Are you a music lover who wants to experience the warm, rich sound of vinyl records? If so, you may be wondering how to connect your Audio-Technica turntable to powered speakers for the ultimate listening experience.
Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! In this article, we’ll guide you through the process step-by-step, so you can enjoy your favorite records with crystal-clear sound.
Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or a beginner, our guide will help you get started on your vinyl journey. So, let’s dive in and learn how to hook up speakers to your Audio-Technica turntable!
How To Hook Up Speakers To Audio Technica Turntable
First, it’s important to note that all Audio-Technica turntables have an analog output (RCA connection) which allows you to connect directly to powered speakers. If your turntable has an internal RIAA preamp, you can connect it 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 Audio-Technica includes two adapter cables with their turntables to make connection to different types of powered speakers easy.
There are three different setups you can use to connect your Audio-Technica turntable to powered speakers:
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. This ensures that your turntable’s signal is at line level and ready for amplification by your powered speakers.
Gather Your Equipment
Before you begin setting up your Audio-Technica turntable with powered speakers, you’ll need to gather a few pieces of equipment.
First, make sure you have your Audio-Technica turntable and its accompanying RCA cable. If your turntable did not come with an RCA to 3.5 mm adapter cable, you may need to purchase one separately depending on the input jacks on your powered speakers.
Next, locate your powered speakers and their power cables. Make sure they are functioning properly and that you have enough space to place them near your turntable.
If your turntable does not have an internal RIAA preamp, you will need to make sure that either the turntable or the powered speakers have a built-in phono preamp. Check the specifications of your equipment or consult with the manufacturer to determine if you need an additional preamp.
Once you have all of your equipment gathered and verified, you’re ready to begin setting up your Audio-Technica turntable with your powered speakers.
Setting Up Your Audio-Technica Turntable
To set up your Audio-Technica turntable for use with powered speakers, begin by connecting the analog audio cable’s 3.5 mm plug into the “Analog Out” port on the back center of the turntable. Then plug the RCA end (red and white plugs) into your desired playback device, which in this case would be the powered speakers.
It’s important to note that if your Audio-Technica turntable has an internal RIAA preamp, you may connect it directly to powered speakers without any additional equipment. However, if your turntable does not have an internal preamp, you will need to purchase one separately and connect it between the turntable and the powered speakers.
Once your connections are made, you can power on your powered speakers and make sure that the preamp selector switch on the rear of your turntable is set to LINE. This ensures that your turntable’s signal is at line level and ready for amplification by your powered speakers.
If you want to use Bluetooth to connect your turntable to a speaker, start by pushing the Bluetooth button to the bottom left of the platter and holding it for two seconds. The LED light will alternate flashing between blue and red, indicating that the turntable is in pairing mode. Once the turntable has successfully paired with the speaker, that flashing light will change to a solid blue light. Keep in mind that the turntable and speaker need to be within 1.0m of each other to pair.
Choosing The Right Speakers
When it comes to choosing the right speakers for your Audio Technica turntable, there are a few factors to consider. First, if your turntable is Bluetooth-compatible, it’s recommended to pick Bluetooth speakers. This will allow for easy wireless connectivity and eliminates the need for additional cables.
If you prefer a wired connection, powered speakers are a great option as they come equipped with an internal power amplifier and often have a volume control. Make sure to choose speakers that come with a pair of red and white RCA cables that will plug into speakers or a stereo setup.
It’s also important to consider the price range of the speakers in relation to your turntable. There’s no need to buy top-of-the-line speakers for an entry-level turntable as you may not notice a significant improvement in sound quality.
When positioning your speakers, make sure to turn them around so the back panels are facing you. Locate the clear speaker wire and connect the speakers together. This cable carries the audio signal and power to the “satellite” speaker.
Connecting Your Speakers To Your Turntable
Connecting your speakers to your Audio-Technica turntable is a quick and simple process. First, determine which setup you will be using based on the input jacks on your powered speakers.
For Setup #1, simply connect the RCA plugs from the turntable cable to the corresponding RCA inputs on the powered speaker.
For Setup #2, connect the RCA plugs to the adapter cable and then connect the adapter cable’s 3.5 mm mini-plug to the powered speakers’ Line Level input.
For Setup #3, connect the RCA plugs to the adapter cable and then connect the adapter’s 3.5 mm mini-plug to the powered speakers’ 3.5 mm input cable.
Once your connections are made, plug in the AC power cable that came with your powered speakers and follow the manufacturer’s directions for powering on the speakers.
Finally, ensure that the preamp selector switch on the rear of your turntable is set to LINE to ensure that your turntable’s signal is at line level and ready for amplification by your powered speakers.
Remember that if your turntable has a built-in phono preamp, you can connect it directly to a receiver’s phono input or one of its other analog inputs. If your turntable lacks a built-in phono preamp, you may need to connect an external phono preamp between the turntable and the speakers.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy high-quality sound from your Audio-Technica turntable through your powered speakers.
Adjusting The Volume And Sound Quality
Once your turntable is connected to your powered speakers, you may need to adjust the volume and sound quality to achieve optimal performance.
To adjust the volume, you can use the volume control on your powered speakers or use an external amplifier. If you are using an external amplifier, make sure it is turned off before making any adjustments.
To adjust the sound quality, you may want to experiment with different cables and settings. Using a higher quality cable, such as the QED Connect range, can improve sound quality and reduce background noise. You may also want to adjust the bass and treble settings on your powered speakers or amplifier to suit your personal preferences.
It’s important to note that if you are experiencing distortion or other sound issues, it may be due to cascading preamps. If your turntable has a built-in preamp and you are connecting it to a receiver or amplifier with a built-in preamp, the sound can become boomy and distorted. In this case, you should bypass one of the preamps or use an external phono preamp.
By following these simple steps and making adjustments as needed, you can enjoy high-quality sound from your Audio-Technica turntable and powered speakers.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, even after following the above steps, you may encounter issues with your Audio-Technica turntable’s audio output. Here are some common issues and troubleshooting steps to help you resolve them:
Issue #1: No audio output from the speakers
If you are not hearing any audio from your powered speakers, make sure that they are properly connected to the turntable and that they are turned on. If you still do not hear any audio, check the LINE/PHONO switch on the back of the turntable. Make sure it is set to LINE, which enables the preamp built into the turntable.
Issue #2: Audio is distorted or only coming out of one speaker
If you are experiencing distorted audio or audio only coming out of one speaker, it may be due to improper calibration of the tonearm assembly prior to setting the vertical tracking force for the stylus (needle). You can refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for proper calibration.
Issue #3: Turntable not pairing with Bluetooth devices
If you have an AT-LP60XBT turntable and are having trouble pairing it with Bluetooth devices, try resetting the Bluetooth processing in the turntable. Press and hold down the Bluetooth button on the turntable for about 8-10 seconds until you see the indicator light blink red slowly twice. Then put your Bluetooth receiving device (speaker or headphones) back into pairing mode.
Issue #4: Interference from other wireless devices
If your turntable is still having trouble pairing with your devices, there may be another device causing wireless interference within your environment. Try moving any other wireless devices away from your turntable or turning them off temporarily to see if it resolves the issue.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve common issues with your Audio-Technica turntable’s audio output and enjoy listening to your vinyl collection once again.
