First steps into the world of vinyl

The world of vinyl can be intimidating if you don’t know where to start. Here are some tips and recommendations regarding equipment and configurations.

What do I need to play a vinyl record?

Turntable

You will need a turntable to play vinyl records. The vinyl turntable uses a needle or stylus to pick up music from the grooves of the disc and rotates the disc at the appropriate speed so that your music is played properly. Some turntables have an amplifier and built-in speakers, others operate via Bluetooth or cable connection to play music.

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Preamplifier

If you use a stereo receiver or standalone amplifier with your speakers, you may need a preamplifier. If your receiver has a “phono” input, you DO NOT NEED a preamplifier (phono channels have a built-in preamplifier). If your receiver does not have a "phono" input, you will need a preamplifier connected between your vinyl turntable and your receiver.

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Amplifier

A stand-alone amplifier can only receive a signal from a single source, and then amplifies that signal to several speakers. Some models have only one physical input and one physical output, but can also receive and/or broadcast signals wirelessly. You will need a receiver or amplifier if you are using passive speakers.

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Stereo receiver

A receiver is a multi-input amplifier (Aux, Phono, CD, TV, etc. ) that can transmit sound to multiple sets of speakers. In some cases, a receiver may control your Home Cinema system and/or have an integrated AM/FM stereo. You will need a receiver or amplifier if you are using passive speakers.

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Powered loudspeakers

These speakers are equipped with a power source (batteries or mains plug) and an integrated amplifier. Many powered speakers are designed for use with turntables and have an integrated preamplifier. You won't need an amplifier or receiver if you're using powered speakers, as the amplifier is already built in. However, in some cases it may be useful to use a receiver to connect multiple audio sources (e. g., wirelessly powered speakers receiving a signal from a Home Cinema receiver that can broadcast wirelessly). If you want to buy powered speakers, choose models that plug into 120 V sockets or work with batteries.

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Passive loudspeakers

Passive loudspeakers do not require batteries and do not plug into a mains supply; they only work when paired with an amplifier or receiver. There are no passive speakers without cable connection. Most high-quality speakers are passive.

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Combinations of turntable components

These components make it possible to create many combinations, and it can be difficult to know what to buy at the beginning. The components of a turntable can be added or improved later, so think about buying something simple to start with and upgrading it later when you know your preferences. Below are some common turntable configurations.

• Standalone vinyl turntable with amplifier and built-in speakers.

• Bluetooth vinyl turntable and wireless Bluetooth speaker.

• Vinyl turntable with powered speaker (designed to be connected to a turntable, with a phono input).

• A turntable that plugs into an existing home cinema stereo or receiver (check that you have a phono input, if not, get a preamplifier).

• Vinyl turntable with a stereo receiver or standalone amplifier (with a phono input) and a set of passive speakers.

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