Vinyl records have made a significant comeback in recent years, and many audiophiles have turned to turntables to experience the warmth and nostalgia of analog music. The KEF LS50 Wireless 2 speakers are highly regarded for their exceptional sound quality and versatility. If you’re looking to connect your turntable to these outstanding speakers, you’re in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process step by step, ensuring that you can enjoy the rich, detailed sound of your vinyl collection through the KEF LS50 Wireless 2.
Step 1: Gathering the necessary equipment
To connect your turntable to the KEF LS50 Wireless 2, you’ll need a few essential items. Here’s a list of the equipment you’ll require:
1. Turntable: Ensure that your turntable is in good working condition, with a properly balanced tonearm and a cartridge that is compatible with the KEF LS50 Wireless 2.
2. Phono Preamp: The KEF LS50 Wireless 2 does not have a built-in phono preamp, so you’ll need an external one. Choose a quality phono preamp that matches the output of your turntable.
3. RCA Cables: Get a pair of RCA cables with the appropriate length to connect the turntable and the phono preamp.
4. 3.5mm to RCA Cable: This cable will be needed to connect the phono preamp to the KEF LS50 Wireless 2. Ensure it has the correct connectors on each end.
Step 2: Connecting the turntable to the phono preamp
1. Locate the RCA output jacks on your turntable. They are usually color-coded with red and white connectors.
2. Take the RCA cables and connect the red plug to the right channel output of your turntable and the white plug to the left channel output.
3. Connect the other end of the RCA cables to the corresponding inputs on the phono preamp. Again, make sure you connect the right channel output to the right channel input and the left channel output to the left channel input.
4. Double-check all the connections and ensure they are secure.
Step 3: Connecting the phono preamp to the KEF LS50 Wireless 2
1. Take the 3.5mm to RCA cable and plug the 3.5mm end into the output of the phono preamp.
2. Connect the RCA plugs to the RCA inputs on the back of the KEF LS50 Wireless 2. The connectors are typically color-coded, so match the red plug to the right channel input and the white plug to the left channel input.
3. Make sure all the connections are firmly in place.
Step 4: Configuring the KEF LS50 Wireless 2
1. Power on the KEF LS50 Wireless 2 speakers and the phono preamp.
2. Using the remote control or the control panel on the KEF LS50 Wireless 2, select the appropriate input. In this case, choose the input that corresponds to the RCA inputs you connected the turntable to.
3. Adjust the volume on both the KEF LS50 Wireless 2 and the phono preamp to a comfortable listening level.
4. You may also need to adjust the equalization settings on the phono preamp to optimize the sound from your turntable.
Conclusion
Connecting a turntable to the KEF LS50 Wireless 2 speakers allows you to indulge in the world of vinyl with exceptional audio quality. By understanding the type of output your turntable has and following the appropriate steps, you can seamlessly integrate your analog setup into this modern and versatile speaker system. Remember to fine-tune the sound and enjoy the vinyl experience to its fullest. Happy listening!
