How To Use A Turntable With Sonos

Vinyl records have made a comeback in recent years, and many music enthusiasts are rediscovering the joys of listening to their favorite albums on a turntable.

But what if you want to enjoy your vinyl collection throughout your home with the convenience of a Sonos system?

The good news is that it’s possible, and we’re here to guide you through the process.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using a turntable with Sonos, from the necessary equipment to the step-by-step instructions for setting it up.

So, dust off your record collection and get ready to enjoy your favorite tunes in every room of your house!

Before we dive into the specifics of using a turntable with Sonos, it’s important to understand the basics of how it all works.

First and foremost, you’ll need a turntable that is fully functional and capable of playing your records. Ideally, you’ll want one with a built-in phono preamp, which amplifies the low-level “phono” level signal from your cartridge to a “line” level signal that will work with your speakers. If your turntable doesn’t have a built-in preamp, you’ll need to purchase one separately.

Next, you’ll need a Sonos component that allows you to physically plug in your turntable. Of the current Sonos line, these have the needed input: FIVE (3.5mm), PLAY:5 (3.5mm), PORT (RCA), AMP (RCA), CONNECT (RCA), and CONNECT:AMP (RCA).

Once you have your turntable and Sonos component, you’ll need an RCA cable to connect the audio source of the turntable to the Sonos product you choose to use. If you’re using a turntable without a built-in preamp, you’ll also need a phono preamp.

Now that you have all the necessary equipment, let’s walk through the steps for setting up your turntable with Sonos:

1. Plug your turntable directly into your Sonos component using the appropriate cable.

2. If your turntable has a built-in preamp, make sure it’s turned on.

3. Open the Sonos app on your device and select the System tab.

4. Select “Add Product” and follow the prompts to add your Sonos component to your network.

5. Once your Sonos component is added, select it from the list of available products in the app.

6. Start playing music on your turntable and enjoy it through your Sonos system!

If you’re using a Sonos speaker without any physical inputs, such as the Move, One, Play:1, Play:3, Beam, Playbar, or Playbase, you won’t be able to connect your turntable directly to it. Instead, you’ll need an additional Sonos device with a physical input such as a Five, Play:5, Connect, Amp, or Port to wirelessly transmit the signal from your turntable to additional Sonos speakers.

The Equipment You’ll Need

To use a turntable with Sonos, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment. Firstly, you’ll need a turntable that is fully functional and capable of playing your records. It’s recommended that you choose a turntable with a built-in phono preamp, which amplifies the low-level “phono” level signal from your cartridge to a “line” level signal that will work with your speakers. If your turntable doesn’t have a built-in preamp, you’ll need to purchase one separately.

Next, you’ll need a Sonos component that allows you to physically plug in your turntable. The current Sonos line offers several options for this, including the FIVE (3.5mm), PLAY:5 (3.5mm), PORT (RCA), AMP (RCA), CONNECT (RCA), and CONNECT:AMP (RCA).

Connecting Your Turntable To Sonos

Connecting your turntable to Sonos is a straightforward process. If you have a turntable with third-party speakers but no amplifier, you can connect them to the Sonos system directly using the Sonos Amp. Simply take the audio cable that comes with your Amp, plug one end into your turntable and the other end into corresponding colors of the L/R inputs at the back of your Sonos Amp.

To connect a turntable to Sonos, you’ll need an RCA or RCA to 3.5mm cable. Some Sonos products also require the use of a Sonos Line-In Adapter, which converts a 3.5mm connection to USB-C. Follow the instructions below to know which cable you need and how to connect it.

If your turntable has a built-in preamp, use the audio cable that comes with the amp and plug one end into the back of the turntable (or the preamp, if it is not built-in) and the other end into the correct colors of the L/R audio inputs on the Sonos Amp. Now you can connect the speakers to the Amp.

If you’re using a turntable without a built-in preamp, you’ll need to purchase one separately. Once you have your preamp, you can connect your turntable to any Sonos device that has either a 3.5mm AUX jack or RCA input. For example, if you have the Five or Play:5, you can plug the turntable directly into the AUX input on the back of the speakers using an RCA to 3.5mm y-cable.

You can also connect your turntable directly to the RCA inputs on the Sonos Port, Amp, Connect, or Connect:Amp using a standard RCA cable. However, some Sonos speakers like Move, One, Play:1, Play:3, Beam, Playbar, or Playbase don’t have any physical inputs. In this case, you’ll need an additional Sonos device with a physical input such as a Five, Play:5, Connect, Amp, or Port to wirelessly transmit the signal from your turntable to additional Sonos speakers.

To initiate Bluetooth pairing between your Bluetooth turntable and Roam, place them next to each other and follow the specific pairing process for your Bluetooth turntable model. Once paired, group Roam with other Sonos speakers in your home using the Sonos app for audio playback on all your speakers at once.

Adjusting Your Sonos Settings For Turntable Playback

Now that you have your turntable set up with your Sonos system, it’s time to make sure your Sonos settings are optimized for the best possible sound quality. Here are some tips for adjusting your Sonos settings for turntable playback:

1. Label your turntable input: Once you have your turntable connected to your Sonos device, it’s a good idea to label the input so that it’s easy to find in the Sonos app. You can do this by going into the settings of your connected Sonos speaker via the app and adjusting the label. For example, you might want to label it “Turntable – Living Room”.

2. Enable Autoplay Room setting: The Autoplay Room setting is turned off by default, but when activated, it can automatically switch the audio source from streaming to turntable as soon as the needle hits the groove. This is a convenient feature that ensures you don’t miss a beat when switching from streaming to vinyl playback.

3. Adjust Audio Delay: By default, the Line-In connection of your Sonos speaker or wireless amp is set to Max, which is 2,000 milliseconds or two seconds. This allows for the most time for the Sonos product to optimize its sound. However, if you’re experiencing noticeable audio delay, you can adjust this setting by going into the Sonos app and selecting Settings > System > Products > Your Sonos Device > Audio Delay. From here, you can select Low (75ms), Medium (113ms), High (150ms), or Max (2,000ms) depending on your preferences.

By following these tips and adjusting your Sonos settings as needed, you can ensure that your turntable playback is optimized for the best possible sound quality through your Sonos system.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Despite following the steps outlined above, you may still encounter some common issues when using a turntable with Sonos. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you resolve these issues:

1. Audio dropouts or skipping: If you’re experiencing audio dropouts or skipping, it could be due to the turntable and speakers being on the same surface. Try moving them to separate surfaces or using foam or other absorptive material under the turntable or speakers to help. Additionally, wireless interference could be causing the issue. Try cleaning up the wireless in the area as much as possible, adjusting the audio delay, or using compressed audio instead of uncompressed.

2. No sound from one channel: If you’re only getting sound from one channel, it’s possible that the left signal is missing from the turntable feed. Try connecting a different source to the line-in on your Sonos component to isolate the problem.

3. Incorrect connection: Double-check all of your connections to make sure they are properly seated and connected. It’s easy to accidentally connect an “in” to an “out” or forget a connection altogether.

4. Volume issues: Depending on your line-out level setting, you may need to adjust the volume in both the Sonos app and on your receiver. If your line-out level is set to fixed, you will need to adjust the volume on the receiver or device that you have connected to your Sonos component.

By following these troubleshooting tips, you should be able to resolve any issues you encounter when using a turntable with Sonos and enjoy high-quality audio through your Sonos system.

Tips For Getting The Best Sound Quality From Your Turntable And Sonos System

Now that you know how to set up your turntable with Sonos, let’s talk about some tips for getting the best sound quality possible.

First, make sure your turntable is properly calibrated and balanced. This means ensuring that the tonearm is set at the correct height and tracking force, and that the cartridge is aligned properly. A poorly calibrated turntable can result in distorted or muffled sound.

Next, consider investing in a high-quality phono preamp. While the built-in preamp on your turntable or Sonos component may be sufficient, a dedicated preamp can provide a cleaner, more detailed sound.

When selecting your RCA cable, choose one that is of high quality and shielded to minimize interference and noise. A poorly shielded cable can introduce unwanted hum or static into your audio.

If you’re using a turntable without a built-in preamp, consider placing the preamp as close to the turntable as possible to minimize signal loss and interference.

Finally, consider the placement of your Sonos speakers. Ideally, they should be placed at ear level and equidistant from the listener for optimal stereo imaging. Avoid placing them too close to walls or corners, as this can result in boomy or muddy bass.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your vinyl collection sounds its best when played through your Sonos system.