This weekend marks the eagerly awaited Record Store Day 2025, and vinyl fans are likely diving into this year’s special editions to enhance their collections. If you find yourself stepping into the vibrant world of vinyl and are in search of an exceptional beginner turntable, look no further—Audio-Technica has rolled out a dazzling exclusive just for you: a golden version of its top-selling model.
Indeed, everything that glitters is gold! The Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT has consistently topped the charts as a go-to choice for novices (it held the top spot on our list until being succeeded by the upgraded AT-LP70X). For this Record Store Day, the renowned audio brand has made a limited run of the AT-LP60XBT-GD (that’s gold, of course) available at independent record shops across the U.S., priced at just $199, which is $40 less than the standard model. “This special edition aims to encourage music lovers to support the independent record stores that are essential to the vinyl community,” remarked Kurt Van Scoy, Audio-Technica’s Vice President of Products, Business Alliances, and Marketing. “These shops are crucial for maintaining the vinyl culture, and we’re proud to be part of this initiative, highlighting their ongoing importance.”

The AT-LP60XBT has attracted many newcomers to vinyl due to its affordability and ease of use. This belt-driven turntable is a breeze to put together and operate. With features like auto start and stop, a speed-selection button for switching between 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records, and a simple tonearm lift and lower button, there’s virtually no learning curve.
Equipped with a built-in phono preamp (which amplifies the low signal from the needle for a richer sound), this turntable connects effortlessly to any stereo integrated amplifier or powered speakers. Additionally, if you prefer wireless listening, the AT-LP60XBT-GD offers Bluetooth capabilities with support for both SBC and aptX codecs.
As per Audio-Technica’s official site, the AT-LP60XBT-GD will reach approximately 90 independent record stores nationwide (find the full list online), though it’s advisable to call your local store beforehand to check availability.