This post contains affiliate links.
Are you a newcomer to the vinyl world? Vinyl is back in style, but in reality, they never went out of style. There are different ways to customize your turntable. One of such ways is playing a turntable through a soundbar for sound optimization. If you’re wondering how easy it would be to connect your soundbar to your turntable on your own, you’re in the right place.
The easiest way to connect your turntable to a soundbar is by using an analog AUX input, especially if your turntable has a built-in phono stage and phono/line switch. However, since most soundbars are Bluetooth-enabled, you can also connect them wirelessly.
A soundbar is one of the many types of loudspeakers. They were primarily created to create an intense sound combined with an outstanding bass response. Soundbars come in all types, including ones with built-in amplifiers or two channels.
On the other hand, a turntable is the flat round part of the record player that houses the record. It comes in 2 types, the belt drive, and the direct drive.
The belt drive turntable connects the motor to the surface with an elastic belt, while the direct-drive turntable holds the platter directly above the motor allowing for more speed and control.
Although a soundbar and a turntable are significantly different from each other, connecting them is highly possible. Each device on its own is a little tricky to pick out and to use; combining them to create the best sound, however, doesn’t have to be complicated.
Whether you are dusting out your old collection or you’re venturing into the world of vinyl music, you don’t have to be an audio engineer to get the best quality of sound. However, it requires a basic understanding of what you’re dealing with in terms of sound.
Table of Contents
Components Of A Soundbar Vs. Elements Of A Turntable?
While the vinyl record and turntables are mostly analogs, soundbars are mostly made with digital inputs such as the TOSLINK and the HDMI.
The HDMI is a high-definition multimedia interface that transmits both compressed and uncompressed video and digital audio data.
The TOSLINK is used to transport digital audio from one component, such as a CD player, to an AV receiver.
The turntable uses preamplifiers and amplifiers to transmit sound from the record player to the speakers. The preamplifiers and amplifiers are in charge of the sounds produced, such as the bass and the treble.
A preamplifier works by picking up weak electronic signals and converting them into an output signal strong enough for an amplifier to pick up. It filters the noise and distortions, making it clear enough for a speaker or an amplifier.
An amplifier is a device that boosts an electric current from small ones to larger ones. In simpler terms, it increases the power of a signal.
The receiving speakers are either external speakers, speakers that are connected by a cable, or built-in speakers within the record player.
Differences Between A Preamplifier And An Amplifier
|
Pre Amplifier |
Amplifier |
|---|---|
|
Changes multiple input signals into a single line for an amplifier to process |
Send the single output signal from the preamplifier to a speaker |
|
Commonly found in audio/video receivers |
Requires several channels |
|
Filters the sound to erase noise and distortions |
Amplifies the sound to speakers for louder and clearer output |
Regardless of the differences between both types of equipment, the amplifier should function together with the preamplifier for the best sound. (Source)
What To Consider Before Connecting A Turntable To A Soundbar
Connecting a turntable to a soundbar does not require professionalism. With explicit knowledge, you can run the connection seamlessly too. Let’s talk about several connection methods.
Turntables are designed to produce a signal called the phono signal. These signals are produced by the cartridges of a turntable and are so weak they make horrible audio when connected to a line signal producing soundbar.
A line signal is 100% stronger than the phono signal produced by a turntable. Most modern equipment and devices produce the line signal.
In order to get a high quality of sound production, it is necessary to change the phono signal produced by a turntable to a line signal that matches that of the soundbar. To convert these signals seamlessly, you need a device called a phono preamp. (Source)
The phono preamp converts phono signals into line signals for better sound production and quality. Most turntables come with a built-in phono preamp, some soundbars also include the feature, and in some rare cases, both devices are without a phono preamp.
How to Confirm If Your Turntable/Soundbar Has A Built-in Phono Preamp
You can easily check to be sure if any of your devices have the phono preamp option integrated with the following steps:
- Behind your turntable, check for a button/switch labeled phono/line. If you find one, it means your system has an inbuilt preamp feature, and all you need to do is switch it to Line mode to turn it on.
- Check your soundbar for an input option labeled phono. If you find this option, then it means your soundbar has a built-in preamp.
- In rare cases where neither the turntable nor the soundbar contains a built-in preamp, then it is essential to purchase a separate or external phono preamp.
How To Connect A Turntable To A Soundbar
RCA/AUX Direct Connection
There are some brands of turntables that come equipped with a built-in preamplifier. For such brands, connecting to a soundbar is as easy as using an AUX or RCA cable to connect directly.
Firstly, you flip the switch behind the turntable to change the signal to a LINE signal. Then you connect the AUX/RCA cable from the turntable to the input option labeled LINE on the soundbar.
Once you have completed this step, select your turntable device on your soundbar, and the connection is complete.
Bluetooth Record Player
A significant percentage of soundbars come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity. It eliminates the knots and tangles you would typically experience with wires and cords.
Some turntable brands include the Bluetooth connectivity feature too. It allows for a seamless connection between a turntable and a soundbar.
Turn both devices on and pair them following the instructions in the manual carefully, as the pairing methods sometimes differ by brand.
Turntables And Bluetooth Adapter
While most soundbars have the Bluetooth connectivity option, most turntables don’t. A Bluetooth adapter works by bridging the gap between the soundbar and the turntable.
For this method, it is essential that you buy an adapter compatible with analog inputs, like an AUX cable.
Also, confirm that the Bluetooth connectivity bandwidth is compliant with that of the aptX Bluetooth protocol to guarantee a high quality of sound output.
Connect the Bluetooth adapter to the analog outputs of the turntable player, making sure to follow the instructions in the manual carefully. Once this is done, the sound transmission to the soundbar is complete.
For cases where external preamplifiers are used, be sure to connect the Bluetooth adapter to the preamplifier’s output.
Analog Soundbars
Connecting your turntable to analog soundbars is applicable in two ways – it works for turntables that come equipped with a built-in phono preamplifier and turntables without one.
For a turntable with a built-in phono preamplifier, all you need to do is confirm that the phono switch is set to LINE, after which you can then connect it directly to the AUX point on the soundbar. It is to avoid the distortion created from using two phono preamplifiers at the same time.
Turntables without a built-in phono preamplifier will connect to a soundbar, too, as long as you get a separate phono preamplifier.
Here are a few steps to follow on how to connect a turntable with a separate phono preamplifier to a soundbar:
- Purchase an external phono preamplifier
- Connect the wires on the turntable, especially the audio cables to the separate phono preamplifier
- Then connect the audio cables on the phono preamplifier to the soundbar
- Connect the preamplifier to a power source and turn it on
- Choose your turntable device on your soundbar, and you’re good to go
The following methods all work effectively at connecting a turntable to a soundbar hitch-free to produce impressive and clear quality sound.
How To Connect A Turntable Without A Built-In Preamplifier To A Soundbar With A Built-In Amplifier
In situations where the soundbar comes with a built-in preamplifier and the turntable is without one, here are the steps to follow:
- Prepare the soundbar for connection.
- From the phono output port of the soundbar, connect one end of the cable, making sure to connect the other end to the turntable.
- Once complete, choose your turntable device on your soundbar, and the connection is complete.
What Is A Phono Preamplifier?
A phono preamplifier is an audio electronic device or component that increases the sound quality from a turntable to make it compatible with an amplifier. (Source)
It is compatible with turntables without a built-in preamplifier and with built-in amplifiers as it helps produce a much better sound quality.
When purchasing a phono preamplifier, it is imperative to look out for some features such as:
- Good timing
- Dynamic and expressive sound
- Sleek design
- Moving coil
- Moving magnet
Phono preamplifiers that tick these boxes are worth investing in for your home theater.
Some Of The Best Soundbars For A Turntable Player
Because most soundbars come with digital outputs, the chances of getting one that is easily connectable to a turntable are low.
The following soundbars can easily be connected to a turntable without any stress, thereby easing your search.
Polk Audio Signa S2
It is a budget soundbar with a wireless subwoofer. It is equipped with an AUX analog input, Bluetooth, HDMI, and TOSLINK connectivity too.
Sonos Beam+ Port
The Sonos Beam is a small soundbar and wireless speaker with streaming features. They, however, do not have an AUX analog input and require a Sonos port to connect to a turntable.
You can read more about Sonos here in these articles that I wrote:
Bose TV Speaker
It is a high-quality soundbar with a great design and clear sound. It comes with an AUX analog cord to make connecting it to a turntable super easy.
Vizio Soundbar
There are different types of soundbars from this brand, including soundbars with subwoofers. The Vizio 2.1 soundbar is your best pick as it comes with an AUX analog input, easing connectivity to a turntable.
Some Of The Best Turntables To Use With A Soundbar
When choosing a turntable for easy connectivity to a soundbar, it is best to go for a turntable with the Bluetooth connectivity option. It is primarily because most soundbars prioritize digital inputs like HDMI over an AUX analog input.
Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT
This budget turntable is 100% automatic that is easy to set up and easy to use. The AT-LP60XBT is also compatible with Headphones, soundbars, speakers, or devices that require Bluetooth connectivity.
Cambridge Alva Audio Turntable
It is a high-priced turntable that delivers on quality. It also comes with a slightly higher than regular Bluetooth bandwidth. This feature increases and simplifies the connectivity range to a soundbar.
Sony PS-LX310BT
This turntable is currently one of the best available. It not only comes with an AUX analog output, but it also allows for Bluetooth connectivity.
Are Soundbases and Soundbars Similar?
Soundbases are budget-friendly, and are much larger speakers designed to improve the quality of sound generated by a TVs speakers. They are a larger single device capable of generating high-quality sound while
Soundbars are external members of the speaker family, also designed to upgrade the sound a TV produces. They are typically equipped with more and better features and integrations than sound bases.
Soundbases and soundbars are not similar. Their differences span several features, such as the quality of sound produced, how they are assembled, how they are set up, and how they should be placed.
Differences Between Soundbars And Soundbases
|
Soundbar |
Soundbases |
|---|---|
|
Slim and tall design |
Compact, heavy, and small design |
|
Produces a broader sound and room-filling surround sound |
It does not produce a wide coverage as much as a soundbar |
|
Unable to create a bass sound most times |
Can produce a bass sound due to room within its enclosure |
|
Often needing external subwoofers |
Mostly come with internal subwoofers, amplifiers, or speakers with higher sound production. |
|
Can be mounted or placed across a stand or cabinet |
It cannot be mounted and can mainly only find use as a TV base |
As much as they come with different features to satisfy different needs, the soundbar and soundbase also share similarities, such as the Bluetooth and wired connectivity options. (Source)
How To Setup Your Turntable For Premium Sound Quality
Connecting to a soundbar is one of the many ways to get an improved sound quality from your turntable. However, there are some basic steps to follow to ensure the sound produced from the turntable is at its best.
Keep Your Turntable Level
Keeping the turntable level is the best way to get a good flow of sound from it. It allows the needle to drag evenly across the surface of the vinyl. (Source)
Check The Speed Accuracy Of The Turntable
Several issues can affect the speed accuracy of the turntable. Once the speed-accuracy is affected, it becomes audible in the quality of sound produced.
Align The Cartridge
A misaligned cartridge causes blips in sound production. Always check through, especially after an upgrade, to be sure it hasn’t been tampered with.
Every turntable comes with a manual and an alignment protractor to confirm the alignment of the cartridge.
Turntable Brush
Turntable brushes help to keep the dust and debris away from your turntable. Dust and debris can affect the sound production from your turntable by causing static.
Replace The Needle
Some turntables allow for an easy needle replacement. A blunt turntable needle can lead to dull sounds. Check through your turntables manual for instructions on how to replace the needle and possibly purchase the replacement part.
Final Thoughts
There are several benefits to using a Soundbar. They are trendy, modern, and come in very sleek designs that don’t require much space.
This article contains detailed information about essential features to look out for, the meaning and function of some terminologies, and the best ways to connect a turntable to a soundbar.
Analog does not have to mean noise, distorted beats, or low volume. Soundbars are exciting modern ways to spice up your record life.
All you have to do is choose your preferred turntable and soundbar to get this journey started.
Sources
- Jonah Matthes “Do You Need a Preamp for a Home Theater?” The Home Theatre DIY, Accessed November 14, 2021, https://thehometheaterdiy.com/preamp-for-a-home-theater/
- Brent Butterworth “How to Connect Your New Turntable to Any Audio System” NY Times Wirecutter, Published January 30, 2020, Accessed November 15, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/how-to-connect-your-new-turntable-to-any-audio-system/
- “Phono Input” PC Mag, Accessed November 15, 2021, https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/phono-input
- “Choosing the Best Sound Bar” Consumer Reports, Accessed November 14, 2021, https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/sound-bars/buying-guide/index.htm
- Chris Heinonen “How to Set Up Your Turntable to Sound Its Best” NY Times Wirecutter, Published August 17, 2021, Accessed November 14, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-set-up-turntable/
VacationVinyl.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We also participate in other affiliate programs which compensate us for referring traffic.
