How can I connect a turntable to my Sonos system?

Want to add a turntable to Sonos? We’ll show you all there is to know to get you spinning vinyl in no time at all.

For further information on connecting a turntable to Sonos, please check out our How to use a turntable with Sonos blog.

Firstly, you will need one of two things;

A turntable with Bluetooth and a Sonos speaker with bluetooth (bluetooth profiles must be compatible.)

OR

A turntable and a Sonos speaker that supports line-in.

Sonos Products with Line-In Connections

• Sonos Five (3.5mm connection)
• Sonos Port (RCA connection)
• Sonos Amp (RCA connection)
• Sonos Era 100 (Adapter sold separately)
• Sonos Era 300 (Adapter sold separately)

Line-in connections are also available on the following discontinued Sonos models too:

• Sonos Five Gen 1 (S1 app only)
• Sonos Five Gen 2 (S1 and S2 app)
• Sonos Connect (S1, or S2 app dependent on year)
• Sonos Connect: amp (S1, or S2 app dependent on year)

With at least one of the above devices available, you’ll be able to enjoy a turntable on your Sonos system.

Sonos products that support Bluetooth

• Sonos Era 100
• Sonos Era 300
• Sonos Roam/SL
• Sonos Move/2

Do I Need a Phono Preamp?

A Phono Preamp boosts the level of the sound output for the receiving Sonos device to process as normal. Without this in place, the audio will sound faint and lacking in detail and bass, or completely inaudible altogether.

However, some turntables come equipped with their own internal preamp, as can be found in such models as the Rega Planar 1 Plus or Sony PS-LX310BT. Such models can be connected directly to your chosen Sonos product.

If you’re unsure whether your turntable features a preamp, check the rear panel for a preamp selector switch or your turntable’s manual for further information. More details can also be found here: Do I need to use a Preamp with my Turntable? 

If your turntable doesn’t feature a preamp, you will need to connect to one so that the turntable will work with your Sonos system. Such models as the Rega Mini Fono and Behringer PP400 will work wonders with almost any turntable which relies on an external preamp.

How to Connect your Turntable to Sonos

(also applies to CD players and tape decks, etc)

Connecting Turntables with an Integrated Preamp

1

Take the output RCA leads (red and white) of the turntable and wire them to the matching inputs on the back of your Sonos device.

2

If you’re wiring to a Sonos Play:5 or Five of any generation, you’ll instead need to use an RCA cable at the turntable end and into a 3.5mm connection at the Sonos Five/Play:5. This is commonly known as a ‘Y’ cable.

3

Power up the turntable and your Sonos device. Head to the Sonos app and select the ‘Line-in’ option from the Browse tab. Group the input with as many Sonos speakers as you like.

4

If the input sounds quiet, head to the Settings tab in the Sonos app > select your line-in device > scroll down and select ‘Line-in Level’ > Adjust to level 8 or above.

Connecting Turntables with an External Integrated Preamp

1

Connect the output of the turntable to the input on your phono preamp.

2

From the output of the preamp, connect to the input of the receiving Sonos device; remember that you’ll need an RCA to 3.5mm ‘Y’ cable when connecting to a Five or Play:5.

3

Power up your turntable, preamp and Sonos device and follow steps 3 and 4 in the section above.

That’s it! You should now be all set to enjoy Sonos and almost any other physical audio format on your Sonos system.

Please contact 0800 677 1100, Live Chat or info@smarthomesounds.co.uk for any further information.