Beginner’s Guide To Turntable Setups

Putting together a turntable setup is a simple process; however, there are several things you should know before purchasing your setup. This Guide To Turntable Setups will explain: the key components, the different setup configurations, and the most commonly asked questions. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.

This is a guide for listening turntables. For DJ turntable guides, read our Beginner’s Guide To DJ Setups and our Technics 1200 Guide.
JUMP TO

1.0 Starters: What Is A Phono Preamp?
2.0 Common Turntable + Amplifier Setup
2.1 Simplified Turntable + Active Speaker Setup
2.2 Turntable + Computer Setup
2.3 Classic Stereo Setup
2.4 Using A Turntable With Sonos
3.0 Turntables – Belt Drive vs. Direct Drive
4.0 Turntables – Grounding
5.0 Cartridges – A Quick Overview
6.0 Turntable Mats / Slipmats
7.0 Additional Terms
8.0 Recording Vinyl Into Your Computer
1.0 What Is A Phono Preamp?

🔎A turntable produces a PHONO output signal. This phono signal needs to be converted to a LINE LEVEL signal (sometimes referred to as AUX signal) to work with audio equipment including stereo systems, computers, and powered speakers. A phono preamp converts PHONO to LINE LEVEL.

Here are some things you should know about preamps:
Some turntables have a preamp built-in. In fact, most turntables these days have a built-in preamp.
Some older amplifiers and stereo systems also have preamps built-in (look for inputs on the back of the unit marked PHONO).
DJ mixers function as a preamp.
If your turntable has a USB output, it has a built-in preamp.
If you do need an external preamp, you will need a set of cables (usually RCA cables) to connect to your audio system.
Preamps have a wide range when it comes to build and sound quality. The cheapest preamps cost less than or around $50, the most expensive can run well over $500.
Here’s a page of Turntables With Preamps Built-In available at TurntableLab.com
Here’s a page of Preamps available at TurntableLab.com

2.0 Common Turntable + Amplifier Setup

WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Turntable
Cartridge
Preamp (built-in or external)
Amplifier / Stereo System
Speakers / Headphones
LAB POINTS
This is the most common turntable setup.
You can easily add a turntable to your existing stereo system, just make sure to figure out whether you need a preamp or not.

 

2.1 Simplified Turntable Setup with Powered / Active Speakers

WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Turntable
Cartridge
Preamp (built-in or external)
Powered / Active Speakers
LAB POINTS
This is the most streamlined setup.
Connect your turntable / preamp directly to an POWERED / ACTIVE speaker.
An active speaker is self-powered and does not require an additional amplifier or stereo system. An active speaker will always have a power cord.
Click here to view Active Speakers at TurntableLab.com

 

2.2 Turntable + Computer Setup

WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Turntable
Cartridge
Preamp (built-in or external)
Computer
LAB POINTS
If your turntable has a USB output, you connect your turntable directly into your computer.
If you’re not using a USB output, you’ll need an adaptor to input into your computer’s audio input (which is usually an 1/8″ headphone style input)
After making the proper connection, go to your computer’s preferences and assign the proper input and output.
If you’re using Sonos, check out this guide to connecting your turntable to Sonos sound system.

 

2.3 Classic Stereo System Setup

WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Turntable
Cartridge
Amplifier / Stereo System with Phono Input
Speakers / Headphones
LAB POINTS
Some stereo systems have a preamp built-in and will accept a PHONO signal.
Plug your turntable directly into the input marked PHONO.

 

2.4 Turntable + Sonos Setup

To learn about connecting a Turntable to your Sonos system, read our Guide For Using A Turntable With Sonos

 

3.0 Turntables – Belt Drive vs. Direct Drive

Belt Drive Turntables feature an independent motor that drives the platter via a rubber belt.
Direct Drive Turntables have a platter that is integral to the motor.
Belt Drive Turntables are not suitable for DJing; Direct Drive Turntables are suitable for DJing.
It is generally believed that belt drive turntables have better sound quality because they produce less outside noise and vibration.
Direct Drive Turntables generally feature sturdier builds, stronger torque, and faster start-up times.
Technics 1200 Turntables are an example of a direct drive turntable that excels both in DJing and listening situations.
Pro-Ject’s Debut Carbon is our bestselling belt-drive turntable.

 

4.0 Turntables – Grounding

Turntables that do not have a built-in preamp need grounding.
Turntables that need grounding feature a cable that needs to be attached to your preamp (whether it’s an external preamp, mixer, amplifier).
Turntables that are not grounded will produce an obvious humming sound.

 

5.0 Cartridges – A Quick Overview

Most new turntables come with cartridges, but make sure to verify this before purchasing.
If you’re buying your first listening turntable setup, go with a tried and true cartridge like Ortofon 2M Red ($99).
If you plan to buy a cartridge for your turntable, figure out if you need a headshell-mounted cartridge or a cartridge that directly mounts to your tonearm (turntable arm).
Some cartridges, such as the Ortofon Concorde series, bypass the headshell and plug directly into a tonearm.
Generally, the more expensive the cartridge the better the sound quality, power output, frequency range, and tracking (how the needle rides the record groove).
There are specific cartridges for DJing, however, these cartridges will work fine for listening purposes. The opposite (using a listening cartridge for DJing), however, is not recommended.
Most cartridges are Moving Magnet (MM). Because of price and maintenance issues, Moving Coil (MC) should be purchased by advanced users only.
When you decide on a cartridge do some research on setting up the cartridge properly in terms of alignment and weight. Audiquest’s Geo-Disc is a popular tool for alignment, and Ortofon’s Stylus Pressure Gauge is popular for measuring weight.

 

6.0 Turntable Mats / Slipmats

Turntable mats serve multiple functions: record protection, sound enhancement, and friction reduction for DJing.
Felt Mats are the most versatile and can be used for both listening and DJing. Felt mats allows you to hold the record while the platter still spins. In addition, felt mats improve sound quality by dampening some vibrations between the record and the platter.
Rubber Mats are especially good at dampening vibrations.
Cork Mats are popular amongst audiophiles and are known to open up the sound spectrum.

 

7.0 Additional Terms

RPM / Revolutions Per Minute: Records are recorded to be played at 3 preset speeds: 33 RPM, 45 RPM, and 78 RPM.
RCA: A type of cable that carries left and right channel signals. Most turntables feature RCA output cables.
Tracking force: How much pressure is concentrated at the cartridge needle.
Tonearm Weight / Counterbalance: The weight on the tonearm that controls tracking force.
Torque: The power of the turntable motor. A DJ turntable should have high torque.
Pitch Control: The control that allows you to adjust the speed of the spinning platter, usually measured in percentage.
Anti-Skating: Some turntables feature this control which helps the needle ride the center of the record groove.
Acrylic Platter: A favorite add-on of audiophiles. Replacing the standard platter with an acrylic platter drastically improves sound quality. No mat is needed with use of acrylic platter.
For more Turntable Terminology, check out our Guide To Audiophile Turntable Terminology

 

8.0 Recording Vinyl Into Your Computer

To learn more about recording vinyl into your computer, read our Beginner’s Guide To Recording Vinyl Into Your Computer.