Friends often ask me how to connect their record player to a receiver that does not have a phono input. Below are instructions on how to use the aux input for phono to get music playing from your turntable.
Can I use the aux input for phono?
Yes, the aux input on a receiver can be used for phono, but only if you use a stand alone phono preamp for your turntable or if your turntable has a built in phono preamp. See below for instructions on how to set up each.
What is a phono preamp?
Before we discuss how to connect your turntable to the aux input on your receiver, it’s important to know why you need a phono preamp.
Simply put, a phono preamp takes the tiny audio signal from the phono cartridge on your turntable and amplifies it to line level so we can hear the music.
Without a phono preamp, you simply cannot hear the audio signal from your turntable. If you’ve ever played a record on a turntable that isn’t hooked up to speakers, you can barely hear the music playing. The phono preamp makes that signal audible to our ears by amplifying it and sending it to the receiver.
The three types of phono preamps:
Stand Alone (Separate) Preamp
A stand alone (or separate) phono preamp is often just a small box that allows you to connect your turntable to the preamp box and then connect the preamp box to your receiver.
Built In Turntable Preamp
In today’s market, turntables will have built in phono preamps. These are common on Numark and Audio Technica turntables and can be often an added to accessory for U-Turn turntables.
Check the instruction manual to see if your turntable has a built in preamp or not. If it does, you will often see a switch either under the rubber mat on the platter or on the back of the turntable that says Phono and Line.
Stereo Receiver Integrated Preamp
Vintage receivers commonly have an internal phono preamp built in and an input on the back of the receiver labeled “Phono” where you plug in the RCA cables from the turntable. Just select Phono on the front of your receiver to listen to your turntable.
How to connect a turntable to the aux input using a phono preamp:
- Connect the RCA cables from your turntable into the “Input” RCA inputs on the phono preamp.
- Connect the ground wire from your turntable to the metal screw on the phono preamp to remove any hum or buzz sounds.
- Connect a pair of RCA cables into the “Output” RCA connections on the preamp and connect to the Aux input on the back of the receiver.
- Select Aux on your receiver and begin playing your turntable to enjoy music.
How to connect a turntable to the aux input using a built in phono preamp on a turntable:
- Connect the RCA cables from your turntable to the aux input on your receiver.
- Locate the preamp on the rear of your receiver and be sure the switch is selected to “Line”.
- Select Aux on your receiver and begin playing your turntable to enjoy music.
WARNING: Make sure you do not have the turntable’s preamp set to Phono and try to play it through the Aux input. It will not work properly and sound awful.
Should I use a separate phono preamp or the turntable phono preamp?
If you are interested in obtaining the best sound possible, always choose a separate phono preamp before using the built in preamp in your turntable. The preamps installed in turntables are suitable for playback, but separate phono preamps made by companies like Pro-ject, NAD and others will sound better and some can be added to your stereo system for around $100 to $200.
The above information will allow you to use a turntable on a receiver without a phono input. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us with questions!
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