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The Daily Insight

Can you use a turntable and a receiver at the same time?

Author

Emily Sparks

Published Apr 28, 2026

Can you use a turntable and a receiver at the same time?

You don’t want two phono preamps trying to work together at the same time. If your receiver and turntable both have a built-in phono preamps, and your turntable has a switch that lets you bypass or turn its built-in preamp off, you can experiment to see if either your receiver’s or turntable’s phono preamp sounds better.

Where to find a phono preamp on a turntable?

The three most common places to find a phono preamp in most systems are: This receiver has a built-in phono preamp with a dedicated “PHONO” input to plug in a turntable. There’s also a separate ground (“GND”) terminal for connecting the turntable’s ground wire.

Which is the best type of turntable to buy?

Costlier turntables made from heavy aluminium castings have greater balanced mass and inertia, helping minimize vibration at the stylus, and maintaining constant speed without wow or flutter, even if the motor exhibits cogging effects. Like stamped steel turntables, they were topped with rubber.

Can a Dolby 7.2 stereo be used on a turntable?

That’s right, you can ditch your 30lb Dolby 7.2 stereo receiver and play your vinyl records on an incredibly basic setup that will impress even the most discerning of listeners.

You don’t want two phono preamps trying to work together at the same time. If your receiver and turntable both have a built-in phono preamps, and your turntable has a switch that lets you bypass or turn its built-in preamp off, you can experiment to see if either your receiver’s or turntable’s phono preamp sounds better.

What should I know before buying a turntable?

Putting together a turntable setup is a simple process; however, there are several things you should know before purchasing your setup. This Guide To Turntable Setups will explain: the key components, the different setup configurations, and the most commonly asked questions. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.

The three most common places to find a phono preamp in most systems are: This receiver has a built-in phono preamp with a dedicated “PHONO” input to plug in a turntable. There’s also a separate ground (“GND”) terminal for connecting the turntable’s ground wire.

Can a belt drive turntable accept a phono signal?

Some stereo systems have a preamp built-in and will accept a PHONO signal. Plug your turntable directly into the input marked PHONO. Belt Drive Turntables feature an independent motor that drives the platter via a rubber belt. Direct Drive Turntables have a platter that is integral to the motor.