years.
- Objectively, the unreasonable price for such poor performance.
Music Hall usb-1 pros & cons
- The installed cartridge is basic, but fine to get started with;
- The speed adjustment works very well, and it is easy to set the speed correctly;
- The turntable looks nice even if it is all plastic;
- The platter seems reasonably well made and free of defects, warpage, etc. it comes with a switchable preamp, making it versatile. In one of the major reviews, it was said that you could not turn it off-untrue.
- The entire table is very resonating, with zero damping material. If you have things turned up fairly loud, it starts feeding back from airborne vibrations.