Vinyl records may be a thing of the past, but their warm and rich sound is still sought after by many audiophiles. If you’re one of those people who have an old turntable lying around and a new receiver waiting to be hooked up, you might be wondering how to make them work together.
Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it may seem. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of connecting your old turntable to your new receiver, so you can enjoy your favorite vinyl records once again.
Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or just starting out, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, relax, and let’s get started!
How To Hook Up Old Turntable To New Receiver
The first thing you need to know is whether your turntable has a built-in phono preamp or not. If it does, then you can simply plug the audio signal cable into one of your receiver’s analog audio inputs. These inputs are usually labeled Aux, Line In, Analog In, etc. You can even use your receiver’s “CD” or “Tape” input if needed. No other connections are required.
If your turntable does not have a built-in phono preamp, you will need to add one. You can either purchase a standalone phono preamp or look for a receiver or set of powered speakers that has one built-in. Both options will work just fine.
Once you have your phono preamp, connect the red and white RCA cables to the receiver’s left and right audio inputs. Plug the RCA cables into the audio outputs of the turntable. Ensure that each color is connected to the matching channel on both the turntable and the receiver.
If your receiver has a grounding nut, you can connect the ground cable between the receiver and the turntable. This will help eliminate any potential hum or noise between components. If your amplifier receiver does not have a phono input, connect the RCA cables to an available input on the receiver, such as TV or CD.
Set the pre-amp switch to the line position if you’re using an external phono preamp. If you’re using a built-in phono preamp, then you don’t need to worry about this step.
Finally, connect your receiver to your speakers and enjoy your vinyl records once again!
Understanding Your Equipment
To properly hook up an old turntable to a new receiver, it’s important to understand the equipment involved. A turntable produces a PHONO output signal, which needs to be converted to a LINE LEVEL signal to work with audio equipment such as stereo systems, computers, and powered speakers. This is where a phono preamp comes in – it converts the PHONO signal to LINE LEVEL.
If your turntable has a built-in phono preamp, you can simply plug the audio signal cable into one of your receiver’s analog audio inputs. However, if your turntable does not have a built-in phono preamp, you will need to add one. This can be done by purchasing a standalone phono preamp or looking for a receiver or set of powered speakers that has one built-in.
Once you have your phono preamp, you can connect the red and white RCA cables to the receiver’s left and right audio inputs. Plug the RCA cables into the audio outputs of the turntable, making sure that each color is connected to the matching channel on both the turntable and the receiver.
If your receiver has a grounding nut, you can connect the ground cable between the receiver and the turntable. This will help eliminate any potential hum or noise between components. If your amplifier receiver does not have a phono input, connect the RCA cables to an available input on the receiver, such as TV or CD.
It’s also important to note that if you’re using an external phono preamp, you’ll need to set the pre-amp switch to the line position. However, if you’re using a built-in phono preamp, then you don’t need to worry about this step.
Check Your Turntable’s Output
Before you start connecting your turntable to your receiver, it’s important to check whether your turntable has a built-in phono preamp or not. A phono preamp is necessary to amplify the signal from the turntable’s cartridge to a level that can be processed by other audio equipment.
To check if your turntable has a built-in phono preamp, refer to the owner’s manual or look for a switch on the turntable labeled “Phono EQ” or “Line.” If your turntable has this switch, it most likely has a built-in phono preamp. Make sure the switch is set to “Line” if you’re using an external phono preamp, and set it to “Phono EQ” if you’re using the turntable’s built-in phono preamp.
If your turntable does not have a built-in phono preamp, you will need to purchase an external one or look for a receiver or powered speakers that have one built-in. Without a phono preamp, the sound from your turntable will be very low and distorted.
Choosing The Right Cables
When it comes to choosing the right cables for connecting your turntable to your receiver, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you have the correct type of cable. The most common type of cable used for audio connections is the RCA cable, which has two connectors – one red and one white. These connectors correspond to the left and right audio channels.
When selecting an RCA cable, look for a high-quality cable that is shielded to reduce interference and noise. Many turntables come with a basic RCA cable, but upgrading to a better quality cable can improve sound quality.
Another option for connecting your turntable to your receiver is a USB cable. This type of cable allows you to digitize your vinyl collection by recording the audio directly to your computer. However, not all turntables have a USB output, so be sure to check your turntable’s specifications before purchasing a USB cable.
In addition to the audio cables, you may also need a separate ground cable if your turntable has a grounding wire. This cable helps eliminate any potential hum or noise between components.
Connecting Your Turntable To Your Receiver
Connecting your turntable to your receiver is a relatively simple process that can be done in just a few steps. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Place your turntable next to your receiver: It’s important to have both components close to each other so that you can easily connect them.
2. Connect the RCA cable: If your turntable comes with an RCA cable, connect it to the output of your turntable. If not, purchase a quality RCA-type stereo cable from a retailer.
3. Check the audio input options: Look at the back of your receiver and examine the audio input options. 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 done! If your turntable is equipped with a GND (ground) wire, connect it to the GND terminal screw on the receiver.
4. Use an external phono preamp: If your receiver does not have a phono input, you will need to add an external phono preamp. Connect the red and white RCA cables to the left and right audio inputs of the receiver and plug them into the audio outputs of the turntable. Ensure that each color is connected to the matching channel on both components.
5. Set the pre-amp switch: If you’re using an external phono preamp, set the pre-amp switch to the line position. If you’re using a built-in phono preamp, then you don’t need to worry about this step.
6. Connect your receiver to your speakers: Finally, connect your receiver to your speakers and enjoy your vinyl records once again!
By following these simple steps, you can easily connect your old turntable to a new receiver and enjoy high-quality sound from your vinyl collection.
Adjusting The Settings On Your Receiver
After connecting your turntable to your receiver, you may need to adjust some settings on your receiver to ensure optimal sound quality. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Turn on your receiver and select the input that you connected your turntable to.
2. Check if your receiver has a built-in phono preamp. If it does, you don’t need to adjust any settings. If it doesn’t, make sure the preamp switch on your external preamp is set to the line position.
3. Check the balance and tone controls on your receiver. These controls can affect the sound quality of your vinyl records, so it’s important to set them correctly. Start by setting the balance control to the center position, and adjust it slightly if necessary to ensure equal volume from both speakers.
4. Adjust the tone controls to your preference. The bass and treble controls can be used to boost or cut certain frequencies, depending on your personal taste and the characteristics of your speakers and room.
5. If your receiver has a loudness control, you may want to turn it off when listening to vinyl records. Loudness controls are designed to boost bass and treble at low volumes, but they can also introduce distortion and alter the sound of your records.
6. Finally, make sure the volume level on your receiver is not too high or too low. A good starting point is around 50% of the maximum volume, and you can adjust it up or down as needed.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your turntable is connected correctly and that your receiver is set up for optimal sound quality. Enjoy listening to your vinyl records with a new level of clarity and detail!
Testing Your Setup
Once you have everything connected, it’s important to test your setup to ensure that everything is working properly. Start by turning on your receiver and selecting the input that your turntable is connected to. If you hear any sound coming from your speakers, then congratulations! Your setup is working.
Next, play a vinyl record and listen carefully for any distortion or other issues. If you notice any problems, try adjusting the volume on your receiver or checking the connections between your components. You may also want to check the tracking force and anti-skate settings on your turntable to ensure that they are properly calibrated.
If you’re still experiencing issues, it may be worth consulting a professional or doing some additional research to troubleshoot the problem. Remember, a little bit of tinkering can go a long way when it comes to getting the most out of your turntable setup.
