Audio-Technica AT-LPW50BTRW

Decked with fine features and fine sound

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It's gratifying to see vinyl still in healthy shape, with record-breaking vinyl sales (thanks, Taylor Swift) and new record players regularly hitting the shelves.

Audio-Technica's AT-LPW50BTRW is one such recent turntable, offering an appealing combination of features - it's a belt drive turntable with builtin phono stage and Bluetooth streaming - to appeal to a wide audience, regardless of their experience with vinyl.

There is plenty of competition at this price from the likes of Rega, Pro-Ject, Dual and Sony, but Audio-Technica has a knack for manufacturing modern turntables with hi-fi flourishes that look and sound great. Can this AT-LPW50BTRW stand out from the crowd?

Appealing looks

This is a smart-looking turntable with instant shelf appeal. The rosewood finish looks appealing and the build quality is fantastic. Every element of the deck - from the electronic speed change dial to the carbon-fibre tonearm and the hydraulically damped lift control - feels of a high standard. We wish there was a little less play in the tonearm's bearing, but otherwise this is a well-made, nicely designed deck that's a joy to use.

This should be no surprise. Having celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2023, Audio-Technica has a proven record in making great turntables (the five-star AT-LP5x is a prime example) and the AT-LPW50BTRW continues the tradition. It certainly feels better finished than the similarly priced Dual CS418, and is head and shoulders above the more budget (and very budget-feeling) Bluetooth-toting Sony PS-LX310BT.