A year ago we announced the arrival of new budget players from Audio Tecnica. Two of these were AT-LPW40WN and AT-LPW30TK. Common to these is that they have strong similarities to the model being launched today - the AT-LPW50PB.

Belt-driven budget players

The first common denominator is that these models all have belt drive, a propulsion concept that is heavily challenged by a new wave of direct-drive turntables, including other budget models from Audio Technica. However, on these models, AT has satisfied those who still prefer belt drive, and there are som o these around.

Straight arm with loose headshell

Another common feature of the two smaller models is that the AT-LPW50PB has a straight arm with detachable headshell. This is a slightly unusual variant, but not at all unique. Lately, we tend to have noticed more manufacturers choosing this variant, and Audio Technica has made their own headshell for this concept. The AT-HS4 comes in both black and silver.

The included PU is an AT-VM95E, a budget killer that delivers incredibly good value for money. The replaceable stylus may be upgraded to any in the AT-VM95 series, where the three models AT-VMN95EN, VMN95ML and CMN95SL are all very interesting upgrades at a very moderate price. Read Arve's test of AT-VM95E / ML and SL here .

Audio Technica AT-LPW50PB has built-in RIAA, but may always be bypassed if using external RIAA or RIAA integrated in amplifier.

The AT-LPW50PB is the top model among the belt-driven budget players, but has to find itself well behind the more elaborate mid-range player AT-LP7 in the hierarchy. This one also has belt drive, but at double price.

Read more about AT-LPW50PB at Audio Technica