Looking for a ~£200 turntable that will connect to a sound bar

July 2, 2013 7:39 AM

Looking for a new turntable that will easily connect to my Yamaha YAS101 soundbar.

Budget is up to £200. I'm smitten with the Rega RP1 but can't tell if it will link up or not.

Barring this (ha ha) I'd also very much appreciate a simple explanation of what one needs to do to connect a(ny) turntable to a soundbar if it's indeed a multi-step process type thing.

Thank you!

posted by timshel to Grab Bag (9 answers total)

Response by poster: Here is a picture of the inputs on my sound bar. Thanks again.
posted by timshel at 7:41 AM on July 2, 2013

For most turntables (and almost certainly this one) you'd need a preamplifier to bring the signal up to the kind of level you get from other audio devices (CD, iPod, etc.) Your connection options on that soundbar look to be pretty limited, although you'll probably be able to find a suitable connector/adapter.
posted by pipeski at 7:45 AM on July 2, 2013

Best answer: According to this review of the Yamaha YAS-101, it has no analog input. So you'd need not only a preamplifier but also an analog-to-digital converter. Maybe there are turntables on the market that have digital outputs, but I'd be surprised if any of those are anywhere near the quality of the Rega. My approach would be to find a vintage integrated amplifier or receiver, which will have a phono preamplifier built in, and vintage speakers to go with. Then you'd be all set to enjoy the Rega.
posted by in278s at 8:24 AM on July 2, 2013 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Just to clarify, use of the soundbar is essential but buying the Rega is not.

To amend the question: Which ~£200 turntable with digital outputs and a built-in preamp would be my least worst option? One day I will have enough space for an amplifier and gorgeous speakers. I'm happy to consider this a stopgap until then.
posted by timshel at 9:02 AM on July 2, 2013

The only turntables that I can find that have built-in SPDIF digital outputs are made by Stanton. It seems that the T.92 USB is the cheapest, but is double your budget. It's probably a fine turntable but probably not the quality of the Rega.
posted by zsazsa at 9:46 AM on July 2, 2013

I can't comment at all on the quality, but you could add this small analog/digital converter to a turntable with a built in preamp
(which I assume there are more choices than one with both built-in).
posted by czytm at 10:52 AM on July 2, 2013

The Audio Technica ATLP60 has line-level outputs that you could plug into an inexpensive analogue-to-digital converter like the one czytm mentioned. The total price would be a bit higher than £200.
posted by 1adam12 at 3:29 PM on July 2, 2013

Here's a separate preamp that's not expensive. Connect the Rega to its inputs, use standard stereo (RCA) cables to connect the preamp outputs to the analog/digital converter's inputs, then connect from the a/d converter to whatever input is available on the sound bar. You're all set. (A small extension cord would be handy, as both the little boxes use wall-wart power supplies.)
posted by in278s at 8:16 PM on July 2, 2013

Seconding audio technica. Do not get a cheap Stanton or other super plasticy turntable with digital out built in. You want a basic but competent turntable and a seperate preamp.
posted by emptythought at 9:24 PM on July 2, 2013