A turntable is a device that DJs and others use for playing sound recordings. They used to be very popular back in the day, but they haven’t lost their place in recent decades, as they’re great for playing music in nightclubs or at parties. Nowadays, they’re more of a professional product than a household fixture, though audiophiles love them too.
When searching for the best amplifier for turntable, the one which boosts the audio signal from any external source should be a priority. Amplifiers that produce a rich sound quality are a favorite for a proper music lover because of the warm, pleasing, and soothing sounds they project.
There is a wide range of amplifiers within different price ranges on the market. However, before you select one, there are certain things you should know about amplifiers and how they work.
What Is an Amplifier?
An amplifier, better known as an electronic amplifier or an amp in less formal use, is intended to raise the power of a signal. The power behind an amplifier comes from a time-dependent current or voltage. They can be further categorized as power amplifiers (typically used in hi-fi audio equipment) or weak-signal amplifiers (mainly used in wireless receivers).
Amplifiers are dual-ported circuits that use electric power to boost the amplitude (the intensity or strength) of the signal produced by digital inputs. In the case of a turntable, the digital input is called a phono output signal. Some amplifiers come with a built-in preamp, while others don’t.
Is A Preamp Important For Your Turntable Amplifier?
The preamp does the conversion of sound signals. It does this from the phono cartridge to a volt called the line level. This step enables the amplifier to work with audio components such as speakers, stereos, and other equipment. The line level is basically the signal level at which audio electronics function.
Since record players are very quiet, you’ll need a phono preamp to boost the sound output. A phono pre-amplifier also called a phono stage, is a component that enhances signals from your turntable and makes it possible to connect the turntable to your sound system. Some amplifiers come with a built-in phono preamp, which makes them a good choice for hooking up to a turntable.
The easiest way to tell if your amplifier has a built-in preamp is by checking if your turntable has a USB output or looking for inputs marked ‘phono.’ This sign is common in older amplifiers that have built-in preamps.
Others have an external preamp that requires its own power supply and should be connected to the turntable with a phono input. These phono inputs are RCA cables that connect at the back of the preamp panel or amplifier to which a turntable is also attached.
One form of pre-amplifier (internal or external) is not superior to the other, and both can be beneficial depending on what you’re looking for and what suits your requirements.
Should You Get an Amplifier for Your Turntable?
A turntable setup must have four basic things: the turntable itself, a preamp, an amplifier, and some speakers. For the best listening experience, you should always use an amplifier with your turntable. It doesn’t matter if the amplifier is built-in with your speakers or you have to buy a separate one — it just has to be there.
There are several reasons why experts recommend using amplifiers with turntables:
- The output signal of a turntable is weak without a preamplifier, and you still need an amplifier to power through speakers.
- An external amplifier generally has a richer and warmer sound than an internal one.
- The general experience of a turntable is lackluster without an amplifier. Think of a dull sound without any boost to capture underlying tones.
However, if your turntable already comes with a built-in preamp, and you’re connecting them to external powered speakers (that also have a built-in amp), then you won’t need an external amplifier for your sound setup. You only need a turntable to be plugged into one amp.
How to Set up Your Turntable With Amplifiers
- Behind your turntable, there are two sets of RCA cables and a ground wire. At the back of your amplifier, look for a place labeled ‘phono.’
- Put your plugs in this space. The right and left plugs are marked to make things easier.
- The wiring space on the amplifier is labeled ‘earth’ or ‘ground.’ Place the wire there and tighten. Then you’re good to go.
Check this link for a great connection how-to.
Some Amplifier Terminologies You Should be Familiar With
Imagine you go to the store to get an amplifier for your turntable, and the store worker starts talking about the gain, frequency, noise, efficiency, and other specs, of an amplifier. You’ll be confused because you have no idea what they are talking about.
You can easily get ripped off if you have no idea what you’re looking for. Knowing these terms will help you understand how an amplifier works and therefore be able to communicate with the store employee about what you need.
Efficiency
Efficiency is often confused with effectiveness, but it refers to how much an amp increases sound volume in the audio world. Now, some amplifiers may be effective in sound reproduction, but it’s better to ask if the sound quality is efficient enough for you.
High efficiency is very important. You should be on the search for an amplifier that’s not just effective at producing sound but also efficient at giving the desired sound quality.
There are different classes of amplifiers with different efficiencies, Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class AB. All of these classes have their pros and cons, so it all depends on what you’re looking for.
Bandwidth
The bandwidth of an amplifier is the difference between the upper and lower frequency limits of the amplifier. An amplifier with a closed bandwidth will lead to a frequency signal loss, while one with an open bandwidth will allow unwanted signals.
An amplifier that enhances an audio source to a wide range should not have a narrow bandwidth and vice versa.
Noise
This is the measurement of unwanted noise mixed up in the output. Some amplifiers effectively produce a good sound but are not efficient enough to block out all that unwanted noise that comes along.
Input and Output
In an amplifier, there are two input and output terminals. The output signal is much stronger as it has been amplified, unlike the input, which hasn’t. In other words, the input is the raw material, and the output is your final product.
Gain
Gain is a measurement of how an amplifier increases the capability of a signal. In other words, it is the range between the extent of the input and output signals. It usually does this by converting energy from the power supply to the signal.
RMS
Root mean square (RMS) is a term used to measure how effective an audio signal is.
What to Consider When Buying the Best Amplifier for Turntable
There are so many things that can make an amplifier stand out from the rest, such as the beauty, price, or brand. But we are here to tell you to be on the lookout for the specifications that matter.
The impedance
You should look for an amplifier with an impedance that will match your speaker and not overpower it. They should both flow nicely. A lower impedance means higher power consumption and, ultimately, lower sound output volume. The reverse is true with high impedance.
Frequency level
Be attentive to the frequency level. You want to get an amplifier that can reach the frequency you’re aiming for. A higher frequency means your music will produce more treble or bass. So if you like hearing those thumping sounds from your speakers, consider amplifiers with a high frequency.
The overall power output
You want to get an amplifier with enough power to carry your speakers, not bring them down and produce mismatched tones. If you’re going to be using your amplifiers for long periods, you need something with excellent power output.
The gain control
Gain controls allow you to adjust the volume settings of your amplifier to match the kind of music you’re listening to. For example, if you’re playing calm, soothing music like classical music, you might want to use a lower gain setting, but you’ll need a higher gain if you’re playing loud, thumping music like heavy metal.
Get an amplifier that allows you the freedom to adjust the gain to suit the kind of music you want to play, especially if you have eclectic taste or play for parties.
Built-in controls
Some amplifiers come with fully functional built-in controls, while others require buying separate accessories to use all available features. If you prefer to have more control over your amplifier, you should definitely buy one with built-in controls.
The Best Amplifiers for Turntables
1. FOSI AUDIO T20 Bluetooth Tube Amplifier
Connectivity-wise, it is a wireless Bluetooth that supports aptX and aptX-HD. This feature makes your music sound much better by reducing the noise ratio and promoting a wireless connection without lag.
The input and output ports are located behind the amp. Similarly, the speaker output jack is located at the back to enable connection to your floor-standing speaker units or bookshelf speakers. It has a headphone output for 16-64ohm headphones. As a bonus, this amplifier is not only suitable for turntables but also TVs, iPods, MP3 players, CD players, and more.
There are no USB ports on this amplifier, so you’ll have to settle for a 3.55mm cable to connect with other accessories. It also comes with an AUX and Bluetooth option, built-in speaker protection, and a headphone output at the back.
Features
- Phono input (preamp)
- Power of 50W RMS X 2
- Headphone output
- Bluetooth
- Two digital inputs
- Tone control
- Frequency range of 20Hz – 20kHz
- Terminating Impedance of 2 Ohm – 8 Ohm
Pros
- Can connect two devices at the same time
- Easy to control volumes with notches feature
- No audio lag
- Very suitable for HiFi sound
- Very affordable price
Cons
- No USB option
- Possible connection drop off with simultaneous connections
2. Pyle Wireless Bluetooth Multi-Channel 200 Watt Power Home Stereo Amplifier
Additional features of this amplifier include an SD Memory Card input, USB flash drive, a built-in Bluetooth speaker to enable a wireless connection, left and right RCA inputs, and optical digital signal inputs.
It comes in black color and has a stylish LED display. Additionally, it has a remote control and an antenna for you to adjust audio settings from a distance. It doesn’t even come with a hefty price for all these features.
Features
- Phono input
- 200-watt power
- Headphone output
- Built-in Bluetooth
- Over five digital inputs
- Tone control
- Frequency response of 20hz-20 kHz
- Remote control
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Quality build
- Quite easy to control
- Affordable price.
Cons
- FM channels only work with a remote control
- Doesn’t always come with a USB option
3. Dayton Audio HTA100BT Hybrid Stereo Tube Amplifier
Input features include coaxial, phono stereo RCA signal, Bluetooth V5 to allow quality wireless streaming for smart devices, and a USB option for mp3 players and other external devices.
Its output includes an RCA subwoofer, earning a 2.1 channel amplifier designation. This setup delivers a more powerful sound and short circuit protection to prevent electrical faults from damaging the amp.
Features
- Phono input
- 50 WPC RMS power
- Version 5 Bluetooth
- Tone control
- More than ten digital inputs
- Frequency response of 20-20,000 Hz
Pros
- Added subwoofer to give a higher quality sound
- Built-in phono stage
- Suitable for acoustic sounds
Cons
- Quite pricey
- Loud fan noises
- Dials can be difficult to read
4. HiFi Stereo Bluetooth 5.0 Vacuum Tube Amplifier MM Phono Amp for Turntables 320W
It is a high-fidelity amp with large output power and produces great sound for its size. Specifically, this amp produces rich and smooth sound, regardless of genre — definitely a favorite for many people.
Input features include a stereo RCA MM phono input that amplifies line-level signals, AUX input, and 5.0 Bluetooth. It has circuits that enable low-noise operation. In addition, a subwoofer output allows users to connect an active subwoofer and create a 2.1 stereo audio system.
A bass boost option is added to the design, providing an even better experience. This is one amplifier whose value matches its price.
Features
- Phono input
- 160W x 2 power
- Version 5 Bluetooth
- Tone control
- AUX input
- Frequency response of 20Hz-20KHz
- Speaker impedance of 4-8Ω
Pros
- Easy to use
- Great user experience
- Doesn’t produce much noise
Cons
- Quite pricey
5. Pyle Wireless Bluetooth Home Stereo Amplifier
This amplifier can carry two speakers simultaneously and provides an acoustic feeling to sounds. It is perfect for giving home theaters a high-quality and amplified sound.
It has controls that are easily modified to different preferences and a wireless Bluetooth connection that will play music from laptops or smartphones.
If you like a modern look, this one delivers with a digital LCD display. In addition, this amplifier comes with a remote control to make adjustments of the antenna possible from a distance.
Features
- Phono input
- 200-watt power
- Headphone output
- Built-in wireless Bluetooth
- Tone control
- Ten digital inputs
- Remote control
Pros
- Preset radio stations.
- Not too expensive for the quality it provides.
- Can connect to two speakers.
Cons
- Not very easy to use
- Low-quality FM radio
Conclusion
Getting the best amplifier for your turntable shouldn’t be a hard task as long as you know what you’re looking for. These selections are a good start, though you may also find a great amplifier somewhere else. Fortunately, armed with this buying guide you’ll be able to find the perfect model.