Instructions for Incorporating a Turntable into Your Audio-Visual Setup
Connecting a Turntable to a Soundbar: A Step-by-Step Guide
In the modern age of streaming and wireless speakers, the classic turntable still holds a special place in many music enthusiasts' hearts. If you're one of them and looking to add a turntable to your soundbar setup, here's a simple guide to help you connect the two.
Step 1: Identify the Soundbar's Phono Input
First, you'll need to identify the soundbar's phono input or specifically labeled turntable input. This input is designed to handle the low-level signal from a turntable cartridge and applies the necessary amplification and equalization.
Step 2: Check the Turntable's Output
Most turntables without built-in preamps output a phono level signal via RCA jacks. If your turntable already has a built-in preamp and outputs line level, you should connect it to the line-in input on your soundbar instead, not the phono input.
Step 3: Make the Connection
Use an RCA cable to connect the turntable’s output to the soundbar’s phono input. The soundbar will process the signal correctly and output the sound to its speakers.
Step 4: Ground the Turntable (Optional)
If your turntable has a grounding wire, connect it to the grounding terminal on the soundbar (if available) to reduce hum or noise.
Popular Turntables for Soundbar Use
- The Sony PS-LX310BT is a turntable with Bluetooth functionality and a built-in phono stage, suitable for connecting to a wireless speaker. It costs £219 / $248 / AU$480.
- The Rega Planar 1 Plus is another recommended turntable for adding to a soundbar, priced at £399 / $725 / AU$899.
- The Audio Pro Addon C10 MkII, Audio Pro C20, and Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation are wireless speakers with analogue stereo inputs suitable for connecting a turntable.
Connecting to Non-Phono Stage Soundbars
If your soundbar does not have a built-in phono stage, you would need an external phono preamp between the turntable and the soundbar line input. However, many modern soundbars offer USB-C ports that require an adaptor to make them turntable friendly.
Wireless Options
Some soundbars, such as the Sonos Roam, Move, Sonos Arc Ultra, and Sonos Ace Bluetooth headphones, can wirelessly play records from a Bluetooth turntable. The Apple HomePod and HomePod Mini are exceptions, only supporting AirPlay. Victrola produces wi-fi turntables that can route spinning records through the Roon music management platform, which can output them to the HomePod via AirPlay.
Considerations for Sound Quality
The performance of a wireless speaker's built-in phono stage may fall short of an external phono stage or one built into a turntable, so it's worth considering this for sound quality. Similarly, the performance of an AV receiver's phono stage may also be inferior, so it's essential to consider this factor when setting up your system.
In conclusion, connecting a turntable to a soundbar is a straightforward process. With the right connections and equipment, you can enjoy the warm, rich sound of vinyl records in your soundbar setup. Happy listening!
- If your soundbar doesn't have a built-in phono stage, an external phono preamp is required to connect the turntable to the soundbar line input.
- The Sony PS-LX310BT, priced at £219 / $248 / AU$480, is a turntable with Bluetooth functionality and a built-in phono stage, suitable for wireless connections to speakers.
- The Rega Planar 1 Plus, costing £399 / $725 / AU$899, is another recommended turntable for adding to a soundbar.
- The Audio Pro Addon C10 MkII, Audio Pro C20, and Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation are wireless speakers with analogue stereo inputs that can support a turntable connection.
- Some soundbars, such as the Sonos Roam, Move, and Sonos Ace, can wirelessly play records from a Bluetooth turntable whereas the Apple HomePod and HomePod Mini only support AirPlay.
- Victrola wi-fi turntables can route spinning records through the Roon music management platform, which can output them to the HomePod via AirPlay.
- The performance of a wireless speaker's built-in phono stage may fall short of an external phono stage or one built into a turntable, so it's worth considering sound quality for optimal audio output.
- In the realm of lifestyle and technology, connecting a turntable to a soundbar allows audiophiles to enjoy the warm, rich sound of vinyl records in their entertainment systems.
