What audio adapter will allow me to hook up my Turntable to my HiFi?

Question

Level 1

8 points

What audio adapter will allow me to hook up my Turntable to my HiFi?

I understand that the back of the HiFi has an analog/digital optical input (3.5mm stereo miniplug). I'd like to hook up my Onkyo Record Player to the HiFi. The turntable has 2 male RCA plugs and so my question is what is the adapter that will connect the two? I appreciate your help.

12" PowerBook G4, Mac OS X (10.4.10)

Posted on Nov 25, 2007 5:18 PM

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Answer 1

Mitch 751

Level 6

11,644 points

Nov 25, 2007 7:12 PM in response to maybe

Hello

You can't connect the record player (vinyl) directly into iPod HiFi, you need a RIAA amp in between.

The simple way is to connect your record player with a pre-amp (with RIAA input) then via an audio cable with RCA and minijack to connect your iPod HiFi

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Answer 2

maybe Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 25, 2007 7:32 PM in response to Mitch 751

Hmm...I looked up preamps with RIAA input on amazon and the cheapest ones are around $50. Would a receiver eliminate the need for preamp, since it would convert the analog to digital? And then use an RCA to mini plug adapter? Or is it just a doomed cause?

I don't want a whole stereo, I thought I could just sometimes play records and listen through the HiFi. When not in use, the record player could sit happily on a shelf nearby.

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Answer 3

Mitch 751

Level 6

11,644 points

Nov 25, 2007 7:41 PM in response to maybe

The problem is the record player only produces a very low signal, which is insufficient to drive an iPod HiFi, therefore it needs a RIAA amp before connecting with an amp.

For better understanding

http://home.no.net/andiha/articles/audio/riaamp.htm

In general, you cant do it without it

Message was edited by: Mitch 751

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Answer 4

Nov 25, 2007 7:45 PM in response to maybe

Turntables produce a very low level signal that requires amplification and special equalisation before it can be connected to any other audio device. Many turntable makers include equipment to do this, and then output line level audio. Provided your Onkyo is producing a line level output (check the manual), you would just need a two RCA plug to 3.5mm stereo plug adaptor cable to connect to an iPod HiFi. Try Radio Shack or similar for the cable.

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Answer 5

maybe Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 25, 2007 8:12 PM in response to Mitch 751

I really thank you for your help, but if the record player can be listened to using a digital Stereo Receiver, can't I plug the HiFi to the receiver and use it as just a speaker? I'm asking because the record player is my parent's and as they no longer use it or the rest of the components that make up a fancy stereo system, they offered it/them to me. I only wanted the turntable, but if taking the receiver will allow the the records to play then I'll take that too.

I appreciate your all of your help and if this looks like to much of a fuss, I'll just buy a suitcase recordplayer and be satisfied with that. 🙂

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Answer 6

deggie

Level 10

167,525 points

Nov 26, 2007 9:13 AM in response to maybe

Take the record player (turntable) and the Receiver, use a RCA to 3.5mm cable, connect the RCA cables to the tape monitor out and the 3.5 into the HiFi. Set the receiver on phone with the Tape monitor on and you should be good to go.

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Answer 7

maybe Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 25, 2007 8:15 PM in response to Eric Lindsay

Yeah, I hope this is the case. I rather purchase a $10 connector over $50 pre amp or lugging a receiver. Thanks!

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Answer 8

Mitch 751

Level 6

11,644 points

Nov 25, 2007 8:56 PM in response to maybe

Why it works with some digital stereo receiver? The answer is simple, as they are build in with a RIAA amp, but iPod HiFi does not.

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