Are you looking to connect your phono record out to another amplifier?
Maybe you want to play your vinyl records through a guitar amp or connect multiple amplifiers to different speakers.
Whatever your goal may be, there are a few things to keep in mind when connecting phono record out to another amplifier.
In this article, we’ll explore the different methods and equipment needed to successfully connect your phono record out to another amplifier.
So, grab your vinyl collection and let’s dive in!
Can You Connect A Phono Record Out Into Another Amplifier
The short answer is yes, you can connect a phono record out into another amplifier. However, there are a few things to consider before doing so.
Firstly, it’s important to note that phono record out signals are typically low-level signals that require amplification before they can be played through speakers. This means that you will need an amplifier or receiver with a phono input or a separate phono preamp to boost the signal.
If your amplifier or receiver does not have a phono input, you can purchase a separate phono preamp and connect it between your turntable and amplifier/receiver. This will allow you to boost the signal and play your vinyl records through your amplifier/receiver.
Once you have the necessary equipment, there are a few different methods you can use to connect your phono record out to another amplifier.
One simple method is to use an active crossover. This device separates the high-end frequencies of the audio from the bass frequencies so that they can be sent to separate amps and different speakers. This allows you to connect multiple amplifiers to different speakers and play your vinyl records through them simultaneously.
Another method is to use an amplifier switch. This allows you to connect two amplifiers to speakers, but only one can be used at any given time. This is a simple and cost-effective solution if you only need to switch between two amplifiers.
If you want to connect your turntable directly to a guitar amp, you will need a special adapter that allows you to do so. However, it’s important to note that guitar amps are not designed for playing vinyl records and may not provide the best sound quality.
Understanding Phono Record Out
Phono record out is a term used to describe the signal that is produced by a turntable when playing vinyl records. This signal is different from other audio signals because it requires a phono preamp to boost the signal before it can be played through speakers. The phono preamp is necessary because the signal produced by a turntable is much weaker than other audio signals, typically around 0.005 volts, and also has a reduced bass frequency due to RIAA equalization.
To connect a phono record out to another amplifier, you will need an amplifier or receiver with a phono input or a separate phono preamp. This will allow you to boost the signal and play your vinyl records through your amplifier/receiver. It’s important to note that if your amplifier or receiver does not have a phono input, you will need to purchase a separate phono preamp and connect it between your turntable and amplifier/receiver.
Once you have the necessary equipment, there are different methods you can use to connect your phono record out to another amplifier. One method is to use an active crossover, which separates the high-end frequencies of the audio from the bass frequencies so that they can be sent to separate amps and different speakers. Another method is to use an amplifier switch, which allows you to connect two amplifiers to speakers, but only one can be used at any given time.
It’s important to note that if you want to connect your turntable directly to a guitar amp, you will need a special adapter that allows you to do so. However, it’s important to keep in mind that guitar amps are not designed for playing vinyl records and may not provide the best sound quality. Overall, understanding phono record out and how it works is crucial for anyone looking to connect their turntable to another amplifier or receiver.
The Importance Of A Phono Preamp
A phono preamp is an essential component in any vinyl record playing setup. This is because the signal produced by a record cartridge is very weak compared to other consumer Hi-Fi electronics. A nominal output level from a phono cartridge is 1 mV (0.001 V), while the Aux input on your stereo system requires a signal level of 100 mV (0.1V). To meet this required level, a typical phono preamp will boost your signal by 40 – 50 dB.
Moreover, records are cut with the bass frequencies reduced and the high frequencies boosted. This equalization helps to permit longer recording times by keeping groove dimensions small while also increasing sound quality and decreasing record wear. A phono preamp acts to equalize the signal in an attempt to bring it back as close as possible to the frequency response of the master recording. The entire process is referred to as the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) equalization curve, which became the general industry standard during the 1950s.
Without a phono preamp, your vinyl records would sound thin, weak, and lacking in bass. The phono preamp boosts the signal and applies the necessary equalization to ensure that you get a full and rich sound from your records. Additionally, using an external phono preamp provides better shielding from interference and its own power supply, so it doesn’t have to share with an electrically noisy power transformer on a hifi amplifier.
Connecting Phono Record Out To A Guitar Amp
Connecting a phono record out to a guitar amp can be done using a special adapter. However, it’s important to keep in mind that guitar amps are not designed to play vinyl records and may not provide the best sound quality.
To connect a phono record out to a guitar amp, you will need a two-channel adapter for the in and out cords from your record player. It’s important to note that the RIAA EQ correction is missing with this setup, which means that you may not have any low-end in your sound.
To improve the sound quality, you will need to use a phono preamp. This is because the output from your record player is not line level and requires RIAA equalization. Using a phono preamp will boost the signal and provide better sound quality.
It’s important to note that using a phono preamp with a guitar amp may not be the best option. This is because guitar amps have a gain value that is too high for a phono preamp. Instead, it’s recommended that you look for an integrated receiver with a phono input as it will have the phono preamp built-in.
If you do decide to connect your turntable directly to a guitar amp, it’s important to ensure that the amplifier is compatible with the turntable and that you are using the proper cables. With the right setup, you can enjoy your vinyl records while also amplifying the sound through your guitar amp.
Connecting Multiple Amplifiers To Different Speakers
If you’re looking to connect multiple amplifiers to different speakers, there are a few safe and effective ways to do this. One method is to use an amplifier switch, which allows you to connect two amplifiers to speakers, but only one can be used at a time. This is a simple and cost-effective solution if you only need to switch between two amplifiers.
Another method is to use an active crossover. This device separates the high-end frequencies of the audio from the bass frequencies so that they can be sent to separate amps and different speakers. This allows you to connect multiple amplifiers to different speakers and play your music through them simultaneously.
If you’re using a home theater system, you can also use a surround sound processor. This allows you to connect multiple amplifiers to your system and use them at the same time, each amp powering a different set of speakers, with one of them usually used for a subwoofer.
It’s important to remember that when connecting multiple amplifiers to different speakers, there are safe and effective ways to do this, and there are also methods that are dangerous and will damage your audio equipment. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and avoid any methods that could potentially cause damage. With the right equipment and setup, you can enjoy high-quality sound from multiple amplifiers and speakers.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While connecting a phono record out to another amplifier may seem straightforward, there are some common issues that can arise. One of the main issues is the lack of a phono input on the amplifier or receiver. If this is the case, you will need to purchase a separate phono preamp to boost the signal before it can be played through your speakers.
Another issue that can occur is noise or hum in the audio signal. This can be caused by a ground loop, which is when there are multiple paths for the electrical current to flow between the turntable and the amplifier/receiver. To fix this issue, you can try connecting the turntable’s ground wire to the amplifier/receiver’s ground terminal. This will help to eliminate any excess noise or hum in the audio signal.
It’s also important to note that some turntables have a built-in preamp, which means that they do not require an external preamp to boost the signal. If you’re unsure whether your turntable has a built-in preamp, check the user manual or contact the manufacturer for more information.
Finally, if you’re experiencing distortion or clipping in the audio signal, it may be due to using multiple phono preamps in series. To avoid this issue, make sure to only use one phono preamp at a time and connect it directly to your amplifier/receiver’s phono input.
