Audio-Technica Launches AT-LPA2 Transparent Turntable and AT-VMx Cartridge Series at High End Munich 2025
Audio-Technica has elevated its presence at High End Munich 2025 with the introduction of the AT-LPA2 transparent turntable and the expanded AT-VMx cartridge series. The AT-LPA2 stands out with its fully transparent acrylic chassis and platter, offering both aesthetic versatility and superior resonance control. This manual, belt-driven turntable is designed for audiophiles seeking clarity and precision, featuring the high-performance AT-OC9XEN dual moving coil cartridge and a newly engineered straight carbon-fiber tonearm. The inclusion of two counterweights (110g and 130g) ensures compatibility with a wide range of cartridges, allowing for extensive customization without compromising on sound quality.
The AT-LPA2 requires a separate phono preamplifier to boost its signal, a common requirement for high-end turntables to maintain optimal audio fidelity. Additionally, the turntable is equipped with an optical sensor beneath the spindle, ensuring consistent platter rotation at both 33 1/3 and 45 RPM speeds. The absence of automatic features emphasizes its manual operation, appealing to purists who prefer hands-on control over their vinyl experience. Priced at €1,999, the AT-LPA2 is now available through select dealers, marking a significant update from the limited edition AT-LP2022.
Complementing the new turntable, Audio-Technica has unveiled the AT-VMx series, a comprehensive upgrade to their esteemed VM lineup. The AT-VMx series includes nine distinct cartridge models, ranging from the entry-level AT-VM510xCB with its conical stylus to the high-end AT-VM760xSL featuring a Special Line Contact needle and a boron needle carrier. This diverse range ensures that both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts can find a cartridge that meets their specific sonic preferences and setup requirements. Starting at €119, the AT-VMx cartridges offer enhanced usability and performance improvements, reflecting a clear progression from the previous iterations.
Both the AT-LPA2 and the AT-VMx series demonstrate Audio-Technica’s commitment to blending innovative design with technical excellence. The transparent design of the AT-LPA2 not only serves an aesthetic purpose but also contributes to better vibration control, minimizing unwanted noise and ensuring a pristine listening experience. The new cartridges in the AT-VMx series are designed to cater to a variety of listening preferences, from detailed high-frequency reproduction to robust bass response, ensuring versatility across different musical genres and playback environments.
Audio-Technica’s latest offerings at High End Munich 2025 reaffirm its position in the high-end audio market, catering to audiophiles who demand both visual elegance and exceptional sound quality. With the AT-LPA2 and the AT-VMx series now available, enthusiasts have the opportunity to enhance their vinyl setups with meticulously engineered components that promise to deliver transparent and immersive audio experiences.
