If you want to amplify the sound from your turntable and enjoy it through multiple speakers, you’ll need to follow a few simple steps to set up the connections properly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to connect multiple speakers to a turntable:
Step 1: Check the Turntable’s Output:
Start by examining your turntable to determine what type of audio output it has. Most modern turntables have a built-in phono preamp and provide line-level outputs (usually RCA). However, if your turntable doesn’t have a built-in preamp, you’ll need to connect it to an external phono preamp before proceeding to the next step.
Step 2: Determine the Speaker Configuration:
Decide on the configuration you want for your speakers. This can include stereo (two speakers) or a multi-channel setup (more than two speakers).
Step 3: Amplification Options:
Consider the amplification options available to you. If you have powered speakers (also known as active speakers) with built-in amplifiers, you can connect them directly to the turntable. However, if you have passive speakers (which require a separate amplifier), you’ll need to connect the turntable to an amplifier or receiver, and then connect the speakers to the amplifier.
Step 4: Using Powered Speakers:
If you have powered speakers, follow these steps:
- Locate the line-level outputs (usually RCA) on your turntable.
- Connect one end of the RCA cable to the line-level outputs on the turntable.
- Connect the other end of the RCA cable to the RCA or auxiliary input on the powered speakers.
- Repeat the process for any additional speakers you want to connect, ensuring each speaker is connected to the appropriate input on the powered speakers.
Step 5: Using Passive Speakers:
If you have passive speakers, follow these steps:
- Locate the line-level outputs (usually RCA) on your turntable.
- Connect one end of the RCA cable to the line-level outputs on the turntable.
- Connect the other end of the RCA cable to an available input on the amplifier or receiver.
- Connect the passive speakers to the corresponding speaker outputs on the amplifier or receiver.
- Repeat the process for any additional speakers you want to connect, ensuring each speaker is connected to the appropriate speaker outputs on the amplifier or receiver.
Step 6: Power On and Test:
Once all the connections are made, power on your turntable, amplifier or receiver, and speakers. Start playing music on your turntable and adjust the volume levels accordingly. Test each speaker to ensure they are all working properly and producing sound.
Important Note: When connecting multiple speakers to a turntable, it’s essential to ensure that the amplifier or receiver can handle the speaker impedance (measured in ohms) and that the total impedance of the speakers connected does not fall below the recommended minimum impedance specified by the amplifier or receiver. This information can usually be found in the amplifier or receiver’s user manual.
By following these steps and ensuring the proper connections and impedance matching, you can enjoy the sound from your turntable through multiple speakers, creating an immersive and enjoyable listening experience.
