How to Connect a Record Player to Speakers
Connecting a record player to speakers confuses more new buyers than almost any other setup step โ mainly because there are several different ways to do it, depending on what speakers you have and whether your turntable has a built-in phono preamp. This guide covers every connection type, step by step.
First: Does Your Turntable Have a Built-in Phono Preamp?
This is the most important question before connecting anything. A phono preamp amplifies the low-level signal from the cartridge to a standard line level that speakers and receivers can use.
Turntables with built-in phono preamp (most modern players, including all Arkrocket models): Can connect directly to powered speakers or any LINE/AUX input. Look for a PHONO/LINE switch on the back โ set it to LINE.
Turntables without built-in phono preamp (some audiophile models like Pro-Ject, Fluance RT82): Must connect to a PHONO input on a receiver, or an external phono preamp. Cannot connect directly to powered speakers.
Connection Option 1 โ Powered Speakers via RCA (Most Common)
Best for: Arkrocket Cassini, Huygens (using the included speakers), most modern turntable + speaker setups.
What you need: RCA cable (usually included with the turntable), powered speakers with RCA input.
How to connect:
Set the PHONO/LINE switch on the turntable to LINE. Connect the red RCA plug to the red (right channel) input on the speakers. Connect the white RCA plug to the white (left channel) input. Power on both the turntable and speakers. Set the volume on the speakers to around 50% and test with a record.
Connection Option 2 โ Receiver/Amplifier with LINE or AUX Input
Best for: Connecting to a stereo receiver that drives passive (unpowered) bookshelf or floor speakers.
How to connect:
Set the PHONO/LINE switch to LINE. Connect the turntable’s RCA outputs to an AUX, CD, or TAPE input on the receiver โ not the PHONO input (unless your turntable has no built-in preamp). Select that input on the receiver. Adjust the receiver’s volume as normal.
Connection Option 3 โ Receiver with PHONO Input (Vintage Receivers)
Best for: Audiophile setups using a vintage or high-end receiver with a dedicated phono stage, and a turntable without a built-in preamp.
How to connect:
If your turntable has a PHONO/LINE switch, set it to PHONO. Connect the RCA cables to the PHONO input on the receiver. Connect the turntable’s ground wire to the GND terminal on the receiver. Select the PHONO input on the receiver.
Important: Never connect a turntable with the switch set to LINE into a PHONO input โ the double-preamp signal will overload the input and produce loud distortion.
Connection Option 4 โ Bluetooth (Wireless)
Best for: Arkrocket Cassini, Huygens, Polaris II โ streaming vinyl wirelessly to Bluetooth speakers or headphones.
How to connect (Bluetooth OUT from turntable):
Turn on the turntable and set your Bluetooth speaker or headphones to pairing mode. On the turntable, press the mode button to enter Bluetooth output mode โ the Bluetooth indicator light will flash. On your Bluetooth device, select “Arkrocket [Model]” from the available devices list. Once paired, the indicator light becomes solid and vinyl audio streams wirelessly.
How to use the included speakers as standalone Bluetooth speakers (Bluetooth IN):
The bookshelf speakers included with the Cassini and Polaris II have Bluetooth input. Set the speakers to pairing mode by holding the Bluetooth button. On your phone, select the speakers from the Bluetooth device list. Stream music from your phone directly โ no turntable required.
Connection Option 5 โ 3.5mm Aux-In
Best for: Using the turntable’s speakers as a Bluetooth speaker for a phone or other device that doesn’t support Bluetooth.
The Arkrocket Huygens and Cassini include a 3.5mm aux-in port. Connect any audio source (phone, tablet, computer) via a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm cable. The turntable’s amplifier and speakers will play the audio from that device.
Connection Summary
| Connection Type | PHONO/LINE Switch | Cable Needed | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powered speakers (RCA) | LINE | RCA cable | Most setups |
| Receiver AUX/CD input | LINE | RCA cable | Receiver + passive speakers |
| Receiver PHONO input | PHONO | RCA + ground wire | Vintage receivers, audiophile setups |
| Bluetooth OUT | LINE | None (wireless) | BT speakers or headphones |
| Bluetooth IN (speakers) | N/A | None (wireless) | Phone โ turntable speakers |
| 3.5mm Aux-In | N/A | 3.5mm cable | Non-BT devices โ turntable speakers |
Watch: Connecting a Record Player to Speakers
See also: Fixing Turntable Hum ยท Record Player No Sound ยท Arkrocket Cassini Review
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