If you love listening to vinyl records and want to enjoy them on your Sonos sound system, you might wonder how to connect your turntable to Sonos.
In this article, we will show you how to do it step-by-step, depending on which Sonos device you have. We will also give you some tips on how to play vinyl with the Sonos app and how to troubleshoot any issues that might arise.
In This Article:
Connecting a Turntable to Sonos
There are three main ways to connect a turntable to a Sonos: directly to a Sonos speaker, to a Sonos Amp, or to a Sonos Port. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so let’s go over them one by one.
1. Connecting Directly to a Sonos Speaker
This is the simplest and most convenient way to connect your turntable to Sonos, as you only need one cable and one speaker. However, this option is only available for Sonos Five and Play:5 speakers, as they have a 3.5mm AUX input on the back. To connect your turntable to these speakers, you will need an RCA to 3.5mm cable or an RCA to 3.5mm adapter if your turntable has a built-in RCA cable. Simply plug the single end of the cable into the line-in port of the speaker and the split end into the left and right outputs of your turntable or preamp. You can then group this speaker with other Sonos speakers in your home and enjoy your vinyl collection wirelessly.
2. Connecting to a Sonos Amp
This is a more powerful and versatile way to connect your turntable to Sonos, as you can use any passive speakers you want with the Sonos Amp. The Sonos Amp has an RCA input on the back that can accept the signal from your turntable or preamp. You will need an RCA cable to connect them, and then another pair of speaker wires to connect the Amp to your speakers. The Sonos Amp can also power up to four speakers, so you can create a stereo or surround sound setup with your turntable. You can also use the HDMI ARC input on the Amp to connect it to your TV and use it as a soundbar.
3. Connecting to a Sonos Port
This is a more flexible and affordable way to connect your turntable to Sonos, as you can use any existing amplifier or receiver you have with the Sonos Port. The Sonos Port has an RCA output on the back that can send the signal from your turntable or preamp to your amplifier or receiver. You will need an RCA cable to connect them, and then another pair of RCA cables or speaker wires to connect your amplifier or receiver to your speakers. The Sonos Port can also stream music from other sources, such as Spotify or Apple Music, to your amplifier or receiver, so you can enjoy both digital and analog music with your sound system.
Playing Vinyl with the Sonos App
Once you have connected your turntable to Sonos, you can use the Sonos app on your smartphone or tablet to control the playback and adjust the settings. Here are some steps on how to do that:
- Using the Sonos app for playback: To play vinyl with the Sonos app, you need to select the line-in source from the browse tab in the app. The Sonos device you connected your turntable to will appear as Five, Play:5, Amp, Port, Connect, or Connect: Amp. Tap on it to see a play button and a volume slider. You can also group this device with other Sonos devices in your home by tapping on the group button at the bottom of the screen. You can then start playing a record on your turntable and enjoy it on your Sonos speakers.
- Using Sonos Bluetooth for playback: If you have a Bluetooth-enabled turntable, such as the Pro-Ject T1 BT Turntable, you can also use Bluetooth for playback instead of using a cable. To do this, you need to pair your turntable with a Bluetooth-enabled Sonos speaker, such as Move, Roam, or Five. To pair them, press and hold the Bluetooth button on both devices until they flash blue. Then go to the Bluetooth settings on your smartphone or tablet and select the name of your turntable from the list of available devices. Once they are paired, you can start playing a record on your turntable and listen to it on your Sonos speaker.
Tips for Using a Turntable with Sonos
To get the best sound quality and performance from your turntable and Sonos system, here are some tips that you should keep in mind:
Need for a Phono Pre-Amp
As we mentioned earlier, you will need a phono preamp to connect your turntable to Sonos, unless your turntable has a built-in preamp like some models from Pro-Ject or Audio-Technica. A phono preamp boosts the low-level signal from your cartridge to a line-level signal that can work with your speakers. Without a preamp, the sound from your speakers would be too low and distorted. You can buy a standalone preamp like the Pluto 2 Phono Preamp or use the one that is built into some amplifiers or receivers.
Additional Cables or Adaptors
Depending on which Sonos device and turntable you have, you may need some additional cables or adaptors to connect them. For example, if you have a Sonos Five or Play:5 speaker, you will need an RCA to 3.5mm cable or an RCA to 3.5mm adapter if your turntable has a built-in RCA cable. If you have a Sonos Amp, Port, Connect, or Connect: Amp, you will need an RCA cable to connect them to your turntable or preamp. If you have a Bluetooth-enabled turntable, you will need a Bluetooth-enabled Sonos speaker to pair them wirelessly.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter any issues with your turntable and Sonos system, such as no sound, low volume, hum, or feedback, here are some troubleshooting tips that might help:
- Check the connections: Make sure that all the cables and adaptors are plugged in securely and correctly. Try swapping the cables or using different ports if possible.
- Check the settings: Make sure that the line-in source is selected in the Sonos app and that the volume is adjusted to a comfortable level. You can also adjust the line-in level in the settings menu of the app to match the output level of your turntable or preamp.
- Check the grounding: Make sure that your turntable and preamp are properly grounded to avoid hum or interference. You can use the grounding wire that comes with your turntable or preamp and connect it to the grounding screw on your Sonos device or amplifier.
- Check the placement: Make sure that your turntable and speakers are placed away from any sources of vibration or noise, such as fans, air conditioners, or windows. You can also use isolation pads or feet to reduce the impact of external vibrations on your turntable.
