How to Set Up a Turntable
Updated Nov 11, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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To set up a turntable, place it on a flat, stable surface, connect it to speakers or an amplifier, set the speed to match the record, and lower the stylus onto the record. First find out if your turntable has a built-in phono preamp or built-in speakers, since that decides which cables and inputs you need.
Place the turntable on a flat surface
Set the turntable on a flat, stable surface where it will not be bumped, and leave space around it for the dust cover to open. Keep it away from speakers that vibrate the surface, since vibration shakes the stylus in the groove. The Victrola Journey sits on sound isolating feet, and the AT-LP120X has a damped base, but any turntable plays better on a steady surface.
Connect the turntable to speakers
Connect the turntable to speakers with the cable it comes with. The AT-LP60X includes a detachable RCA output cable, and the AT-LP120X includes a dual RCA output cable and a USB cable. Both have a built-in switchable phono preamp, so set it to line level for a speaker with its own amplifier and to phono level for a phono input. The 1 BY ONE has built-in speakers and a built-in amplifier, so it can play on its own or drive externally powered speakers.
Set the speed and place a record
Set the speed to match the record. The 1 BY ONE spins at 33 and 45 RPM, the AT-LP60X plays 33-1/3 and 45 RPM, and the Victrola Journey and the AT-LP120X also play 78 RPM. The Victrola Journey plays 7, 10 and 12 inch records, and the AT-LP60X comes with a 45 RPM adapter for records with a large center hole. Place the record on the platter and check that it sits flat before you start it.
Lower the stylus and listen
Start the platter, then lower the stylus onto the record. On a fully automatic turntable such as the AT-LP60X, the tonearm moves on its own; on a fully manual turntable such as the AT-LP120X, you lift the tonearm and place it by hand. If you hear nothing, check the volume, the preamp switch and the cable connections before you play the record again.
What you need
1 BY ONE High Fidelity Belt Drive
A belt-drive turntable with built-in speakers, a magnetic cartridge, Bluetooth playback and an Aux-in, with 33 and 45 RPM speeds.
- Bluetooth
- Built-in speakers
- Drive: Belt Drive
Victrola Journey
A 3-speed suitcase turntable with built-in stereo speakers, Bluetooth streaming, a headphone jack and RCA outputs, at 5.5 lb.
- 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, a dust cover and a 45 RPM adapter.
- Built-in phono preamp
- 1 year warranty stated
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB-BK Wireless Direct-Drive Turntable
A fully manual direct-drive turntable with Bluetooth, USB output, a built-in preamp and selectable 33, 45 and 78 RPM speeds.
- 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 speakers for a turntable?
Not always. The 1 BY ONE and the Victrola Journey have built-in speakers, so they play on their own. The Audio-Technica models connect to separate speakers through the RCA outputs and the built-in preamp.
What speed should I play a record at?
Match the speed printed on the record. These turntables cover 33-1/3 and 45 RPM, and the Victrola Journey and the AT-LP120X also cover 78 RPM for older records made for that speed.
Can I play music from my phone through a turntable?
Yes, on the models with Bluetooth. The 1 BY ONE plays music from phones and tablets through its speakers over Bluetooth, and the Victrola Journey streams phone audio through its built-in Bluetooth speakers.
Ranked turntables lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.