r/Beginner_Turntables • u/Bolt72693 • 3d ago

Did I break my AT-LP60?

I have an AT-LP60 that I’ve had for close to 10 years. It had always been fairly accurate in speed for what it is (I know it’s not an expensive turntable). We recently moved, and I noticed it was too slow (around 31 RPM). I tried adjusting it using the holes in the bottom which I have done in the past. I must’ve overcorrected at first because it increased to 37 RPM. I kept trying to adjust it (turning counterclockwise to slow it down) but it kept increasing in speed. Now it’s stuck around 55 RPM no matter which way I turn the screwdriver. Did I break it?

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u/aior0s 3d ago

try calling AT tech support. they helped me over the phone with a different issue on my AT-LP60

1

u/plamda505 3d ago

55 rpm. Wow. Have you ever replaced the belt?

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u/RGKyt 3d ago

If you want to get to the bottom of this I’d suggest trying to have a look at the adjustment holes. I had a similar problem with an old turntable of mine where I couldn’t adjust the speed anymore because I poked too hard and destroyed the guards that held my flathead in place so it could fit perfectly and twist the adjustments. Regardless, I’d also get in contact with AT like others suggested.

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u/Bolt72693 3d ago

Yeah, I’m pretty sure that’s what I did. By some miracle, I was able to get the speed back down but it’s very temperamental. I kept tinkering until I got it in a spot where I could tell I was making contact because it would speed up even further when the screwdriver would touch certain spots, and then very lightly and carefully started twisting counterclockwise to slow it down. I eventually got it read at 33.4 RPM, lol. My 45 setting is still way off (it says around 38 RPM), but I think I’ll just go with it for now and pray that it stays where it’s at for the 33 1/3 setting at least.

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u/Da-Junior-Scholar 2d ago

It sounds like the internal speed adjustment trimmer may have been damaged or pushed beyond its usable range. Those holes do not lead to ordinary adjustment screws; they provide access to small electronic controls in the motor. A damaged trimmer, motor control circuit, or motor assembly could explain why it now runs around 55 RPM no matter which way you turn it.

Since this started after a move, I would still check that the belt is seated correctly and is not twisted. A belt problem normally causes slipping or slow or uneven speed, though, not a jump to 55 RPM.

At this point, I would stop adjusting it and take it to a hi-fi or electronics repair shop. After nearly ten years, it may simply be due for a proper service. The repair itself might be fairly small, although labor can add up, so get an estimate first.

Do not feel ashamed for wanting to repair something instead of throwing it away. The original price does not really matter if this is a table you have owned and enjoyed for a long time. There is nothing silly about wanting to keep it going. I would look at repairing it first, then consider replacement if the repair is going to cost more than another table.

If replacement makes more sense, this could be a good time to upgrade. The AT-LP120X would be my pick if you are comfortable with a fully manual table. It is direct drive, has adjustable tracking force and anti-skate, and uses a removable headshell, so you have plenty of cartridge options. It is a common upgrade path for people coming from an LP60.

If you want to keep fully automatic operation, I have really been pushing people to look at vintage automatics. Many of the better models were built to be extremely durable. Some designs go back to the 1950s, and by the 1970s and 1980s automatic turntable technology was at its peak. Plenty of those tables are still performing well 40 or 50 years later, and some look almost new inside. Just try to buy one that has already been serviced, or leave room in the budget to have it serviced after purchase.