If you’re a music lover, chances are you have a turntable lying around somewhere. But what if you want to play your vinyl records through your Bose Wave System?
Is it even possible? The short answer is yes, but it’s not as simple as just plugging it in.
In this article, we’ll explore the different ways you can connect a turntable to a Bose Wave System and what equipment you’ll need to make it happen.
So dust off your vinyl collection and let’s get started!
Can You Connect A Turntable To A Bose Wave System
Yes, you can connect a turntable to a Bose Wave System, but it requires some additional equipment. The Bose Wave System does not have a phono input, which is necessary for playing vinyl records. Instead, it has an auxiliary input that can be used to connect external devices like a turntable.
However, the signal output from a turntable’s phono cartridge is not strong enough to work on an auxiliary input. This is where a preamp comes in. A preamp boosts and equalizes the signal level from the cartridge to match the input level of the Bose Wave System.
There are two types of preamps: built-in and external. Some turntables come with a built-in preamp, which means you can connect them directly to the auxiliary input on the Bose Wave System. However, if your turntable does not have a built-in preamp, you’ll need to purchase an external one.
Once you have a preamp, you can connect your turntable to the Bose Wave System using RCA cables. The turntable plugs into the “phono inputs” on the preamp, and then the “line out” jacks on the preamp connect to the Bose using stereo red and white RCA cables.
If your Bose Wave System does not have red and white AUX inputs but instead uses a single smaller AUX input, then an adapter cable is needed. Make sure to set the preamp selector switch on the back of the turntable to the LINE position for this application.
Why Connecting A Turntable To A Bose Wave System Is Different
Connecting a turntable to a Bose Wave System is different than connecting it to other systems because the Bose Wave System lacks a phono input. This means that a preamp is necessary to boost and equalize the signal level from the cartridge to match the input level of the Bose Wave System.
Additionally, some turntables come with built-in preamps, which means they can be connected directly to the auxiliary input on other systems. However, with the Bose Wave System, an external preamp is required if the turntable does not have a built-in one.
Once you have a preamp, you can connect your turntable to the Bose Wave System using RCA cables. It’s important to note that an adapter cable may be needed if your Bose Wave System only has a single smaller AUX input.
Option 1: Using An External Phono Preamp
Using an external phono preamp is a popular option for connecting a turntable to a Bose Wave System. External preamps are widely accepted as the optimum choice for serious music listeners, as they tend to provide better sound quality than built-in preamps.
To use an external phono preamp with your Bose Wave System, you’ll need to purchase one separately. There are two types of phono preamps: those designed to work with moving magnetic cartridges (MM), and units designed to work with moving coil cartridge types (MC). Some preamps will cater for both designs, with a simple switch that adjusts the preamp accordingly.
Once you have your external preamp, you can connect your turntable to it using RCA cables. The turntable plugs into the “phono inputs” on the preamp, and then the “line out” jacks on the preamp connect to the Bose using stereo red and white RCA cables.
It’s important to note that if your Bose Wave System only has a single AUX input, you’ll need an adapter cable. Additionally, make sure to set the preamp selector switch on the back of the turntable to the LINE position for this application.
Using an external phono preamp is a great option for connecting a turntable to a Bose Wave System, as it allows you to achieve high-fidelity sound quality while enjoying your vinyl records.
Option 2: Using A Turntable With A Built-in Phono Preamp
If your turntable has a built-in preamp, connecting it to the Bose Wave System is even easier. Simply connect the turntable to the auxiliary input on the Bose Wave System using RCA cables. You won’t need an external preamp because the built-in preamp already boosts and equalizes the signal level from the cartridge to match the input level of the Bose Wave System.
However, if your turntable has a switchable preamp, make sure to set it to “LINE” instead of “PHONO” when connecting to the Bose Wave System. This is because the auxiliary input on the Bose Wave System is already line-level, so you don’t need any additional amplification.
Once you have connected your turntable to the Bose Wave System, you can start enjoying your vinyl records. Keep in mind that the sound quality may depend on the quality of your turntable, preamp, and speakers. It’s always a good idea to invest in high-quality equipment for the best possible listening experience.
Option 3: Using A Phono-to-Aux Cable
Another option for connecting a turntable to a Bose Wave System is to use a phono-to-aux cable. This is a simple and affordable solution that allows you to bypass the need for a separate preamp.
To use this method, you’ll need a phono-to-aux cable that has RCA connectors on one end and a 3.5mm jack on the other. Plug the RCA connectors into the turntable’s phono outputs, and then connect the 3.5mm jack to the auxiliary input on the Bose Wave System.
However, it’s important to note that this method may not provide the best sound quality. The signal from the turntable will still need to be amplified and equalized, which is typically done by a preamp. Using a phono-to-aux cable may result in a weaker signal and lower sound quality compared to using a preamp.
If you choose to use this method, make sure to set the turntable’s selector switch to the PHONO position and adjust the volume levels accordingly. It’s also recommended to keep the turntable as close to the Bose Wave System as possible to minimize any interference or signal loss.
Setting Up Your Turntable And Bose Wave System
Setting up your turntable and Bose Wave System requires a few simple steps. First, connect the phono preamp to your turntable. Make sure to use the appropriate cables for your turntable, as some may require a specific type of cable.
Next, connect one end of the RCA cable to the phono preamp and the other end of the RCA cable to the AUX input on your Bose Wave System. Make sure to connect the red and white cables to their corresponding inputs on the Bose.
Once everything is connected, turn on your turntable and select AUX on your Bose Wave System remote control. You should now be able to hear music playing from your vinyl records through your Bose Wave System.
It’s important to note that if you experience any hum or noise between components, you may need to add a ground cable between the turntable and the phono preamp (or the receiver or speakers with a built-in phono preamp). This can be a separate ground cable or one combined into the audio cables.
In summary, connecting a turntable to a Bose Wave System is possible with the use of a phono preamp and RCA cables. Make sure to follow the steps above for proper setup and enjoy listening to your vinyl records through your Bose Wave System.
