In this article, we review the top 5 turntables for soundbars. Music is a great addition to any home theater system with a TV. A physical record can provide a unique feel to whichever song it contains, and vinyl playback is a very accessible way to play soundtracks from your favorite movies at home.
Soundbars have been an integral part of most high-end audio setups for decades now, but they have only recently left the world of home theater and entered into the living room as their own device. The sound quality is much higher than your typical TV speakers, but they are also much more affordable than high-end setups.
Turntables are slowly making a comeback in the home theater world because of this technology. You can have all of the benefits of a soundbar without sacrificing that classic analog feels that an actual record brings. An entry-level record player can cost well over $200, so it is well worth investing in a portable USB turntable if you plan on using it for your home theater setup.
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Buying Guide
If you are contemplating buying a soundbar, it can be hard to decide which turntable will suit your needs. There are many different options both online and in-store. To help you pick the best ones for your needs, here is a guide for choosing the most appropriate turntable. First, let’s define what we mean by “soundbar”:
1. Soundbars
Soundbars connect to your television and bridge the gap between TV speakers and stereo speakers. They are designed to improve the sound quality of your TV. Soundbars can be used with all kinds of televisions, including HDTVs and digital media receivers. Although there are many formats, soundbars use one of three main connections: HDMI, optical or analog RCA.
2. Importance of the Connections
Although optical is becoming more common in homes, many people still use their televisions for gaming consoles like the PlayStation 3. Most of these consoles use HDMI or analog RCA connections. If you want to keep your television connected to your gaming console, it will be impossible to use an optical connection with your soundbar. The same is true if you have a home theatre receiver with separate audio processing for HDMI sources.
3. Number of Speakers
If all you are looking for is better audio quality, then a two-way speaker system will suit your needs. On the other hand, you may want more speakers for a bigger and fuller sound. If your purpose is to replace a television speaker system with a soundbar, the best way to achieve this is to connect your soundbar to one or more speakers that can handle higher volumes.
5 Best Turntables for Soundbars
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable: Fully Automatic Wireless Vinyl Record Player with Bluetooth and USB Output Black
- EASY OPERATION: Effortlessly enjoy your favorite records with one-step auto start, stop and return.Power source: Corded Electric
- TWO SPEEDS: 33 1/3 rpm and 45 rpm, with the 45 rpm adaptor stowed neatly in a slot beneath the deck
- HIGH QUALITY AUDIO: Built in switchable phono output / line out phono preamp and 3 gain settings
- USB RIPPING: Rip vinyl records to digital MP3 files on your computer to take a favorite LP on the go
- WIRELESS CONNECTION: Connect to wireless speakers, headphones or other Bluetooth enabled devices. Supports phono and line output thanks to built-in...
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sony is well-known for its marquis technological achievements, and this holds especially true when it comes to the world of audio. Sony’s reputation for exceptional sound quality is unmatched, and that provides them with an advantage in terms of market share in this category.
Pros:
- Bluetooth and USB output
- Fully automatic operation
- Includes a built in speaker
Cons:
- Generally considered to be too expensive for the average consumer.
- A little louder than expected.
2. Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB-BK Wireless Direct-Drive Turntable, Black
- Fully manual operation, selectable 33/45/78 RPM speeds with direct-drive, DC servo motor and adjustable dynamic anti-skate control
- Variable pitch control with quartz speed lock
- Stroboscopic platter with speed indicator and removable plug-type target light for easier cueing in low light
- Balanced S-shaped tonearm with hydraulically damped lift control and lockable rest
- AT-HS6 universal ½"-mount headshell and AT-VM95E Dual Magnet phono cartridge with 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB-BK Wireless Direct-Drive Turntable, Black is a professional-quality turntable that offers the convenience of wireless connectivity and can be used in DJing and listening to records.
Pros:
- This turntable can receive a wireless signal from your computer over a WiFi connection that allows you to store and play the records from anywhere in the house. In addition, it also has Bluetooth version two which lets you stream music from your favorite device.
Cons:
- The pitch is sometimes unvaried.
- Top heavy, difficult to balance on anything but record player stand.
- Sleeve locks can be hard to open and loosen if not positioned correctly before locking the tonearm down.
3. Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-BK Fully Automatic Wireless Belt-Drive Turntable (Black) (ATLP60XBTBK)
- Fully automatic operation with 2 speeds: 33-1/3 rpm and 45 rpm.Wow and flutter : < 0.25% (WTD) at 3 kHz.
- Anti-resonance, die-cast aluminum platter
- Redesigned tonearm base and headshell for improved tracking and reduced resonance
- Integral Dual Moving Magnet phono cartridge with replaceable diamond stylus (ATN3600L)
- High-fidelity audio with Bluetooth wireless technology
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Audio-Technica has been making quality audio equipment since 1966. The company was established in Tokyo, Japan by Hideo Matsushita with the goal of manufacturing high-quality professional-grade audio equipment. The company quickly became popular for their microphones, turntables, headphones, and wireless systems.
Pros:
- Automatic Tone Arm Lift
- Direct Drive Motor
- Built in Bluetooth Technology
- Stream Music Wirelessly from any Bluetooth Device
Cons:
- Not a lot of options
4. Pro-Ject T1 BT Turntable with Built-in Preamp and Wireless Audio Transmitter (Piano Black)
- Tonearm and cartridge completely setup at the Factory for simple installation at home
- 8mm thick bead-blasted glass platter
- Premium mechanical parts used throughout for smooth, precise playback of records
- Phono level outputs and built-in phono preamplifier for connection to any audio system
- Wireless Audio transmitter for connection to BT enables speakers and Audio devices
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For those who love music, the Pro-Ject T1BT is essential. With six speeds to choose from and a full-range sound, this turntable will suit any audiophile or beginner alike. These functions also make it easy to pair with Bluetooth speakers and other wireless audio receivers.
Pros:
- Very easy to use straight out of the box – no time wasted figuring out what you are doing
- The sound quality is excellent
- The included preamp improves the quality of your music, while eliminating distortion
- Turntable has a built-in phono cartridge that will allow you to play records
Cons:
- Priced higher than other turntables
- There are no reviews yet of this model’s sound performance
- The built-in preamp may not be powerful enough for some external speakers
5. Cambridge Audio Alva TT Direct Drive Turntable with Bluetooth APTX HD and Integrated Phono Stage
- ✓ PERFECT BLEND OF SOUND AND FUNCTION – The Cambridge Audio Alva TT is for the audiophile who wants to take vinyl to an “almost there”...
- ✓ ULTRA PRECISE PLAYBACK – The Alva TT mates a medium torque Direct Drive system with a jointless one-piece tonearm and pre-installed MC...
- ✓ INTEGRATED PHONOSTAGE FOR EFFICIENT SETUP - The custom designed phonostage saves you from buying additional boxes. It comes from our successful...
- ✓ WIRELESS FREEDOM WITH VINYL – The Alva TT redesigned the way you can listen to vinyl with the first ever turntable that has Bluetooth APTX HD...
- ✓ TECH SPECS - DRIVE TYPE Direct Drive, TURNTABLE SPEEDS 33 1/3, 45 rpm, MOTOR TORQUE 1.6kg/cm, WOW & FLUTTER <0.1%, DIAMETER 305mm, TONEARM TYPE...
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Alva TT Direct Drive Turntable is a fantastic piece of equipment that will provide you with excellent sound quality and features. It has built-in Bluetooth, which allows for wireless connectivity to your device. It also has integrated phono stage which acts like a pre-amp technology for connecting an external amplifier.
Pros:
- The Alva TT is the world’s first turntable to integrate Bluetooth aptX HD, ensuring an exceptional listening experience which transports you back to the golden age of sound
- Its direct drive mechanism is powerful and quiet, designed specifically to offer an unbiased clarity of sound for near perfect reproduction
Cons:
- Some reviews mention that it is difficult to set up the turntable and connect it to Bluetooth
- A few reviews note that there is a noticeable lack of sound quality when connected via Bluetooth to a speaker
Conclusion
There are many soundbars that come with built-in wireless or Bluetooth speaker. If you are looking to attach an external amplifier, you want to buy something separate. This article will help you find the best turntable for your soundbar!
A lot of people have interesting ideas about how different sounds should be delivered to the listener. They are also interested in what types of speakers are available for home use and how they can create a very special sound at their place.
FAQ:
Q: What is the best soundbar for a turntable?
A: If you have a Bluetooth turntable, then most soundbars (except Sonos) will connect wirelessly. 1. Bose TV Speaker My top recommendation for a turntable compatible soundbar is the Bose TV speaker. It is a premium-range soundbar from world-class audio manufacturer Bose.
Q: How to connect a turntable directly to a soundbar?
A: To connect a turntable directly to a soundbar, it is crucial that the turntable has a built-in preamp. If it hasn’t, then a separate preamp must be included between the turntable and the soundbar. The sound from my turntable is way too low, what is wrong?
Q: Do soundbars have analog Aux inputs?
A: Most soundbars only feature digital inputs that is compatible with modern TVs. And turntables only output an analog signal. As a matter of fact, the only sound bars I found that have an analog AUX input is the Bose TV Speaker and soundbars from VIZIO and Polk Audio.
Q: Are powered speakers better than soundbars for vinyl music?
A: For pure vinyl music listening, powered speakers are generally a better choice than soundbars because they can be spread out and provide a wider stereo image. Since powered speakers always come with analog inputs, it is also easy to find models that are compatible with turntables.