At first glance, it is simple to create a setup for vinyl player. However, after thinking about it, you realize that you do not know all nuances of installation, about the right cables, technical specs of other components, or that once the devices are connected, the music sounds a bit strange.
Of course, if you are lucky and have a receiver, this will greatly simplify the installation and you can consider your one, but this does not save you from the need to know the technical side of the issue.
In this article, we will explain precisely what do you need for turntable setup.
Phono preamplifier
The main condition for the operation of the vinyl player is the presence of a phono output on the amplifier or receiver. Without this input, it will not be possible to connect the turntable.
Or you can use a phono amplifier for these purposes. This device is a link between the turntable and the amplifier. It will, therefore, be necessary to choose this one according to the technology of the phono cartridge used on your turntable (MM or MC), as well as the sound rendering you wish to obtain.
Turntable with the integrated phono preamp
If your turntable displays the word “line” on the back, it means it has a built-in phono preamp and you can easily plug it into a modern amplifier. The integrated phono preamp converts the phono signal into a line signal after which it became possible to connect the turntable to a sound system.
Amplifier or receiver
This is followed by a connection to an amplifier that will already equalize the signal coming from the phono corrector. Of cource, you can use a receiver for this, now you can easily find receiver models designed to work with vinyl players. In this case, you win, because in modern models of receivers there is already a phono amplifier and a DAC for the most comfortable operation of the speakers.
Cables
And of course, we must not forget about the cables. This is the main connecting link of the entire system.
RCA
Almost all turntables have a red/white RCA output. If your amplifier or speaker is also equipped with such an output, you can use a simple RCA cable.
Jack
Does your amplifier or speaker only have a 3.5mm mini-jack input? In this case, opt for a 3.5 mm mini-jack cable to 2x RCA. If your turntable has a fixed RCA cable, you will need a 3.5mm mini-jack cable to 2x female RCA.
An amplifier or a speaker with two 6.35 mm jack inputs requires a 2x 6.35 mm jack to 2x RCA cable. If your turntable has a fixed cable, you will need to use a 2x 6.35mm jack to 2x RCA female cable.
