If you’re new to the world of vinyl, you may have noticed a switch on the back of your turntable labeled “PHONO/LINE.”
This switch can be a source of confusion for many, especially when it comes to connecting your turntable to speakers or other audio devices.
But fear not, we’re here to help!
In this article, we’ll break down the differences between PHONO and LINE signals, explain what the PHONO/LINE switch does, and help you determine which setting is best for your listening needs.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of turntable connections.
Should My Turntable Be On Phono Or Line
The answer to this question depends on how you plan to connect your turntable to your audio system.
If you’re connecting your turntable to a stereo receiver or powered speakers with a PHONO input, then you should set your turntable to PHONO. This is because the PHONO input on a stereo receiver or powered speakers has its own built-in phono preamp, which is necessary to amplify the weak signal coming from the turntable’s cartridge and apply the correct RIAA equalization.
On the other hand, if you’re connecting your turntable to a stereo receiver or powered speakers with a LINE input, then you should set your turntable to LINE. This is because the LINE input does not have a built-in phono preamp, so you need to use the preamp that’s built into your turntable to amplify the signal and apply the correct RIAA equalization.
It’s important to note that not all turntables have a PHONO/LINE switch. Some turntables only output a PHONO signal, which means you’ll need to use an external phono preamp or a stereo receiver with a built-in phono preamp to connect your turntable to speakers or other audio devices with LINE inputs.
Understanding PHONO And LINE Signals
To fully understand the difference between PHONO and LINE signals, we need to first understand what they are. A PHONO signal is a very weak signal that comes directly from the turntable’s cartridge. This signal is much weaker than other audio sources like CD players, and its bass frequencies are significantly reduced through RIAA equalization. In contrast, a LINE signal is an amplified version of the PHONO signal and has the same size/strength as a signal from other audio sources like CD players.
The reason for this difference is due to the fact that vinyl records require an RIAA preamp in order to properly reproduce the embedded content on the record. During the pressing of the record, low frequencies are reduced and high frequencies are boosted in order to compress the audio so that more of it can fit on a record. During playback, this process is reversed through an RIAA preamp, resulting in the reproduction of the original audio.
If you’re using a stereo receiver or powered speakers with a PHONO input, it already has its own built-in phono preamp, which means you don’t need to use the turntable’s internal RIAA preamp. However, if you’re using a stereo receiver or powered speakers with a LINE input, you’ll need to use the turntable’s internal RIAA preamp to amplify the signal and apply the correct RIAA equalization.
It’s important to note that if you connect a PHONO signal to a LINE input on a stereo receiver or powered speakers, the music will have almost no volume and sound very strange with no bass at all. This is due to the low signal level and reduced bass of the PHONO signal. Therefore, it’s crucial to make sure you’re connecting your turntable correctly and using the appropriate input based on whether your turntable outputs a PHONO or LINE signal.
What Does The PHONO/LINE Switch Do?
The PHONO/LINE switch on a turntable allows you to choose between two different modes of operation, depending on how you plan to connect your turntable to your audio system. When the switch is set to PHONO, the turntable’s internal RIAA preamp is turned off, allowing you to use the built-in phono preamp on a stereo receiver or powered speakers with a PHONO input. This is because the PHONO input has its own RIAA preamp, which is necessary to amplify the weak signal coming from the turntable’s cartridge and apply the correct RIAA equalization.
On the other hand, when the switch is set to LINE, the turntable’s internal RIAA preamp is turned on, allowing you to use the turntable’s built-in phono preamp to amplify the signal and apply the correct RIAA equalization when connecting to a stereo receiver or powered speakers with a LINE input. This is because the LINE input does not have a built-in phono preamp, so you need to use the preamp that’s built into your turntable to amplify the signal and apply the correct RIAA equalization.
It’s important to choose the correct mode of operation for your turntable in order to get the best possible listening experience. Using the wrong mode can result in low volume, distorted sound, or no bass at all. If you’re unsure which mode to use, consult your turntable’s manual or contact the manufacturer for assistance.
When To Use PHONO And When To Use LINE
When it comes to deciding whether to use PHONO or LINE, it’s important to consider the type of audio system you’re connecting your turntable to. If your audio system has a PHONO input, then you should use the PHONO setting on your turntable. This is because the PHONO input has its own built-in phono preamp that is designed to amplify the weak signal coming from the turntable’s cartridge and apply the correct RIAA equalization.
However, if your audio system does not have a PHONO input and only has LINE inputs, then you should use the LINE setting on your turntable. This is because the LINE input does not have a built-in phono preamp, so you need to use the preamp that’s built into your turntable to amplify the signal and apply the correct RIAA equalization.
It’s important to note that not all turntables have a PHONO/LINE switch. Some turntables only output a PHONO signal, which means you’ll need to use an external phono preamp or a stereo receiver with a built-in phono preamp to connect your turntable to speakers or other audio devices with LINE inputs.
Troubleshooting Common Turntable Connection Issues
While connecting a turntable to an audio system may seem straightforward, there are some common issues that can arise. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you get the best sound from your turntable:
1. Make sure you are only using one phono preamp. If your turntable has a built-in phono preamp enabled, then do not connect to the PHONO input on your receiver or powered speakers. Passing the signal through two phono preamps will result in severe distortion. You can also disable the turntable’s built-in preamp if you want to connect to the PHONO input on your receiver or speakers.
2. Make sure that your speakers are not vibrating your turntable. If you are hearing distortion at higher volumes only, then it probably means speaker vibrations are getting back to your stylus.
3. If you are only using one preamp and still get severe distortion, then your stylus might be damaged. Check the stylus for visible damage and send us a photo if needed.
4. If you’re experiencing low volume or no sound at all, make sure that all connections are secure and that the volume on your audio system is turned up.
By following these troubleshooting tips, you should be able to resolve most common turntable connection issues and enjoy high-quality sound from your vinyl collection.
