This is not a complex process at all, the key point is to match the colors of cables. Usually, a stereo receiver for a turntable is a large device and there are many inputs on the back panel of it. It is necessary to make sure you matched the right cables. Of course, colors can help you, but that is not the only thing you need to keep in mind.
There are two major options:
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- A pre-amp is in a receiver and a turntable does not have it.
- A turntable features a built-in pre-amp and a receiver does not have it.
We will focus on both variants. But it should be noted, checking our article about the best speakers for a turntable if you don’t know where to begin.
What should you do if a turntable without a built-in pre-amp
Here are very simple steps:
- Find the panel of the turntable with outputs and find two outputs (a red and a white one).
- Check the back panel of a receiver and find the red and white inputs. In this case, they can be labeled “Phono”.
- Connect outputs of a turntable to inputs of a receiver (“Phono”). Make sure the colors match.
- Some devices have a third input/output that is used for grounding and it is labeled “GND”. Connect it as well (if possible). In this case, you will avoid noises.
That is it, you can enjoy your music now.
What should you do if a turntable with a built-in pre-amp
You need to do following:
- Find the panel of a turntable and plug the RCA cable into outputs (match the colors white to white, red to red).
- Plug the other end of the RCA cable into one of the inputs, which are usually labeled “AUX” or “Line in”, etc. In this case, you can even connect it to the “CD” input.
That is it. It was easy, was not it?
What should you do if preamp is a separate device
Sometimes, neither a turntable nor a receiver has a pre-amp. In this case, you need to use an external device. The process of connection is not complex:
- Connect turntables outputs to pre-amp inputs (match the colors).
- Connect preamp’s outputs to a turntable receiver inputs. Remember that you can use “Line in” or “AUX”, etc.
- Plug in the white wire (grounding) to avoid noises and connect the pre-amp to the power supply.
That is it.
Of course, you need some good speaker to enjoy your favorite music. As you can see, the process of connection is not complicated. The key point is to match the colors and you are good to go. It may be a bit difficult if you have an external preamp and you will have many cords, but in return, you will get first-class sound quality.