How to connect a turntable to powered speakers
A turntable without a built-in preamp needs a phono preamp between it and the speakers. If the turntable has a PHONO/LINE switch, set it to LINE and skip the preamp. Use exactly one preamp: with none the sound is nearly silent, with two it is loud and distorted.
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
- Phono preamp Look for: Phono preamp (MM)
- RCA stereo audio cable Look for: Red/white RCA male to male
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
- Powered speakers (plug into the wall)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