Advancement in technology has made it possible to attach your turntable to a soundbar in a few easy steps. Surprisingly, the actual fact that both have different traits has little to do with the result in the end. Working with a turntable and a soundbar together can be very frustrating if you’re unaware of what it entails.
How to connect a turntable to a soundbar?. In order to attach these two devices, you would like an enclosed or external phono preamp. What it does is balance audio sounds from the turntable so as to play them via external speakers. Your audio is certain to improve after this pairing is formed.
Connecting Your Turntable Traditionally with an External Amplifier
You will need three devices: a turntable, an external speaker, and an external amplifier. The amplifier is the link between the two devices for improved sound quality.
Some turntables are made with an enclosed phono preamp, while others have a rechargeable built-in amplifier.
Using an RCA or phono cable, you’ll be able to connect the turntable to your soundbar.
This works for devices that don’t have any phono preamp or very poor audio outputs. The soundbar and your TV are often connected with an HDMI connection.
Follow the steps listed below carefully to attach your turntable to a soundbar.
•Fix the audio cables of your turntable to a separate phono preamp.
•Be certain to connect any included wiring for the turntables.
• Connect the audio cords from the phono amplifier to the analog input ports on the soundbar (labeled Audio, AUX, and LINE).
• You can now turn on your phono preamp and use it.
Powered (Active) Speakers with an Enclosed Amplifier
A powdered speaker is formed with a rechargeable built-in amplifier. Choosing to use this approach saves you from having to merge an external amplifier, turntable, and external speaker. This makes your connection very easy and fast since you’re connecting two (2) devices only.
Connecting a Turntable with a Built-in Phono Preamp to a Soundbar
Some turntables are made with an interior phono preamp. All you need to do is to attach the phono preamp to any of the audio input ports of the soundbar. This is often to forestall an ineffective output of sound because of two phono preamps engaging at an identical time.
Otherwise, this can be used to test if both the turntable and the soundbar have manual switches controlling their phono preamp. This way, you get to show off the phono preamp for the device that sounds shallow. This provides room for the opposite device’s phono preamp to be maximized.
The whole idea is to possess a phono preamp present in any of the devices available to be used. So you’ll be able to easily connect a soundbar that contains a phono preamp to a turntable without one. In many cases, it’s preferable to use a turntable with a phono preamp already present.
Also Read:
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Using an RCA Or AUX-IN to Attach a Turntable to a Soundbar with a Built-In Preamp
By using an RCA or phono cable, you’ll be able to connect the turntable to your soundbar.
•Connect one end of your cable (RCA or Phono cable) to the turntable.
• Connect the opposite end to the soundbar’s input ports labeled AUX, AUDIO, LINE, and so on.
What Should You Do If Your Soundbar Doesn’t Have an RCA Or an AUX Input?
In this case, you’ll use an HDMI cable to connect the soundbar to your TV. Using an HDMI cable makes it possible to transfer large amounts of audio signals. Verify if your television has an HDMI-ARC (Audio Return Channel).
This way, your entire foundation is often connected to your soundbar. Only one (1) HDMI cable is enough to attach both the TV and also the soundbar.
Using a Phono Preamp to Attach a Turntable to a Soundbar
This approach works for devices that don’t have any phono preamps or very poor audio outputs. After getting your external phono preamp, do the following:
• Include the audio cables to the phono preamp (along with any other wires connected to the turntable).
Plug the audio cables from the phono preamp into the audio input ports of your soundbar.
•Plug the Phono Preamp into an on-the-spot power source and switch it on.
Basic Details About a Phono Preamp
A phono preamp could be a high-quality circuit that provides an accurate amount of signal received from the cartridge. It will be identified as ‘’ A Phono Preamplifier, A Turntable Preamp, and A Phono Stage”. So it transfers audio signals to both the soundbar and, therefore, the turntable within the right measure.
This implies an amplifier is required to spice up the sound received from the turntable. Since the sounds that take off from the turntable don’t seem to be very loud and robust, there are many options for external phono preamps to choose from. You’ll either purchase it online or visit a neighborhood music store for any of your choice.
However, connecting a turntable to a soundbar is often a touch complex. Many soundbars don’t easily receive audio from turntables. In fact, plenty of soundbars manufactured are built with only digital inputs (HDMI, TOSLINK, etc.) available.
The reason is that the majority of soundbars don’t seem to be compatible with the analog signal that’s output by turntables. Most soundbars only feature digital inputs like HDMI and TOSLINK. Other helpful ways of connecting your turntable to a soundbar include:
• Using a soundbar with an analog AUX input that matches the turntable’s output port. • Using a Bluetooth-enabled soundbar and turntable.
• Using a Bluetooth-enabled soundbar, a turntable, and a Bluetooth adapter.
How to Connect a Turntable to a Soundbar via Analog AUX Input
Many soundbars are made with digital input ports. Therefore, a turntable with a vigorous in-built phono preamp is often connected to a soundbar in a jiffy. The items you’ll need are your soundbar with an analog AUX input port, RCA connectors, and a 3.5mm jack adaptor.
This way, you’ll connect a turntable to a phono preamp.
•Connect one end of the RCA cable to your turntable’s PHONO or LINE switch.
• Connect the opposite end of the RCA cable to the turntable to the soundbar’s AUX input port (Once the cables are well paired, your turntable can now transfer audio signals to the soundbar).
How to Connect a Turntable to a Soundbar via Bluetooth Connectivity
Aside from some well-known brands, most soundbars include Bluetooth connectivity. This enables access to wireless connections without the necessity for cables. A turntable with Bluetooth is connected to most soundbars.
However, you need to check the device’s manual to confirm you’re pairing with external devices the proper way. This selection is, de facto, not as fun as other options. Since this method doesn’t work with direct cables connected, the likelihood of unstable audio flow will be increased.
Furthermore, you may also find yourself having plenty of reduced audio details because of the audio being digitized.
How to Connect a Turntable to a Soundbar via Bluetooth Adaptor
The use of a Bluetooth adaptor is important when handling a turntable and a soundbar with no analog AUX input. The adaptor works by making the turntable Bluetooth-compatible.
You plug the adaptor into the analog output on the turntable. After that, you transfer your preferred audio files to the soundbar via wireless.
How to Connect a Turntable to a Soundbar via Sonos
Choosing to use a Sonos brand of soundbar means you may lack access to an analog AUX input. This causes you to be limited to Bluetooth access. Hence, a more technical approach is required if you would like your turntable connected to that (soundbar).
This situation would force you to buy another Sonos plug-in called a Sonos Port. The Sonos Port is also a connector with analog inputs that work by merging your soundbar and turntable. After connecting, wireless audio will be sent to the Sonos soundbar through the Sonos Port.
Types of Turntables
A turntable also referred to as a phonograph, comes in three (3) forms. They’re the belt-drive, direct drive, and idler wheel. Their names automatically describe their features.
Types of Turntables: Belt Drive
The Belt Drive type works with the motor positioned at a distance and connected via an elastic belt. With this, the platter is on a bearing (a device for circular movement) and is fixed away from the motor. It also uses a cheaper motor.
Advantages
- The elastic belt prevents the platter from shaking from the vibrations of the motor.
- The motor placed some distance from the platter produces less noise and boosts better audio sounds.
Disadvantages
- Belt drive turntables have lower rotating forces.
- The belt needs to be changed occasionally due to wear and tear.
- It is not a good option for DJ music activities.
Direct Drive Turntables
The Direct-Drive is very popular among DJs, with its motor placed under the platter. This allows better control and speed when creating specific sound effects.
Advantages
- These turntables offer balanced speeds.
- You can have fun spinning the platter for creative sounds.
Disadvantages
- The motor produces an unwanted vibration that affects sound quality. (This issue can be solved by placing shock absorbers to control the vibration between the motor and
Types of Turntables: Idler Wheel
It comes with a wheel made of rubber, similar to the direct drive. The wheel is connected to a motor shaft and then the platter.
Advantages
- It has lots of similarities to Direct Drive.
Disadvantages
- It can’t be used for a longer period since its wheels get very greasy easily.
- You can’t use it over time because of the wheel gets slippery with time.
- It is very difficult to maintain.
Conclusion
Using a turntable with a built-in phono preamp is time-saving and less complicated. It allows you to easily pair it with a soundbar. You can also choose to use a Bluetooth adapter to connect a turntable to a soundbar. Being space and safety-conscious would demand you vouch for more wireless connections.
Among the types of turntables available, you choose the one that works best for you. There will always be amazing discoveries when using electronic devices of all kinds. We await any helpful discoveries you make via connecting a turntable to a soundbar with the various methods above.
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