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Beginner's Guide To Turntables - Home Listening Edition

Putting together a turntable setup is a simple process; however, there are several things you should know before purchasing your setup. This Guide To Turntable Setups will explain: the key components, the different setup configurations, and the most commonly asked questions. If you have further questions, don't hesitate to contact us.

ā†Ŗ JUMP TO

1.0 What Is A Phono Preamp?

šŸ”ŽA turntable produces a PHONO output signal. This phono signal needs to be converted to a LINE LEVEL signal (sometimes referred to as AUX signal) to work with audio equipment including stereo systems, computers, powered speakers, and Bluetooth speakers. A phono preamp converts PHONO to LINE LEVEL. Phono preampsĀ can be built into audio gear such as turntables and amplifiers, or come as an external component.Ā 

Ā pictured:Ā Bellari VP29.TTL Phono Preamp, an external preamp

Here are some things you should know about preamps:

  • MOST newĀ turntables have a preamp built-in,Ā SO DON'T STRESS ABOUT THE PREAMP. Preamps are generallyĀ required for some vintage turntables and higher-priced, intermediate +Ā high-end turntables.
  • How can you tell if your turnable needs a preamp?Ā See the guide in the next blockā¬‡.
  • ManyĀ OLDERĀ audio systems / amplifiersĀ and some newĀ components have preamps built-in (look for inputs on the back of the unit marked PHONO).
  • You only need (1) preamp in your system.
  • If you do need an external preamp, identify the turntable'sĀ GROUND WIRE (a thin wire with U-shaped metal end connector). This needs to be connected for the preamp to work properly.Ā 
  • If using an external preamp box (like the one pictured above), you will plug your turntable into the preamp box. You will need an additional set of cables (usually RCA cables) to connect to your audio system.
  • Preamps have a wide range when it comes to build and sound quality. The cheapest preampsĀ areĀ around $50-$70, the most expensive can run well over $500.
  • If you plug a PHONO signalĀ into an AUX input, the music will be very quiet and there will be a loud hum.

How do I know if my turntable needs a phono preamp?

  • If your turntable has this switch ā‘ , your turntable DOES HAVE a preamp built-in. Set it to LINE to turn on the preamp.
  • if your turntableĀ doesĀ NOT have ā‘ , ā‘”Ā AND ā‘¢ (it only has an RCA cable in the back), your turntable DOES HAVE a preamp (it has one built-in, and can't be turned off).
  • If your turntable has a GROUND CONNECTION ā‘” on the back, and NO switch ā‘ , you NEED a preamp.
  • If your turntable has this GROUND WIREĀ ā‘¢ coming out the back,Ā and NO switch ā‘ , you NEED a preamp.
  • QUICK TIP:Ā IfĀ a turntable has BLUETOOTH or a USB output, it DOES have a built-in preamp.
  • QUICK TIP: Technics SL-1200s do not have a built-in preamp.

How do I know if my audio component has a preamp?

  • Look for both: 1) an input marked 'PHONO' and 2) a grounding post to connect your turntable's ground wire (usually marked 'GROUND' or 'GND' or a pitchfork icon)

2.0 Turntable + Amplifier Setup

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

LAB POINTS

  • This is the traditional turntable setup that uses an amplifer to power passive speakers.Ā 
  • In our opinion, this type of setup will sound the best with vinyl. The combination of vinyl and a 2-channel passive system produces a warm, nuanced, stereo sound.
  • If you already have an audio system like this one, it's easy to add a turntable - just figure out whether you need a preamp or not.
  • Amplifiers that are labelled "integrated amplifiers" usually include a preamp.

EXAMPLE of AMPLIFIER SETUP (turntable not pictured)

  • This setup is ready to connect to any turntable. TheĀ Denon PMA-600NE Integrated Amplifier has bothĀ PHONO and AUX inputs to connect any turntable. It also includes an 'Analog Mode' setting which bypasses all the digital components for a true analog chain when listening to vinyl. The Wharfedale Diamond Speakers are passive and will produce a well-balanced sound.Ā 

2.1 MinimalistĀ Turntable With PoweredĀ Speakers Setup

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

LAB POINTS

  • This is the most streamlined setup. The turntable connectsĀ DIRECTLYĀ to powered speakers.
  • Powered / active speakersĀ do not require an amplifier or stereo system. An active speaker will always have a power cord.
  • āœ”ļø Because of its price, simplicity and smaller footprint, this type of setup has become very popular.Ā 
  • With (2) speakers, this setup is also optimized for vinyl's stereo playback.

EXAMPLE of TURNTABLE +Ā POWERED SPEAKER SETUP

2.2 Turntable + AUX Input Setup

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

LAB POINTS

  • You may want to use an audioĀ speaker that you already own for your new turntable. Any turntable can be plugged into the AUX input of any audio system includingĀ computerĀ speakers, home theater systems, Bluetooth speakers, laptops, etc.
  • To plug into AUX, make sure your turntable is outputting a LINE signal (see preamp section above).
  • There are generally (2) types of AUX inputs - RCA (the red+white double circles), or 3.5mm (headphone jack size). For 3.5mm inputs, you may need an adaptor, such as this one, to plug your turntable's RCA cables into.Ā 

2.3Ā Bluetooth Turntable Setup

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

LAB POINTS

  • Bluetooth-enabled turntables canĀ pair directly with Bluetooth audio components.
  • Bluetooth turntables will have a pairing button.
  • Bluetooth turntables generally also feature aĀ hardwired connection as well if youĀ want to switch to a wired connection.
  • Bluetooth connections may have some latency. For example, after you put the needle on the record, there will be a 0.5-2.0 second delay before you hear the output on the speaker.
  • You can also connect Bluetooth turntables to Bluetooth headphones.
  • Can you stream a non-Bluetooth turntable? YES, you canĀ connect any turntable to theĀ Pro-Ject Phono Box E BTĀ or any similar Bluetooth transmitter.

EXAMPLE ofĀ BLUETOOTH TURNTABLE SETUP

2.4 Turntable + Sonos Setup

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

LAB POINTS

  • You can plug a turntable intoĀ certain Sonos components which will allow you to play your turntable through your entire Sonos system.
  • You can control the input and sound with the Sonos app. From the music note icon tab, tap Line-In.
  • You will experience some latency.Ā For example, after you put the needle on the record, there will be a 0.5-2.0 second delay before you hear the output on the speaker. There are waysĀ to minimize this through the app settings.
  • Victrola Stream TurntablesĀ allow you toĀ wirelesslyĀ connect to Sonos.

EXAMPLE ofĀ TURNTABLE + SONOS SETUP

3.0 Key Turntable Terminology For First Time Buyers

Belt Drive vs. Direct Drive

  • Belt drive turntables feature aĀ motor pulleyĀ and a rubber belt, which turns the platter.
  • In direct drive turntables, the motor is directly connected to the spindle. The spindle turns the platter.
  • SomeĀ argue belt drives offer smoother operationĀ because the motor (which tends to vibrate) isn't directly connected to the platter. We think this is debatableĀ and are comfortable with both styles.
  • Direct drive turntables are generally more sturdy and require less maintenance.

Manual vs. Automatic vs. Semi-Automatic

  • MANUAL TURNTABLES are the most common. With manual turntables, the user switches on the motor and places the needle on the record. At the end of the record, the record keeps spinning and the needle remains safely on the record.
  • AUTOMATIC TURNTABLES featureĀ a buttonĀ that bothĀ automatically places the needle on the record and starts the motor. They also feature a stop button that stops the record and returns the needle to the initial resting position.
  • SEMI-AUTOMATIC TURNTABLES do not have buttons to control the tonearm. Generally, they stop the motor at end of the record and lift the tonearm (without returning). Some only stop the motor at the end of the record, others only lift the tonearm.

Additional Terms That Come Up Frequently

  • 33 / 45 / 78:Ā RecordsĀ are meant to be played at one of (3) speeds. Most records are 33 1/3 RPM (revolutions per minute), while some are 45 RPM. Some vintage records are 78 RPM (pretty rare). Most turntables offer 33 / 45 playback.
  • Anti-Skating Control: The inertia of a needle riding a record groove towards the center of the record naturally favors the inner-side of the groove. Anti-skating control corrects this and helps the needle ride the center of the groove. This is a nice feature to have, but not totally necessary for an entry-level turntable.
  • Counterweight: The weight opposite of the cartridge on the tonearm. This is useful because it allows you to adjust the weight / force on the needle, allowing you to fine tune your cartridge settings. It also allows you to use cartridges with different weight settings.
  • Dustcover Hinges: These allow your dustcover to flip open while still connected to the turntable. HingeLESSĀ dustcovers must be removed completely and are not connected to the turntable.
  • Headshell: Some turntables have this partĀ that connects the cartridge to the tonearm. Removable headshells are preferred inĀ most cases, because it makes changing your cartridge easier.
  • Pitch Control: This is a control found on some turntables that let's you control the speed of the platter. Common pitch controls let you increase / decrease speed by +/- 8-10%. This control is mostly used for DJing.
  • RCA: A type of cable most commonly used for turntable output. This redĀ and white coded cable carriesĀ right andĀ left channel signals.Ā 
  • Record Mat / Slipmat: Commonly made of felt or rubber, this thin, record-shaped pad goes between your record and the platter. These protect your record from the platter. Felt mats also let youĀ take offĀ the record while the motor is still on.Ā Ā 

4.0 Cartridges Primer

LAB POINTS

  • Of the parts on a turntable, the cartridge is probably the most important when it comes to sound quality. As you go up in turntable price, the cartridge quality should go up.
  • STYLUSĀ generally refers to the tipĀ and small cantilever arm of a cartridge aka "the needle". The CARTRIDGE BODY refers to cartridge housing that connects to the turntable arm.
  • MOVING MAGNET vs. MOVING COILĀ - You will see these terms often mentioned often. You can pretty muchĀ IGNORE 'moving coil', these are highly specialized, delicate cartridges for use with high-end turntables. Moving magnet is what you want, that's all you need to know.
  • Diamond-tipped stylus,Ā bonded stylus, elliptical diamond, nude elliptical - these are terms for a DIAMOND STYLUS. You want a diamond on the tip of your stylus. You want to avoid ceramic tips, which damages records.Ā 
  • CartridgeĀ UPGRADEABILITYĀ should come into consideration when picking a turntable. Some cartridges can be easily upgraded by switching out the stylus only. Some cartridgesĀ can onlyĀ be upgraded by swapping out the entire cartridge.
  • Audio-Technica AT-LP60x Series turntables are unique in that the cartridge is built-into the turntable arm, and only the stylus (needle) can be changed.

MOST COMMON CARTRIDGES ONĀ ENTRY TO MID-LEVEL TURNTABLES

  • Audio-TechnicaĀ AT-3600L / ATN3600L is theĀ cartridgeĀ found on most entry-level turntables including Audio-Technica AT-60X Series.
  • It's a basic, budget cartridge. It is upgradeable with theĀ ATN91R, but it's not a substantial upgrade.Ā 
  • Replacement stylus
  • upgrade: ATN91R
  • Ortofon OM5E is found on entry-level / intermediateĀ turntables.
  • This is a step above basic and highly upgradeable. You can swap the stylus with any OM Series stylus. We recommend theĀ OM 20.
  • Replacement stylus
  • Upgrade: OM 10 / OM 20
Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge

5.0 Next Steps

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