TURNTABLE GUIDE
Getting A Turntable?
Here's What Else You'll Need
A simple guide to choosing your turntable, pairing it with speakers, and spinning your first record.
STEP 1 | CHOOSE YOUR TURNTABLE
What Should You Look for in a Turntable?
Turntables can differ tremendously, but finding the right one doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re shopping for your first record player or giving someone their introduction to vinyl, a few key features can make all the difference.
Automatic vs. Manual
Some turntables do the work for you, automatically placing the needle and returning the tonearm when the record finishes. Others give you complete control over the process. Neither is necessarily better. It comes down to how hands-on you want your listening experience to be.
Built-in Phono Preamp
This is one feature you’ll want to pay attention to. A phono preamp brings your turntable’s signal up to a level your speakers can use. Choosing a turntable with one built in makes setup significantly easier, letting you connect directly to powered speakers like Audioengine Home Music Systems.
Bluetooth vs. Wired Connections
Bluetooth can be convenient for flexible listening, but a traditional wired RCA connection is a simple, reliable way to enjoy your records. If sound quality and simplicity are priorities, a wired connection to a pair of powered speakers is a great place to start.
Room to Grow
A good turntable should be something you can enjoy for years. Features like an adjustable counterweight, replaceable stylus, and upgradeable cartridge can give you more flexibility as your record collection and interest in vinyl grow.
Our Picks For How You Listen
Crosley C300
The easy starter
If you like the idea of listening to physical media and want straightforward operation, start here.
The C300 is fully automatic: press Start and the tonearm moves into position; when the record finishes, it returns to its rest. Its built-in switchable preamp lets you connect directly to powered speakers.
Our pick for: A first setup, a gift, or someone who wants automatic start and return.
Crosley C6
A hands on experience
If you want the experience of lowering the needle on your favorite tracks, consider the C6.
Its manual operation and adjustable tonearm counterweight give you a more involved listening experience. The built-in switchable preamp provides a direct connection to powered speakers.
Our pick for: Someone who enjoys the physical experience of playing records.
Crosley C100BT
For complete control
This is our pick for someone that likes to tinker with the fine controls, without having the work done for them.
The C100BT offers an adjustable counterweight, anti-skate control, and adjustable pitch. It also has a built-in switchable preamp and Bluetooth output, giving you wired and wireless connection options.
Our pick for: Someone who wants to learn the setup process and have more controls available as their interest grows.
Check out our Full List of Turntables
STEP 2 | CONNECTIONS & COMPATIBILITY
Great Sound Starts with the Right Connection.
Most turntables with a built-in phono preamp can connect directly to powered speakers, making it easy to start listening. Here’s what you need to know.
Phono Preamp: Why it matters
A turntable’s signal is much lower than the level used by modern speakers, so it needs a phono preamp to bring that signal up to a usable level. The Crosley turntables we recommend include a built-in phono preamp, which means you can connect directly to powered speakers like Audioengine Home Music Systems. No extra equipment needed.
Turntable (with built-in preamp) → Powered Speakers (no external preamp needed)
Wired or Wireless? Here's How to Choose
Once you’ve found your turntable, the next step is getting that music to your speakers. There are two main ways to connect, and both have their advantages. The right choice comes down to how you want to set up your space and enjoy your records.
Analog Connections (RCA & 3.5mm)
For listeners who want the most out of their records.
A wired connection is the traditional way to listen to vinyl, and for good reason. Connecting your turntable directly to powered speakers through RCA or 3.5mm analog inputs provides a reliable connection without wireless compression or pairing.
Why choose analog?
- Preserves your turntable’s analog audio signal.
- No Bluetooth pairing, interference, or wireless compression.
- Simple, reliable connections with RCA or 3.5mm inputs.
Our recommendation: Choose analog if your speakers will live near your turntable and you want a straightforward listening experience with the best possible sound quality.
Bluetooth Connections
For listeners who want more flexibility in their setup.
Bluetooth makes it possible to enjoy your records through compatible wireless speakers without a physical audio connection between them. Turntables with Bluetooth output, like the Crosley C100BT, can pair with Bluetooth-enabled Audioengine Home Music Systems, giving you more freedom to arrange your listening space.
Why choose Bluetooth?
- Place your speakers farther from your turntable without running audio cables between them.
- Keep your setup clean and free of extra wires.
- Enjoy the convenience of wireless listening with your vinyl collection.
Our recommendation: Choose Bluetooth if convenience and speaker placement are your priorities. While Bluetooth uses audio compression, it’s a great option for enjoying your records without being tied to a traditional wired setup.
Your Records. Your Way.
Our recommended Crosley turntables pair seamlessly with Audioengine Home Music Systems, like the HD4 Next Gen. With both analog and Bluetooth connectivity built into the HD4, you have the freedom to choose how you listen, now or later. Whichever connection you prefer, getting great sound from your records is simple.
Shop Our Turntable Kits, Optimized for a Simple Setup
STEP 3 | RECOMMENDED PLACEMENT
Give Your Records The Space They Deserve.
A few simple placement tips can make a big difference in how your setup sounds. Here’s how to position your turntable and speakers for the best listening experience.
The Listening Triangle
Place your speakers and listening position in an equal triangle. This helps create a balanced, natural soundstage with clear stereo imaging.
Seperate The Surfaces
For the best sound, keep your speakers on a separate surface from your turntable. Turntables can create small vibrations that may be picked up by nearby speakers, which can affect sound quality.
Aim for Ear Level
Your speakers should be at roughly ear level or angled toward your listening position. This helps direct sound to you for a more focused and immersive experience.
Speaker Stands Make a Difference
If your turntable and speakers need to share the same surface, or if you want to improve the position of your speakers, our DS2M and DS2 Speaker Stands help reduce vibrations and angle your speakers toward your listening position for better sound.
DS2M
Desktop Stands
- 15° Listening Angle
- Premium Metal Design
- Reduces Vibration
- Elevates to Ear Level
- Designed for Home Music Systems
DS2
Desktop Stands
- 15° Listening Angle
- Robust Rubber Material
- Reduces Vibration
- Elevates to Ear Level
- Designed for Home Music Systems
Want To Learn More?
Explore our articles to learn everything to know about turntables.
Turntable Basics
An Overview on Turntable Components
Getting started with your first turntable? Before you drop the needle, there are a few things worth knowing. From adjusting tracking force and anti-skate to caring for your stylus, we’ll walk you through the essentials to help you get the best sound from your records and keep your setup playing beautifully for years to come.
Your First Spin
What to Listen for When Playing Vinyl
There’s something special about listening to music on vinyl. Whether you’re shopping for someone’s first turntable or helping them upgrade their setup, we’ll walk you through what to look for, what they’ll need, and how to get everything connected.
Vinyl Care Guide
How to Keep Records Sounding Their Best
A little care goes a long way when it comes to vinyl. From cleaning your records and handling them properly to finding the right way to store your growing collection, we’ll walk you through a few simple habits that help protect your favorite albums and keep them sounding their best for years to come.
Give Them Something
Worth Listening To
The best music gifts aren’t always about discovering something new. Sometimes they’re about helping someone enjoy what they already love.
This holiday season, give them more of the music they love.
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