Japanese record player maker Audio-Technica has used CES 2026 as the stage to unveil the AT‑LP7X turntable. The new audiophile deck is a belt-drive turntable and serves as an upgrade to Audio-Technica’s 2019 AT-LP7, a model widely praised by vinyl enthusiasts for its design and functionality. Building on the foundation of its predecessor, the AT-LP7X improves on the original design and offers greater flexibility for today’s vinyl listeners.
As reported by What Hi Fi, the AT‑LP7X sticks to a fully manual, belt-drive setup, clearly aimed at enthusiasts who prefer hands-on control over their listening experience. It features a solid MDF plinth designed to reduce vibration, coupled with a thick acrylic platter that helps deliver smoother, more stable playback by minimizing unwanted resonance.
Compared to the older LP7, the new AT‑LP7X introduces several practical upgrades. The most notable change is the addition of a switchable phono preamp that supports both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil cartridges, whereas the earlier model was limited to MM support.
According to the company’s product page, Audio-Technica has fine-tuned the internal electronics and isolation to deliver better noise control and more stable playback speeds. The cartridge has also been updated, with the AT‑LP7X now shipping with the newer AT-VM95E in place of the older VM520EB, while offering a wider range of stylus upgrade options.
Another highlight of the turntable is Audio-Technica’s J-shaped aluminium tonearm, a design inspired by classic turntables from the 90s. The tonearm features a dual-axis gimbal and precision bearings, which provide virtually frictionless, highly accurate, and stable movement across the record surface. It further comes pre-fitted with the AT-VM95E cartridge, allowing users to easily upgrade the stylus later, making the AT-LP7X a flexible long-term option.
The turntable supports 33⅓ and 45 RPM playback and uses an optical sensor system to maintain consistent platter speed. Audio-Technica has also paid attention to isolation, equipping the deck with spring-loaded feet and an external power supply to keep electrical and mechanical noise to a minimum. Slated for a release in early 2026, the AT-LP7X is available starting today, with pre-orders opening soon.
