Pioneer PL-990 vs. Audio Technica AT-LP60

Important Components for Comparison

A modern record player has several integral parts you should be familiar with. Bonus features, such as USB ports or Bluetooth capabilities, can enhance your usability but are not necessarily standard.

Turntable:

The word “turntable” is occasionally used interchangeably with “record player”. That is because it is the most prominent feature on a record player. The turntable, or “platter”, is the large flat plate on which your record sits.

The majority of turntables are made from either metal or plastic. Some, however, are made of rubber. The turntable is often covered with a rubber mat to help protect your record from being scratched while it is rotated.

Steel plates are common for entry-level record players as they are a cheap and lightweight material. However, they typically have a lower rate of inertia that can affect playback. Aluminum plates are also popular. However, they do tend to cost more. These plates will be slightly heavier to help reduce the effects of vibrations on playback and give the record player better balance.

A metal rod protrudes from the center of the turntable to hold your record in place as it plays.

Drive System:

The drive system controls the rate of rotation. There are two standard drive systems included in modern record players.

A belt drive is one that sits off-center from your turntable’s central rod. Generally, sound quality is better with a belt drive system since the rubber belts can help to absorb vibrations.

A direct drive system is directly connected to your turntable’s central rod. This eliminates the majority of the intermediary gears used in a belt drive. DJs tend to favor direct drive systems because they typically have a strong motor. They also tend to offer better pitch control sliders. It is important to note that record players with a quality direct drive system are typically more expensive. Professionals consider cheap versions virtually useless.

Tone Arm, Cartridge & Stylus:

Your record player’s tone arm, cartridge and stylus work as one unit. The tone arm is the long rod that attaches the cartridge to the pivot joint on your record player. Tone arms can be straight, curved or S-shaped.

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The cartridge attaches the stylus to the tone arm. It also translates the grooves in your record player, as read by your stylus, into sound. Most cartridges today are easily replaceable pieces of plastic, however, some are fixed and cannot be removed. Most cartridges today are “moving magnet” models. Advanced record player enthusiasts, however, tend to favor moving coil cartridges instead.

The stylus sits within the cartridge. Quality styluses use diamonds that are cut into a cone-shape. Others may use sapphires. The stylus reads the bumps and grooves on your record’s surface.

Pre-Amplifier & Amplifier:

The pre-amplifier and amplifier transfer the sound received by the cartridge to your speakers. These components are responsible for the sound frequency translations you hear. Treble and bass, for example, are controlled by the output quality of your pre-amplifier and amplifier. Not all record players with a pre-amplifier and/or an amplifier.

Pioneer PL-990 vs. Audio Technica AT-LP60

Pioneer PL-990

Pioneer PL-990 Automatic Stereo Turntable reviewThe Pioneer PL-990 utilizes a belt drive system with a moving magnet cartridge. The cartridge for the Pioneer PL-990 is fixed and cannot be changed. However, you can replace the needle. This record player comes with a 45 adaptor that will allow you to switch between 33-1/3 and 45 RPM records. It comes with a speed adjust knob, stroboscope window, and dust cover.

When it comes to added features, the Pioneer PL-990 misses a few. There are no phono or USB ports.

Pros:

  • Pioneer is a trusted brand. Known for its durable products, the Pioneer PL-990 is no exception. Their user friendly –approach makes set up quick and easy.
  • The Pioneer PL-990 is fully automatic. You simply need to load up your record player and hit start. The needle and tone are automatically position themselves at the start and end of your playback.
  • These record players come highly recommended by those entry-level enthusiasts who are looking for something better than a “suitcase” all-in-one record player.
  • You can play 7-inch and 12-inch records on the Pioneer PL-990.
  • A built-in pre-amplifier is included.

Cons:

  • The Pioneer PL-990 does not allow users to bypass the included pre-amplifier. If you have bought a high quality receiver, this can be a problem as it likely comes with a better pre-amplifier. In addition to this, there is no volume control on the record player itself. An external amplifier or speaker is your only way to control volume.
  • Because speakers are not included with this purchase, you will need to purchase them, as well as a receiver, before your record player will work.
  • You cannot play 78 RPM records on the Pioneer PL-990.
  • Records that are not perfectly round or are slightly larger than standard may have issues with playability on the Pioneer PL-990.
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The Bottom Line:

The Pioneer PL-990 is a great buy for those looking for something better than entry level. The speed adjust knob and stroboscope window included with the Pioneer PL-990 set this unit apart from all other automatic players in its price range. It is the only unit on the market that offers this level of control for less than $200.

Audio Technica AT-LP60

Audio Technica AT-LP60BK Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo TurntableThe Audio Technica AT-LP60 also uses a belt drive system. Like the Pioneer PL-990, it utilizes a moving magnet cartridge that cannot be removed or replaced. Stylus replacements are available, however.

The Audio Technica AT-LP60 is fully automatic as well. Like the Pioneer PL-990, the Audio Technica AT-LP60 comes with an adaptor that allows you to switch between 33-1/3 and 45 RPM records. A dust cover is also included.

The Audio Technica AT-LP60 does have a phono port, but USB is not included. The more expensive Audio Technica AT-LP60 USB, however, does include this bonus feature.

Pros:

  • The Audio Technica AT-LP60 comes highly recommended by many users. Its decent sound quality and various color options make it a popular choice.
  • The Audio Technica AT-LP60 plays both 7-inch and 12-inch records.
  • This record player includes a built-in pre-amplifier.

Cons:

  • This record player will not play 78 RPM records.
  • The included hardwired RCA cables are short. As the RCA cables allow for the phono and line level outputs, you will likely need to purchase extension cables in order to use this feature.
  • As with the Pioneer PL-990, the Audio Technica LP-60 does not come with speakers or an amplifier. You will need to purchase these separately in order to hear your records play.
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The Bottom Line:

If you are new to vinyl, the Audio Technica AT-LP60 is a great choice. It is easy to use, reliable, and budget friendly. For the price range, the Audio Technica AT-LP60 is a fantastic introduction to the world of record players

The Final Verdict

The record player that is best for you truly depends on personal preference. Both offer acceptable sound and are considered durable by users.

The Pioneer PL-990 can help entry-level enthusiasts learn how to effectively control record speeds. This can help lead to a more advanced understanding of record player operations that can prepare you for higher-quality players. While it lacks a USB or phono line, these features are not necessary to playability.

The Audio Technica AT-LP60, however, offers a budget-friendly entry-level approach. Its easy playability and sleek, variations in colors mean you can find one to match you décor easily.

At the end of the day, the Pioneer PL-990 gets our vote as the best player of the two. While both offer great beginner features, the speed adjust knob set the Pioneer apart from the competition. For those who want to grow their enthusiasm, learning how to control this feature is a great stepping stone for a later, higher-quality investment.

If you thought record players were out of style, you did not get the memo. Record players have been making a steady comeback over the past several years. From suitcase style retro designs to sleek modern designs, there is a record player for just about every budget, design, and level of enthusiasm. While there are many different models available, today we compare the Pioneer PL-990 and the Audio Technica AT-LP60 to help you determine which record player is best for you.

Audio-Technica AT-LP60BK Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable, Black
  • Rediscover your classic 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records on this affordable, fully automatic belt drive turntable
  • Built in switchable phono pre amplifier with RCA output cables to connect to audio systems and powered speakers
  • Features integral audio technica dual magnet phono cartridge with replaceable diamond stylus
  • Platter is made of anti resonance, die cast aluminum to minimize vibration
  • Damped lift/cueing mechanism with front panel control and removable dust cover