Are you tired of being tethered to your turntable with cords and cables?
Do you want to enjoy the warm, rich sound of vinyl records without being tied down to a traditional stereo system?
Well, the solution is simple: make your turntable Bluetooth-enabled!
With just a few easy steps, you can enjoy the convenience of wireless listening while still experiencing the unique sound of vinyl.
In this article, we’ll explore different methods for making your turntable Bluetooth, including using a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver, connecting to a Bluetooth-enabled speaker or amp, and more.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to take your vinyl listening experience to the next level!
How To Make Turntable Bluetooth
There are several ways to make your turntable Bluetooth-enabled, depending on whether your turntable has a built-in preamp or not.
If your turntable has a built-in preamp, all you need is a Bluetooth transmitter. Simply connect the transmitter to your turntable’s RCA output and pair it with any Bluetooth-connected speaker or amp.
However, if your turntable does not have a built-in preamp, you will need to use an external Bluetooth adapter that connects to the turntable and transmits the music wirelessly to the speakers. Make sure to choose an adapter that has analog inputs and supports the aptX Bluetooth protocol for the highest quality sound.
Once you have your transmitter or adapter ready, connect it to the preamp on your turntable. If your turntable has a built-in preamp, plug the transmitter into the RCA output. If you have an external preamp, connect the transmitter to the PHONO output there.
After connecting the adapter to the turntable (or preamp), you will need to pair the adapter and your wireless speakers. The user manual that is included with the adapter will explain the pairing process thoroughly so please refer to the user manual for step-by-step guidance.
Another option is to bypass the Bluetooth function in your wireless speakers or headphones and instead use the analog input, assuming they have one (many do). If your turntable has a built-in phono preamp, you can run a basic RCA stereo interconnect cable from its analog output to your audio device’s analog input. Most wireless tabletop speakers and all wireless headphones lack a phono preamp, so if your turntable doesn’t have one built in, you need to connect a standalone phono preamp between the turntable and the speaker system or headphones, which adds a second set of cables to the chain.
Why Make Your Turntable Bluetooth?
There are several reasons why you might want to make your turntable Bluetooth-enabled. First and foremost, it allows you to listen to your vinyl collection without the hassle of wires and cables. Bluetooth connectivity also offers greater flexibility in terms of where you can place your turntable and speakers, as you no longer have to worry about being tethered to a specific location.
Additionally, Bluetooth technology has come a long way in recent years, and many modern Bluetooth-enabled speakers and headphones offer high-quality sound that rivals wired setups. While it’s true that some musical detail and accuracy can be lost when using Bluetooth due to digitized and compressed signals, this is less of an issue with newer devices that support aptX Bluetooth protocol.
Finally, making your turntable Bluetooth-enabled can be a great way to bridge the gap between analog and digital technology. If you’re already set up with a Bluetooth device, adding Bluetooth connectivity to your turntable is a simple and affordable way to enjoy the warm, rich sound of vinyl alongside the convenience of wireless streaming.
Method 1: Using A Bluetooth Transmitter And Receiver
One of the easiest ways to make your turntable Bluetooth-enabled is by using a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver. This method works for turntables with or without a built-in preamp.
First, you’ll need to purchase a Bluetooth transmitter that has analog inputs and supports the aptX Bluetooth protocol for the best sound quality. One recommended option is the Hsoipn Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter and Receiver available on Amazon.
Once you have your transmitter ready, connect it to your turntable’s preamp. If your turntable has a built-in preamp, simply plug the transmitter into its RCA output. However, if your turntable does not have a built-in preamp, you’ll need to connect the transmitter to the PHONO output on your external preamp.
After connecting the adapter to the turntable (or preamp), you will need to pair it with your Bluetooth-connected speakers or amp. Refer to the user manual that comes with the adapter for step-by-step instructions on how to pair it with your audio device.
This method offers a simple and straightforward way to make your turntable wireless and stream music to Bluetooth speakers and other Bluetooth-capable stereo systems. It’s also a great option if you want to keep using your existing turntable without having to purchase a new one with built-in Bluetooth capabilities.
Method 2: Connecting To A Bluetooth-Enabled Speaker Or Amp
If you already have a Bluetooth-enabled speaker or amp, connecting your turntable to it is a simple process.
First, check if your turntable has a built-in preamp. If it does, all you need is a Bluetooth transmitter. Connect the transmitter to the turntable’s RCA output and pair it with your Bluetooth speaker or amp.
If your turntable does not have a built-in preamp, you will need to use an external Bluetooth adapter that connects to the turntable and transmits the music wirelessly to the speakers. Make sure to choose an adapter that has analog inputs and supports the aptX Bluetooth protocol for the highest quality sound.
Once you have your transmitter or adapter ready, connect it to the preamp on your turntable. If your turntable has a built-in preamp, plug the transmitter into the RCA output. If you have an external preamp, connect the transmitter to the PHONO output there.
After connecting the adapter to the turntable (or preamp), you will need to pair the adapter and your wireless speakers. The user manual that is included with the adapter will explain the pairing process thoroughly so please refer to the user manual for step-by-step guidance.
If your wireless speakers or amp do not have Bluetooth capabilities, you can still use them by bypassing the Bluetooth function and using the analog input instead. Connect your turntable’s analog output to your audio device’s analog input using an RCA stereo interconnect cable. If your turntable does not have a built-in phono preamp, connect a standalone phono preamp between the turntable and the speaker system or headphones.
With these simple steps, you can enjoy listening to your vinyl collection wirelessly through your Bluetooth-enabled speaker or amp.
Method 3: DIY Bluetooth Turntable Conversion
If you’re looking for a more hands-on approach, you can convert your non-Bluetooth turntable to a Bluetooth turntable with a little DIY work. All you need is a Bluetooth 5.0 transmitter and receiver, which you can easily find on Amazon or other online retailers.
First, make sure your turntable has analog outputs, typically RCA jacks. Then, connect the Bluetooth transmitter to the turntable’s analog output using 2 RCA Male Cable to 3.5mm Female adapter. Make sure to choose a transmitter that supports aptX Bluetooth for the best sound quality.
If your turntable has an external preamp, connect the transmitter to the PHONO output on the preamp instead of the turntable. Once you have connected the transmitter, pair it with your Bluetooth speakers or amp according to the instructions provided with the device.
It’s important to note that while Bluetooth is a convenient way to connect your turntable wirelessly, it may not offer the same level of audio quality as a wired connection. If you’re looking for higher fidelity wireless streaming, consider investing in a Sonos system or other high-end wireless audio solution.
Tips For Optimal Bluetooth Turntable Performance
To ensure the best possible performance from your Bluetooth turntable, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Use high-quality components: To get the best sound quality, it’s important to use high-quality components. This includes a good turntable with a high-quality cartridge, a high-quality phono preamp, and high-quality Bluetooth speakers or headphones.
2. Choose the right Bluetooth protocol: When choosing a Bluetooth transmitter or adapter, make sure it supports the aptX protocol for the highest quality sound. This protocol reduces latency and improves sound quality compared to standard Bluetooth.
3. Keep your devices close together: To avoid dropouts or interruptions in the audio signal, keep your turntable and Bluetooth speakers or headphones close together. Ideally, they should be within 30 feet of each other.
4. Avoid interference: Bluetooth signals can be affected by interference from other wireless devices, such as Wi-Fi routers or cordless phones. To avoid interference, try to keep your turntable and Bluetooth speakers or headphones away from other wireless devices.
5. Adjust the volume carefully: When using a Bluetooth turntable, it’s important to be careful with volume levels. Because the signal is transmitted wirelessly, it’s possible to overload the speakers or headphones if the volume is too high. Start with a low volume and gradually increase it until you reach a comfortable listening level.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Bluetooth turntable setup delivers high-quality sound and reliable performance.
