Easy turntable setup and the way you go about setting up the audio depends largely on what equipment you have. Whether you have an internal or external preamp, a built-in amplifier, active speakers or if you’re hooking up to your pc and the age of your turntable, there’s an easy turntable setup to suit you.
Check out these four audio turntable setup diagrams of the most common setups you’ll come across to easily visualize what goes where and what you’ll need. I’ve also included a short and sweet description with each one.
So go ahead, pick the one that fits your needs the best and rock it like a boss!
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Turntable and Computer Setup
You’ll Need:
- Turntable
- Preamp (internal or external) Like the Rolls Bellari VP549 Phono Preamplifier at Amazon
- Computer
Pro Notes:
- If your record player has a USB output, just plug and play directly into your computer
- For a turntable without USB output you’ll need an adapter like the Hosa Dual RCA (Male) to 3.5mm (Male) Cable.
Turntable and Computer Audio SetupSimplified Turntable Setup
You’ll Need:
- Turntable
- Preamp (internal or external) Like the Rolls Bellari VP549 Phono Preamplifier at Amazon
- Active Speakers
Pro Notes:
- This is the most streamlined setup
- Active speakers are self-powered so you won’t need an amplifier for this setup
Simplified and Most Streamlined Turntable SetupOlder Turntable Setup
(This is how my rig is setup)
You’ll Need:
- Turntable
- Stereo with Phono Input or Amplifier
- Headphones or Speakers
Pro Notes:
- Some turntables from the 80s and 90s have built-in preamps that will recognize the phono signal
- Connect your turntable to the ‘phono’ output
Stereo Setup with Older Turntable
Common Turntable Setup
You’ll need:
- Turntable
- Preamp (internal or external)
- Stereo or Amplifier
- Headphones or speakers
Pro Notes:
- You can add your turntable to your existing stereo setup just add an external preamp if needed
Common Turntable and Stereo Setup
So I’m not technical at all. And I really appreciate how easy you’ve made this to understand. I got and old stereo sound system from a family member and it’s just gathering dust. So I want to set it up and play some old vinyls from my granddad. I heard about a grounding wire. Do I need one?
Hey Sarah,
Nice score on the stereo setup! The old ones from the 70’s and 80’s are the best! I got my dad’s old Pioneer and it’s amazing. I restored it from scratch and I’m super proud of it.
As for the grounding wire…
You’ll only need one if there’s a low humming sound when you turn it on and play vinyls. If there’s no humming then don’t worry about it.
Sometimes TT’s with a 2 prong plug will hum because there’s no earth wire. In that case you might need to ground it. But that’s not always the case.
It really depends. So set it up and take things from there.