Are you a vinyl enthusiast looking to optimize your turntable’s sound quality?
Connecting your turntable to a soundbar is a great way to achieve this. But how do you do it?
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process step-by-step. Whether you’re a newcomer to the vinyl world or a seasoned audiophile, we’ll help you get the best sound possible from your turntable and soundbar.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of turntables and soundbars.
How To Connect A Turntable To A Soundbar
There are different ways to connect a turntable to a soundbar, but the easiest and most common method is by using an analog AUX input. If your turntable has a built-in phono stage and the PHONO/LINE switch is set to the LINE position, simply connect the turntable to the AUX input on the soundbar.
However, if your turntable does not have a built-in phono stage, you will need to add a separate phono stage between the turntable and the soundbar. This is because turntables produce a low-level signal that needs to be amplified before it can be played through a soundbar.
To connect your turntable to a soundbar with a separate phono stage, follow these steps:
1. Purchase a separate phono stage. You can find them online or at your local audio equipment store.
2. Connect the turntable’s audio cables to the separate phono preamp, and any other wire your turntable has.
3. Connect the phono preamp audio cables to the soundbar’s analog inputs.
4. Connect the phono preamp to its power supply and switch it on.
If you’re wondering whether you can connect your turntable’s phono jack to an HDMI input, unfortunately, this is not possible. The same goes for connecting it to an IR output or a 3.5mm single Aux output. These outputs are not designed for turntables and will not provide optimal sound quality.
Understanding The Different Types Of Turntable Outputs
When connecting a turntable to a soundbar, it’s important to understand the different types of turntable outputs. Turntables produce a PHONO output signal, which is a low-level signal that needs to be converted to a LINE LEVEL signal to work with audio equipment such as soundbars.
The most common way to convert the PHONO signal to LINE LEVEL is by using a phono preamp. A phono preamp is a device that amplifies the PHONO signal and converts it to LINE LEVEL. This allows the turntable to be connected to audio equipment such as soundbars, stereo systems, and speakers.
There are two types of turntable outputs: direct drive and belt drive. Direct drive turntables have the platter shaft directly connected to the motor, while belt drive turntables use a small belt to drive the platter. Both types have different speeds and isolation from vibrations.
Another important component of a turntable is the cartridge. The cartridge includes the point in which the needle makes direct contact with the record and relays that sound through your entire setup. Turntable cartridges (or phono cartridges) are mounted on the end of your record players tonearm. This cartridge includes a needle (stylus) which, when lowered onto a vinyl record, reads the modulations on the groove of the record. This information is then transmitted via an electrical current which is then amplified through your record player set up and out through your speakers as sound.
When choosing a turntable, it’s important to consider your specific needs and budget. There are three main types of turntables available today: belt-driven, direct-drive, and USB-enabled. Each type offers a different set of features and benefits, so it’s important to do your research and choose the model that’s best suited for your needs.
Choosing The Right Soundbar For Your Turntable
When it comes to choosing the right soundbar for your turntable, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, most soundbars only feature digital inputs that are compatible with modern TVs, but turntables only output an analog signal. This means that finding a soundbar with an analog AUX input can be difficult. However, there are a few options available.
One option is to look for soundbars from brands like VIZIO, Polk Audio, and Bose TV Speaker, which do feature an analog AUX input. These soundbars are great products with lots of positive reviews, so they’re definitely worth considering.
Another option is to use a Sonos Beam or Sonos Arc soundbar together with a Sonos Port streaming module. While the Sonos soundbars don’t feature an AUX analog input, the Sonos Port has analog inputs that allow you to stream music from the internet or from a turntable wirelessly to Sonos speakers and soundbars around your house.
When choosing a soundbar for your turntable, it’s also important to consider the number of channels. Labels like “2.0,” “3.1,” or “5.1” refer to the number of channels a soundbar has and whether or not it has a subwoofer. If you’re looking for a more cinematic and home entertainment setup with your record player and turntable, a soundbar with more channels may be a better choice.
The Samsung HW-Q990B is a top-of-the-line bar that’s great for music and movies, with versatile overall performance and customizable tools like room correction and graphic EQs. The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module and the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers are also great options if you already own audio products in these manufacturers’ ecosystems.
Ultimately, when choosing a soundbar for your turntable, make sure it has an analog input or consider using a separate phono stage between the turntable and the soundbar. Additionally, consider the number of channels and whether you want customizable tools for audio reproduction.
Connecting Your Turntable To Your Soundbar: Step-by-Step Guide
If you have a turntable without a built-in phono stage, connecting it to a soundbar can be a bit more complicated. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you connect your turntable to your soundbar:
1. Purchase a separate phono stage. This is a device that amplifies the low-level signal produced by your turntable, making it compatible with the soundbar’s analog inputs. You can find them online or at your local audio equipment store.
2. Connect the turntable’s audio cables to the separate phono preamp. You may also need to connect any other wires that your turntable has, such as a grounding wire.
3. Connect the phono preamp audio cables to the soundbar’s analog inputs. Look for the AUX input on your soundbar and connect the phono preamp to it using RCA cables.
4. Connect the phono preamp to its power supply and switch it on. The phono preamp will need power to amplify the signal from your turntable.
Once you have completed these steps, you should be able to play vinyl records through your soundbar. Keep in mind that not all soundbars have analog inputs, so make sure to check your soundbar’s specifications before purchasing a separate phono stage.
If you have a wireless turntable with Bluetooth connectivity, connecting it to a Bluetooth-enabled soundbar is much easier. Simply turn on both devices, enable Bluetooth, scan for nearby devices on your turntable, and pair the two devices. Any records you play on the turntable will come through the soundbar wirelessly.
Adjusting Settings For Optimal Sound Quality
After connecting your turntable to the soundbar, you may need to adjust some settings to ensure optimal sound quality. Here are some tips:
1. Check the volume levels: Make sure the volume level on your turntable and soundbar are not too high or too low. Adjust them accordingly to achieve a balanced and clear sound.
2. Adjust the EQ settings: Many soundbars come with built-in equalizer (EQ) settings that allow you to adjust the bass, treble, and other frequencies. Experiment with these settings until you find the perfect balance for your turntable.
3. Use a subwoofer: If you want to enhance the bass response of your turntable, consider adding a subwoofer to your setup. Most soundbars have a dedicated subwoofer output that you can use to connect a subwoofer.
4. Reduce background noise: Turntables can produce background noise, such as hissing or humming sounds. To reduce this noise, make sure your turntable is placed on a stable surface and away from any other electronic devices that may interfere with the signal.
5. Use high-quality cables: Using high-quality cables can make a significant difference in sound quality. Look for cables made with high-grade materials and good shielding to reduce interference and signal loss.
By following these tips, you can achieve optimal sound quality when connecting your turntable to a soundbar. Experiment with different settings until you find the perfect balance for your setup.
Troubleshooting Common Issues When Connecting A Turntable To A Soundbar.
Connecting a turntable to a soundbar may sometimes result in common issues that can affect the sound quality. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you address these issues:
1. Check your cable connections. Ensure that all your cables are firmly seated in their jacks and not prone to being bumped or jostled. Loose connections can cause static or interference in the sound.
2. Try adjusting the bitstream audio output setting on your TV and source devices. This setting determines whether the digital audio signal is decoded in the device or in the soundbar. Some devices default to converting all signals to a two-channel PCM digital signal, which can cause audio to cut out. Make sure that the soundbar can decode the bitstream signal to get proper sound.
3. Check your network connection. If you’re using Wi-Fi to stream video, ensure that your devices have a strong wireless connection. If not, consider moving your network router or upgrading your network.
4. Get new HDMI cables. Using up-to-date HDMI cables can sometimes solve problems in audio/video systems.
5. If you’re using Bluetooth connectivity, make sure that your transmitter and receiver are within range of each other, and there are no obstructions between them. Bluetooth connectivity can sometimes be unreliable and choppy due to interference from other devices.
By following these troubleshooting tips, you can ensure that your turntable and soundbar are connected properly and producing optimal sound quality.
