How To Connect Record Player To Bluetooth Speakers Easily

To connect a record player to Bluetooth speakers, you need to add a Bluetooth transmitter to a standard turntable that has an RCA output. This lets you stream the analog sound from your vinyl wirelessly to any Bluetooth speaker, combining the warmth of records with modern convenience.

What you need to connect a record player to Bluetooth speakers

You will need a record player with an RCA output, a Bluetooth transmitter, an RCA cable, and a pair of Bluetooth speakers. Some Bluetooth transmitters require a separate power supply, so check if yours includes one or needs to be plugged into a USB port or wall outlet. Some record players have a built-in power source, while others may need to be connected to an external power outlet.

Step 1: Check your record player's outputs and preamp settings

Look at the back of your turntable for the RCA output jacks, which are typically color-coded red and white. Many modern turntables include a built-in phono preamp, often indicated by a "phono/line" switch on the back. This switch should be set to "LINE" when connecting to a Bluetooth transmitter. If your turntable only has a phono output and no built-in preamp, you will need to connect an external phono preamp before the signal reaches the Bluetooth transmitter. If your record player does not have RCA outputs, you may need to use a phono preamp or a preamp with RCA outputs to connect it to the Bluetooth transmitter.

Step 2: Choose and purchase a Bluetooth transmitter

Select a Bluetooth transmitter that has RCA inputs so you can connect it directly to your turntable using an RCA cable. Look for a model that supports Bluetooth 5.0 for a stable connection and consider the transmission range if you plan to place your speakers in a different room. Some transmitters also support a multi-speaker Bluetooth setup, which allows you to pair multiple speakers at once for a wider soundstage. Some popular Bluetooth transmitter brands include TaoTronics, Avantree, and Mpow.

Step 3: Connect the Bluetooth transmitter to your record player

Plug one end of the RCA cable into the RCA outputs on your turntable.
Connect the other end of the RCA cable into the RCA inputs on the Bluetooth transmitter.
Power on the Bluetooth transmitter using its built-in battery or by connecting it to a power source if required.

Step 4: Pair the transmitter with your Bluetooth speakers

Put your Bluetooth speakers into pairing mode according to their user manual.
Activate pairing mode on the Bluetooth transmitter by pressing its pairing button or following the manufacturer's instructions.
Place the transmitter and speakers within 1 meter (3 feet) of each other during the initial pairing process.
Wait for the connection to establish; a solid light or audio confirmation indicates a successful pair.

If the connection does not happen automatically, refer to the user manual of your transmitter for instructions on how to manually pair the devices.

Pairing specific turntable models with Bluetooth

Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT

On this turntable, press and hold the "Wireless Function Button" for about 4 seconds until it flashes red and blue. Put your Bluetooth speaker into pairing mode, and once connected, the button will turn solid blue.

Pro-Ject BT turntables

Ensure the Bluetooth switch on the right-hand side of the turntable is ON. You can then pair it with any Bluetooth-capable device within a 10-meter range.

Understanding Bluetooth audio latency with vinyl

Bluetooth transmission introduces a delay, typically ranging from 34 to 300 milliseconds. This can cause a noticeable lag between the needle on the record and the sound from the speaker. While this latency is usually acceptable for casual listening, it may be distracting if you are watching the stylus closely or using the setup for video content. Latency may affect the synchronization between the audio and video if you are watching a movie or playing a game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a preamp to connect my record player to Bluetooth speakers?

If your turntable has a built-in phono preamp and a LINE output, you do not need an additional preamp. If it only has a PHONO output, you must use an external phono preamp before the Bluetooth transmitter.

Can I use any Bluetooth speakers with my record player?

Yes, as long as the Bluetooth transmitter is paired successfully, you can use any standard Bluetooth speaker. There is no special compatibility requirement beyond standard Bluetooth pairing.

Will the audio quality be worse when using Bluetooth for vinyl?

Bluetooth audio compression can reduce some detail and fidelity compared to a wired connection, and the inherent latency may affect timing. However, many listeners find the convenience of wireless playback worth the slight trade-off in sound quality.