4 Easy Ways to Rock Your Turntable Audio Setup Like a Boss

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 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!!

Turntable and Computer Setup

You’ll Need:

• Turntable
• Preamp (internal or external)
• 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.

Simplified Turntable Setup

You’ll Need:

• Turntable
• Preamp (internal or external)
• 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

Older 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

 

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