Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB
Best for Best all-rounder
Typically £259–£319
Check Price on Amazon Paid linkPro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
Best for Audiophile starter
Typically £509–£639
Check Price on Amazon Paid linkQuick comparison
| Feature | Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB | Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Typical price | £259–£319 | £509–£639 |
| Best for | Best all-rounder | Audiophile starter |
| Key feature | Direct-drive deck with a built-in preamp and USB | Carbon fibre tonearm and quality cartridge |
| Drive | Direct drive | Belt drive |
| Preamp | Built-in, switchable | None |
| Speeds | 33, 45, 78 RPM | — |
| Tonearm | — | Carbon fibre |
| Where to buy | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link |
Main differences
Typical price
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB: £259–£319; Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO: £509–£639.
Best for
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB: best all-rounder; Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO: audiophile starter.
Standout
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB: direct-drive deck with a built-in preamp and USB; Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO: carbon fibre tonearm and quality cartridge.
Drive
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB: Direct drive; Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO: Belt drive.
Preamp
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB: Built-in, switchable; Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO: None.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB if you
- want a solid, upgradeable turntable that plugs into powered speakers or a stereo and can digitize records
- care most about direct drive with stable speed
Choose the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO if you
- want a step up in sound and build and already have a phono preamp or amplifier with a phono input
- care most about carbon fibre tonearm
Which specifications matter?
Focus on the differences above rather than headline numbers. For more options, see our list of the best turntables in the uk.
Not sure about either? Consider these
Rega · Turntables
Rega Planar 1
Buy it if You want a simple, beautifully made turntable that sounds great through a separate amp or phono stage.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Hi-fi beginners
- Typical price
- £299–£349
Pros
- Excellent tonearm
- Fitted Rega Carbon cartridge
Cons
- Needs a phono stage
Audio-Technica · Turntables
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X
Buy it if You want the simplest, cheapest real turntable to get started with vinyl.
- Verdict
- Consider
- Best for
- First turntable on a budget
- Typical price
- £89–£159
Pros
- Fully automatic
- Built-in preamp
Cons
- Limited upgrade options
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB or the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO?
Choose the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB if you want a solid, upgradeable turntable that plugs into powered speakers or a stereo and can digitize records. Choose the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO if you want a step up in sound and build and already have a phono preamp or amplifier with a phono input.
Which is better value?
The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB typically costs £259–£319 and the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO typically costs £509–£639. The better value depends on which differences above matter to you.