Turntable Showdown: AT‑LP8X vs Dual CS 529
The Best Automatic Turntables of 2025 at All Elite Audio
For those who want the joy of vinyl without the full manual experience, automatic and semi-automatic turntables offer the perfect middle ground. In 2025, two standout models at All Elite Audio combine exceptional sound with simplified operation: the Audio-Technica AT‑LP8X and the Dual CS 529. Here's a detailed breakdown to help you choose the right one for your system.
Audio-Technica AT‑LP8X
Semi-Automatic Direct Drive Turntable
$1,299.00
The AT‑LP8X is designed for vinyl listeners who want high-performance playback with a touch of convenience. Its semi-automatic operation lifts the tonearm and stops the motor at the end of a side, reducing wear on your stylus and records.
Key Features:
Direct Drive Motor
Direct drive means the platter is driven directly by the motor, offering faster start-up, tighter speed stability, and lower wow and flutter compared to belt-drive designs. This ensures more consistent sound, especially noticeable on sustained notes and long passages.
Semi-Automatic Functionality
You manually place the tonearm at the beginning of the record, but once the side ends, the table automatically lifts the tonearm and stops the platter. This feature adds convenience and protects your stylus if you're not nearby when playback finishes.
J-Shaped Tonearm with Adjustable VTA
Inspired by classic broadcast tonearms, the curved shape reduces tracking error. The vertical tracking angle (VTA) is also adjustable, allowing proper alignment with different cartridges for optimal groove contact and improved fidelity.
Upgradeable Cartridge and Headshell
Comes with the Audio-Technica VM95E moving magnet cartridge pre-installed. The removable headshell makes swapping cartridges fast and easy, perfect for experimenting with upgrades or different tonal profiles.
No Built-In Phono Preamp
Requires an external phono stage or an integrated amp with a phono input. This is ideal for listeners who want to pair the turntable with a higher-quality phono preamp for improved sound.
Dual CS 529
Fully Automatic Belt Drive Turntable with Bluetooth
$1,299.00 (Black) or $1,399.00 (Walnut)
The Dual CS 529 is a modern fully automatic turntable that blends analog performance with digital convenience. With Bluetooth streaming and remote app control, it's ideal for listeners who want great sound with minimal hands-on setup.
Key Features:
Fully Automatic Operation
With the press of a button, the turntable cues the tonearm, lowers it onto the record, and returns it when playback finishes. It even includes a repeat mode for looping the same side automatically—ideal for background listening or longer sessions.
Belt Drive with Subchassis Damping
The belt-driven platter is isolated from the motor, reducing noise and mechanical interference. A floating subchassis design further absorbs vibration, resulting in quieter backgrounds and more detailed playback.
Twin-Gimbal Precision Tonearm
The tonearm pivots on two axes using ball bearings for precise, friction-free movement. This ensures accurate tracking across the record surface, maintaining better channel balance and reducing wear on your records.
Built-In Switchable Phono Preamp
The CS 529 includes an internal phono stage, allowing you to connect directly to powered speakers or any amp with a line-level input. A simple switch allows you to bypass it if you prefer using your own external preamp.
Bluetooth and App Control
Built-in Bluetooth lets you stream your vinyl to wireless speakers or headphones. The companion app allows remote control of basic functions like start, stop, and repeat, making it one of the most accessible turntables on the market.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | AT‑LP8X | Dual CS 529 |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | Direct Drive | Belt Drive |
| Automation Level | Semi-Automatic (auto stop/lift) | Fully Automatic (auto start/stop) |
| Tonearm | J-Shaped, Adjustable VTA | Twin-Gimbal Precision Bearing |
| Cartridge | Audio-Technica VM95E | Ortofon 2M Red |
| Built-In Preamp | No | Yes (Switchable) |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes + App Control |
| Setup Requirements | Requires external phono stage | Plug and play out of the box |
| Best For | Audiophiles | Listeners who want convenience |
Final Thoughts
The Audio-Technica AT‑LP8X is an excellent choice for audiophiles who want to maintain control over their system while enjoying the convenience of semi-automatic features. With its direct-drive performance and upgrade-friendly tonearm, it’s built for serious listening.
The Dual CS 529 is ideal for listeners who value ease of use and modern features. Fully automatic operation, wireless streaming, and a built-in phono stage make it a seamless fit in any system, especially for those who want a hands-off experience without sacrificing sound quality.
Both models are available now at All Elite Audio. Contact us if you'd like help selecting the right one for your setup—or stop by for a demo.