Are you a vinyl enthusiast looking to integrate your turntable into your Sonos system?
Good news – it’s possible! With the right equipment and setup, you can enjoy the warm, rich sound of your vinyl records through your Sonos speakers.
But how exactly do you connect your turntable to Sonos?
In this article, we’ll explore the different methods and equipment needed to make it happen. Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or just starting out with vinyl, read on to learn how to play your turntable through Sonos.
Can I Play My Turntable Through Sonos
The short answer is yes, you can play your turntable through Sonos. However, the process may vary depending on the specific Sonos products you have and the type of turntable you own.
One option is to use the Sonos Amp, which allows you to connect your turntable directly to the Sonos system using an audio cable. Simply plug one end of the cable into your turntable and the other end into the corresponding L/R inputs on the back of your Sonos Amp.
Another option is to use a Sonos Line-In Adapter, which converts a 3.5mm connection to USB-C. This adapter may be necessary for some Sonos products, so be sure to check if your specific device requires it. Once you have the adapter, connect your turntable to it using an RCA or RCA to 3.5mm cable, and then connect the adapter to your Sonos device.
It’s important to note that not all Sonos devices have physical inputs for connecting a turntable directly. In this case, you will need an additional Sonos device with a physical input, such as a Five, Play:5, Connect, Amp, or Port, to wirelessly transmit the signal from your turntable to additional Sonos speakers.
Understanding The Audio Setup Of A Turntable
To understand how to connect a turntable to a Sonos system, it’s essential to understand the audio setup of a turntable. Turntables produce a low-level “phono” level signal that needs to be amplified to a “line” level signal that can work with speakers. This is where a phono preamp comes into play.
You will need a phono preamp to connect your turntable to your Sonos system. The preamp’s job is to amplify the low-level signal from your cartridge to a line level signal that will work with your speakers. Without a preamp, the volume from your speakers would be too low for you to enjoy your music.
If your turntable has a built-in phono preamp, you can connect it directly to any Sonos device that has either a 3.5mm AUX jack or RCA input. For example, if you have the Five or Play:5, you can plug the turntable directly into the AUX input on the back of the speakers using an RCA to 3.5mm y-cable.
If your turntable does not have a built-in preamp, you will need an external phono preamp. Once you have the preamp, you can connect your turntable to any Sonos device that has either a 3.5mm AUX jack or RCA input using an RCA cable.
It’s important to note that some Sonos speakers, like the Move, One, Play:1, Play:3, Beam, Playbar, or Playbase, do not have any physical inputs. In this case, you will need an additional Sonos device with a physical input such as a Five, Play:5, Connect, Amp, or Port to wirelessly transmit the signal from your turntable to additional Sonos speakers.
Connecting Your Turntable To A Sonos Speaker
Connecting your turntable to a Sonos speaker can be done in a few easy steps. First, you will need a phono preamp to amplify the low-level “phono” level signal from your cartridge to a “line” level signal that will work with your speakers. Without a preamp, the volume from your speakers would be far too low for you to enjoy your music.
Once you have your preamp, you can connect your turntable to any Sonos device that has either a 3.5mm AUX jack or RCA input. For Sonos Five and Play:5, connect the single end of an RCA to 3.5mm cable into the line-in port of the speaker and the other ends into the L/R audio outputs of the turntable or preamp. If the turntable has a built-in RCA cable, an RCA to 3.5mm adapter will be needed.
If you own Amp or Connect: Amp, connect one end of an RCA cable into the preamp or turntable and the other end into the RCA input of your Amp or Connect: Amp. If you have Sonos Port or Connect at your place, connect one end of an RCA cable into the turntable or preamp and the other end to the RCA input of Port or Connect.
Once connected, play something on your turntable and tap on Line-In from the Browse tab on your Sonos app. Select the Line-In source name and start playback. There is also an option to choose AutoPlay for your Sonos to switch to Line-In mode when you play a record.
It’s important to note that some Sonos speakers, such as Move, One, Play:1, Play:3, Beam, Playbar, or Playbase, do not have any physical inputs for connecting a turntable directly. In this case, you will need an additional Sonos device with a physical input to wirelessly transmit the signal from your turntable to additional Sonos speakers.
Using A Phono Preamp With Sonos
If your turntable does not have a built-in phono preamp, you will need to use an external one to properly amplify the signal before connecting it to your Sonos system. Fortunately, using a phono preamp with Sonos is a simple process.
First, connect your turntable to the phono preamp using an RCA cable. Then, connect the phono preamp to the Sonos Amp or Line-In Adapter using another RCA cable. Make sure to plug the RCA cables into the correct L/R inputs on both the phono preamp and Sonos device.
If you are using a Sonos Port, you will need to connect the phono preamp to the Line-In Adapter before plugging it into the Port. Once everything is connected, you can start playing your vinyl records through your Sonos system.
It’s important to note that choosing the right phono preamp is crucial for getting high-quality sound from your turntable. Look for a preamp that matches the specifications of your turntable and provides the necessary amplification for optimal sound quality.
Streaming Your Vinyl Collection With Sonos
If you’re a vinyl collector and a music lover, you’ll be pleased to know that Sonos allows you to stream your vinyl collection throughout your home. In addition to working with over 80 digital music services, Sonos can also connect to your turntable setup, allowing you to enjoy the warm sound of your favorite albums on vinyl.
To stream your vinyl collection with Sonos, you’ll need a turntable with a line-out connection, as well as a Sonos device with a physical input. This could be a Five, Play:5, Connect, Amp, or Port. Once you have both of these components, simply connect your turntable to the Sonos device using an RCA cable.
If your turntable doesn’t have a line-out connection, you may need to add an external preamplifier to your setup. This will allow you to boost the signal from your turntable to a level that can be recognized by the Sonos device.
Alternatively, if you have a Bluetooth-enabled turntable, such as the Victrola Stream Carbon, you can pair it with the Sonos Roam speaker and share the sound with the rest of your Sonos system.
Troubleshooting Common Issues With Turntable To Sonos Connections
When setting up your turntable to play through your Sonos system, there are a few common issues that may arise. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you get everything working smoothly:
1. Check your connections: Make sure that your turntable is properly connected to the Sonos device you are using. Double-check that all cables are securely plugged in and that the correct input is selected on your Sonos device.
2. Check the Source Level: In the Sonos app, navigate to the line-in settings and ensure that the Source Level is set appropriately for your turntable. This may vary depending on the specific turntable you have.
3. Check the Phono Out/Line Out switch: If your turntable has a Phono Out/Line Out switch, make sure it is set to Line Out. This will ensure that the signal is properly amplified for use with your Sonos device.
4. Check for power issues: If your Sonos device or speakers are not showing up in the app, check to make sure they are receiving power. Ensure that all cables are firmly connected and that the status light on your speaker is illuminated.
5. Reboot your devices: If you are still having issues, try rebooting both your Sonos device and your router. Unplug your speaker and plug it back in after 5-10 seconds. This may help resolve any connectivity issues.
By following these troubleshooting tips, you should be able to get your turntable playing through your Sonos system in no time. And if you’re looking for a hassle-free solution, consider investing in a turntable like the Victrola Stream Carbon, which is designed specifically for use with Sonos and requires no additional equipment for setup.
