How to Hook Up a Turntable to a Receiver
Updated Nov 12, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Hook a turntable to a receiver with an RCA cable, matching the turntable output to the phono input for a turntable with its preamp switched to phono, or to a line input for one switched to line. A separate phono preamp sits between the two for a turntable switched to phono and a receiver with a line input.
Check for a built-in phono preamp
Look at the turntable for a phono preamp switch, marked phono or line on the back panel. A turntable with a built-in preamp switched to line can connect to a line input on the receiver. A turntable with no built-in preamp needs a phono input on the receiver, or a separate phono preamp between the two.
Connect the RCA cable
Plug the turntable's RCA output cable into the matching input on the receiver: phono for a turntable without a built-in preamp, or a line input such as aux for one with its preamp switched to line. Keep the red plug in the red jack and the white plug in the white jack so the left and right channels stay in place. Connect the ground wire to the receiver's ground screw when the turntable has one.
Set the preamp switch to match the input
Set the turntable's preamp switch to phono when the cable goes to the receiver's phono input, and to line when it goes to a line input. A mismatch gives a signal that is far too loud or too quiet, so check the switch before you play a record.
Set the speed and lower the needle
Put a record on the platter and set the speed to match it: 33 RPM for a 12 inch LP and 45 RPM for a 7 inch single, using the 45 RPM adapter when the record has a large center hole. Start the turntable, lift the tonearm and lower the stylus onto the record. Raise the receiver's volume from low until the music plays at the level you want.
If there is no sound
Check that the receiver is set to the input the turntable plugs into, and that the preamp switch matches that input. Check the RCA plugs are fully seated and the turntable's power is on. If the sound is still missing, move the cable to a different line input to find whether the fault sits in the cable or the receiver input.
What you need
1 BY ONE High Fidelity Belt Drive
A belt-drive turntable with a built-in amplifier that connects to externally powered speakers, and a magnetic cartridge with an adjustable counterweight.
- Bluetooth
- Built-in speakers
- Drive: Belt Drive
Victrola Journey
A 3-speed turntable with stereo RCA outputs that connect external speakers, plus a line input for non-Bluetooth devices.
- Bluetooth
- Built-in speakers
- 1-year warranty stated
- 5.5 lb, the lightest here
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable
A fully automatic belt-drive turntable with a built-in switchable phono preamp and a detachable RCA output cable.
- Built-in phono preamp
- 1 year warranty stated
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB-BK Wireless Direct-Drive Turntable
A direct-drive turntable with a built-in switchable phono preamp, a dual RCA output cable and a USB cable for a computer.
- Built-in phono preamp
- Bluetooth
- 1-year warranty stated
These come from our ranked list Best Record Player, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a phono input on the receiver?
A turntable with a built-in preamp switched to line connects to any line input, such as aux.
Why is the sound too quiet or too loud?
The preamp switch does not match the input. Set it to phono for a phono input and to line for a line input, then check the volume.
Can I connect a turntable with built-in speakers to a receiver?
Yes, when the turntable has an RCA output. Connect the RCA output to a line input on the receiver and set the turntable's preamp switch to line.
What speed do I use for a record?
Use 33 RPM for a 12 inch LP and 45 RPM for a 7 inch single. The 45 RPM adapter fits records with a large center hole.
Ranked turntables lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.