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

Techwalla may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

The phono inputs on receivers that have them boost a turntable's signal, which is too weak to drive an amplifier's line-level input on its own. In this case, the receiver has a built-in preamplifier that increases the turntable's signal to useful levels. You can, however, use a receiver without phono inputs by connecting an external phono preamplifier between the turntable and the receiver.

Advertisement

Step 1: Turn Power Off

Turn power off to your receiver, turntable and preamp.

Video of the Day

Step 2: Connect Turntable to Preamp

Connect the two output audio cables coming from the turntable to the preamp's inputs.

Step 3: Connect Preamp to Receiver

Connect two cables to the preamp's outputs, one cable to each output. Connect the other end of these cables to the receiver's line-level inputs. The receiver inputs may be marked "Line," "Aux" or "Tape." Switch the receiver's input-select knob to this setting when you use the turntable.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Step 4: Ground Turntable to Preamp

Connect the turntable's ground wire to the grounding post on the preamplifier.

Step 5: Turn Power On

Turn power on to your receiver, turntable and preamp.

Video of the Day

Advertisement

Advertisement

references