How to Use a Soundbar with a Turntable

Phono preamp requirements

A turntable produces a weak signal that needs amplification before it can play through speakers. The phono preamp (or phono stage) boosts this signal to a level a soundbar can accept. Some turntables have a built-in phono preamp, while others require an external one.

Check your turntable's specifications or manual to see if it has a built-in phono preamp. If it does, you can connect it directly to a soundbar's line-level input. If not, you need an external phono preamp between the turntable and the soundbar. The preamp connects to the turntable's RCA output and then to the soundbar's input.

This article cannot tell you which turntable or preamp to buy, but it can explain the connection steps and the input options you will see on a soundbar listing. For a soundbar with the right inputs, see the best soundbar guide.

Input options on a soundbar

Soundbars accept audio through several inputs. The most common are HDMI ARC or eARC, optical (Toslink), analog (RCA or 3.5mm), and Bluetooth. Each has different capabilities, and your choice depends on what your soundbar and turntable offer.

HDMI ARC or eARC is a digital connection that carries audio from a TV to a soundbar. It is not designed for direct turntable connection, but you can use an adapter that converts analog audio to HDMI. The HDMI page explains that eARC simplifies connectivity and supports advanced audio formats, but for a turntable, the signal is stereo analog, so any HDMI input will work with the right adapter. For soundbars with HDMI, check the best HDMI ARC soundbar guide.

Optical input is another digital option. You can use an analog-to-optical converter to connect a turntable's RCA output to the soundbar's optical port. This is a common solution when the soundbar lacks analog inputs. Learn more about optical input limitations.

Analog inputs, such as RCA or a 3.5mm jack, are the simplest for a turntable. If your soundbar has an analog input, you can connect the turntable (or the phono preamp) directly with an RCA cable. Some soundbars include a 3.5mm input, which requires an RCA-to-3.5mm adapter. See analog inputs explained.

Bluetooth is a wireless option. If your soundbar has Bluetooth, you can use a Bluetooth transmitter connected to the turntable's output. The Bluetooth technology overview explains that Bluetooth Classic is used for wireless audio streaming. This setup adds a step but avoids cables. For more, read about Bluetooth versions.

Check your soundbar's listing for the input names. If the listing does not state an input, read the maker's page for the full specification.

Steps to connect a turntable to a soundbar

Follow these general steps to connect a turntable to a soundbar. The exact order may vary by model, so always check the manuals for both devices.

First, identify the outputs on your turntable. Most turntables have RCA outputs, sometimes with a ground wire. If your turntable has a built-in phono preamp, the output is line-level. If not, you need an external phono preamp.

Second, identify the inputs on your soundbar. Look for an analog input, an optical port, or an HDMI port. If the soundbar only has HDMI and optical, you will need an adapter.

Third, connect the turntable (or preamp) to the soundbar using the appropriate cable or adapter. For analog, use an RCA cable. For optical, use an analog-to-optical converter. For HDMI, use an analog-to-HDMI converter.

Fourth, select the correct input on the soundbar using its remote or buttons. The soundbar may label inputs as 'AUX,' 'Line,' 'Optical,' or 'HDMI.'

Fifth, play a record and adjust the volume on the soundbar. If you hear no sound, check the connections and the input selection. For a smooth setup, follow the soundbar unboxing and setup checklist.

What to check on a soundbar listing

When shopping for a soundbar to use with a turntable, look for the input names in the listing title or description. A listing that says 'HDMI ARC' or 'Optical' tells you the available ports. A listing that says 'Bluetooth' tells you the wireless option.

If the listing does not state an input, it may mean the seller did not include that detail. Read the maker's page for the full specification. The catalogue has no data on which inputs a soundbar has beyond what the listing states.

For a turntable, an analog input is the most direct connection. If the soundbar lacks one, you can use an adapter, but that adds a device and a cable. Consider a soundbar with multiple inputs if you also want to connect a TV or other sources. Compare soundbars on stated details, not on sound quality claims. The site's guides compare stated details like channel layout and inputs. For a compact option, see the best 2.0 soundbar guide.

Troubleshooting common issues

If you connect a turntable to a soundbar and hear no sound, check the following: the phono preamp is powered on (if external), the input on the soundbar is selected correctly, and the cables are fully inserted.

A humming sound may indicate a grounding issue. If your turntable has a ground wire, connect it to the ground terminal on the phono preamp or the soundbar if it has one.

If the sound is too quiet, the turntable may not have a built-in phono preamp, and you need an external one. If the sound is distorted, the phono preamp may be overloaded; check the volume settings.

For Bluetooth connections, ensure the transmitter and soundbar are paired. The Bluetooth technology overview notes that Bluetooth Classic is used for audio streaming, but it does not guarantee compatibility between all devices. Check the manuals for pairing instructions. For more, see Bluetooth pairing troubleshooting.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

Do I need a phono preamp to connect a turntable to a soundbar?

Yes, unless your turntable has a built-in phono preamp, which many turntable models include, you'll need one. The phono preamp boosts the turntable's signal to line level, which the soundbar can accept. Check your turntable's manual to see if it has one.

Can I connect a turntable to a soundbar via HDMI?

Yes, but you need an analog-to-HDMI converter. The turntable's RCA output goes into the converter, which then connects to the soundbar's HDMI input. This is a common solution when the soundbar lacks analog inputs.

Can I use Bluetooth to connect a turntable to a soundbar?

Yes, if your soundbar has Bluetooth. You need a Bluetooth transmitter that connects to the turntable's output. The transmitter sends the audio wirelessly to the soundbar. This adds a step but avoids cables.

What if my soundbar only has an optical input?

You can use an analog-to-optical converter. Connect the turntable's RCA output to the converter, then use an optical cable to connect the converter to the soundbar's optical port.

Why is the sound from my turntable too quiet?

The turntable may not have a built-in phono preamp, so the signal is too weak for the soundbar. Add an external phono preamp between the turntable and the soundbar to boost the signal.