A Guide for the Unsure
Are you looking to inject some analogue warmth into your digital audio setup, but aren’t sure where to start? Perhaps you’re a lapsed vinyl enthusiast with a collection gathering dust in the loft, or maybe you’re a newcomer eager to experience the joy of spinning wax. Either way, you’re not alone. Many people are discovering the charms of vinyl, and for good reason – there’s something undeniably special about listening to music on a physical record that you can hold in your hands, and admire while you play. But before you can start enjoying the warm, rich tones of your records, you’ll need to get a record player. And, as it turns out, that’s easier than you might think. We’ve put together a guide to help you connect your new turntable to just about any sound system you’ve got.
Soundbars: The Convenient Option
If your soundbar is the only audio system you’ve got, you might be tempted to think that adding a turntable is out of the question. But that’s not the case. Most soundbars can be connected to a turntable, as long as you choose the right one. There are a few different ways to do this, depending on the specific soundbar you’ve got. If it’s got a stereo analogue input – either in the form of an AUX or a pair of standard RCA terminals – you can connect any turntable with a phono stage built-in using the appropriate cable. This is the case with the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max, for example. However, if your soundbar’s only audio connection is an optical input, you’ll need to add an external DAC (digital-to-analogue converter) between the soundbar and turntable. This will convert the soundbar’s digital audio signal to an analogue one that your turntable can understand. Again, this is in the case of turntables with integrated phono stages. If you don’t have a turntable with an integrated phono stage, you’ll need to buy an external phono stage (also known as a phono preamp) and have that sandwiched between the turntable and soundbar in the connection chain. This will add an extra cable and isn’t as neat, but it’s still a viable option.
Recommended Turntables for Soundbars
* **Rega Planar 1 Plus**: A great entry-level turntable with an integrated phono stage, which we think would be a great addition to almost any soundbar. It costs £399 / $725 / AU$899. * **Sony PS-LX310BT**: A more affordable option with an integrated phono stage and Bluetooth, which allows you to wirelessly stream your records to your soundbar. It costs £219 / $248 / AU$480.
AV Receivers: A Straightforward Connection
AV receivers are another great option for connecting a turntable. They often have lots of inputs for various audio and video devices, making it easy to connect a turntable. You can connect a phono stage-toting turntable directly to a choice of usually at least three pairs of RCA inputs using an RCA cable. In fact, some AV receivers even have a built-in phono stage, allowing you to connect any turntable (one with or without an integrated phono stage itself) directly. The Denon AVR-X6800H and AVC-X6800H are two excellent examples of those with phono connections. However, it’s worth noting that the phono stage of an AV receiver will often fall short of the performance of an external phono stage or one built into a turntable, so it’s worth considering this when choosing your turntable.
Recommended Turntables for AV Receivers
* **Denon AVC-X6800H**: An AV receiver with a built-in phono stage that can connect any turntable with an integrated phono stage. * **Rega Planar 1 Plus**: Another great entry-level turntable with an integrated phono stage that would be a great addition to an AV receiver.
Wireless Speakers: A Flexible Option
Wireless speakers can be a great option for connecting a turntable, especially if you’ve got a simple system consisting of a wireless or Bluetooth speaker. To connect your turntable to a wireless speaker, you’ll want a speaker with an analogue stereo input – either a pair of RCA terminals or an AUX socket that will require an inexpensive adapter. The Audio Pro Addon C10 MkII, Audio Pro C20, and Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation are all good options for wireless speakers that have an analogue stereo input. You’ll also need a turntable with a phono stage integrated, and we would suggest checking out the plug-and-play Sony PS-LX310BT for a convenient and easy-to-use option. However, if your wireless speaker lacks physical inputs entirely, you’ll need to use a Bluetooth turntable and stream your records to the speaker wirelessly, as long as the speaker has Bluetooth functionality.
Recommended Turntables for Wireless Speakers
* **Sony PS-LX310BT**: A plug-and-play Bluetooth turntable that allows you to wirelessly stream your records to any Bluetooth-enabled speaker. * **Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2**: A higher-end Bluetooth turntable that’s a great option for those looking to invest in a more premium turntable.
Sonos Speakers: A Special Case
Sonos is a popular multi-room streaming system that can also be used with a turntable. While it might seem like a unusual combination, adding a turntable to a Sonos system can be surprisingly easy. A handful of Sonos devices can be used with a record player using a wired connection. These are the Sonos Era 300, Era 100, Sonos Five wireless speakers, and the Sonos Amp streaming amplifier and Sonos Port music streamer. You can also wirelessly play records from a Bluetooth turntable to Sonos kit that supports Bluetooth, such as the Era 300, Era 100, Roam, and Move speakers, the Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar, and the Sonos Ace Bluetooth headphones. If you’ve got a multi-room setup that isn’t Sonos, you’ll still be able to connect your turntable to your system using the same methods.
Recommended Turntables for Sonos Speakers
* **Sony PS-LX310BT**: A plug-and-play Bluetooth turntable that allows you to wirelessly stream your records to any Bluetooth-enabled Sonos speaker.
