Listening to records is in again, but the systems are becoming more and more digital and reduced. But what do listeners do who want to take advantage of both the worlds of LP and Bluetooth without having to put a tower of hi-fi bricks in their living room right away?
What to do without phono input?
A designated phono input is always required if the turntable does not have its own preamplifier or digital output. Then the low voltages from the pickup come directly to the output and have to be amplified afterwards.
If you don’t have a suitably equipped amplifier, it’s best to go for a record player with a built-in phono amplifier. This provides an analog signal similar to the voltage of a CD player or network player and connects to a normal analog input. This, in turn, is possessed by a great many systems ranging from portable one-box systems to stereo active speakers.
What should you look out for?
The connection of a turntable with built-in preamplifier and high level input is not as complicated as the transmission of phono signals to an external preamplifier. An analog stereo RCA cable with two plugs on each side (white and red for the left and right channels) carries the signals from the turntable to the cabinet or amplifier.
Connecting a ground wire can reduce hum. If both devices have a ground connection, it is recommended to use a special phono cable. This is an RCA cable with an additional ground wire that can also carry normal line level signals. The latter is usually connected to the amplifier via small cable lugs and earthing screws on both the turntable and the speakers.
In most cases, however, a simple stereo RCA cable will suffice. If there is a hum, it may be helpful to power the turntable and the active speaker from the same multiple socket.
Market overview: Turntables with phono amplifier (selection)
- Akai BT 500
- Audio Technica AT-LP 120
- Audio Technica AT-LP 5
- Blaupunkt TT 100 C
- Cambridge Audio Alva TT
- Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2
- Cambridge Audio Alva ST
- Clearaudio Concept Active
- Denon DP-300 F
- Denon DP-450 USB
- Dual DTJ 301.1 USB
- Dual DT-400 USB
- Dual DT-500
- Dual CS-518
- Elac Miracord 50
- Ellipson Omega 100 RIAA BT
- GH-YS
- House of Marley ‘Stir It Up’
- Lenco L-3808
- Lenco L-175
- Lenco L-87
- Onkyo CP-1050
- Pioneer PLX- 500 K
- Pro-Ject A1
- Pro-Ject T1 BT
- Pro-Ject Debut Record Master II
- Pro-Ject Primary E
- Pro-Jet Essential III HP
- Pro-Ject Juke Box E
- Rega Planar 1 Plus
- Reloop Turn 3
- Roberts RT 200
- Sonoro Platinum
- Sonoro Platinum SE
- Sony PS-LX 310 BT
- Sony PS-HX 500
- Teac TN-180 BT
- Teac TN-300
- Teac TN-570
- Teac TN-4 D
- Technics SL1500C
- Technisat Techiplayer LP200
- Thorens TD-102
- Thorens TD-202
- Thorens TD-402 DD
- Universe TT-500
- VPI The Player
- Yamaha Vinyl 500
Alternatives: Record player with digital output or system with phono input
Some active speakers and many amplifiers in complete systems have a phono amplifier built in. Then, of course, there is nothing to be said against using a turntable without a built-in preamplifier. All you really have to do is make sure that the pickup is grounded properly and has the correct output level (MC or MM?).
Buying guide: Active speakers with phono input
In the meantime, however, there are also some record players that not only amplify the analogue signals, but also digitise them straight away. However, the differences in transmission and connection options are considerable, so you should give some basic thought to whether you prefer Bluetooth transmission, USB connection for the PC or an S/PDIF interface.
