Drop + Audio-Technica Carbon VTA Turntable

Whether you’re a new vinyl convert or a long-time collector, you want a turntable that gets the most out of your records. Enter the Drop + Audio-Technica Carbon VTA: a turntable engineered for user-friendliness and high-end audio fidelity. Simplifying everything from first-time setup to endgame upgrades, the Carbon VTA is designed to distill the vinyl listening ritual. It comes with a host of features found on Audio-Technica’s finest turntables, plus several Drop-exclusive additions—like vertical tracking angle (VTA) and all-metal tonearm components—that set it apart from other record players in its class. Best of all, most of the components on the Carbon VTA are upgradeable, so it can grow along with your vinyl collection. 

Our first collaboration with famed audio brand Audio-Technica, the Carbon VTA comes with many features from the company’s top turntables, including a carbon fiber tonearm, adjustable dynamic anti-skate control, and a dual-speed belt-drive motor with an intelligent speed sensor. We made this list of features even better with several community-inspired additions. For uncompromising precision and stability, we added an all-metal tonearm lift and base. To accommodate different cartridges, we outfitted the tonearm base with vertical tracking angle (VTA). For a sophisticated look, we chose a dark stained wood finish. Finally, to keep your records sounding great, we included a carbon fiber record brush.  

Intuitively designed with premium components, the Carbon VTA minimizes hassle while preserving the quintessential vinyl experience. For simple setup, it features a bypassable phono preamp to connect to any headphone or speaker amplifier without the need for extra hardware. It also comes equipped with rear RCA jacks, so you can use cables of your choice, plus a selector switch for easy changing between 33 1/3 and 45 RPM. For the needle drop, an all-metal tonearm lift and base ensure a level of sturdiness and precision unmatched by plastic alternatives, while an onboard AT-VMN95E cartridge with an elliptical stylus delivers excellent signal transmission from the record grooves. Vertical tracking angle (VTA) and a removable headshell make cartridge swapping a breeze, and adjustable, replaceable feet provide vital leveling and protection from external vibrations. Great out of the box and impressively upgradeable, the Carbon VTA is an excellent turntable for new vinyl fans and seasoned enthusiasts alike.  

In 1962, during vinyl’s first reign as the world’s favorite audio format, Audio-Technica released its AT-1 and AT-3 MM stereo phono cartridges. These products would mark the company’s start to over half a century of innovations across the audio industry. More and more releases followed, including an elliptical diamond stylus, a VM phono cartridge, and many well-received turntables—most notably the AT-LPW40WN, the inspiration for our Carbon VTA. We chose to work with Audio-Technica for the same reason that countless professional musicians, engineers, and vinyl listeners do the same. In the audio world, there is no higher benchmark of quality.