A turntable is an affordable and easy way to spice up your record collection, but you’ll need to connect turntable before you can start spinning those records. Here’s how to connect your turntable to your receiver - no soldering required!

What is a turntable?

Record players use turntables to play records. It has a rotating platter and a motor that spins the record, connecting it to a receiver, which allows you to hear the music.

How to connect a turntable to a receiver

You’ll likely want to connect your receiver to your turntable if you’re looking for one. Here’s how: Plug the turntable’s audio output into the receiver’s audio input.

  • Turn on the receiver and the turntable. Turntables should be automatically detected and played by the receiver. 
  • If not, press the receiver’s appropriate button. 
  • Please ensure the turntable and receiver are loud enough by adjusting their volume. 
  • It may also be necessary to adjust the crossover settings on either device to get the best sound quality. 
  • A USB drive or CD player should be connected to the turntable via an audio cable if you want to play music from it rather than your receiver’s built-in speakers.

What are the benefits of connecting a turntable to a receiver?

When connecting a turntable to a receiver, you gain access to a number of benefits; for starters, a receiver provides an easy way to connect your turntable to an audio system which means that you can easily hear your music in its original form. Additionally, a receiver can amplify the sound of your turntable, making it easier to listen to. Overall, receivers often include Bluetooth connectivity and digital output, making them convenient options for connecting other audio devices.

How do I connect my turntable to my receiver?

  • When connecting your turntable to your receiver, you should keep a few things in mind. 

  • Ensure that the turntable and receiver are compatible first. 

  • The second thing you must do is ensure you have the right cables. 

  • Make sure that the speaker connection on the receiver is placed correctly. 

  • The fourth step is ensuring your receiver’s audio settings are set correctly. 

  • Ensure your speakers are set up correctly so you can listen to your music.

    What are some common problems with connecting a turntable to a receiver? 

    • Connecting a turntable to a receiver can pose a few problems. 
    • Ensure the turntable is properly connected to the receiver using the correct RCA cables. 
    • Make sure your receiver has a phono input if your turntable requires one. The digital output of the turntable should also be connected to the receiver’s digital input if your receiver has one. 
    • Lastly, ensure that your speakers are plugged into the appropriate audio port on your stereo system to ensure they are compatible with your receiver.

How can I fix common problems with connecting my turntable to my receiver? 

  • You can try a few things if you’re having trouble connecting your turntable to your receiver. 
  • Make sure the cables are properly connected first. 
  • Unless they are, you may have to replace them. 
  • It may be necessary to adjust the receiver settings if the cables are still not working after adjusting the cables.

How Does a Receiver Work?

A receiver is a device that allows you to listen to radio and television signals outside your home. An antenna and a turntable can connect receivers of different shapes and sizes. 

Connecting the Two Devices Sound quality is enhanced when your turntable is connected to your receiver. The power source should be the same for both devices. Turntables should be plugged into AUX inputs on receivers, and receivers should be plugged into power outlets. 

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Before plugging in your turntable, please turn on the receiver and wait for it to initialize. The turntable will play when you select the desired input on the receiver. Your new connected sound system is ready for use! Putting It All Together Connecting your turntable and receiver is a key step if you’re upgrading your vinyl collection. Here’s how to do it. 

  • Ensure the receiver is properly plugged and the turntable is properly plugged into an electrical outlet. 
  • Switch the receiver’s input to match the output of the turntable. 
  • You can use your turntable with a modern AV receiver with digital inputs by switching the input to “RCA” if it has an RCA output. 
  • If you use your turntable with an older AV receiver that only has RCA inputs, you can use it with a Phono input. 
  • You can connect your player by pressing the input button on the remote control of the TV or audio system and then pressing the input button on the receiver. 
  • Instead of pressing the remote control button, use the play/pause button on your receiver (usually on the front). 
  • If your player has a cueing feature (like an iPod), make sure it is.

Can you plug a turntable directly into a receiver?

Adding vintage vinyl to your music collection might have you wondering if you can plug turntables directly into receivers. The answer is yes, but there are a few things to remember. 

  • First, ensure that your receiver has the appropriate input ports - most of them have a turntable input port and an auxiliary input port (for connecting other audio equipment, like a stereo). 
  • Second, ensure that your turntable has the correct plug - most turntables use RCA plugs (which look like this), but some use XLR plugs (which look like this). 
  • Finally, ensure that your receiver has the proper power supply - most of them require AC power (like this), but some may also work with batteries (like this).

What is an auxiliary input? 

An auxiliary input is a connector on a receiver that allows you to connect a turntable directly to the receiver. This eliminates the need for an external mixer or amplifier, allowing you to save space in your audio setup. 

What are the benefits of using an auxiliary input? 

If you have a stereo system that includes a turntable, remember a few things before plugging the device directly into your receiver. 

  • First and foremost, using an auxiliary input on your receiver allows you to better enjoy your vinyl collection without having to disturb other devices in your home audio system. 
  • Auxiliary inputs allow you to send audio from your turntable directly to your receiver’s speakers, potentially providing a more immersive listening experience
  • Additionally, using an auxiliary input can help reduce the amount of clutter on your receiver’s front panel, making it easier to access other functions, so if you’re looking to upgrade your turntable but don’t have room for both it and a receiver, an auxiliary input can be used to connect the turntable directly to your TV or monitor.

Read: What are ADC Turntable Cartridges

How to Connect a Turntable to a Receiver Without a Phono Input? 

  1. If you want to connect your turntable to your receiver without using a phono input, check that your receiver is equipped with an audio output. Second, hook up the audio output of your receiver to the audio input of your turntable. 
  2. Third, attach your turntable’s power cable to the power outlet on your receiver. 
  3. Lastly, attach your turntable’s ground wire to the ground terminal on your receiver. Requirements RCA connections can be used to connect a turntable to a stereo receiver without a phono input.

Here are the steps: 

  • Use an RCA cable to connect the receiver’s audio output to the turntable’s audio input. 
  • Switch between the audio outputs by turning the turntable on and off. 
  • With your stereo receiver now connected, you can listen to your music!

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Talha Anjum
Home is where the Record Player Is!