The analog resurrection continues to thrive in 2025, with vinyl enthusiasts driving record sales to heights not seen since the ’80s. Audio-Technica has been riding this wave masterfully, gradually moving upmarket from their budget-friendly turntables that helped kickstart many vinyl journeys.
When the company debuted its transparent turntable back in 2022 to celebrate its 60th anniversary, many knew they wouldn’t have a chance at owning one. Not only was the record player limited to just 3,000 units (which was admittedly not too shabby) but it also cost $1,200. Now, the tech firm has realized that Y2K-era transparency doesn’t have to be relegated to limited edition releases and has added an upgraded version to its permanent range… for an additional $800.
Crystal Clear Persuasion
From GameBoys to iMacs to an array of CD players, transparent tech was certainly popular nearly 30 years ago but was almost always kitschy. However, with its new AT-LPA2, Audio-Technica has transformed that nostalgic aesthetic into something genuinely luxurious. Following the limited edition AT-LP2022 three years ago, this new flagship doesn’t just make itself more accessible but significantly improves the components.
The 30mm-thick acrylic chassis looks superb but the high-density material also naturally dampens vibrations that would otherwise color your sound reproduction. Paired with the 20mm acrylic platter, this creates an incredibly stable platform that isolates your vinyl from unwanted resonance. AT even moved the control unit and power supply to a separate component entirely, eliminating electrical interference that lesser turntables tend to experience.
Precision Engineering
Weighing barely anything while being highly rigid, the AT-LPA2’s newly designed carbon fiber tonearm provides the foundation for serious audiophile performance. It supports the pre-mounted AT-OC9XEN moving coil cartridge (a $400 value on its own). Moving coil designs are inherently more responsive to the minute variations in vinyl grooves, resulting in more detailed audio reproduction compared to standard moving magnet cartridges found on entry-level models, like AT’s sub-$200 LP60X model.
For the vinyl obsessives who might eventually want to upgrade, the tonearm features two interchangeable counterweights (110g and 130g) to accommodate different cartridge weights. Further increasing precision, an optical sensor under the spindle constantly monitors platter rotation for maintaining consistently accurate speeds at either 33-1/3 or 45 RPM.
Audiophile Essentials
Claiming this belt-drive turntable to be their “finest ever” in over 60 years in the industry, Audio-Technica has turned a potentially-gimmicky unit into something with covetable features. The separate control unit houses all the electronics away from the sensitive audio components, a design philosophy, as AT puts it, typically reserved for much more expensive turntables. While it lacks built-in conveniences like Bluetooth or a phono preamp, that’s also precisely the point. This is a purist approach, providing only what’s necessary for the cleanest possible signal path.
The AT-LPA2 might not float and glow like Audio-Technica’s wild $10,000 limited-edition Hotaru from last month, but at $2,000, it delivers true high-end performance while doubling as a functional work of art for your media room. The included white gloves for fingerprint-free setup are a nice touch that reinforces just how seriously Audio-Technica is committed to making the absolute best record player around.
Spec Sheet
Model: Audio-Technica AT-LPA2
Type: Fully manual belt-drive
Speeds: 33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM
Platter: 20mm acrylic
Chassis: 30mm high-density acrylic
Tonearm: Static balanced straight carbon tonearm (223.6mm effective length)
Cartridge: AT-OC9XEN moving coil (pre-mounted)
Dimensions: 16.5″ × 13.4″ × 5.3″ (turntable), 5.2″ × 9″ × 2″ (control unit)
Weight: 19lbs (turntable), 2.4lbs (control unit)
Limited Edition?: No
Pricing & Availability
Available now through Audio-Technica’s website and authorized dealers, the transparent AT-LPA2 is priced at $2,000 — again, $800 more than the limited-edition version, but not without reason. Unlike its limited-edition predecessor, this model isn’t production-restricted.
Recap
Audio Technica AT-LPA2 Turntable
Following its limited-edition transparent turntable in 2022 for its 60th anniversary, Audio-Technica returns for an improved, non-limited version for its permanent range.
