I simply connect the RCA cable from the turntable to one of the LINE inputs on my receiver. (The AT-LP120 can actually switch between PHONO and LINE, but I use it in LINE mode in this example.) In this setup, we utilize the preamp that is built into the turntable. In this example I will connect my Audio-Technica AT-LP120 turntable that outputs a LINE signal to my receiver. Connect a turntable with a built-in preamp to a receiver No, that we hopefully have a decent understanding of signal levels and phono preamps, let’s look at how different turntable setups are connected. A LINE input can be labeled CD, AUX, TAPE, TUNER, ANALOG, LINE etc. PHONO outputs are only compatible with PHONO inputs.Ī turntable that outputs a LINE signal can be connected to all types of LINE inputs. This can be on a receiver, powered speakers or the PHONO input on a separate preamp. Please check out our detailed article or PHONO and LINE differences if you want a more in-depth understanding of these signal types.Ī turntable that outputs a PHONO signal must be connected to a PHONO input. I none of your stereo gear have a phono preamp built-in, then you must use a separate phono preamp to play vinyl records. If there is a PHONO input on your amplifier, receiver or powered speakers, then there is a phono preamp inside. If there is no such with, then the turntable does not have a built-in preamp and will only output a PHONO signal.Īmplifiers, receivers and even powered speakers do sometimes have a built-in preamp as well. The preamp is enabled when the switch is set to LINE. If there is a switch on the back of the turntable that is labeled PHONO/LINE, then the turntable has a built-in preamp. To connect a turntable correctly, we must know if the turntable has a built-in preamp or not. Or with a receiver that has a preamp built in. Turntables without a built-in preamp must be used with a separate preamp. A turntable with a built-in preamp outputs a standard LINE signal, just as a CD player.īut not all turntables have a built-in preamp. Some turntables have a phono preamp built-in. The weak PHONO signal is converted to standard LINE signal by the all famous PHONO preamp.Ī PHONO preamp inputs a PHONO signal and outputs a LINE signal. So if we connect a PHONO signal from a turntable to a LINE signal input on a stereo receiver, the music will barely be hearable. The standard audio signal that is outputted by CD players and other kinds of music sources is called a LINE signal.Ī LINE signal from a CD player is typically 100 times bigger than the PHONO signal from a turntable. It is much weaker than a standard audio signal that is outputted by CD players and other kinds of audio sources. The PHONO signal is the tiny signal that is outputted by the turntable’s cartridge.
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