Audio-Technica Debuts Its Finest Turntable Yet: The Stunning $2,000 AT-LPA2

The legendary Japanese audio brand takes a bold step into audiophile territory with a transparent acrylic masterpiece.

In a move that solidifies its growing ambitions in the high-end audio space, Audio-Technica has unveiled what it’s calling the “finest turntable it has ever developed” — the AT-LPA2. Priced at $2,000 and available now, the new model is not a limited edition and marks a clear evolution of the brand’s most celebrated designs.

From Anniversary Icon to Audiophile Flagship

Back in 2022, Audio-Technica introduced the AT-LP2022, a transparent, limited-run turntable celebrating its 60th anniversary. With just 3,000 units produced and priced at $1,200, it quickly became a collector's item. Fast forward to today, and the new AT-LPA2 borrows heavily from that aesthetic legacy — but this time, it’s built for broader availability and serious audiophiles alike.

The AT-LPA2 isn’t just another pretty piece of gear. It’s Audio-Technica’s most premium non-limited turntable to date, aimed squarely at vinyl lovers who prioritize sound purity, craftsmanship, and a striking visual presence.

Design That Floats — Literally and Sonically

What makes the AT-LPA2 so visually captivating is its fully transparent acrylic plinth and platter, which creates the illusion that your vinyl record is floating mid-air while spinning. But the aesthetic choice is rooted in performance.

Acrylic, according to Audio-Technica, is more than a pretty material — it’s dense, anti-resonant, and ideal for reducing unwanted vibration and coloration, making it perfect for analog playback. This echoes similar designs seen in competitors like Pro-Ject’s $1,499 XAB, but the AT-LPA2 doubles down with elegance and build quality.

Precision Hardware Meets No-Frills Purity

The AT-LPA2 features a fully manual, belt-drive mechanism and comes pre-fitted with a carbon fiber tonearm, upgraded from the AT-LP2022. This tonearm houses Audio-Technica’s own AT-OC9XEN moving-coil cartridge, a $400 component on its own, known for high-precision groove tracking and superior detail retrieval.

One key decision: there’s no built-in phono preamp or wireless connectivity. That means you’ll need an external phono stage — but it also keeps the signal path clean for purists who prefer analog setups with no digital processing in between.

Engineered for Isolation

Another notable design tweak is the external power and control unit — a small silver box that separates the power supply from the turntable chassis. This is a performance-driven move that helps minimize electrical interference and keeps noise away from the sensitive analog circuitry.

Pricing and Availability

The Audio-Technica AT-LPA2 is available now for $2,000 through the brand’s website and select authorized dealers. It joins a growing list of recent high-end releases from the company, including the $1,000 AT-LP8X and the recently announced Hotaru, a radical $10,000 floating turntable.

With the AT-LPA2, Audio-Technica is clearly signaling that it’s no longer just a go-to for entry-level vinyl setups — it’s now playing in the big leagues of high-end hi-fi.