Acrylic Precision Meets Analog Power

The AT-LPA2 is not just a new turntable from Audio-Technica. It is a carefully considered evolution of the LP2022, a 60th anniversary release that generated buzz for both its performance and design. That model quickly vanished due to its limited-edition status.

The LPA2 shows what happens when Audio-Technica improves the LP2022. They rebuild it without limits and add real-world upgrades. It is available in small batches for audiophiles who missed it the first time.

If you have been waiting for a high-performance, visually stunning turntable that bridges professional fidelity with home listening elegance, the AT-LPA2 deserves your full attention. This is a production model. It is not mass-produced, though. Units release in waves of only a few hundred, and you should expect them to move fast.

Design and Build: Minimalism, Engineered

The AT-LPA2 announces itself the moment you see it. Built from transparent acrylic, both the chassis and the 20mm platter gleam under ambient light like sculpted glass. This acrylic turntable plinth is not just for aesthetics. People recognize acrylic for its anti-resonant properties, and in the AT-LPA2, it acts as both a visual statement and a performance foundation that reinforces the turntable's anti-resonance design.

This is a belt drive turntable powered by a DC servo motor. Instead of embedding motor control on the plinth like most tables, Audio-Technica has separated it into an external motor control unit.

This decision accomplishes two things. It clears the deck visually, giving the plinth a sleek, uninterrupted surface. It also removes one more potential source of vibration and electronic interference. That is a win for both form and function.

The package includes everything you need for a complete manual turntable setup. It has the platter, a dust cover with hinges, and two counterweights (light and heavy).

You will also find an anti-skate weight, a headshell with a pre-installed cartridge, and all necessary cables. There is a 45 RPM adapter, gloves, and a hex wrench for precise adjustments. This is a rare out-of-the-box experience that respects the user’s need for both utility and attention to detail.

The Tonearm: Carbon-Fiber Control

One of the most substantial upgrades from the LP2022 is the tonearm. The AT-LPA2 comes with a new static-balanced straight carbon-fiber arm, a significant improvement in tracking stability and vibration resistance. This carbon fiber tonearm turntable design offers high rigidity and low mass, which means it can move freely with the stylus without adding any audible color to the playback.

Fine-tuning the tonearm is straightforward. With the included 10g additional counterweight, users now have more flexibility in cartridge selection. Tracking force is adjustable up to 3 grams, offering excellent compatibility with a wide range of high-end and delicate cartridges. The design handles anti-skate through a string-and-weight mechanism, nodding to classic designs that prioritize mechanical simplicity and effectiveness.

Put these things together, and this table is capable of handling even the highest-grade phono cartridges.

The Cartridge: Pre-Mounted, High-Resolution

This turntable ships with the AT-OC9XEN pre-mounted. For those unfamiliar, this is a moving coil turntable cartridge.

Specifically, the AT-OC9XEN is an MC cartridge turntable component that features a nude elliptical stylus. It is an upgrade from standard elliptical types in both tracking and frequency response. Audio-Technica's engineers designed it for high-resolution listening and detail retrieval, offering a response range of 20 to 30,000 Hz and a 0.35 mV output.

The nude elliptical stylus sits directly on the cantilever without a mounting block, reducing mass and increasing responsiveness. In listening terms, this means fast, articulate playback, especially in the midrange and upper frequencies. Vocals feel more present, spatial cues in live recordings become more defined, and instruments occupy more dimensional space.

Performance: Where It All Comes Together

Numbers alone cannot tell the whole story, but the AT-LPA2’s technical specs offer insight. Wow and flutter are rated at less than 0.12 percent WRM. The signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 60 dB. In plain terms, this high performance turntable runs smooth and stays quiet.

When playing back well-pressed records, you will notice an uncanny calm between notes. There is no motor hum, no background haze. This is the result of thoughtful resonance control, and the LPA2 delivers it beautifully. Bass is tight and extended. Mids come through lush yet clean. Highs sparkle without harshness.

Dynamics are another strength. The combination of a dense, stable platform and the MC cartridge allows for sharp transient response without aggression. On jazz, classical, and acoustic records, you will hear subtle shifts in touch and tone. On rock and electronic music, the attack lands with real punch.

Usability and Setup: High Performance Without Hassle

One pleasant surprise of the AT-LPA2 is how easy it is to set up. This is a fully manual turntable, but not an intimidating one. The included gloves and tools simplify the process, and the design encourages engagement without confusion.

The separate control box has a straightforward interface and includes both RCA and ground connections. There is no built-in phono stage, so you will need to pair it with a phono preamp. That is expected at this level. Once it is running, the experience is tactile and satisfying. The plinth is free from distractions, offering a pure analog experience.

A Turntable With Purpose

The AT-LPA2 is not trying to be everything for everyone. It does not offer streaming functions. It lacks USB output. It does not auto-cue. This is a high end turntable built for those who care about analog playback and want the most accurate, uncolored version of it they can afford.

What makes this audiophile turntable special is how it combines premium materials and design thinking with a user-friendly approach. Carbon-fiber arm, nude stylus, external motor control unit, all within a design that does not feel fussy or overengineered. It is beautiful and made to be used.

Final Thoughts: Hear It Before It Sells Out

Due to the build process and materials, the AT-LPA2 is not mass-produced. Units are released in small batches of a few hundred. That means availability is limited. However, unlike the LP2022, this model is not a limited edition. There is no fixed ceiling on how many can be made. If demand remains strong, Audio-Technica can continue production. That said, early runs are moving quickly, and it is unclear how long supply will last.

If you are local, come see and hear the AT-LPA2 in person at our store. We have a unit on display and ready to demo. You can hear the AT-OC9XEN cartridge in action and experience the build quality firsthand. If you prefer to shop online, do not wait too long. This is one of those rare pieces that tends to disappear quickly and then stay gone for a while.

At this price point, the AT-LPA2 stands out as one of the best audiophile turntable options available. It is not just a step up. It is a leap forward for anyone moving on from an entry-level deck or returning to vinyl with serious intent. It goes beyond nostalgia or visual appeal. This table is about unlocking the full depth of what vinyl can truly deliver.

In that regard, the AT-LPA2 performs beyond expectations. This is a true centerpiece for any audiophile vinyl setup and a prime example of what an Audio-Technica turntable can be.