Are you a vinyl enthusiast looking to hook up your Audio Technica turntable to some powered speakers or a stereo receiver? Look no further!
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of connecting your turntable to various types of equipment, including powered speakers, stereo receivers, and even wireless playback devices.
Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or a beginner, our step-by-step instructions and helpful tips will have you enjoying your vinyl collection in no time.
So grab your turntable and let’s get started!
How To Hook Up Audio Technica Turntable
First, remove any protective packaging from your turntable, including the twist tie and foam wrap used to protect the tonearm during shipment. Then, secure the arm to its rest with the locking clamp.
Next, attach the headshell/cartridge assembly by inserting it into the socket at the end of the tonearm. While holding the headshell in position, rotate the headshell locking ring counterclockwise (to the left). As the ring rotates, it pulls the headshell into its seated position. Hand tighten the ring until it is snug.
Now that your turntable is set up, let’s move on to connecting it to your equipment.
If you’re connecting your Audio Technica turntable to powered speakers, all Audio-Technica turntables have an analog output (RCA connection) which may allow you to connect directly to powered speakers. If your Audio-Technica turntable has an internal RIAA preamp, you may connect the turntable directly to powered speakers.
Powered speakers are equipped with an internal power amplifier, their own power connection and, often, a volume control. Input jacks on powered speakers can vary, so we include two adapter cables with our turntables to make connection to different types of powered speakers easy.
The setups are quick and simple:
Setup #1: RCA input on powered speakers
– Connect the RCA (red and white) plugs from the turntable cable into the corresponding RCA inputs on the powered speaker.
Setup #2 – 3.5 mm (female) input on powered speakers
– Connect the RCA (red and white) plugs from the turntable cable to the RCA (female) to 3.5 mm (1/8′′) mini-plug (male) adapter cable, making sure to match red plug to red plug and white to white.
– Then connect the adapter cable’s 3.5 mm mini-plug to the powered speakers’ Line Level* input.
Setup #3 – 3.5 mm (male) input on powered speakers
– Connect the RCA (red and white) plugs from the turntable cable to an RCA to 3.5 mm (1/8′′) mini-plug (female) adapter cable.*
– Then connect the adapter’s 3.5 mm mini-plug to the powered speakers’ 3.5 mm input cable.
Once your connections are made from the turntable to the powered speakers, you may connect the AC power cable that came with your powered speakers and follow the manufacturer’s directions for powering on the speakers. You will need to make certain that the preamp selector switch on the rear of your turntable is set to LINE.
If you’re connecting your Audio Technica turntable to a stereo receiver or other playback device, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:
– If connecting to inputs on a stereo receiver specifically labeled “PHONO,” move the switch on the rear of the turntable to PHONO. This bypasses the turntable’s internal RIAA magnetic phono preamp, which isn’t needed since the stereo receiver’s PHONO input has the same RIAA magnetic phono preamp. If the switch is set to “Line” you may hear considerable amounts of distortion.
– If connecting to any other input on a stereo receiver (Aux, Line, Tape, CD, etc.) or connecting directly to powered speakers, move the switch on the rear of the turntable to LINE. This engages the turntable’s internal RIAA magnetic phono preamp. If the switch is set to “Phono” you may have little or no sound at all.
– If connecting your turntable wirelessly via Bluetooth, make sure that your playback device uses aptX or SBC codec and A2DP Bluetooth profile for compatibility with Audio Technica’s turntables.
Understanding Your Audio Technica Turntable
Understanding your Audio Technica turntable is crucial to getting the best listening experience possible. One important feature to understand is the PHONO/LINE switch located on the rear of the turntable. This switch turns the turntable’s internal RIAA preamp off/on, providing the correct equalization for your turntable’s current setup.
When connecting your Audio Technica turntable to a stereo receiver or other playback device, you need to know when to use each setting. If connecting to inputs on a stereo receiver specifically labeled “PHONO,” you will want to disengage the turntable’s internal RIAA preamp by setting the switch to PHONO. This bypasses the preamp since the stereo receiver’s PHONO input has its own RIAA preamp. On the other hand, if connecting to any other input on a stereo receiver or directly to powered speakers, you will need to engage the turntable’s RIAA preamp by setting the switch to LINE. These inputs are for line-level signals, so the turntable needs to supply the required preamplification.
It is important to note that if the switch is set incorrectly, you may experience distortion or little/no sound at all. Additionally, all Audio-Technica turntables have an internal RIAA preamp, which is necessary for properly reproducing the content on a vinyl record. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) introduced an equalization standard in the 1950s that reduces low frequencies and boosts high frequencies, compressing audio so that more of it can fit on a record. During playback, an RIAA preamp performs the exact opposite function, resulting in the reproduction of the original audio.
Connecting Your Turntable To Powered Speakers
Connecting your Audio-Technica turntable to powered speakers is a great way to enjoy your vinyl collection without the need for a stereo receiver or amplifier. Here are the steps to follow:
1. First, turn the speakers around so that the back panels are facing you. Make sure the power switch is in the off position and plug the speaker into an outlet. (Note: only one speaker will be plugged into a power outlet).
2. Locate the clear speaker wire and connect the speakers together. This cable carries the audio signal and power to the “satellite” speaker.
3. Connect the analog audio cable’s 3.5 mm plug into the “Analog Out” port on the back center of the turntable.
4. Plug the RCA end (red and white plugs) into your desired playback device (commonly a stereo receiver or powered speakers).
5. If using Setup #1, simply connect the RCA (red and white) plugs from the turntable cable into the corresponding RCA inputs on the powered speaker.
6. If using Setup #2 – 3.5 mm (female) input on powered speakers, connect the RCA (red and white) plugs from the turntable cable to the RCA (female) to 3.5 mm (1/8′′) mini-plug (male) adapter cable, making sure to match red plug to red plug and white to white. Then connect the adapter cable’s 3.5 mm mini-plug to the powered speakers’ Line Level* input.
7. If using Setup #3 – 3.5 mm (male) input on powered speakers, connect the RCA (red and white) plugs from the turntable cable to an RCA to 3.5 mm (1/8′′) mini-plug (female) adapter cable.* Then connect the adapter’s 3.5 mm mini-plug to the powered speakers’ 3.5 mm input cable.
8. Once your connections are made from the turntable to the powered speakers, you may connect the AC power cable that came with your powered speakers and follow the manufacturer’s directions for powering on the speakers.
9. Finally, make sure that the preamp selector switch on the rear of your turntable is set to LINE.
By following these steps, you should be able to enjoy your vinyl collection through your Audio-Technica turntable and powered speakers with ease!
Connecting Your Turntable To A Stereo Receiver
Connecting your Audio Technica turntable to a stereo receiver is a great option if you want to enjoy your vinyl collection with a more traditional setup. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before you start connecting your turntable.
First, make sure that your stereo receiver has a phono input. If it does not, you will need to purchase a separate phono preamp to connect between the turntable and the receiver. This is because most turntables do not have a built-in phono preamp, and the phono input on a stereo receiver is designed specifically for this purpose.
Once you have confirmed that your stereo receiver has a phono input or have purchased a separate phono preamp, follow these steps:
1. Connect the red and white RCA cables from the turntable to the corresponding inputs on the stereo receiver. Make sure that each color is connected to the matching channel on both the turntable and the receiver.
2. If your turntable has a grounding wire, connect it to the grounding post on your stereo receiver. This will help reduce any unwanted hum or noise.
3. Set the preamp switch on the rear of your turntable to “Phono” if you are connecting to a phono input on your stereo receiver. If you are connecting to any other input (Aux, Line, Tape, CD, etc.) or directly to powered speakers, set the switch to “Line.”
4. Turn on your stereo receiver and select the input that you have connected your turntable to.
5. Adjust the volume on your stereo receiver to a comfortable level and enjoy your vinyl collection!
By following these steps, you can easily connect your Audio Technica turntable to a stereo receiver and enjoy high-quality sound from your vinyl records.
Setting Up Wireless Playback With Your Turntable
If you want to enjoy wireless playback from your Audio Technica turntable, there are several options available. One option is to use the analog input on your wireless speakers or headphones, assuming they have one. If your turntable has a built-in phono preamp, you can connect it to your audio device’s analog input using a basic RCA stereo interconnect cable.
However, if your wireless speakers or headphones lack a phono preamp, you will need to connect a standalone phono preamp between the turntable and the audio device. This adds a second set of cables to the chain and eliminates the wireless aspect of your system.
To regain wireless functionality, you can connect a Bluetooth transmitter to the phono preamp or turntable with a built-in preamp. Many Bluetooth transmitters are available for prices starting at less than $20. Once you’ve connected the transmitter, simply pair it with your wireless speakers or headphones.
To pair your turntable with another Bluetooth device, first place the other device within 1 meter of the turntable. Then, set your Bluetooth device into “pairing mode” and locate the Wireless Function Button and LED on the turntable. Press the Wireless Function Button to begin the pairing process and hold it until the LED flashes red and blue. When the LED turns solid blue, your turntable has successfully paired with your Bluetooth device.
Please note that most Bluetooth devices will pair fairly quickly, but if either device times out while trying to pair, simply put them back into pairing mode and repeat the process. Additionally, the turntable will save pairing information for up to 8 devices but will only communicate with one device at a time. Finally, when the turntable is transmitting via Bluetooth, the Bluetooth receiving device is used to control volume, equalization and other audio-related functions.
Troubleshooting Common Issues With Turntable Hookup
While hooking up your Audio Technica turntable may seem like a straightforward process, there are a few common issues that can arise. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you get your turntable up and running smoothly:
1. No Sound
If you’re not getting any sound from your turntable, the first thing to check is your connections. Make sure that the RCA cables are securely plugged into the turntable and your playback device or speakers. If you’re using an adapter cable, make sure that it’s plugged in correctly and that the red and white plugs are matched up correctly.
If your connections are all good, check the preamp selector switch on the back of your turntable. If you’re connecting to a stereo receiver or other device with a PHONO input, make sure the switch is set to PHONO. If you’re connecting to any other input or directly to powered speakers, make sure the switch is set to LINE.
2. Distorted Sound
If you’re hearing distortion or static in your audio, it could be caused by a few different things. First, check your connections and make sure they’re all secure. If that doesn’t solve the problem, it could be caused by a dirty stylus or cartridge. Try cleaning them with a stylus brush or compressed air.
If you’re still experiencing distortion, it could be caused by improper tracking force or anti-skate settings. Refer to your turntable’s manual for instructions on how to adjust these settings properly.
3. Uneven Sound
If you’re hearing uneven sound from one channel or side of your speakers, it could be caused by improper calibration of the tonearm assembly. This can cause the tracking force to be heavier than what the stylus assembly can handle, resulting in no, intermittent or distorted audio on one side of the stereo signal.
To fix this issue, refer to your turntable’s manual for instructions on how to properly calibrate the tonearm and set the required tracking force.
By following these troubleshooting tips, you should be able to identify and fix common issues with hooking up your Audio Technica turntable. Remember to always refer to your turntable’s manual for specific instructions and only attempt basic troubleshooting procedures on your own. For more complicated issues, seek out professional technicians for assistance.
