How to Connect a Turntable?
These days lots of people are getting into vinyl, either for the first time or starting again after a long break. And really, who doesn’t love a bit of vinyl magic? Whether you’re dusting off a classic LP from your teenage years or unboxing your first turntable, getting it connected is, fortunately, a lot easier than you might think. In this guide, we’ll cover how a turntable works, what a phono preamp actually does, and how to hook it all up so you get great sound from the get-go. We’ll also touch on options like Bluetooth streaming and USB recording - because vinyl doesn’t have to be stuck in the past.
How a Turntable Works — The Magic in Motion
Here’s the short version: your record spins, the stylus (needle) rides the groove, and the cartridge turns those tiny vibrations into an electrical signal. That signal is then sent down the line to your amp or powered speakers - but not before it gets a little help. On its own, the turntable’s signal is whisper quiet, which is why it needs a phono preamp to give it the proper boost. Once it’s amplified to “line level,” your system can do the rest, bringing your records to life with that warm, unmistakable vinyl sound we all love.
Meet the Phono Preamp — The Unsung Hero
If the turntable is the star of the show, the phono preamp is the quiet achiever behind the scenes. Its job is to take that tiny, delicate signal from your cartridge and give it enough grunt to play nicely with your amp or receiver. But it’s not just about volume - the preamp also applies something called the RIAA EQ curve to balance out the sound. Without it, your music would sound thin and lacking in bass with way too much treble. The preamp sets things straight, resulting in a flat frequency response, just as the recording engineer intended.
So… Where’s the Phono Preamp Hiding?
Good question - it could be in a few places. Some turntables have one built right in. Some amplifiers and receivers have them too. And if neither does, you can add one externally. The main thing to remember? Only use one preamp at a time. Stacking them won’t make your records sound “extra good” - it’ll just make them sound horribly distorted. The trick is figuring out which device in your setup is doing the preamp job and switching the others off. Simple.
Making the Connections
Right, let’s get this thing wired up. Turntables generally come with a supplied phono cable terminated in RCA plugs. Some, like Rega, are hard wired into the tonearm and can’t be changed. Others connect to RCA sockets on the back of the turntable which alloys for a bit of experimentation and the option to upgrade.
Using an amplifier with a phono input? Connect the turntable’s phono cable to the amplifier’s Phono In sockets, switch the turntable’s phono preamp off (if it has one), and don’t forget to hook up the ground wire to keep hums and buzzes at bay. Please note: Rega turntables have their ground wire hidden inside the left channel phono cable. It’s there, you just can’t see it.
Using a turntable with a built-in preamp? Flick the switch on and connect the phono cable to any Line or Aux input — but not Phono. Trust us on this one. Trying to amplify your turntable signal twice is not a good idea.
Got no phono preamp at all? Then you need to get a dedicated phono preamp and connect it between your turntable and amplifier. You’ll also need a set of RCA cables to run from the phono preamp to the amplifier. Plug in, power up, and you’re good to go.
Once everything’s connected, cue up your favourite record, lower the needle, and enjoy. That warm, rich sound? That’s vinyl done right.
Beyond the Basics - Modern Vinyl Life
Vinyl might be old-school, but turntables today can be surprisingly high-tech. Many models now include Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, adding more versatility to your setup. Some even have USB outputs, perfect for digitising your collection and taking those rare records on the road.
And if you’re chasing the highest performance, we strongly suggest you think about getting a dedicated phono preamp. They normally deliver substantially better sound than the preamps built into amps and turntables.
Not sure which way to go? That’s what we’re here for. Call us, send through an email or visit us at Audio Trends in Ringwood Victoria where our team of music lovers and hi-fi nerds (we wear the badge proudly) will help you find the perfect setup to make your records sing. We cater to all budgets and have a broad range of turntables to choose from with world class brands like Rega, Pro-Ject, Linn, Audio Technica, Lenco, Denon and Music Hall. Written by Wes Bell