How to connect a turntable to a stereo amplifier

If the amp has a PHONO input, plug the turntable straight in and attach its thin ground wire to the amp’s GND screw. If it has no PHONO input and the turntable has no built-in preamp, add a phono preamp between them. A turntable set to LINE can use any normal input.

Gold-plated RCA audio plugs on a wooden table

Yes. You need one more piece of equipment.

What you need

RCA cable (usually attached to the turntable) Look for: RCA stereo, keep the ground wire $0–$10
Phono preamp Look for: Phono preamp (MM) $25–$100, needs USB or wall power
RCA stereo audio cable Look for: Red/white RCA male to male $5–$10

Connect it like this

Turntable (no built-in preamp)Phono (turntable) out
RCA cable (usually attached to the turntable)
Phono preampPhono (turntable) in, RCA stereo audio out. Needs power.
RCA stereo audio cable
Stereo amplifier (no PHONO input)RCA stereo audio in

What to know

Difficulty: Easy
Cost: About $30–$120 if you buy everything new
Sound: Full quality
Lag: None noticeable
Extra power: Yes, the converter needs USB or wall power

Why this works

A turntable without a built-in preamp puts out a very quiet signal. A phono preamp boosts it to normal level.

Before you buy

Connect the turntable’s thin ground wire to the preamp’s GND screw to stop hum.

Good to know

A PHONO/LINE switch on the back means the preamp is built in. Set it to LINE to plug into normal inputs.

Your gear a little different? Answer a couple of questions about your own ports.

Check my exact setup