Are you a vinyl enthusiast looking to expand your home entertainment system with a turntable?
Connecting a turntable to a receiver may seem daunting, but fear not! With the right equipment and a few simple steps, you can be enjoying the warm sound of vinyl in no time.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of connecting your turntable to a receiver, whether it has a built-in preamp or not.
So sit back, relax, and let’s get started!
How To Connect Turntable
Step 1: Placement
The first step in connecting your turntable is to place it next to your receiver. Consider using an entertainment cabinet or shelving system that can dampen the vibration of both units with minimal shaking.
Step 2: Connect the RCA Cable
Next, connect the supplied RCA-type stereo cable to the output of your turntable. If your turntable didn’t come with one, you’ll need to purchase a quality RCA-type stereo cable, readily available from retailers everywhere.
Step 3: Check Your Receiver’s Audio Input Options
Look at the back of your receiver and examine the audio input options. Receivers with a built-in phono preamp will have inputs labeled “Phono.” If your receiver has such an input, simply connect the output cable coming from your turntable there and you’re pretty much done! If your turntable is equipped with a GND (ground) wire, you’ll need to connect it to the GND terminal screw on the receiver.
Note: If you are using a turntable that gives you the option of selecting between “Phono EQ” and “Thru” (such as the Yamaha TT-S303), make sure the switch is set to “Thru” so both preamps are not running at once. In most instances, the receiver’s EQ will be better than the turntable’s.
Step 4: No Phono Input? No Problem!
If your receiver does not have a phono input, don’t worry – many turntables have their own built-in preamp. (You can verify this in the owner’s manual.) As long as this is the case, you can use any receiver input, such as the ones labeled “Line,” “Audio,” “CD,” or “Auxiliary.”
Step 5: Check Your Input Setting
In order to hear vinyl playing back from your turntable, be sure to check the input setting on the front display so that its name matches the rear panel input you used for connection.
To summarize, the output/input connections should look something like this:
Turntable Output: RCA Cable
AV Receiver Input: Phono (if available) or Line, Audio, CD or Auxiliary (if no phono input)
If your turntable has a Thru/Phono EQ switch, switch it to Thru to turn off its preamp. If it has a Phono EQ switch, switch it to Phono EQ to turn on its preamp.
Gathering The Necessary Equipment
Before you can connect your turntable, you’ll need to gather the necessary equipment. The first thing you’ll need is a turntable, of course. There are many different models available, ranging from budget-friendly options to high-end models with advanced features.
You’ll also need a receiver or amplifier to power your speakers. Make sure your receiver has an input labeled “Phono” if you plan on using a turntable without a built-in preamp. If your receiver doesn’t have a phono input, you’ll need to purchase a separate phono preamp.
If your turntable doesn’t have a built-in preamp, you’ll need to purchase a separate one. A phono preamp boosts the signal from the turntable so that it can be played through your receiver or amplifier.
You’ll also need RCA cables to connect your turntable to your receiver or preamp. Make sure you get high-quality cables for the best sound quality.
Finally, if your turntable has a GND wire, you’ll need to connect it to the GND terminal screw on your receiver or preamp to eliminate any ground loop hum generated by the turntable.
With these pieces of equipment, you’ll be ready to connect your turntable and enjoy high-quality vinyl playback through your home theater system.
Identifying The Inputs On Your Receiver
When connecting your turntable to a receiver, it’s important to identify the inputs on your receiver. If your receiver has a built-in phono preamp, it will have inputs labeled “Phono.” Simply connect the output cable coming from your turntable there and you’re good to go.
If your receiver does not have a phono input, you can use any receiver input, such as the ones labeled “Line,” “Audio,” “CD,” or “Auxiliary.” Make sure to check the input setting on the front display so that its name matches the rear panel input you used for connection.
It’s important to note that if you are using a turntable that gives you the option of selecting between “Phono EQ” and “Thru,” make sure the switch is set to “Thru” so both preamps are not running at once. In most instances, the receiver’s EQ will be better than the turntable’s.
By identifying the inputs on your receiver, you can easily connect your turntable and enjoy your vinyl records with high-quality sound.
Connecting A Turntable With A Built-in Preamp
If your turntable has a built-in preamp, the process of connecting it to your receiver is slightly different. First, locate the LINE input on your receiver and plug one end of the RCA cables connected to your turntable into the “In” or “Input” jacks on the rear of the phono preamp. Then, using a separate pair of RCA cables, plug one end into the “Out” or “Output” jacks on the rear of the phono preamp. Finally, plug the other end of the RCA cables into the LINE input on the rear of your receiver.
It is important to note that if your turntable has a built-in preamp, it should not be connected to a PHONO input on your receiver. This is because the signal from a turntable with a built-in preamp is already amplified, and connecting it to a PHONO input will result in over-amplification and poor sound quality.
Additionally, be sure to set your turntable’s preamp to the proper cartridge setting, either MM or MC. If you are new to vinyl and using a standard turntable, you are most likely using a MM (or moving magnet) cartridge and not an expensive MC (or Moving Coil) cartridge.
Connecting A Turntable Without A Built-in Preamp
If your turntable does not have a built-in preamp, you have two options for connecting it to your receiver. The first option is to connect the turntable to the PHONO input on your amplifier, if it has one. This input is specifically designed for turntables that output a PHONO signal only. If your amplifier does not have a PHONO input, you’ll need to use the second option.
The second option is to connect the turntable to a LINE input on your amplifier via a separate phono preamp. It’s important to note that you should never connect a turntable without a preamp to a LINE input on an amplifier. Doing so will result in low volume and lack of bass. Additionally, you should never connect a separate phono preamp to the PHONO input on an amplifier, as this will result in clipped music signal and terrible sound quality.
To connect your turntable without a built-in preamp using the second option, you’ll need to purchase a separate phono preamp. Once you have the preamp, connect the turntable’s RCA output cables to the preamp’s input jacks. Then, connect the preamp’s output jacks to any LINE input on your amplifier. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for connecting and setting up the preamp.
It’s important to note that when setting up your system, you should place the turntable on top since you can’t place anything on top of a turntable. Additionally, make sure to match the inputs of your receiver with the appropriate ports for each audio source. For example, if your record player gets plugged into the receiver’s phono input, make sure it is turned off if it has a built-in preamp and is being connected to a receiver with its own preamp.
Adjusting Settings And Testing Your Setup
Now that you’ve connected your turntable to your receiver, it’s time to adjust the settings and test your setup. The following steps will help ensure that your turntable is properly calibrated and delivering the best possible sound quality.
Step 1: Balance the Tonearm
Balancing the tonearm is crucial for accurate tracking and preventing unnecessary wear on your records. Start by reading the instructions carefully, as every turntable is slightly different. Attach the belt (if there is one), place the platter on the spindle, and attach the headshell – the bit that holds the cartridge and stylus. Install the counterweight on the back end of the tonearm, usually by screwing it on. Set the anti-skate dial to 0. While gently supporting the headshell, move the tonearm into position above the platter. Adjust the counterweight at the back of the tonearm until it can float on its own, parallel to the surface of the platter. At this point, it has a tracking weight of 0g.
Next, set the arm tracking weight dial to 0. You’ll probably find this on the counterweight. Now rotate the whole counterweight to the correct tracking force – this will be given in grams in the manufacturer instructions and varies according to the type of cartridge being used. Lastly, lock the tonearm back into its rest and adjust the anti-skate dial to match the tracking weight.
Step 2: Set Anti-Skate
Anti-skate is a mechanism that prevents your stylus from riding either side of record grooves, which can decrease sound quality and increase record wear. A good method for approximating anti-skate is to use a single-sided piece of vinyl or a blank record without any grooves for this very purpose. Set anti-skate to zero and spin the blank record while gently placing your stylus on its surface. Notice how the tonearm starts moving towards the center spindle. Next, slowly apply anti-skate until your stylus stays still when placed on the record surface. If you set it too high, your tonearm will move towards the record edge.
Step 3: Choose Your Speed
Make sure you select the correct speed for each record you play – too slow or too fast can affect sound quality significantly. For most 12-inch records, you’ll need 33 RPM, while most 7-inch discs play at 45 RPM. Some older 10-inch records play at 78 RPM (usually referred to as 78s). Only three-speed turntables can play these.
Step 4: Test Your Setup
To test your setup, play a few records and listen carefully for any distortion or other issues with sound quality. If you notice any problems, go back and adjust your settings accordingly until you achieve optimal sound quality.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While connecting your turntable is a fairly straightforward process, there are some common issues that may arise. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you resolve these issues:
1. No Sound
If you’re not hearing any sound from your turntable, check the following:
– Make sure the volume on your receiver is turned up.
– Check that the input setting on your receiver matches the input you used for connection.
– Ensure that the RCA cable is securely connected to both the turntable and the receiver.
– If your turntable has a built-in preamp, make sure it’s turned on.
2. Humming or Buzzing Sound
If you’re hearing a humming or buzzing sound coming from your turntable, try the following:
– Check that the ground wire is properly connected to the GND terminal screw on your receiver.
– Make sure that the turntable is properly grounded to prevent electrical interference.
– Move any electronic devices away from your turntable to avoid interference.
3. Distorted Sound
If you’re hearing distorted sound from your turntable, try the following:
– Check that the stylus is clean and not damaged.
– Ensure that the tracking force and anti-skate settings are properly adjusted.
– Clean any dust or debris from the record surface.
4. Skipping or Jumping
If your turntable is skipping or jumping during playback, try the following:
– Ensure that the tracking force and anti-skate settings are properly adjusted.
– Clean any dust or debris from the record surface.
– Check that the stylus is not damaged or worn out.
By following these troubleshooting tips, you can easily resolve common issues and enjoy high-quality sound from your turntable. Remember to always refer to your manufacturer’s instructions for specific troubleshooting advice and to handle sensitive components with care.
